Campaign Issues and Priorities
Education
As a member of the Education Committee, I am deeply concerned about the lack of funding for our public schools and the lack of support for wraparound services for our children. Our state's public school system has been neglected for far too long, leading to poor outcomes for our students.
I am committed to fighting for increased funding for our public schools in Georgia and the implementation of vital services such as mentorship programs and food support for at-risk children. I believe that investing in technical schools is also crucial to preparing our future generations for success in the modern workforce.
I will continue to advocate for these important issues as your representative because every child in Georgia deserves a quality education and the support they need to thrive. Together, we can create solutions that will ensure a brighter future for all our children.
In the legislature this session I support:
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Fully funding public education
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Giving teachers and school staff a raise
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Funding lunch so that no child is hungry in our classrooms
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Increasing emphasis on literacy and reading curriculum and completion of schools
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Expanding the HOPE scholarship program so more students can pursue advanced and technical degrees
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Working with a bipartisan coalition to defeat a dangerous voucher bill designed to take money out of our state’s public school budget and subsidize private schools.
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View me opposing Georgia House Well Against Voucher Bill 233, here.
Healthcare
As a member of the Public Health Committee and your State Representative for District 129, I am deeply committed to ensuring all Georgians have equal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. The current Medicaid coverage program, known as "Pathways," that was put in place by Republicans, has concerning limitations and restrictions that may prevent many parents from receiving the coverage they need.
I strongly believe that it is time for Georgia to prioritize the health of all its residents, particularly women and children. The current Medicaid waiver agreement only covers a fraction of the people who would benefit from a full Medicaid expansion, leaving many vulnerable populations, including low-wage uninsured workers and women, without adequate healthcare coverage.
Georgia's high rates of uninsured individuals and maternal mortality, especially among Black women and those in rural areas, highlight the urgent need for healthcare reform. I am dedicated to advocating for full Medicaid expansion to address these disparities and prevent further hospital closures in our state. Together, we can work towards lowering healthcare costs, increasing access, and improving health outcomes for all Georgians.
Georgia can do so much more to improve the health of its citizens including,
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Expanded access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services
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Advocating for a better crisis response system for mental illness
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Expanding access to telehealth services by advocating for Broadband throughout the state
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Increasing funding for school systems to implement mandated improvements, especially in underrepresented communities i.e., Narcan drugs, staff nurses,
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Provide medical facilities funding to staff navigators to guide patients through an ever-changing healthcare bureaucracy
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Support efforts to place health professionals in high-priority shortage areas where they are needed most
Georgia needs to step up to the place and accept responsibility for the healthcare of all Georgians.
Crime and Public Safety
Every Georgian deserves the fundamental right to live securely and comfortably in their homes and communities. This necessitates a concerted effort from legislators, law enforcement, and the judiciary to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to diminish crime while upholding fairness and justice.
As the Representative for House District 129, I advocate for a shift in our approach from punitive measures to addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. I've been a staunch supporter of criminal justice reform in the legislature, opposing mandatory minimum sentences and advocating for funding for programs like accountability courts. I will continue to oppose any attempts to cut funding for these vital reforms. Collaboration between schools and the justice system can provide educational opportunities within the prison system, facilitating successful reintegration into society. I endorse eliminating cash bail for non-violent offenses and ensuring all police officers receive proper training and are equipped with body cameras for accountability.
The discourse on gun rights has traditionally centered around the Second Amendment, yet we must also prioritize the right of Georgians to live without the constant threat of gun violence in their homes, communities, and schools. The constituents of GA House District 35 are eager for responsible gun violence prevention measures.
As your State House Representative, I pledge to support impactful legislation to reduce gun violence and enhance safety in Georgia:
1. Recognize gun violence prevention as a public health imperative, transcending political divides.
2. Enact widely supported measures, such as restraining orders for domestic abusers and comprehensive background checks, including for individuals with a history of mental illness requiring hospitalization.
Voting
All citizens in Georgia should have equitable access to voting, regardless of their race, gender, or financial status. The efforts made by Georgia Republicans to limit voting rights pose a threat to the integrity of our democratic process. As your elected representative, I am committed to facilitating convenient access to the ballot box. This involves opposing restrictive voter identification laws, extending opportunities for early and absentee voting, and implementing a permanent and straightforward voter registration system.
Voting should be made as convenient and accessible as possible for all eligible individuals. I will advocate for comprehensive access to voting, safeguarding weekend and early voting options, expanding mail-in voting opportunities, and ensuring the availability of convenient drop box locations with extended hours. Drawing from my leadership experience, I will actively defend voting rights and strive to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.
I am dedicated to garnering bipartisan support to safeguard against individual challenges to voters, promoting a fair and inclusive electoral process for all Georgians.
Economic Inclusion
Having grown up in Augusta, Georgia, and being involved in my family's third-generation small business, I've seen firsthand the challenges faced by small and minority-owned businesses in accessing economic opportunities. As your State Representative, I'm committed to using my experience to develop creative and effective strategies that empower small businesses statewide. By prioritizing fairness in government bids and contracts, we can promote inclusivity and improve the livelihoods of everyone in our community.