Uplifting Women & Families
I am a survivor of childhood poverty and domestic violence, and I have brought successful legal action against employers for workplace discrimination. That’s why as your Representative, I will tirelessly uplift women and families with bold, progressive policies that create lasting change.
I’ll fight for common sense gun laws to prevent abusers from accessing firearms, ensuring our communities are safe. By expanding federal safety net programs to cover basic costs and essential services, we ensure every woman has the support she needs to thrive. Addressing the childcare crisis through sustained federal funding will alleviate financial burdens, allowing families to access quality childcare without compromising their stability. I’ll stand firm against unjust labor practices and pursue workplace protections like paid family leave. Finally, investing in affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education is an investment in our future, empowering women to pursue their careers and laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous society.
Together, we can build a future where every woman and family has the opportunity to succeed.
Prevent abusers from accessing firearms
Keeping guns away from those who are likely to harm themselves or others through common sense gun laws is the most effective way to prevent gun violence.
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I will fiercely advocate for measures to prevent abusers from accessing firearms, including strictly adhering to red flag laws, because the safety of our women and families is paramount.
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Nearly two-thirds of intimate partner homicides in the United States are committed with a gun, and 80 percent of intimate partner firearm homicide victims are women.
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Compared to white women, Black women are three times more likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner.
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According to an analysis by The Trace of data from the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, from 2018-2022, at least 866 kids ages 17 and younger were shot in domestic violence incidents; 621 of them died.
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I will work to enhance support for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they have access to resources for protection and healing, including counseling and legal assistance.
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By closing loopholes and enforcing comprehensive background checks, we can keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat.
Expand federal safety net programs to cover basic childcare costs, menstrual hygiene products, and other services so that all women have access to the care and services they need
It's time to level the playing field and ensure that every woman, regardless of her economic status, has access to the care and support she needs to thrive.
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Expanding federal safety net programs is crucial to ensuring that no woman is left behind due to financial constraints. We know that participation in the WIC program results in healthier pregnancy outcomes and reduced racial health disparities among communities, and I pledge to fight for WIC expansion.
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Menstrual inequity is an issue that operates on a global and local level. Menstrual products are currently taxed in 28 states, while other basic necessities like groceries and medical supplies are not, amounting to a financial barrier for those who are simply struggling to make ends meet.
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By covering basic childcare costs, menstrual hygiene products, and crucial services like doula and midwife care, we can alleviate the burdens that disproportionately affect women's well-being.
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I support the proposed, bipartisan Child Tax Credit expansion that will lift over 500,000 children out of poverty.
Alleviate the childcare crisis
No family should have to choose between quality childcare and financial stability.
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Child care expenses pose an immense burden for families, and as your representative, I will advocate for sustained federal funding in childcare, recognizing its pivotal role as an investment that will positively impact the health of Americans for generations to follow.
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In Alabama, infant care costs 65.4% of average rent and just $3,826 (38.9%) less than in-state tuition for four-year public college.
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Accessing childcare presents a significant barrier for low-wage earners. To cover childcare expenses for a single infant, a minimum wage worker in Alabama would have to work full-time for 21 weeks, equivalent to working from January to May.
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Research supports that mental and physical well-being are essential components of resilient families. By alleviating parental stress, we not only enhance parents’ overall health but also promote better health outcomes for their children.
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I am dedicated to making affordable child care a top priority, recognizing it as an essential need for families to flourish, not merely a luxury.
Ensure women are shielded from unjust labor practices
Let's not just talk about fairness; let's fund it.
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In the fight against unfair labor practices, I will be a staunch advocate for women's rights in the workplace.
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According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 42% of women in the United States claim they have faced some type of gender discrimination in the workplace. This is especially pronounced for Black women, where 36% reported that they experienced discrimination or unfair treatment by an employer due to their race.
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By ensuring the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is well-funded, we can effectively enforce laws against hiring discrimination and hold employers accountable. This will create a more equitable job market, addressing systemic biases that disproportionately affect women, particularly women of color.
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I will advocate for robust legislation, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, to mandate pay transparency and penalize employers who perpetuate pay disparities. This will ensure women, especially women of color, can challenge pay discrimination and demand fair compensation without fear of retaliation.
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Every woman deserves basic protections like paid family leave and affordable childcare options, so they don't have to choose between their jobs and their families. By making these protections accessible, we empower women to balance their careers and family responsibilities effectively.
Invest in affordable, high-quality child care and early childhood education
Transforming potential into possibility begins with affordable, top-tier child care and early childhood education.
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Investing in affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education is an investment in our future.
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By providing accessible childcare options, we enable women to pursue their careers while ensuring that our children receive the care and education they deserve.
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Quality early childhood education sets the foundation for lifelong success, and by prioritizing these investments, we are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous society.