Quality Healthcare for All
I believe every Virginian has a right to quality healthcare. I will support policies that move us closer to that reality, including the expansion of Medicaid.
As a former healthcare executive, I have seen the devastation that can occur in families without access to affordable health services. I have also witnessed the painful decisions that have to be made between paying for health services or paying for food and other necessities of life.
Education
We must ensure that our children have the best possible education. I am committed to providing the resources that contribute to a strong public education system that prepares our children for the challenges of the 21st century.
I support early childhood programs( preschool) and all day kindergarten.
I also believe that anyone who desires a higher education should be able to achieve their goal without going into “mortgage level “ debt. Making two years post high school education available to all students will go a long way towards making this a reality. I support students having the option of two years of vocational training and/or community college post high school paid in full.
Environment
Climate change is real.
Coastal cities are being threatened by rising sea levels.
The Environmental Protection Agency is under attack.
I am committed to fighting for policies that protect our public lands and waterways. I will introduce and support legislation that addresses threats to the Chesapeake Bay and our coastal cities.
Protecting Voting Rights/ Redistricting
The right to vote is a core principle of our democracy.
I believe we should make it easier to vote, not harder.
We must work to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act.
We must end political and racial gerrymandering.
I will fight for bipartisan redistricting reform in the Commonwealth.
I will fight against discriminatory Voter ID laws that disproportionately burden young voters, diverse communities and people of color, low-income families, people with disabilities, the elderly and women.
Economic Security and Economic Justice
I believe the best way to support everyday working families is to ensure a strong economy and create good paying jobs.
I support the raising of the minimum wage to a “living wage”. No one should have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet.
This also means supporting small business and encouraging entrepreneurship.
We must invest in and demand a level playing field for all Virginians.
Wealth inequality is bad for all.
Everyone deserves the chance to perform at their level of potential. Barriers standing in the way of those achievements must be eliminated.