Issues

Believes that in the richest nation in the world, no American should be without health care. None of us should have to file bankruptcy because we got sick. Medicare is a program that work and should be expanded to cover everyone.

Supports a shift away from fossil fuels and an increased emphasis on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
Believes we must protect the planet from global climate change. Will vote on the basis of science-based research, not paid lobbyists.
Supports a severance tax on natural gas companies. PA is the only natural gas state that does not levy this tax.
Supports safety studies regarding the quality of drinking water and earthquake triggers for residents living near potential fracking sites. Supports stronger rights for landowners against eminent domain.

Will champion anti-discrimination bills to add sexual orientation and gender identity to protected status.
Will champion equal pay for equal work.
Will challenge voter suppression and fight against gerrymandering so that no groups are disenfranchised.

Supports Senate Bill 22 and House Bill 722 to end gerrymandering. Voters should choose their representatives; Representatives should not choose their voters.
Supports a full gift ban. State employees cannot accept a bottle of water at training seminars, yet PA Senators and Representatives can accept vacations, cars and even cash.
Will not accept per diems or pay raises. Expenses should be reimbursed with receipts only.
Will be accessible to citizens. Will hold town hall meetings to hear the ideas and concerns of the people.

Supports Governor Wolf’s Voting Rights Reform proposals, including same day voter registration, “no excuse” absentee ballots, and early voting.
Supports voting technology upgrades and paper trails for all voting machines

Supports increased funding for early childhood education programs
Supports increased funding for public schools K-12, but with the caveat that measures be taken to eliminate waste and promote efficiency.
Opposed to the school voucher program. It takes money away from the school districts that need it most. I especially oppose tax dollars being used to support religious schools.
Believes property taxes are a good way to collect funding. However, there should be income standards, and those who earn less than a set amount, and those who have lived in the same house for over 30 years, should be exempt.
Opposed to standardized tests. Teachers should be free to engage students, not teach to a particular test.
Supports increased funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and community colleges.

Believes the debate should not be framed as Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life; it should be stated as Pro-Choice vs. Anti-Choice. No one likes abortion. But sometimes it is the wisest option, and that is a personal, difficult decision that those involved need to make on their own. The government has no right to tell any woman what she can do with her body.