Strengthening the ADA and Enhancing Accessibility

Ensuring that all Americans, regardless of ability, have access to public spaces, services, and opportunities is a fundamental aspect of a just and inclusive society. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a critical tool in advancing the rights of people with disabilities, but more must be done to strengthen its provisions and ensure that every community is fully accessible.

This is what I’d like to do in Congress to strengthen the ADA and enhance accessibility across our nation:

  1. Strengthening ADA Compliance: I advocate for updates to the ADA that address modern accessibility needs and close loopholes that allow for non-compliance. This includes expanding the scope of ADA protections to cover emerging technologies and ensuring that digital spaces are as accessible as physical ones.
  2. Increased Funding for Local Governments: To support local governments in their efforts to comply with ADA requirements, I propose significantly increasing federal funding dedicated to accessibility improvements. These funds would help cities and towns retrofit public buildings, sidewalks, transportation systems, and other infrastructure to meet ADA standards.
  3. Support for Home Accessibility: Accessibility should begin at home. I propose creating grant programs to help individuals with disabilities make necessary modifications to their homes, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, and adding accessible bathrooms. These grants would empower people with disabilities to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.
  4. Incentivizing Private Sector Compliance: I support offering tax incentives to businesses that proactively make their facilities and services accessible. This approach not only encourages compliance but also fosters a culture of inclusivity in the private sector.
  5. Community Education and Training: To ensure that accessibility standards are met, I propose funding community education programs that train local officials, architects, and business owners on ADA compliance. Knowledge and understanding are critical to implementing effective accessibility measures.

Accessibility is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral imperative. By strengthening the ADA and providing the necessary resources to local governments and individuals, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Comite River Diversion Canal Project

The Comite River Diversion Canal is an essential infrastructure project that will significantly reduce flooding risks and improve the safety and resilience of our communities. As a candidate for Congress in Louisiana’s 6th District, I fully support the completion of this crucial project and pledge to make it a top bipartisan priority if elected. This needs to get done – now.

Flooding has been a persistent and devastating issue for many residents in our district and across Louisiana. The Comite River Diversion Canal project, which has been in the works for years, aims to alleviate this problem by diverting excess water from the Comite River into the Mississippi River, thereby reducing the flood risk for thousands of homes and businesses. The urgency of completing this project cannot be overstated:

  • Protection of Lives and Property: The canal will provide much-needed protection for our communities, safeguarding lives, homes, and businesses from severe flood damage.
  • Economic Stability: Flooding disrupts local economies, causing significant financial losses. By mitigating flood risks, we can ensure greater economic stability and security for our residents.
  • Environmental Benefits: Properly managing floodwaters will also help preserve our natural landscapes and reduce the long-term environmental impact of uncontrolled flooding.

I share the exasperation and frustration of our residents with the perpetual delays in getting this project done. The Comite River Diversion Canal is not some “bridge to nowhere.” It is a vital infrastructure project that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community. The repeated postponements and bureaucratic hurdles have left many of us wondering why such an essential project has not been prioritized.

Infrastructure projects like the Comite River Diversion Canal should transcend political divisions. If elected, I am committed to working with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to ensure that this project receives the attention and funding it deserves. Here’s how I plan to make it a top priority:

  • Advocating for Funding: I will actively advocate for the necessary federal funding to complete the canal, leveraging my position to secure financial support from both state and federal sources.
  • Collaboration with Stakeholders: I will collaborate with local, state, and federal stakeholders, including community leaders, environmental experts, and government agencies, to push the project forward efficiently and effectively.
  • Transparent Progress Reporting: I will ensure that the progress of the project is communicated transparently to the public, providing regular updates and maintaining accountability throughout the process.

The Comite River Diversion Canal is not just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for our communities. Its completion is urgent and essential for protecting our district from the devastating impacts of flooding. As your representative, I will prioritize this project and work tirelessly to bring it to fruition.

Special Education

I understand the critical importance of having quality, qualified teachers for children with special needs in our public schools. The national shortage of special needs teachers is unacceptable and is robbing young people and their families of the opportunity to have a shot at the American Dream. Here’s my comprehensive plan to address this issue at the federal level:

Increased Funding for Special Education Programs

  • Fully Fund IDEA: We must fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide schools with the financial resources necessary to hire and retain qualified special needs teachers.
  • Grants for Recruitment and Retention: Establish federal grants specifically aimed at recruiting and retaining special needs teachers, offering competitive salaries, signing bonuses, and retention incentives.

Incentivizing Special Education Teaching Careers

  • Loan Forgiveness Programs: Expand loan forgiveness programs for special needs teachers, offering full loan forgiveness for those who commit to teaching in underserved areas or high-need schools for a certain number of years.
  • Scholarships and Stipends: Provide federal scholarships and stipends for students pursuing degrees in special education to make it more feasible for individuals to specialize in special needs teaching.

Professional Development and Support

  • Ongoing Training: Fund professional development programs to ensure special needs teachers receive ongoing training on the latest teaching strategies, technologies, and best practices for working with students with disabilities.
  • Mentorship Programs: Establish federal funding for mentorship programs that pair new special needs teachers with experienced mentors, helping to navigate the challenges of the profession and reduce turnover.

National Awareness and Recruitment Campaign

  • Public Awareness: Launch a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of special education and the rewarding career opportunities it offers, inspiring more people to enter the field.
  • University Partnerships: Partner with universities and colleges to promote special education programs and provide pathways for students to enter the ESS teaching profession through internships, practicums, and job placement services.

Streamlined Certification Processes

  • Alternative Certification Programs: Support and expand alternative certification programs that allow individuals with relevant experience and skills to become ESS teachers quickly while maintaining high standards of teaching quality.
  • Reciprocity Agreements: Promote interstate reciprocity agreements to make it easier for ESS teachers to move between states without needing to re-certify, addressing regional shortages by allowing qualified teachers to work where they are most needed.

By implementing these federal measures, we can effectively address the shortage of ESS teachers and ensure that all students, including those with special needs, have access to the specialized support they require.