House District 80 (Richmond)
- Virginia is one of only 9 states in the country that deny state public sector employees their right to bargain collectively. If elected, will you vote yes on legislation granting all public sector workers, including graduate student workers, in Virginia collective bargaining rights?
Yes.
- How will you work to ensure that every public employee has full and fair collective bargaining rights?
As the Communications Director for the Virginia AFL-CIO, I spend my days advocating for hardworking Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth and working to expand worker rights and protections. That includes fighting for collective bargaining rights for all workers. As a Delegate, I will work to ensure this becomes a reality.
- UCW-VA believes all education, including early childhood education (birth-5), is a right and a public good. UCW-VA believes that childcare and early education centers should be publicly funded and run and offer high-quality care and education and good jobs for employees, including living wages, healthcare, and a retirement plan. Will you champion free, universal access to high-quality, public education for all Virginians?
Yes.
- How will you work to ensure access to free, high-quality early childhood education in publicly-funded, publicly-run centers that offer employees living wages and good benefits?
I will support legislation and budget amendments to achieve this goal. Every child deserves access to a world-class education, and their ability to pay for pre-k should not hinder that access.
- Do you support passing legislation to raise employment standards for all public sector employees, including a minimum wage of at least $20 an hour or $40,760 annually, access to quality health insurance, paid sick leave, and a livable retirement plan?
Yes.
- How will you raise employment standards for all public sector employees in Virginia?
As the Communications Director for the Virginia AFL-CIO, I spend my days advocating for hardworking Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth and working to expand worker rights and protections. That includes working to raise the minimum wage, guarantee access to critical benefits, and more. As a Delegate, I will use my voice and my vote to help make this a reality.
- In Colorado, Michigan, Nebraska, and Nevada higher education board members are selected by popular vote, as in K-12 governance. Given that higher education in Virginia has been largely deregulated over the last few decades, what measures would you take to give Virginians more control over their public institutions of higher education?
I believe that higher education has become far too expensive and inaccessible for Virginians in many communities. We must do more to create accountability within that system so people can afford to get the education they need and go on to land high-paying jobs without being saddled with debilitating debt. I will work with my colleagues in the legislature to address these issues.
- What else would you like our members to know about your commitment to workers’ rights and public education?
I believe that too many Virginians are struggling to make ends meet because we are failing to ensure they can access a livable wage and benefits. I also believe our public education system needs greater investments so we can equip young people to step into great jobs. I look forward to bringing my experience to the Virginia General Assembly where I can advocate for my constituents and Virginians everywhere.