ISSUES

    “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” 

Traci believes that we must restore trust and faith in government.  Ohio is now dangerously divided, as is our nation.  Our public lives and political parties have become too polarized. 

 Traci believes we must work together to reimagine an American Democracy that is all-inclusive.  This is a unique opportunity to overcome our fears, our limitations and our guilt by understanding that we must come together in Ohio and America to build upon the past to create a better present and future.  It is up to each of us to choose a higher path for ourselves and our communities, and do this with the aid of our elected officials.

 “One Vote, One Voice” 

Voting is the most basic right in our democracy, but too many people are locked out of the process.  Voter suppression disenfranchises people who belong to historically oppressed and vulnerable communities.  People of color, the elderly, the LGBTQ community, students, people with disabilities, people with low incomes, and others are finding their political participation denied or restricted.

  As Senator, Traci will assert her influence and efforts to attain and maintain equitable voting districts for this state.  She will also oppose other forms of voter suppression and work to make voting readily accessible to all Americans.  She will support the strengthening of the Voting Rights Act/John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

“Your Body, Your Right”

Traci has been an advocate for women’s rights as a former NARAL PAC President.  All across the U.S. these rights are under attack by bills increasingly and unreasonably limiting a woman’s choice and attempting to criminalize abortion and its providers

Traci is pro-choice and will support and protect a women’s fundamental and constitutional right to privacy, and her right to decide concerning her own body.  Traci will also be sensitive to the varying local and regional beliefs concerning this highly emotional issue. 

No one should be able to tell a women what to do with her body "My body my choice", Traci will restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood and stay in the fight for Roe vs Wade.

Access to Affordable and Free Internet

The gap between those who have access to technology, the internet and digital literacy skills, and those who do not is large and vital.  As your Senator, Traci will work to accelerate development of new information technologies including implementation of digital inclusion policies and programs that include the following:

Affordable Wi-Fi and robust broadband for all Americans.

Access to digital literacy training on internet platforms, social media and mobile devices.

"Global Solidarity" through shared information knowledge and resources across this interconnected world to work for the common good.

"Equality for ALL"

 As a Senator, Traci will champion an LGBTQ progressive agenda that seeks to prevent discrimination in the workplace, in daily life and in access to healthcare.  

She will strengthen laws to prosecute perpetrators of hate crimes, bias and gender-based violence.  She will work to reverse policies put in place by previous administrations that sought to slow the progress of equal rights for the LBGTQ community. 

 “Children are the Future” 

Traci’s mother was a Head Start teacher who believed the children are our future.  She passed that belief to Traci and with it the importance of education in general.  Adequate funding for education must be a priority to provide equitable educational opportunities regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geographic location.  

Traci will work to find common sense solutions to the above, along with the concerns of teachers and parents that include overcrowding, adequate materials including access to first-rate technology, the pandemic’s influence on educational progress, school safety, and gender sensitive classrooms. 

  “All Politics is Local”

Money from Washington flows to cities and counties.  Traci will seek to funnel those funds to local programs that provide workers with the skills to compete.  Boot camps, skills training, vocational education and a livable wage will bring workers back into the workforce and ensure growing prosperity.

Women face limited access to jobs due to high childcare costs.  This drives mothers out of the workforce.  Our economy must not leave women behind.  

Traci is committed to publicly funded childcare which offers free care to low-income families and builds an overall system that supports the nation’s workforce with affordable, high-quality childcare.

"Keeping The Economy Running"  

All small business faces tremendous challenges during this public health crisis.  It is up to our representatives in government to step to the plate and provide needed support.  

Traci is concerned that tightening lending standards are stunting cash flow and decreasing the chances of not only growth but also the survival of many establishments.  She supports ongoing comprehensive support plans with bold measures that will put small businesses on a meaningful path to recovery.  

Traci is committed to equal access to resources, streamlined funding, the elimination of barriers and biases, and further investment in programs that provide education and access to capital for all our small entrepreneurs.

 "Reform the System, Provide Relief Now" 

Student loan borrowers in the U.S. owe $1.6 trillion in federal and private loans.  The average student graduates with $40,000 to $80,000 of debt.  This debt follows many Americans late into their lives.   Traci will work to provide Student Loan Forgiveness

Provide students with a 2-year grace period on all loans to allow them to obtain high quality employment

Increase zero interest loans, fixed rate loans at 5% or less, reduction of interest rates on existing loans