money & influence
Americans are upset about the significant influence the American Israel Public Affairs Committee wields in Congress. AIPAC is a lobbying organization that advocates for Israel, often securing strong congressional support for allocating billions of dollars in aid to the country.
Currently, anyone working as an agent for foreign principals in political activities has to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). But groups like AIPAC and others representing Israel’s interests, such as DMFI, aren’t registered. I'm going to make sure all Israel-associated PACs have to follow the same rules as all other foreign lobbies.
I believe in prioritizing America and keeping more U.S. money within the country. I condemn genocide and dedicated to opposing any kind of U.S. involvement in supporting it.
I pledge not to accept donations from foreign lobbying groups.
Working-class Americans work tirelessly to make ends meet, often juggling multiple jobs just to keep up with inflation while wages remain stagnant. Meanwhile, our tax dollars help subsidize the wealthiest among us. It’s time to make our taxes work for everyday people again.
With the tax breaks granted to corporations and the ultra-wealthy in the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, many Americans have come to see that the top one percent of earners aren’t contributing their fair share in taxes. In keeping with the other goals I have for the working class, I propose the following taxes (which would be used to fund various programs that benefit all Americans):
Reversal of All Tax Deductions for the Ultra Wealthy and Corporations in the One Big "Beautiful" Bill
This heinous bill laid out hundreds of billions of tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy in the form of tax deductions and various other vehicles to keep their wealth untaxed.
Corporate tax rates should be raised from 21% to 35%.
The corporate tax cuts from the last Trump administration should be reversed. We should reinstate the 35% corporate tax rate
Marginal income tax rate would be:
40 percent on income between $250,000 and $500,000.
45 percent on income between $500,000 and $2 million.
50 percent on income between $2 million and $10 million. (In 2014, only 136,000 households, the top 0.1 percent of taxpayers, had income between $2 million and $10 million.)
52 percent on income above $10 million. (In 2014, only 16,700 households, just 0.02 percent of taxpayers, had income exceeding $10 million.)
Taxing capital gains and dividends the same as income from work.
Many wealthy people do not bring home a regular "income" but oftentimes make money on capital gains and dividends, so we should be taxing those capital gains and dividends as though they are income.
Make the Estate Tax More Progressive
45 percent for the value of an estate between $3.5 million and $10 million.
50 percent for the value of an estate between $10 million and $50 million.
55 percent for the value of an estate in excess of $50 million.
An additional 10 percent surtax would apply to estate value in excess of $500 million ($1 billion for married couples)
Establish a Wealth Tax on the Top 0.1 percent
This option would establish an annual 1 percent federal wealth tax on the net worth of the wealthiest 0.1 percent of U.S. households. The tax would apply to net worth exceeding $21 million for a household.
Close the Gingrich-Edwards Loophole and Create Parity for Wealthy Business Owners
This option closes the Gingrich-Edwards loophole which allows individuals who own and run an S-Corporation to game the system and avoid paying payroll taxes by claiming some income as business profits
Impose a one-time tax on currently held offshore profits
For years corporations have been avoiding paying their fair share of taxes by stashing their cash in the Cayman Islands and other offshore tax havens where there is no corporate income tax rate. This option would require these companies to pay a one-time tax now, based on what they owe under current law.
Impose a Fee on Large Financial Institutions
This option would impose a fee of seven basis points (.07 percent) on covered liabilities of financial institutions with $50 billion or more in total assets, as proposed by President Obama.
Repeal Corporate Accounting Gimmicks
This option would eliminate the “last-in, first-out” (LIFO) accounting method that allows corporations to manipulate their inventory and make it appear like they have lower profits.
Reference: Microsoft Word - OPTIONS TO FINANCE MEDICARE FOR ALL.docx
Corporations are not people.
In 2010, a Supreme Court ruling unleashed a wave of corporate money into election campaigns. The Citizens United v. FEC decision has influenced nearly every major election in the U.S., with millions of dollars flowing from "single donors." This loophole has reshaped the nation’s political landscape and needs to be closed. It’s turned politics into a bidding war, tipping the scales heavily toward candidates backed by billionaires.
Along with overturning Citizens United, members of Congress should be prohibited from accepting gifts, donations, or any other financial contributions from lobbyists that could sway government policy. They should be held to the highest standards of integrity and make decisions that truly reflect the will of their constituents.
I pledge not to accept donations from Corporate Lobbyists, including those representing: Big Tech, Big Pharma, Big Oil, Insurance, Real Estate, Private Equity, Securities & Investment, Manufacturing & Distribution, Air Transport, Utilities, Health Services/HMOs, etc.
health & safety
Healthy People Keep People Healthy.
