Candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives - District 37 in 2024 Tennessee General Election.
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Get StartedAs a progressive Democratic candidate running for the Tennessee State House, I firmly believe that every person deserves the fundamental right to make decisions about their own body, free from government interference. This includes the right to access comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including abortion, without facing unnecessary barriers or judgment. I am committed to advocating for policies that protect and expand these rights for all Tennesseans, regardless of their gender identity, socioeconomic status, or personal beliefs. Learn more
As a lifelong disability rights advocate, I've championed equality and inclusion for family members, including a blind sister, an autistic brother and son, and recently, an adult daughter with brain damage. I've battled discrimination, exclusion, inadequate special education and healthcare services. As your representative, I'll scrutinize legislation's impact on the disability community, advocating for improved special education, Medicaid, Medicare, criminal justice, maternal healthcare, and social services. I'm committed to ensuring the rights of the disability community are upheld. Learn more
Passing and adequately funding legislation is crucial to reducing poverty among our poorest residents. Our state’s failure to utilize over 717 million in unspent funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program over the past 10 years is unacceptable, leaving countless families struggling to meet basic needs. Additionally, Tennessee families face exorbitant childcare costs, with annual expenses ranging from 9,742 to 11,501, consuming up to 45% of single parents’ median income. Investing in preschool and updating childcare assistance programs are vital steps to alleviate this financial strain. Learn more
The alarming decline in youth mental health, particularly among girls, demands immediate attention. Since the advent of smartphones in 2010, rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harming behavior have surged. Excessive use of social media and online multiplayer gaming contributes to social and sleep deprivation, attention issues, and even addiction. We cannot rely solely on developers to address these challenges. It’s time for concerted action involving parents, educators, mental health experts, and community leaders to safeguard our youth’s well-being. Learn more
Rutherford County is facing an affordable housing crisis, with 47% of households allocating over 30% of their income to rent. We need to expand subsidized housing, prioritize building for basic housing needs over luxury units. Also, soaring median house prices, coupled with income levels that didn’t rise comparatively, require us to create incentives for the development of modest, affordable starter homes. With an alarming eviction rate nearing 10%, we need to work to curb homelessness. The lack of permanent shelter facilities for the unhoused underscores the need for investment in transitional housing and sustainable solutions, effectively combating homelessness and the cycle of poverty. Learn more
Rutherford County faces rapid population growth, set to exceed 500,000 residents by 2050, necessitating immediate action on elder care. With a projected 47% increase in Americans aged 65 and older, we must close the caregiving gap, especially for low-income individuals and those with dementia. This involves providing additional support services and fair compensation for caregivers, estimated at 600 billion nationally in unpaid work. Prioritizing policies for living wages and innovative aging solutions ensures equitable access to elder care services, fostering a compassionate and inclusive community. Learn more
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