“A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.” A. Philip Randolph
I have spent much of my life working as a community activist to make the world a better place, and to advocate for equity and justice for all members of our society. As a retired educator, community board member, mentor and activist, I have had the opportunity to meet and serve many diverse members of our community. I believe every member of our community is entitled to access to economic opportunity, access to healthcare, a good education, and a healthy environment.
The recession has widened the income gap in our country, hitting middle income and working families the hardest.
- The poverty rate is at an 11 year high of 13.2%
- Unemployment rates are highest among lower income families
- North Carolina is number 1 in food insecurity for children. Reliance on food stamps and food banks is growing.
This is unacceptable.
My focus in Congress will be to reverse this trend by strengthening our social safety net and providing the means for every American to “enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.” I will work to
- Protect Social Security and Medicare entitlements
- Provide unemployment benefits and retraining for displaced and laid off workers
- Provide quality education for all of our children
- Provide access to healthcare for all Americans.
I have and will stand with workers as they push for employment rights and with veterans as they seek the care they need and deserve. I support comprehensive immigration reform that will provide a pathway for immigrants to obtain legal status and citizenship if they want to earn it. I support the Dream Act for students who have lived here their whole lives and wish to attend college. I will stand against racism, gender intolerance, and disability discrimination not only at the individual level, but also in our institutions.