Sick People Keep People Sick.
Access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Every person deserves to have access to doctors, hospitals, medications, testing, treatments, vision, dental and any other services they need.
Right now (30DEC2025), the average American family pays approximately $635/month for health insurance coverage. That does NOT include co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, prescriptions, lab fees, hospitalizations, etc.
Senator Bernie Sanders has been championing Medicare for All for many years. In a document released by his office, Senator Sanders proposes multiple ways to finance plan. Some of the many options include:
Establishing a Wealth Tax on the top 0.1% to generate $1.3 trillion over ten years
Make the Personal Income Tax More Progressive on the Wealthy:
40 percent on income between $250,000 and $500,000.
45 percent on income between $500,000 and $2 million.
50 percent on income between $2 million and $10 million. (In 2014, only 136,000 households, the top 0.1 percent of taxpayers, had income between $2 million and $10 million.)
52 percent on income above $10 million. (In 2014, only 16,700 households, just 0.02 percent of taxpayers, had income exceeding $10 million.)
Taxing households a 4% income-based premium (with Standard deduction, families making less than $29,000/year would be exempt)-this option would save the average family approximately $4,400 per year.
7.5 percent income-based premium paid by employers-this option would save businesses over $9,000 on the average employee
Savings from Health Tax Expenditures-Medicare for All would eliminate several tax breaks, generating $4.2 trillion over ten years
In America, insurance companies hold significant control over healthcare. The sky-high costs stem from many factors, including the lack of regulation on care prices because insurers call the shots. They decide what medications patients can get, which procedures are allowed, and how long care can be provided. They also set reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals.
Medicare for All will help rein in the medical sector, tackling outrageous drug prices and enabling providers to reclaim their role as primary caregivers. It will curb runaway costs, eliminate burdensome prior authorizations, and replace questionable care standards set by private insurers, all while ensuring everyone gets medical attention.
We invest more in healthcare than any other nation, but ensuring widespread access to preventive care, screenings, and regular visits could lead to a far healthier future.
America has the money to fund Medicare for All. We just have to shift our priorities.
Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, swimming in the waves and feeling the winds, I know there are other ways to harness energy beyond drilling into the earth.
Trump's EPA is fighting to destroy the earth and to poison Americans. The EPA has gutted protections for our air and water. Yes, the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY has actively been working to add more pollution to our environments. In addition to massive layoffs in the EPA, major deregulations to: Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, wastewater for oil and gas refineries, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for American energy and manufacturing sectors (NESHAPs), among many others. 1
The Green New Deal is the only option to secure a future on this planet for generations to follow. We cannot continue to destroy this planet and expect to be able to support life on it. We must re-invest in renewable energy programs such as solar and wind. The Green New Deal also focuses on important environmental impact like cleaning up hazardous waste and abandoned sites; repairing and upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions; restoring ecosystems through land preservation, afforestation and science-based projects; supporting family farming, investing in sustainable farming, and building a more sustainable and equitable food system; among many other initiatives.2
AI Data Centers have been cropping up in the United States at an alarming rate-without the approval of the citizens. These Data Centers pose a serious risk to the health and security of our communities, despite the promises touted by the Data Center lobbyists. Data Centers consume large amounts of water and electricity. The water is lost to evaporation, and the electricity consumption not only adds to the use of fossil fuels, but the increased demand on the grid raises the rates for the community members.3
I am going to fight to re-establish green energy programs. I will fight also the construction of data centers as they pose a very real threat to the health of our families and our ecosystem.
1 EPA Launches Biggest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History | US EPA
Contraceptives are healthcare. Tubal Ligations are healthcare. Abortions are healthcare.
The overturning of Roe vs. Wade was a major setback for reproductive rights, and I’m determined to fight to reclaim every right that has been taken away since.
Simply put, maternal mortality in the United States is higher than in any other high-income country. Most maternal deaths here occur within the first 42 days after childbirth, a period when women in many other nations often receive home visits and guaranteed paid family leave. The rate is especially high among Black women, who frequently experience poorer quality care during hospitalization compared to white women.1
In this country, giving birth can be life-threatening for women, especially Black women. With harsh abortion bans in many states, maternal care is often sacrificed to prioritize an embryo or fetus. Many clinicians hesitate to provide medically necessary care to women out of fear of legal consequences under these strict laws.
