Guzman runs for re-election to House of Delegates, supports paid sick leave

Elizabeth Guzman, a social worker, is running for re-election to represent District 31 in the House of Delegates. She has held the position since 2018.

Name: Elizabeth Guzman

Party: Independent

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: House of Delegates, HoD 31

Website: elizabethguzmanforvirginia.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Social Worker

Education: Associates Degree in Public Administration: NOVa Community College Bachelors Degree: Capella University Masters in Social Work: University of San Diego Masters in Public Administration: American University

Community Involvement: In between ballet and tap lessons, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts activities, judo practices, and swimming lessons at the Dale City Recreation Center, Elizabeth works tirelessly as a Court Appointed Service Advocate for CASA CIS to prevent child abuse, a PTO representative for Penn Elementary School, and as a “Cookie Mom” for her youngest daughter’s Girl Scout troop. The Guzman family are active and long-time members of Harvest Life Changers Church in Woodbridge. The Guzmans also attend Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Guzman: Paid sick leave, more investments in public education, and investing in public transportation

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Guzman: I have already drafted legislation that mandates all employers who employ more than 5 people must provide at least 40 hours to paid time off so all workers can visit a doctor or take care of their sick loved ones. I will continue to advocate for larger investments in education during the next biannual budget to address the funding gaps for pre-k education, school councilors, and special education. I will fight for transportation funding for Northern Virginia for new construction of roads. Furthermore, I will advocate for large investments in mass transit that will create thousands of jobs, take more people off the roads, and get families back to their homes sooner in the evening.

PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Guzman: My job is about giving a voice to all of my constituents, regardless of party or partisan belief. I am both an advocate and listening, leaning into the conversation with town halls and listening sessions. I advocate for my constituents in public settings and work with them to solve any issues they might be facing in their lives by providing constituent services. And I fight for the priorities of my district in office, ensuring that we are getting the resources we need to make our schools great, improving roads, and uplifting all hardworking families living here.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Guzman: Firstly I’m a mom of four who works a full-time job, so I know how to multitask and bring the human side of things to the floor of the house. Having worked in local government and the public school system, I have experience with issues at the cross section of education and social services. I understand how adding more guidance counselors will help our kids become more successful inside and outside the classroom. I also understand why we need to raise the minimum wage and pass paid sick leave, so that more parents do not have to work two or more jobs to make ends meet, and spend more time with their children.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Guzman: No, I don’t think so. That’s why I have sent newsletters and surveys. I am proud to have held 22 town halls throughout the district. I believe that the communications department for the County should find more innovative ways to get residents involved. Partnering with HOA’s to have a column in their newsletter is a great idea.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Guzman: My public life has started almost two years ago. So far so good.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Guzman: When I was elected, I promised that I would make healthcare more affordable, help our public schools, and get more funding for our roads and public transit. With my colleagues, we expanded Medicaid, got our teachers a pay raise, secured funding for more guidance counselors for our students, brought millions of dollars in funding for our roads, and forced VDOT to fix Rte 29. I kept my promises, and there is still too much to do. I have, and will continue to fight for women’s access to healthcare, pay parity, and to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. I fight for policies that uplift all hardworking families, such as paid sick leave and more public transportation for all residents here in Prince William.