My Platform
After studying Political Science, I was taught to look at every single side of politics from a non-partisan point of view. After recently joining the Green Party, and jumping from being a Democrat to just an independent, I try to have a very non-biased perspective on political and social issues. However, I believe that what the American people want and need is what is most important. Our country is divided smack down in the middle, and I am ready to walk into the house floor on day one and meet down the aisle to get the work that needs to be done for the American people. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; we are the same. Americans. Unity is what we need more than ever right now for our country to succeed and to no longer be the laughingstock of the world. Here's what I plan to work on when elected.
LIST OF ISSUES
Education
As a former substitute teacher, I have been able to see many different schools and how their systems work. It pains me to see that students are not receiving the education that they deserve. The Education System of America is in shambles and we need reform.
Public School Reform
- Teacher's Salary: Teachers are not being paid enough for the hard work that they are doing. The lack of sufficient pay for teachers is leading to the massive shortage of educators that we are seeing across the United States. This needs to change immediately.
- Equitable Funding: All public schools need to receive adequate funding for students to get the best out of their education. This comes regardless of Urban, Suburban, or Rural location as well as the socioeconomic status of the students.
- Curriculum Reform: School curriculums need to be more relevant in our time and generation that will aid the future of America and also push students to succeed in the directions that THEY want to. The curriculum needs to be more inclusive and engaging as well for students. The more interactive and engaged students can be at any grade level, the better students can decipher their future for themselves. Essential life skills should also be implemented into core learning rather than having it be seen as an option or elective.
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I went to school Pre-K-12 without taking any classes regarding how to pay bills, how to create a savings account, how to do taxes, and how to set myself up for my future. I want the future of America to learn these skills before graduating high school. I don't want the future of America to struggle like I have when it comes to eventually teaching myself how to do these things. I want them to be taught how to do the things necessary to live life in America.
- Parent and Community Involvement: Stronger partnership needs to be fostered between schools, parents, and the broader community to have a much more successful education system. Parents can also have a say in certain decisions regarding their children's education.
- Social and Emotional Support: Mental health is one of America's greatest struggles when it comes to its youth. Being an individual with mental health issues for the majority of my life, I wish I had been able to address things about what was going on in my life sooner rather than later so that I was able to heal. There have been many demons inside of me I had to fight myself. So many battles fought with one soldier in the field versus an entire army. For now, Emotional Support such as Therapy is not available to everyone in the country, and a lot of people need it. Making it more available and accessible in the Education system could help students even further succeed in life and heal those demons with support.
- Accountability and Assessment: Develop fair and comprehensive systems for assessing student progress and holding schools accountable for student outcomes.
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I had a learning disability in school. It wasn't until I was able to notice it on my own that I was able to get the accommodations I needed. I believe it should be closely observed whether or not students may have a learning disability based on their grades and how they handle test-taking.
Women's Rights and Equality for All
I am extremely passionate when it comes to women's rights. When it came to the Supreme Court's overruling of Roe v. Wade, I was extremely taken aback and knew that something needed to be done about this. I believe that it is every woman's right in this country to choose what they want to do with their body. It simply comes down to everyone's personal beliefs.
- Right to an Abortion: In a video floating around the internet, a host of the political discussion show "The Young Turks," Ana Kasparian went viral for her rant on religious beliefs and the fundamental right of a woman's right to choose. I would like to credit Ana in this because I agree with every single word she said as she goes forward to say:
"These comments might be strong, but it's how I genuinely feel. I don't care that you're a Christian. I don't care what the Bible says... I feel like it's a clown show... sitting here trying to decipher what [The Bible] has to say about these very real political issues. I don't care if you're a Christian. I will fight for you to have your religious liberty and practice your Christianity. I believe in that... You do not get to dictate the way I live my life based on your religion... You have every right in the world, and all those women who identify with your religion have every right in the world to not get an abortion, to not take birth control. But they do not have the right to dictate my life and what I decide to do with my body... I am so tired of having non-stop conversations about what the Bible says. You live your life in the way you interpret the Bible... But you don't get to take the Bible and tell me, well, 'the Bible says in this chapter and in this verse' I don't care. I don't believe in it. And I have the right, based on our Constitution, to not believe in it." Truly words could not have flowed out of anyone's mouth better than they did through Anas on this topic.