Women have the right to choose. Full Stop. I will fight for a woman's right to choose.
1 U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Comparison | Commonwealth Fund
In 2023, more than forty-six thousand people in the United States lost their lives to gun violence. This includes deaths from suicide, homicide, accidents, and incidents involving law enforcement, with suicides making up the largest share of gun-related fatalities.1
Globally, gun violence is often associated with the United States, which has the highest rates of gun-related deaths and injuries, far surpassing any other country.
Since its founding in 1871, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has been a powerful lobbying force in Congress, shaping laws and regulations to its advantage. In 2005, it played a key role in stopping a ban on assault weapons. One notable Democrat in Congress, who also served on the NRA’s Board, was instrumental in these lobbying successes. However, by the time his career ended, his wife revealed that he “no longer trusted the NRA.”2
Johns Hopkins has compiled a Firearm Purchaser Licensing list which outlines a great approach to licensing individuals seeking gun ownership.3
It includes:
Proof of Firearms Safety Training
Fingerprinting
In-person Application Step
Comprehensive Background Check
Waiting Periods
In addition to this FPL, I support bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
1 Annual Gun Violence Data | Center for Gun Violence Solutions
2 NYT’s bombshell report reveals ‘The Secret History of the N.R.A.’ |
This nation was built on the backs of the working-class, Indigenous peoples and immigrants.
My great-grandfathers arrived in the states through Ellis Island-one of them helped build the railroads, and the other helped establish Main Street, USA.
I believe in upholding the Constitution and that all undocumented immigrants should be afforded due process.
I reject the current agenda of mass deportation. I condemn the treatment of ICE detainees and the displacement of families.
I embrace all religions, stand as an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and support all marginalized groups.
As a mom of two kids on the autism spectrum and someone living with multiple chronic conditions, I deeply understand the challenges of life with disabilities. I believe everyone has the inalienable right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
I condemn Racism.
I condemn Bigotry.
I condemn Homophobia.
I condemn Transphobia.
I condemn Sexism.
I condemn Ableism.
I condemn Ageism.
I condemn Xenophobia.
I condemn Islamophobia.
I condemn Antisemitism.
I will fight for the rights of all the people in this nation.
quality of life
One of the richest nations in the world should be able to prioritize the education of its students. Our kids should be provided with free education from preschool through public college, including trade schools.
Representative Pramila Jayapal introduced the College for All Act of 2025 to Congress. A summary released by Senator Bernie Sanders explains the College for All Act of 2025:1
Eliminates tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities for working families and makes community college tuition-and fee free for all
Doubles Maximum Pell Award to nearly $15K and allows students to use Pell Grants to cover living expenses to help ensure students graduate debt-free
Provides $10 Billion for Inclusive Student Success Grants to Participating States
Triples Federal TRIO Funding
Doubles Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEARUP) Funding
This is a comprehensive solution to a problem that has plagued millions of Americans, and I will proudly support this legislation or sponsor a similar bill if this one is not passed.
Childcare costs an average of $13,128 per year in the United States. Parents are being priced out of working, or potential parents are being priced out of parenthood because it is SO EXPENSIVE to take care of children.
The Child Care for Working Families Act1 has been introduced in every Congress since 2017. This bill proposes that working families pay no more than 7% of their income, with many families paying no more than $10 per day and some eligible families would pay NOTHING.
This act will address the childcare crisis by: "ensuring families can afford the childcare they need, expanding access to more high-quality options, stabilizing the childcare sector, and helping ensure childcare workers taking care of our nation’s kids are paid livable wages. The legislation will also dramatically expand access to pre-K, and support full-day, full-year Head Start programs and increased wages for Head Start workers"1
The Child Care for Working Families Act proposes the creation of three programs:
The Birth Through Five Child Care and Early Learning Entitlement Program
Caps costs for working families
Improves the quality and supply of child care for all children and increases families’ child care options
Supports higher wages for child care workers
Supports State participation
Provides funding for localities and Head Start if States do not join the program
The Building an Affordable System for Early Education (BASE) Grants
Provides grants to help defray child care providers’ costs
Provides formula funding to every State
The Universal Preschool Program
Expands access to high-quality preschool programs
Supports higher wages for preschool educators and staff
Details on each of the components of this Act can be read here: Child-Care-for-Working-Families-Act-Summary-119th.pdf
I’m fully committed to supporting this act and will work tirelessly to help working families access affordable, quality childcare.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has 38 member countries, primarily consisting of developed nations with high-income economies.
Of those 38 countries, only 1 country does not offer paid family leave.
