PRIORITIES
"I am running for Senate because I want to ensure that every Georgian has the opportunity to thrive. I know that if we work together, we can make a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Georgia for all."
WHAT I STAND FOR
A Safer Georgia
A Fairer Georgia
Protecting Voting Rights
Protecting our right to vote is essential to the continuation of our democracy. I will fight to ensure that our voting machines are safe from tampering, and I will stand against all efforts of voter suppression.
Gun Safety
Too many lives are lost each year in District 41 to gun violence. I will support legislation that: provides for universal background checks; removes guns from perpetuators of domestic violence; and repeals our current open carry laws.
Criminal Justice Reform
I support all efforts to further reform measures to our state's criminal justice system that lead to a reduction in incarceration rates.
Nobody should go to jail for being unable to pay a ticket for minor traffic violations. I will introduce a bill calling for the decriminalization of all minor traffic violations.
I am also committed to reducing the penalties for the possession of marijuana. Using the City of Clarkston's ordinance as a model, I will seek to pass commonsense legislation that prohibits jail-time for possessing less than 1 ounce of marijuana.
Safe from Toxins
Education Reform
Every child, regardless of neighborhood has a right to free, quality, public education. Our current system unfairly advantages students from wealthier neighborhoods, while systematically disadvantaging children in poor neighborhoods. The formula for how much money schools receive from the state is outdated and unjust. I will advocate for a new school funding formula that helps bring equity into our school systems.
Medicaid Expansion
Access to quality and affordable healthcare is a human right. No one should have to choose between having food to eat or buying their monthly medications. I will support legislation for Medicaid expansion.
From cleaner air, to clean water, to functioning sewage systems, the citizens of District 41 deserve protection from toxins. I am committed to fighting for laws that prioritize clean energy, pollution reduction and less dependence on fossil fuels.
I will work to preserve and protect our watersheds from sewage spillage and toxic dumping. I will advocate for more mold reduction programs in our schools so that children can breathe safely in the classroom.
Comprehensive
Anti-Discrimination Bill
Georgia does not have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. This leaves Georgians vulnerable to discrimination on the bases of race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and ability. All Georgians should be protected from all forms of discrimination. I will advocate for a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill that the fair treatment of every Georgian.
Reproductive Health & Maternal Mortality
Quality Affordable Housing
As District 41 grows, we must ensure that our district's most vulnerable citizens have clean, safe and affordable housing options. I will work with other government officials to create and maintain affordable housing in our district. I will also advocate on behalf of our senior citizens for additional resources that help seniors remain in their houses.
A Prosperous Georgia
Protecting Immigrants and Former Refugees
District 41 is home to thousands of immigrants from around the world. From small business owners, to physicians, to the people who help ensure that their is food in our grocery stories, the immigrant communities of District 41 are essential to the growth and development of our economy. I will fight to bring down barriers that prevent members of the immigrant and refugee communities from being able to prosper.
Raising the Minimum Wage
From toxic-stress environments, to malnutrition, to higher rates of heart disease, living in poverty has significant negative outcomes on health. Currently more than 22% of Georgia's children live in poverty. I will fight to increase the minimum wage in Georgia as a measure to help alleviate poverty.
Access to Affordable, Quality Childcare
The cost of child care in Georgia is unaffordable for most Georgian households. For families with two children under age 5, the average cost is $14,144 per year. This is more than the average cost of rent in our state. Many parents are forced to drop out of the workforce because of the high cost of childcare. We must implement reforms that makes affordable childcare available for everyone.
Expand Mass Public Transit
The efforts for a more prosperous Georgia must include the continued development of our mass transit systems. From buses, to bike lanes, to trains, I will work for legislation that funds additional mass transit options for our district.
I stand with Planned Parenthood and support persons' rights to make decisions about their own bodies. I will therefore oppose any legislation that denies a person's rights to reproductive justice.
I will support any recommendations from the House Study committee on Maternal Mortality that help bring down the rate of maternal mortality in Georgia. I am committed to making childbirth safer in our state.
Economic Development
District 41 is a beautiful part of Georgia, but that beauty gets blighted by empty warehouses and abandoned buildings. I am committed to helping bring new economic development opportunities to the district.
WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED
In my first term, I have been able to...
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Pass a state-wide bill as a freshman in the minority party
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Protect victims of stalking by creating a path to safer housing + freedom
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Stand up for immigrants and refugees
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Defend our elders
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Fight against attacks on our sacred right to vote
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Advocate for the disability community
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Secure (unprecedented) state funds for Black farmers feeding Georgians in need
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Champion comprehensive mental health reform as co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus
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Earn appointment to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence to keep protecting Georgia families