Working-class priorities.
Healthcare is a human right.
Universal healthcare: We must fight to protect and expand healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, while moving closer to a universal healthcare system. Healthcare must be a fundamental right for every American, regardless of their economic status, and not a privilege for the wealthy or powerful. Every single person should have the ability to get the healthcare they deserve as an American.
Lowering drug costs: We will work tirelessly to fight the pharmaceutical industry and lower drug costs. No life-saving medication should cost a person their livelihood. Prescription drugs must be affordable for all, regardless of income.
Increased accessibility: We are dedicated to making healthcare more accessible to all by advocating for an increase in the number of doctors and healthcare practitioners available to our community. Additionally, we will work on lowering out-of-pocket costs to ensure medical debt does not destroy the lives of working-class families.
We deserve a living wage!
Every hard-working American should earn an income that allows them, not just to survive, but to thrive. No one who works full-time should have to live paycheck to paycheck. Together, we can build an economy where everyone has the opportunity to earn a living wage, providing financial security and a brighter future for working-class families. This is our commitment to a fair and prosperous society.
Raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour: The current federal minimum wage is just $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage hasn’t been increased since 2009! With record corporate profits must include record wages. We will push for a substantial increase in the federal minimum wage to $20 per hour and index it with inflation. This will enable individuals and families to live comfortably and reduce the stress of financial insecurity even in tough economic times
Supporting small businesses: Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We will work closely with them to ensure they have the support and resources needed to pay their employees fairly, access credit and loans when needed, and streamline bureaucracy and red tape. West Houston needs profitable small business to thrive.
Fair compensation for essential workers: Essential workers, like teachers, nurses, firefighters and police officers, deserve to be paid fairly for their invaluable contributions. We will collaborate with cities and school districts to secure the funding necessary to ensure our hardworking essential workers receive the compensation they rightly deserve.
Green new jobs!
The Houston area knows all too well the harsh realities of climate change. We've experienced the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey and the Houston Tax Day Flood, where approximately 240 billion gallons of rainwater inundated Harris County.
We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on. We can't ignore the fact we just endured the hottest summer on record. For weeks, we experienced scorching days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. Scientists warn this is just the beginning, and it will only get worse. The environmental crisis is not just an issue for our generation; it's our responsibility to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a clean and habitable Earth.
To mitigate climate change and secure a sustainable future, we need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It's a transition that can be made without costing a single person their job. We're committed to providing comprehensive training for workers in the oil industry as we shift to new positions in renewable energy, without sacrificing our livelihoods.
The proliferation of wind turbines across the country is a step in the right direction, but we must go further. Our primary focus should be harnessing the power of solar and wind energy. By making this transition, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future for all.
Remove corporate money from politics.
Our democracy can no longer be sold to the billionaire class. We pledge to reduce the influence of corporate money in politics through:
Campaign finance reform: Support significantly limiting campaign contributions from corporations and wealthy individuals, ensuring elections are about people, not dollars.
Transparency: Advocate for full transparency in political donations, so voters know who is financing campaigns and can make informed choices.
Overturning Citizens United: Work to overturn the Citizens United decision to restore the integrity of our elections and limit the outside influence of corporations on the political process.
Strengthening labor unions and workers.
We believe in the power of collective bargaining and the right of every worker to fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in their workplace.
Empower workers: Support legislation that makes it easier for workers to join and form unions, ensuring they have a strong voice in negotiations and workplace decisions.
Worker protections: Fight for robust workplace safety regulations and workers compensation programs to protect employees from harm on the job.
Education equity.
Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it's a fundamental right that every child should enjoy. Sadly, the reality is many children in our country do not have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. It's time for a change – our future depends on it.
We are committed to ensuring every school and district receives the funding they need. This is especially crucial for those in lower-income areas. Our focus should be on uplifting schools that lack the necessary resources, rather than reinforcing already privileged districts.
Early education for all: Every child should have access to high-quality preschool. This early foundation is a critical building block for their future. We must incorporate this into our education system, as many other nations have, recognizing most learning occurs in the first five years of life.
Universal free college and trade schools: We believe higher education should be within reach for everyone. That's why we’re committed to making two-year and four-year programs at community colleges, state colleges, and trade schools free for all who seek to further their education. Our goal is to eliminate the burden of student debt and provide young adults, as well as parents supporting their children's education, with the opportunity to start their lives without the shackles of financial constraints.
Legalize marijuana.
Public support for marijuana legalization is on the rise, and it's crucial to align our laws with the will of the people. Across the nation, the legalization of marijuana has been a transformative force. It's reduced crime rates and delivered an economic boost to states and communities. We firmly believe it's time for our country to embrace the positive impact of marijuana legalization.
Equity and justice: The criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately impacted low-income and minority communities through the criminal justice system. This not only robs taxpayers of their money but also hinders the lives of those with misdemeanor charges. It's time to right this wrong and give people a fair chance at building a better future.
Economic Opportunities: The marijuana industry presents significant economic potential. Revenue generated can fund crucial projects such as infrastructure improvements, increased teacher salaries, and more. In a struggling economy, where resources often go to places they shouldn't, the additional income from the marijuana industry can be a lifeline for our community.
Health benefits: Marijuana offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. It can alleviate the pain of injuries and provide relief from anxiety and stress. By legalizing it, we can ensure safe access to these potential health advantages.