Issues
Housing
As a renter herself, Michelle understands the need for more affordable housing for working families to have a sense of stability. Bringing down the cost of housing for every family by offering incentives to create homes at varied price points and establishing renter's tax credit will help address the lack of affordable housing.
Healthcare & Families
Childcare is a critical issue for many families and has a significant impact on parents' ability to work and participate fully in the community. Expanding SC's childcare scholarship program is needed so more families can benefit and developing public-private partnerships to expand childcare availability are necessary. We also must expand Medicaid to support our working families while also protecting the reproductive freedom for all South Carolinians.
Gun Violence
Reducing gun violence in North Charleston requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root cause. Investing in youth programs such as after school programing especially for teenagers is a strategy worth investing in. Adopting child prevention and safe storage laws play a crucial role in preventing gun violence by reducing accessibility of firearms which will aid in preventing accidental shootings, crimes of opportunity, potential suicides and deterring theft.
Infrastructure
Improving infrastructure in the district is essential for enhancing the quality of life for residents, attracting businesses and promoting economic growth. Supporting the Lowcountry Rapid transit, will help to move cars off the road ways and increase affordable housing along the mass transit corridor. To raise the quality of living we need to establish more quiet zones to eliminate the noise from the constant train traffic in North Charleston. We must also invest in our roads and bridges to maintain and repair them as we plan for the future.
DACA/Dreamer Workforce & Higher Education
DACA (deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) has a significant positive impact on the South Carolina economy due to the contributions of DACA recipients. They fill labor gaps in various sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction. Their contributions to the workforce stimulate economic growth by increasing productivity, consumer spending, and tax revenue. However, Dreamers with DACA protections face several barriers to higher education and future job opportunities. We must advocate for more state-level protections such as professional/occupational licensure, expanding access to in-state tuition, and state-based scholarship grants which are crucial for DACA recipients to access many career paths and contribute fully to the South Carolina economy.