As an experienced policy professional with more than 30 years of experience working with government agencies and non-profit advocacy organizations, I understand that policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. People don’t live one issue at a time, and politicians should do more to help. When you have to choose between putting food on the table or paying an electric bill, the laws being written in Richmond can feel awfully far away. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Your elected representatives should be doing, just that, representing you.
As your candidate for the House of Delegates, I know that policy should be created in partnership with the community and to benefit the lives of people living here in our community. That is why I am proud to share my priorities for Virginian communities.
Ensuring that every Virginian has access to affordable, quality healthcare, including lowering the cost of prescription drugs and making sure that Virginians with preexisting conditions continue to have access to healthcare.
Directing additional resources to community-based mental health treatment options and substance abuse counseling, including making sure these options are covered by insurance.
Providing opportunities for all residents to choose healthcare options that work best for them and their families and ensuring real access to those choices close to home.
Protecting families from going bankrupt over long-term medical care costs, and making sure options and flexibilities for elder care are built into our healthcare system.
Supporting research on gun violence as a public health issue.
Implementing a plan to support veterans as they return to civilian life, including access to quality healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse counseling.
Empowering small businesses, including protecting existing jobs and creating new ones.
Implementing a strategy for businesses to safely reopen after COVID.
Enacting paid family leave and paid medical leave, so families don’t go broke when a medical crisis or chronic condition requires taking time off work.
Making quality child care affordable for working families.
Advocating for the creation of green union jobs as a sustainable form of economic development.
Encouraging economic development in our region while balancing protection for our farming communities and our natural resources.
Protecting our clean air, clean water, and open spaces
Reliable and affordable broadband internet is critical for small businesses, educators, and citizens alike. In today’s changing economy, access to broadband internet is a necessity for unlocking new economic and educational opportunities. That is why one of my top priorities is bringing fast, affordable, and quality internet to our community.
Ensuring that our community has the necessary infrastructure to be successful, including improving roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in a timely manner.
Advocating for a community-based response to policing, including rethinking screening, training, and accountability for law enforcement officers.
Finding better solutions to community situations that might not be best handled by armed police. I believe that social workers and mental health professionals are an invaluable resource for responding to incidents in the community and should play a role in how we respond when citizens are in trouble.
Supporting common sense policies that protect our children from gun violence.
I embrace all members of our community, including those of different racial backgrounds and faith communities. I am committed to fighting for racial justice and dignity under the law for every member of our community.
Advocating for affordable and quality education at the K-12 level, as well as incorporating a curriculum which focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving in order to graduate an informed citizenry.
Investing in the future of our community through increasing teacher salaries, funding early childhood education programs, and creating new opportunities for technical training, and workplace and apprenticeship programs.
Supporting local community colleges, which provide a low-cost alternative to four-year universities and which will continue to play a critical role in the future of our district.
