Issues

Laura became an entrepreneur to open doors that had been denied to her, and as governor she wants to open doors to opportunity for others. Laura believes we need to reduce governmental inefficiencies that make it hard to do business in Maryland so that companies can grow here. We need to explore innovative programs so that more Marylanders can get good-paying jobs and so that businesses can hire great employees. And we need to take action to address the rising costs of staples like groceries, gas and other goods and services. Laura believes we need to remove barriers to opportunity by working to make childcare more affordable, expand access to education and job training, increase broadband connectivity, and invest in public transit so that people can get to their next opportunity.

Laura knows how education can open doors to opportunity, and how lack of a solid education can be a barrier. Laura believes we need to invest in public schools, and continue to expand high-speed internet access. She will work to address college affordability, but also knows that a four-year degree is not right for everyone. Laura will expand access to vocational training and will also direct state agencies to consider all candidates based on their work experience, not whether they could afford to attend college.

Laura grew up with parents that struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, and has had to forgo medical care because she could not afford it. Laura believes the quality of care you receive should not be determined by your zip code. She will work to protect funding for community health centers, help to make sure people are connected to mental health services, and work to address rising healthcare costs so that no one has to choose to go without necessary medical care.  Laura believes in the right to choose and believes Roe v. Wade should be upheld.

Laura knows what housing insecurity feels like, and believes no one should be without a safe place to live. She believes we need to work with local communities to increase the amount of market-rate and affordable housing stock. As someone who struggled to afford her first home, she thinks we need to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to afford a downpayment. And Laura believes we need to work to address disparities in home appraisals that lead to the undervaluing of homes owned by black Marylanders.

Laura knows from experience that you can’t get a quality education or a new job if you don’t have a way to get there. She took the bus to school, to work and to the library. Laura believes it was a mistake to cancel the Red Line construction, and will advocate for additional federal funding to help connect Baltimore’s residents with opportunity. She will see the Purple Line construction to completion, and continue to invest in road and bridge improvements throughout Maryland.

Laura cares about protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and enjoys spending time on the water in Somerset County with her children. She believes that climate change is a critical threat to Maryland communities, increasing flooding and impacting fisheries. She believes we need to continue to create clean energy jobs in Maryland, which will be an economic engine for the state. She also believes we need to do more to address health disparities caused by pollution & work to reduce the amount of lead paint in disadvantaged communities.

Laura knows what it’s like for the criminal justice system to ignore you, and to feel invisible when you need help. She believes everyone deserves to live in a safe community, and that means investing more in community policing, preventive services, officer training, and increasing diversity in police forces across the state. She also believes we need to invest more in job training and reentry services for people who were previously incarcerated.