PRIORITY ISSUES
The rising cost of living
I remember when my parents paid off their house within ten years of buying it, and I am deeply concerned that members of this generation will not have the same opportunities that past generations had.
Housing is simply too expensive, often taking up significantly more than 30% of a paycheck, which has not kept up with the rising cost of living. Additionally, high food prices and BGE’s rate hikes negatively impact our quality of life and our ability to save for the future.
I will work to make housing and the cost of living more affordable for the next generation and beyond. I will work to bring a variety of businesses to the area to ensure employment for an array of workers and increased salary potential.
Protect Marylanders and the immigrant population
Presidential Executive Orders and federal actions have impacted our citizens directly in the last year. Our daughter lost her job with the F.D.A. and it was devastating for her.
As the daughter and granddaughter of Italian immigrants, I am also passionate about treating the immigrant population with dignity and respect, and protecting them from the abuses of ICE.
In 2025, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Protect Our Federal Workers Act (HB1424) and other bills that were aimed at protecting Marylanders from federal actions. In 2025, California passed the first law to prohibit most law enforcement from wearing face coverings while conducting official business. I will work to establish laws to protect Marylanders from any future detrimental actions by the federal government.
Healthcare and elder care
My brother has been battling multiple myeloma for the last two years and his medical bills have exceeded one million dollars. Fortunately, he has good medical insurance and has had manageable out-of-pocket expenses, but too many people must choose between their health and going bankrupt. It shouldn’t be that way. I believe that healthcare is a human right and that the richest country in the history of the world should be able to provide for its citizens’ healthcare needs. I will do everything I can to fight for that right.
Elderly persons, like my 95-year-old mother and 91-year-old mother-in-law, are living longer and have significant health and social needs. In many cases, the best environment for them to be in is their own home. Staying in one’s home is not always feasible, yet retirement communities and nursing homes have challenges like finding qualified staff and long waiting lists to get in. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid have resulted in low pay for aids and entry-level positions. I will work with state and local officials to address these issues and to improve the living situations for those who have cared for us for so long.
Chesapeake Bay and the environment
The Chesapeake Bay is our precious natural resource and the life blood of many Marylanders’ livelihoods. I will work for the preservation of open space and the Bay’s protection from contamination so that we can live by, work at, and enjoy this natural resource far into the future.
Education
There is nothing more important than our children and their future. There is a myriad of issues that our school systems face, including teacher retention and training, staff shortages, and federal funding cuts. I support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and we must make smart decisions to ensure that ALL students’ needs are met, no matter where they live, how they learn, or their ability.
Traffic & pedestrian safety
There are significant traffic and pedestrian safety concerns along Mountain Road and Ft. Smallwood Road in Pasadena as well as other district roadways. In addition, there are very few bus lines in our district. I will work with other lawmakers and county officials to identify solutions to these problems and get them implemented as quickly as possible.
Gun violence prevention
Firearms are the #1 killer of children in this country, and more children die from firearms than cancer, auto accidents or any other cause. Each year, nearly 26,000 Americans die by firearm suicide including nearly 1,300 children and teens and 4,600 veterans. White Americans have the highest rate of firearm suicide by race, a startling 81%. These statistics are beyond alarming and it doesn’t have to be this way.
I support the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms. Full stop. Maryland currently ranks 8th in the country for gun safety policies, but there is so much more that can be done to promote secure gun storage and to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are unfit to have them. I will work with others to solve this problem as well as invest in violence intervention programs that address the root causes of gun violence.
I want to hear from you.
Let me know your thoughts about living in District 31 and where you would like me to focus my attention. When we come together in good faith, we can solve the problems that we face, TOGETHER.