I know this is a sensitive topic. However, Roe v. Wade needs to be the law of the land. Women should be given the right to choose. In office, I will introduce an amendment, which will be known as the 28th amendment, further giving women the right to choose. That is one of the first things I will be working on once sworn in. We should also do more to protect those who are *trigger warning* who are victims of sexual assault and rape. However, we need to remember that we live in a country where we have every single right to believe in and practice whatever religion we so choose. Christian Nationalism is something that is taking over the United States.
- Equal Pay: On average, women make 16% less than men do. That's 84 cents for every dollar that a man makes. That is not fair to any extent. People should not receive less pay because they aren't heterosexual white men; they should be paid equally. Women of color are also known as the lowest paid in the United States to date at 64 cents compared to the white man. This not only applies to women but applies to people of color as well. Men of color according to statistics make 98 cents on every dollar compared to the white man. The numbers just get lower and lower and this has gone way too far. We are past the time of the importance of the color of your skin or what gender you identify with. Once in office, I will do everything to bring together Congressmen and women to cosponsor a bill to further make sure that every single person in this country is paid equally.
- The LGBTQIA+ Community: Let's face it, the queer community has been under attack for decades, and it's time that we protect it. Being gay myself, this is something that I relate to and I know needs to be changed. The Supreme Court Case of Obergefell v. Hodges of 2015 was the court case that gave every single lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and beyond the right to marry whom they want to, and Republicans to this date are still trying to take it away. This is for the same reason Republicans are looking to outlaw abortion in the United States; it is a Christian belief. We are not a Christian country. We are a country with the freedom to practice whatever religion we want to and I cannot reiterate this enough.
- Racial Justice: Race has been a centennial issue that has yet to stop. People sometimes still cannot see past the color of a person's skin. Being Hispanic also comes with an African background, and I am proud to know that I have that background, never ashamed of it. Congress needs to support policies in favor of protection against racial discrimination. People of color are struggling every single day as seen as a stereotype. Someone from my past had told me "Stereotypes don't make themselves" and that person is no longer in my life for a reason. Sadly, certain commonalities among a race can just lead to society creating these "stereotypes" regarding a person's race. They (stereotypes) are just boxes that society checks for others and what qualities they offer to society. That is neither fair nor just, and something I want to work towards pushing society's views out the window.
-Police Reform: Let me get one thing straight; I DO NOT WANT TO DEFUND THE POLICE. I believe that we need police to have proper funding, if not more funding to train police in the academy for longer periods before they are thrown onto the street. Right now, it takes about 840 hours or 21 weeks of training before police are certified to go hit the streets as an officer. Meanwhile, a hairstylist must go through 1,200 hours or 30 hours of education to even professionally have their first client. On top of that, a teacher must go through 4-6 years of college, complete student teaching, and receive their degrees to just get behind a desk and have their classroom and teach the future of America; why are police the exception and why is it such a sensitive issue? Let's bring that to the House floor and discuss that.
Separation Between Church and State
This country has almost completely gotten rid of the idea of separation of church and state. Many public servants currently working in the House of Representatives and the Senate need to realize that when it comes to church and state, they do require separation simply due to the fact of religion not being the law of the land. In our Constitution, we have freedom of religion which gives us the right to practice and believe in whatever religion we want to believe in. It's our CHOICE. Everyone is entitled to say what they want freely.
We made these amendments because these are the rights that ARE the law of the land. We do not all lie under one religion. I myself, am a Catholic-Christian. However, when it comes to my political beliefs, I do not let one blend in with the other. YOUR BELIEFS ARE YOUR BELIEFS! I do not believe in political officials and servants to the public telling the people of these United States what to do with their body, who they can and can't marry, and so many more issues that people of the Christian religion force upon their politics and bring onto the Congress floor. You have your own choices. Do with them as you will.
