Policing Reform

My proposed initiative aims to revolutionize policing across the nation by incentivizing state and local law enforcement agencies to implement comprehensive reforms. This approach, inspired by the “Race to the Top” funding model, focuses on five key areas: enhancing community oversight of police activities, using economic development as a strategy for improving public safety, increasing pay for law enforcement officers, expanding access to emergency mental health services, and raising recruitment and training standards.

By tying federal funding to clear, measurable achievements in these areas, we can foster safer, more engaged, and better-equipped police forces that operate with heightened accountability and closer community ties, ensuring that our approach to public safety is both effective and respectful of the communities it serves.

Drug Price Negotiations

I firmly support lifting the ban on Medicare drug price negotiations and advocate for extending this capability to cover all Americans, including the uninsured. It is unacceptable that in the United States, a country at the forefront of medical innovation, our citizens are forced to pay some of the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.

Currently, Medicare, which serves millions of our seniors and disabled individuals, is prohibited by law from negotiating drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. This policy has long favored the pharmaceutical industry at the expense of our citizens. It’s time for this to change. I believe that by empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices, we can leverage the purchasing power of the government to secure lower prices, not just for Medicare beneficiaries, but for every American, including those without insurance.

This position isn’t just about reducing costs; it’s about expanding access to essential medications for all, ensuring no one has to choose between filling a prescription and paying for other basic necessities. It’s about fairness, equity, and the basic health security of our people.

I will push for legislation that removes the current barriers to Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices. Furthermore, I will work to ensure that these negotiated prices are available to every American, providing immediate relief to millions currently struggling with high drug costs. This policy will not only help in reducing our national healthcare expenditure but also ensure that healthcare in America is a right, not a privilege dictated by economic status.

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.