Issues
Healthcare Access and Affordability
Delaware faces significant challenges in healthcare access, including a lack of affordable, high-quality care, a shortage of doctors, and rising healthcare costs that strain family budgets. To address these issues, I propose expanding Medicaid and state-funded healthcare programs to cover more people, reducing the number of uninsured individuals and making healthcare more affordable for low- and middle-income families. Additionally, we need to incentivize medical professionals to practice in underserved areas through loan forgiveness, competitive salaries, and improved working conditions. Implementing cost-control measures like price transparency and promoting preventative care is also essential.
Protecting Reproductive Rights
The government is responsible for protecting every woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices. Throughout my career, I have been steadfast in my commitment to this cause, working diligently at organizations such as Planned Parenthood of Delaware, the National Women’s Law Center, and the Delaware Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy. These experiences have solidified my belief in the importance of safeguarding the confidential and private relationship between patients and their physicians. As a State Representative, I will persist in this fight, advocating tirelessly for comprehensive coverage of all reproductive healthcare needs, including abortion, IVF, and birth control.
Supporting Small Business
Growing up, my parents owned a bagel shop and did private catering. I witnessed firsthand the challenges small businesses face in navigating state bureaucracy to stay afloat and compete. These early experiences have given me a deep understanding of the struggles small business owners endure. As a State Representative, I will be a dedicated advocate for small businesses, working tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard. My goal is to collaborate closely with state agencies to streamline processes and cut through the red tape that often hinders their success. By reducing bureaucratic obstacles, we can create a more supportive environment for small businesses, enabling them to thrive and contribute to our local economy.
Improving Delaware Schools
As a product of public schools, I understand the crucial role they play in building a strong future for Delawareans. As a State Representative, I will prioritize improving teacher recruitment and retention by offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive working environment to attract and keep talented educators. Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, and investing in them is crucial. Enhancing student supports is another critical area. Increasing the number of paraprofessionals, school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals will provide students with the emotional and psychological support they need. Addressing nonacademic factors like mental health and food insecurity is vital for creating a conducive learning environment.
Investing in Early Childhood Education
As a mother of two daughters, I understand firsthand the critical need for affordable childcare and universal pre-K. Ensuring that every child has access to quality early education is fundamental to their development and future success. This is why I am dedicated to advocating for policies that provide comprehensive support for families, ensuring that affordable childcare and universal pre-K are accessible to all Delawareans. This includes increasing funding for childcare providers, improving the quality of early education, and making pre-K universally available. By addressing these critical issues, we can create a brighter future for our children and support working families across our state.
LGBTQ+ Rights
I am honored to have the endorsement of the Delaware Stonewall Democrats PAC, the state's leading LGBTQ+ political action committee. As a State Representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to quality healthcare, supportive educational environments, and essential services and programs. My goal is to create an inclusive and equitable society where everyone can thrive and feel valued. By addressing these critical issues, we can make significant strides towards true equality and support for all members of our community.
Smart Development – Traffic, Drainage, Planning
At the University of Delaware, I learned the critical importance of smart land use and environmental planning. Without careful consideration and active management of development and traffic, we risk diminishing the cherished quality of life in our community. Our district also faces ongoing drainage challenges that require constant attention. To address these concerns effectively, District 10 needs a State Representative who will listen attentively to residents and engage with them regularly to advocate for the future of our community. I am committed to encouraging sustainable land development by advocating for statewide policies that promote smart growth, mixed-use zoning, and green building standards. Supporting incentives for renewable energy projects, energy-efficient construction, and sustainable land use practices will drive development that benefits both the environment and our communities.