Issues

All young people are deserving of a high quality education that prepares them to be successful in the workforce, in the community, and in life. Schools have a responsibility to develop the next generation of leaders, not test takers. Rhode Island needs a statewide school funding formula to ensure that all children have equitable access to high quality education.  Schools must support young people not only academically but also by being safe places for social emotional growth both during the school day and after school time.

Like the federal investment in our national parks, Rhode Island must invest in our green space. Maria supports policies fostering and maintaining bicycle paths and walking trails throughout our state. In addition, Maria believes that public transportation is an area for growth and can revitalize our community.

State policy should encourage energy efficiency in building regulations and encourage Rhode Island to be a hub of Green Architecture and experimentation. This work will care for our state’s precious natural resources, make utilities more affordable for our people, and provide valued jobs as we continue our development in the 21^st century.

Access to living/fair wage jobs is crucial to the prosperity of all Rhode Islanders, particularly now. The State has an obligation to foster job creation and a diverse economy through its economic policy. The General Assembly must play its part.

Small business owners, non-profits, and local entrepreneurs can and should be encouraged to employ Rhode Islanders first. Tax policy should be designed to benefit the daily life of the average Rhode Islander, not the shareholders of out of state corporations. In negotiating our state budget, we should look to make decisions which will improve the long term economic opportunities of our people, not simply cut vital programs.

Work should pay for all Rhode Islanders.