Key Issues

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No matter your race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or identity – you deserve an equal opportunity to fulfill your potential and succeed in our state.

As a delegate in the Maryland legislature, I led efforts to secure the rights of underserved groups who are often the unfortunate targets of discrimination. And, I carried the charge to protect one of our most sacred civil liberties – the right to vote – and successfully blocked voter suppression efforts across our state.

Select accomplishments: 

• A staunch and early supporter of marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights, including transgender equality.
• One of Maryland’s most effective legislators on campaign finance reform and voter protection, spearheading the fight for same day voter registration, increased transparency and accountability for super-PACs and other outside campaign spending, public financing of political campaigns, and defeating voter suppression laws. 
• A leading voice—and sponsor of bills—for increased funding for mental health and developmental disability resources.
• Stalwart supporter for preserving Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. 
• Advocate of rights and opportunities for Maryland's underserved, from securing increased funding for Baltimore City Public Schools to ensuring laws do not discriminate against minorities and other underserved groups.
• Former Chairman of the Election Law subcommittee, carrying the charge to protect one of our most sacred civil liberties – the right to vote – and successfully blocking voter suppression efforts across our state, as well as taking protective measures against election fraud.

Maryland must provide a nurturing setting for large and small businesses alike while protecting against predatory corporations that exploit families—when the economy thrives, we all may benefit.

As a politician and lawyer, I have advocated for Maryland consumers and cracked down on predatory lenders and insurance companies seeking to take advantage of Marylanders, as well as co-sponsored legislation against intentionally deceptive advertising.

Select accomplishments: 

• Led the fight against predatory lending practices that hurt Maryland families, such as payday loans and advance loans.
• Co-sponsored legislation to crack down on corporations that use deceptive advertisements for automotive sales, clothing sales, and food labeling to intentionally fool Maryland consumers.
• Embraced President Obama’s forward-thinking healthcare legislation, sharing the belief that everyone deserves quality, affordable healthcare without limitations based on pre-existing conditions, age, or gender.
• Sponsored first of its kind legislation to help prevent large energy companies from coming into your backyard and taking your land to build dangerous gas lines that could cause deadly explosions or contaminate our precious natural resources.
• Recognizing that traffic enforcement technology designed to protect Marylanders can also have inherent weaknesses, led an effort to reform speed camera programs statewide by requiring increased accountability, transparency and accuracy.