Fighting to Protect Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare, Healthcare
Economic Security: Social Security and Medicaid are at risk of being taken away. Social Security provides a safety net for retired and disabled individuals by providing them with a steady income. Without it, many elderly or disabled individuals would face poverty and insecurity in their later years.
Healthcare Coverage: When it comes to Medicare/Medicaid, it ensures that older Americans have access to affordable healthcare. Without this, many seniors would struggle to afford necessary medical expenses and services.
Social Welfare: Both of these programs contribute to the overall welfare of society by reducing poverty among those of senior citizens, disabled citizens, as well as low-income individuals. I want to protect every American who requires assistance such as Social Security and/or Medicare/Medicaid. We don't need more people on the streets, we need them housed and safe to live freely as Americans.
-Better Healthcare System: Right now, the United States is undergoing a healthcare shortage, where there aren't enough nurses or doctors being able to take care of everyone, leaving what doctors and nurses are available to do twice if not three or four more times the work that is supposed to be done by one. It's horrific and sad to see especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We need more jobs out there and I am willing to cosponsor a bill that will get more healthcare professional jobs open and to the places that need it across the U.S.. I do not believe that healthcare should be entirely free, however, I do believe that it should be affordable to everyone.
- Cancer Treatment Affordability: Nowadays, the average cost of breast cancer treatment is about $40,000 per year of treatment. The average cost for prostate cancer treatment is about $74,000. These numbers alone are outrageous numbers that not a lot of people are able to afford, so they have no choice but to live with the cancer and let their lives fade away. I don't want this for Americans, or anyone at that. I would like to introduce laws to ensure that the cost of cancer treatments drops significantly to save the lives of the thousands undergoing cancer treatments. These two types of cancer affect over 30% of American citizens. I want to lower that number as much as possible.
Tackling Big Pharma
Big Pharma is one of the biggest companies just looking to make money. They don't care about people's well-being, they simply care about how much other smaller companies and consumers are willing to pay for the drugs that they need. Dealing with Big Pharma involves navigating very serious and complex issues that pertain to healthcare affordability, innovation, regulation, and access to essential medications. President Joe Biden has started the path to defeating Big Pharma's prices by getting the price of insulin to drop down to $35 per month and wants to continue to do so. I want to hop on the train and continue to do so as well. Big Pharma makes pharmaceutical drugs for dirt cheap and then makes trillions in profits. This needs to come to an end, and I am willing to back any congressmen/women who agree with me.
College and Student Debt
Student debt is currently at a whopping 1.8 trillion dollars. This has become a crisis in America. While I believe that students shouldn't have to pay thousands of dollars in debt from education, I do believe that a small portion of it should be repaid. Let's face it, logistically and economically, we can't completely cancel 1.8 trillion dollars in debt because that would simply just tear down our economy and we would go right back into another recession, which would be the third mass recession of my lifetime, and I am only 24 years old. I'll be honest, I have student debt, I am just like every other student in the United States who cannot pay for school on my own, which brings me to the price of college tuition and why it should not only be reduced at certain colleges and universities but also free.
- Community College: I believe that community college needs to be free to all students or anyone seeking a degree. I believe in this because if it is truly free, then people could go right from High School or pass a GED test to Community College to receive their Associate's in whatever major they would like, giving them more options in careers after further graduation.
- Lowering The Cost of Education: Have we stopped to think for a second about why student debt is so high? It's quite literally because our colleges and universities are too expensive. Thousands upon thousands of dollars per credit, per class, per semester, per year, the list of costs just goes on and on. Do you know what could fund this project? This one is one of my absolute favorites... TAX! THE! RICH!
Taxing The Rich!
