Modernizing our Supply Chain Infrastructure

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in America’s supply chain infrastructure, leading to delays, shortages, and increased costs of goods. To reduce costs and improve efficiency, the federal government needs to invest in modernizing our supply chain infrastructure, from manufacturing to transportation.

I will fight to:

  • Invest in Transportation Infrastructure: Increase federal investment in ports, railways, and highways to streamline the transportation of goods across the country. This would reduce delays and costs associated with moving goods, making essential items like food, medicine, and consumer goods more affordable.
  • Support Domestic Manufacturing: Encourage domestic production of essential goods by offering tax incentives for companies that manufacture critical items like food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals within the U.S. Reducing reliance on international supply chains would reduce vulnerabilities and lower shipping costs.
  • Improve Technology and Logistics: Expand federal support for upgrading supply chain technology, such as blockchain and real-time tracking systems, which would improve efficiency and transparency in the movement of goods.

A modernized supply chain would ensure a smoother flow of goods, lower costs for consumers, and greater resilience against disruptions. It would also support job creation in manufacturing and logistics industries in Louisiana and across the U.S.

Combating Corporate Consolidation and Monopolies

Monopolistic practices and corporate consolidation have reduced competition, increased prices for consumers, and harmed small businesses. Federal policy must restore competition to the marketplace and protect consumers from predatory corporate practices.

I will fight for:

  • Stronger Antitrust Enforcement: Reinforce antitrust laws and strengthen the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to combat monopolies and corporate mergers that stifle competition. This would include limiting monopolistic mergers in key sectors such as technology, agriculture, and healthcare.
  • Break Up Monopolies: Where necessary, break up companies that have a stranglehold on markets, particularly in industries like big tech and pharmaceuticals, where a few companies dominate to the detriment of consumers.
  • Consumer Protection: Enact or enforce regulations to protect consumers from price gouging and unfair practices, particularly in essential sectors like healthcare, energy, and telecommunications.

Breaking up monopolies and increasing competition would reduce prices for everyday goods and services, promote innovation, and help small businesses thrive in an economy that is fair for everyone.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most effective tools in fighting poverty, providing working-class families with direct financial relief. However, I believe it can be further expanded and reformed to better serve struggling households and boost economic mobility.

I will fight for:

  • Expanded EITC Eligibility: Broaden eligibility for the EITC to include more low-income workers without children and young adults aged 18-24 who are currently excluded from receiving benefits. This would help reduce poverty among younger workers just entering the workforce.
  • Increased Credit Amounts: Increase the maximum credit amounts for childless workers and families with children to reflect the rising cost of living. This boost would allow more families to cover essential expenses such as housing, healthcare, and childcare.
  • Simplified Filing: Simplify the process for applying for the EITC by automatically enrolling eligible individuals through tax filing data, ensuring that more families can access this important benefit without the complexity of the current system.

A significant EITC expansion would help alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, and give working-class families more financial breathing room. It would provide targeted relief to the most vulnerable communities, including single parents, young adults, and childless workers.

Infrastructure

I am committed to aggressively securing federal funds and grants to drive significant infrastructure improvements across our state, focusing keenly on transforming our public transit systems from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, and everywhere in between. In particular, modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy and a fundamental aspect of improving quality of life for all Louisianans.

That means:

  • Modernizing Public Transit: My vision includes bringing Baton Rouge and Shreveport’s public transit systems into the 21st century. This means advocating for federal investments to introduce electrified buses and wifi-enabled vehicles, ensuring our public transportation is not only eco-friendly but also equipped with the technology to meet the needs of today’s commuters. Additionally, I will push for the development of rapid transit lanes and explore the feasibility of regional rail systems that could better connect our urban centers.
  • Statewide High-Speed Rail System: A key pillar of my infrastructure agenda is the creation of a statewide high-speed rail system. This ambitious project aims to connect all major Louisiana colleges with each other and with major population centers. Such connectivity will enhance educational access, reduce traffic congestion, stimulate economic development, and provide environmentally friendly travel options. Imagine every college kid being able to go home without a car. Or (parents, look away) imagine every college kid having an affordable way to get to New Orleans on the weekend.
  • Bipartisan Cooperation for Statewide Benefits: Achieving these goals requires collaboration across the aisle and partnership with local officials, regardless of party affiliation. I pledge to work closely with local and state leaders to ensure that Louisiana’s infrastructure projects are a top priority at the federal level.
  • Strategic Allocation of Resources: By strategically targeting federal funds and grants, we can ensure that these critical projects not only get off the ground but are also completed efficiently and effectively. This includes leveraging relationships in Congress to advocate for budget allocations that reflect our state’s needs and ensuring that Louisiana receives its fair share of infrastructure funding.

Protect & Expand Medicare

While I champion Medicare for All as the model for our ultimate goal, I’m dedicated to immediate enhancements to Medicare. This includes expanding coverage to include essential vision and hearing services, lowering the eligibility age to 60, and ensuring Medicare has the power to negotiate lower drug prices.

Protect & Strengthen Social Security

I stand firmly against any attempts to privatize Social Security. Our commitment is to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, safeguarding and enhancing benefits for all, especially our seniors.

Expanding Affordable Housing Options

The lack of affordable housing has reached crisis levels in many parts of the country. Rent is becoming an unsustainable portion of household income, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and homelessness. Affordable housing must be a top federal priority, with policies designed to increase the supply of low-cost homes and provide rent relief.

I will push for increased federal funding for the construction and maintenance of affordable housing units. I want to see that funding focus on both urban and rural areas, ensuring that growth and revitalization are balanced and beneficial to all residents. By incentivizing the private sector and local governments to develop affordable housing projects, we can address the critical shortage that many communities in Louisiana and elsewhere face.

I will also fight for:

  • Build More Affordable Housing: Significantly increase federal investment in the construction of affordable housing units through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and other federal grants. This would ensure that housing is available to low- and moderate-income families in both urban and rural areas.
  • Expand Housing Vouchers: Increase funding for Section 8 vouchers, which allows low-income families to afford rent in private housing. The current demand for vouchers far outpaces availability, and expanding this program would help ensure that every qualifying family can receive assistance.
  • Rent Control and Stabilization: Encourage states to adopt rent control policies that limit excessive rent increases and ensure that rents remain affordable for tenants in high-demand areas.

Expanding affordable housing and rent relief programs would reduce homelessness, improve housing stability for millions of families, and help mitigate the spiraling cost of living in urban areas.

Universal Healthcare

I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for the few. Every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status, deserves access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services. As your representative, I am committed to advocating for policies that ensure universal healthcare access, recognizing that a healthy society is the cornerstone of our collective success. Ensuring that every person can receive the medical care they need without the fear of financial ruin is not just a policy goal—it’s a moral imperative that reflects our values as a compassionate, equitable community.

A Just Transition to Clean Energy

Understanding the nuanced dynamics of the oil and gas sectors, my platform proposes a compassionate just transition strategy. I recognize that completely phasing out these industries is impractical and could jeopardize the livelihoods of countless families.

Instead, I support a balanced approach, offering retraining programs, economic diversification initiatives, and social safety nets to ensure that workers and their communities can thrive in a changing economic landscape without sacrificing their financial security.

My vision is a future where climate justice prevails, powered by clean energy, fortified by strong community safeguards, and guided by a just and equitable transition for all.