The United States. 1
In fact, many countries around the world guarantee generous maternity and/or family leave packages to their citizens. 2
The United States has the resources to provide paid family leave for parents after the birth or adoption of a child, and it should be guaranteed for 6 months MINIMUM.
Funding this program can best be accomplished with a joint campaign: requiring employers to pay into a family leave insurance pool and appropriating a portion of the federal budget. Taxing the rich and corporations will help bolster the budget, and there is plenty of waste that can be cut out of the budget to prioritize paid family leave.
$7.25/hour does not hold up to price hikes we have seen since 2009.
Since 2009, the cost of living has increased approximately 51%.1
Minimum wage MUST be raised, and I will advocate for quality of life for my hard-working friends and neighbors.
In 2025, Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 to Congress. It proposes a $17.00/hr minimum wage, to be rolled out incrementally by 2030. 2
I would support this bill, though I would propose amending the timeline to rollout the increases sooner, if the economy can support it.
In addition to raising the minimum wage, I would also support a Universal Basic Income. Currently, Congresswoman Tlaib has introduced the Economic Dignity for All Agenda 3 which includes three Bills, tackling three aspects which affect the working class. The bills in this agenda are:
The End Child Poverty Act would provide a universal child benefit of $458 per child, per month, bringing us closer to a nation where all children can grow up free from poverty
The Baby Bonus Act would provide every family with $2,000 upon the birth of their child, bringing economic stability to households through timely and flexible assistance at a pivotal period for child development
The BOOST Act (Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive Act) would provide $250 per month to adults between the ages of 19 to 67 years old, promoting economic security for all.
1 CPI Inflation Calculator
2 All Info - H.R.2743 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Raise the Wage Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
3 Tlaib Introduces Economic Dignity for All Agenda to Tackle Affordability Crisis
America is facing a housing crisis.
This crisis has not been caused by immigrants, despite what the administration is claiming. The housing crisis has largely been caused by hedge funds (Wall Street, etc.) and private equity firms (Blackstone, etc.) These entities come in and purchase homes for cash-an offer most sellers won't refuse-and then either rent them out for OUTRAGEOUS prices or turn around and sell them for a much higher price than they paid. Having these home purchased has also caused an issue of supply in the housing market.
Senator Jeff Merkley has introduced the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act.1 This bill:
Bans hedge funds from owning single-family homes and requires them to sell at least 10% of the total number of single-family homes they currently own to families per year over a 10-year period.
Subjects hedge funds to a $50,000 per single family home per year tax penalty on the number of single-family homes owned above either zero or a scheduled 10% reduction per year over 10-years winding down to zero. o After a 10-year full phase-out, all hedge funds will be completely banned from owning any single-family homes.
Imposes a 50% tax on the fair market value of any future hedge fund purchase of a single-family home.
Tax penalties paid by hedge funds are reserved for down payment assistance for people seeking to purchase homes sold by hedge funds.
Ensures the tax penalty focuses on problematic actors by excluding nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies and other government entities.
Includes an explicit certification process for a purchaser of a hedge fund owned home to confirm that they do not own a majority interest in any other single family residential real estate.
To address the homelessness and housing crises, to move toward the goal of providing for a home for all Americans, Senator Alex Padilla introduced the Housing for All Act of 2025.2 This bill would be especially significant to the people in our district as it would address a number of disparities affecting our community. This bill proposes establishment of:
Housing Trust Fund
Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program
Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (low-income people)
Technical Assistance for Navigating Federal and State Housing Funding Sources
Permanent Authorization of United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and Establishment of Racial Equity Commission
Expansion of housing choice voucher program
Project-based Rental Assistance
Emergency solutions grant program
Continuum of care grant program
Program Administration, Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building
GAO Report on Eviction Data During the Pandemic
Safe Parking Program Grants
Hotel/Motel Acquisitions and Conversions to Permanent Housing
Eviction Protection Grant Program
Mobile Crisis Intervention Grants
Library Consortium Pilot Grants
Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development to Enhance Climate Mitigation and Disaster Resiliency
Establishing a regional innovation pilot within the carbon reduction program
Making infill housing and other transportation efficiency projects eligible for the RAISE program
Homelessness and behavioral health care coordination
I’m all in for these amazing bills and will work hard to get them passed to support our neighbors and loved ones.
1 End-Hedge-Fund-Control-of-American-Homes-Act-1-page-Summary.pdf
2 Housing-for-All-Act-of-2025_Section-by-Section_Final_4.3.25.pdf