Listen, I know there are a lot of people out there who will disagree with me on this, especially the wealthy, however, unfortunately, I do not feel bad for having this belief. The idea of taxing the rich is a common topic in political and economic discussions, often tied to debates about income inequality, social welfare programs, and government revenue. Advocates of taxing the rich argue that it can help reduce inequality, fund public services and social programs, and promote economic stability. Here are some points often raised in favor of taxing the wealthy:
- Addressing Income Inequality: Taxing the rich can help redistribute wealth and reduce income inequality, which is often seen as a societal concern with various economic and social implications.
- Funding Public Services: Revenue generated from taxing the wealthy can be used to fund public services such as education (!!!), healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare programs, benefiting society as a whole.
- Promoting Economic Fairness: Proponents argue that taxing the wealthy at higher rates promotes economic fairness by ensuring that those who have benefited the most from economic growth contribute proportionally more to society's needs.
- Addressing Budget Deficits: Taxing the rich can help governments address budget deficits and reduce the need for austerity measures or cuts to essential services during economic downturns.
- Encouraging Social Responsibility: Tax policies that require the wealthy to contribute more to society can encourage a sense of social responsibility and solidarity, fostering a more equitable and cohesive society. However, it's important to consider potential challenges and criticisms associated with taxing the rich:
- Economic Incentives: Critics argue that high taxes on the wealthy may discourage entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation, potentially leading to slower economic growth and reduced job creation.
- Tax Avoidance and Evasion: Wealthy individuals and corporations may engage in tax planning strategies, loopholes, or even tax evasion to minimize their tax liabilities, limiting the effectiveness of higher tax rates.
- Capital Flight: In a globalized economy, high taxes on the wealthy in one country may lead to capital flight as individuals and businesses seek lower-tax jurisdictions, potentially undermining the intended redistributive effects of taxation.
- Competitiveness: Concerns exist that high taxes on the wealthy could make a country less competitive internationally, potentially driving away talent, investment, and economic activity.
- Complexity and Administration: Implementing and enforcing higher taxes on the wealthy can be complex and resource-intensive for governments, requiring effective tax policies, enforcement mechanisms, and international cooperation to address tax evasion and avoidance.
Overall, discussions about taxing the rich involve balancing considerations of equity, economic efficiency, and government revenue needs. Policymakers must carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of taxing the wealthy when designing tax policies.
How We Can Boost Our Economy
The Green Party advocates for an economic system that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and community well-being. The economy has always been a hot-button topic, however, the Green Party has the absolute right idea when it comes to a way that we can save our economy from the past recessions, depressions, and all of the above that have kept our economy FAR from stability. While following their ideologies, I believe that this could be a solid plan that I can work towards.
- Green New Deal: The Green Party supports the implementation of a Green New Deal, which would create millions of new jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, public transportation, and other green industries. This ambitious plan aims to transition to a 100% clean energy economy while addressing economic inequality and social justice issues.
- Investment in Green Infrastructure: The Green Party advocates for significant investment in green infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy generation, energy-efficient buildings, public transportation, and sustainable agriculture. These investments not only create jobs but also reduce carbon emissions and build resilience to climate change.
- Local and Cooperative Economies: The Green Party supports policies that promote local economies and community-based businesses, including cooperatives, worker-owned enterprises, and small-scale agriculture. By investing in local businesses and supporting worker ownership models, the Green Party aims to create economic opportunities and build stronger, more resilient communities.
- Living Wage and Workers' Rights: The Green Party advocates for a living wage for all workers, as well as strong labor protections and workers' rights. This includes policies such as increasing the minimum wage, guaranteeing paid sick leave and family leave, and protecting the right to organize and bargain collectively.
- Financial Reform: The Green Party calls for comprehensive financial reform to rein in Wall Street and prevent another financial crisis. This includes measures such as breaking up big banks, implementing a financial transactions tax, and regulating speculative financial practices that contribute to economic instability.
