Issues
Economy
To bolster our Oregon economy, we must invest in a robust education system while fostering support from our local big and small businesses. Local businesses are the backbone of our future job market. We need to encourage and develop technological advances, expansion of labor resources, and improve infrastructure. Enhancement in these areas promotes tremendous growth in our small and large businesses, leveraging our financial resources to uplift local enterprises, particularly in the sectors of manufacturing, agriculture, green technologies, and healthcare advances.. A thriving economy hinges on the vitality of small businesses, and I stand firmly in support of their success.
Education
Education stands as the cornerstone of our communities' future. Today's industries demand highly skilled labor, and it's our responsibility to bridge that gap within our district. With some of the state's top educational institutions being one of the most diverse regions, we have the potential for incredible growth. By investing in our education system, we are laying the groundwork for our children's success and building a sustainable future in our community. We need to invest in programs that align with our goals of supporting existing businesses, green technologies, and emerging industries. Also, I'm a steadfast supporter of teachers and committed to nurturing our youth. Prioritizing the safety of our students and educators is paramount.
Environment
The environment requires our stewardship and attention. We need to research solutions that will combat climate change. We are short on time with some dramatic changes in our daily lives happening today; for example, wildfires are more frequent and more intense every year, and temperature swings are negatively impacting our forests and our agricultural community. We need to start addressing this as a threat to human life, so I support businesses using renewable technologies. Oregon is known as the "Silicon Forest," and I support Oregonian’s efforts to lead the way in researching, studying, and promoting green technologies. Meeting our future needs with clean technologies and business practices will enhance all aspects of life. We need to keep moving forward on green initiatives.
Healthcare
Ensuring accessibility to health care is paramount for every individual. It's not just a statewide issue but directly impacts every district member. As Oregonians, we have a duty to stand up for our neighbors and support our healthcare workers, especially after the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, it is imperative that we heed the advice of healthcare experts to shape policies that benefit both healthcare professionals and citizens alike, with an overall focus on increasing accessibility for every member of the district.
Affordable Housing and Community Safety
Addressing housing demands remains a significant challenge both locally and nationally. My platform emphasizes maintaining positive momentum and implementing more extraordinary accountability measures to track the effectiveness of the allocated funds supporting families and individuals in difficult situations. Our focus should be facilitating pathways to housing and community stability and safety.
Promoting Equal Rights
As a pro-choice democrat, I firmly reject discrimination across all aspects of life specifically including education, employment, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice. I'm dedicated to bolstering civil rights safeguards in combating discrimination and prejudice in our daily interactions. I will champion the rights of minorities and marginal communities, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and people with disabilities. I pledge to advocate for the safeguarding of these communities to guarantee equal access to resources, opportunities, and protections necessary for their well-being. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
Supporting Unions
I'm dedicated to promoting and safeguarding workers' rights. I value the indispensable role of our unions advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and well-being for all workers and their families. Workers should have a voice in the workplace, particularly concerning safety issues. The ability to collectively bargain and negotiate to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions helps all workers and our communities. I acknowledge the pivotal role unions play in advancing economic justice and diminishing incoming inequality by empowering workers and amplifying their voices.