Climate Change

Scientists have told us that we have 12 years before reaching he point of permanent, irreversible damage to our planet. This is a crisis of epic proportions, and we don’t have time to waste. Renewable energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the United States economy, employing 800,000 people. Some of the most innovative startups in renewable energy are in Massachusetts, and we can lead the way for a green American economy. A Green New Deal will create millions of well-paying jobs, prevent further damage to the climate, and improve the health of Americans by cutting down on carcinogens that cause lung cancer, asthma, and other diseases.

Gun Safety

Mass shootings are an American epidemic — resulting in a tragic loss of life unlike anywhere else in the world. We need to put a stop to it with common sense gun safety measures. We need to start by reinstating the Assault Weapons Ban on weapons of war, which resulted in far fewer mass shootings. We need mandatory universal background checks with inherent waiting periods and fingerprinting. We need to close gun-show loopholes. And we need to ensure those with mental health issues do not have legal access to guns. The majority of Americans want these gun safety measures, even the majority of NRA members. When I am elected, I will not be beholden to the NRA, and I will lead the charge for change in Congress.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is probably the most pressing issue our nation faces, and neither party is doing enough to address the problem. For the past 30 years, the 1 percent hijacked our political system to invest in themselves. Do Something 2024 knows it’s time they invested in the rest of us. Under her leadership, America will invest in a broad array of economic programs for the 99 percent — everything from public transportation, affordable housing, and free higher education must be on the table. These ideas aren’t new – they’re the same policies that led to the unprecedented wealth of the Baby Boomers. Although we tell ourselves that America is a country of economic mobility, it’s no longer as true as it once was. That can change.

Public Infrastructure

A strong national infrastructure facilitates a strong national economy. We need significant federal funding to supplement states to rebuild crumbling roads, bridges, airports, and public transportation systems. Privatizing infrastructure investment will not work and will only lead to cronyism. Smart federal infrastructure investment will create millions of new, good paying jobs. Closing tax loopholes used by corporations and the super-wealthy will lead to fiscally responsible federal funding.

Education

Many candidates and elected officials talk about the importance of education, and yet little is done to improve the quality of education around our country. We need to make impactful investments in primary and secondary education. We need to pay teachers what they are worth, improve the infrastructure of our schools, and make sure every student has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. New York has become a trend setter by establishing free college tuition for state and local colleges for its middle-class residents. That model should be implemented across the country.

Transportation

Investment in our public transportation options is vital to a healthy economy. In the 21st Century, people need reliable, efficient transportation options to get to a from work, school, medical appointments, and other places to live their daily lives. Quality transportation options equal a more productive workforce, which helps to fuel the economy. Our trains, busses, and ferries need to be state-of-the-art, and it shouldn’t take years or even decades to make them optimal. Here in the Massachusetts 8th district, I will fight for federal funding to cover any budget shortfalls to truly get the MBTA back on track.