- Universal Basic Income: Some factions within the Green Party support the idea of a universal basic income (UBI) as a way to address poverty, inequality, and economic insecurity. A UBI would provide every citizen with a regular, unconditional cash payment to cover basic living expenses, helping to ensure economic security for all.
Overall, the Green Party's approach to boosting the economy emphasizes sustainability, equity, and community empowerment. By investing in green technologies, supporting local economies, protecting workers' rights, and implementing financial reforms, the Green Party aims to create a more just and sustainable economy that works for everyone.
Unemployment and the Lack of Jobs
Lowering the unemployment rate and providing access to jobs that don't require a four-year degree are crucial priorities for promoting economic opportunity and reducing inequality. Here's how creating jobs can boost the economy in New Jersey and why it's important to prioritize access to certain types of employment opportunities:
- Creating Jobs in Essential Services: Investing in infrastructure maintenance creates immediate job opportunities in essential services. By investing in types of jobs such for example street cleaning which we desperately need for us to continue to keep our state clean, we can lower the unemployment rate and provide meaningful employment opportunities for people who may not have a four-year degree.
- Local Economic Impact: Street cleaning jobs have a positive impact on the local economy. Workers employed in these positions spend their earnings on goods and services in their communities, supporting local businesses and stimulating economic growth. Additionally, municipalities benefit from cleaner streets, which can attract visitors, improve property values, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
- Skill Development and Training: Workers gain valuable experience in areas such as time management, teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving, which can enhance their employability and lead to career advancement opportunities in related fields.
- Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Access to jobs that don't require a four-year degree is essential for promoting equity and inclusion in the workforce. Many individuals face barriers to higher education, such as financial constraints or family responsibilities, and may benefit from opportunities to enter the workforce directly. By prioritizing access to these types of jobs, we can create pathways to economic stability and upward mobility for historically marginalized communities.
- Addressing Unemployment Disparities: Certain populations, such as low-income individuals, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by unemployment. Creating jobs in many necessary sectors can help address these disparities by providing employment opportunities in communities that need them most. Additionally, targeted hiring initiatives and workforce development programs can help ensure that these jobs are accessible to individuals facing barriers to employment which can also aid to the issue of homelessness.
By prioritizing access to these types of jobs and supporting workforce development initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and equitable economy that works for all residents.
Infrastructure
Information Coming Soon!
Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Pollution
I am deeply committed to confronting the urgent challenge of climate change and transitioning to a sustainable, clean energy future. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a moral imperative and an existential threat that demands bold action.
As someone deeply concerned about the future of our planet for future generations and believes in leaving a healthier planet for ourselves and the future of the world, I am personally invested in taking meaningful steps to address the climate crisis.
My campaign is grounded in the values of the Green Party, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy. We believe that tackling the climate crisis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the root causes of climate change and the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by its impacts.
Key Initiatives:
- Transition to Clean Energy: I am committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, to power our economy. This will not only reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change but also create millions of new green jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- I want to advocate for significant investment in green infrastructure projects, such as public transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable agriculture. These investments will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also improve air and water quality, protect natural habitats, and enhance community resilience to climate change.
- I believe that environmental justice must be at the forefront of our efforts to address climate change. Low-income communities, communities of color, and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and climate impacts. I am committed to working with frontline communities to ensure that they have a seat at the table and are included in decision-making processes.
- In addition to mitigating climate change, we must also invest in climate resilience and adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate-related hazards. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades, emergency preparedness, and community-based solutions.
If elected, I will advocate, push, and work toward policies that align with these key initiatives and prioritize climate action in government. This includes:
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Advocating for legislation to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035.
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Pushing for increased funding for green infrastructure projects at the federal, state, and local levels.
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Working to advance environmental justice initiatives and ensure that marginalized communities are included in climate policy discussions.
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Promoting climate resilience and adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities and enhance community resilience to climate change impacts.
The fight against climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, but it's also an opportunity to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Join us in our campaign to address the climate crisis and build a brighter tomorrow for future generations.