PEOPLE FIRST ECONOMY

Recent federal investment has spurred economic growth, and we need to continue to build and innovate for a brighter future. We must send the message that companies in West Virginia have a responsibility to reinvest in the state, take care of workers by paying competitive wages, and uphold responsible environmental practices to protect our natural resources. Strong unions mean a strong workforce. The unions of WV set an example for unions across the country—from the coalfields to the classrooms. Supporting unions is crucial for advancing social and economic justice, reducing income inequality, and fostering a strong, vibrant middle class. Housing is a crucial component of a thriving economy. To keep our young people here and to draw new families to WV we need affordable workforce housing.

Mandy supports:

  • Investing in education, infrastructure, child care, and technology to empower local businesses and attract new industries.

  • Promoting green energy projects, supporting small businesses and enhancing broadband access as essential steps towards building a resilient and inclusive rural economy.

  • Reversing so-called “right to work” laws that have stripped workers of their power and work towards protecting and expanding workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.

  • Housing construction initiatives that are occurring in the border counties need to also happen in central WV.

  • Initiatives to promote women in trades and construction would add to our needed workforce to build housing.

REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

Pregnancy is complex and is unique for each individual person. Abortion bans threaten the life, health, and fertility of pregnant people. Patients should have access to the full range of medical care in our health care facilities and should not be forced to travel hours out of state during complex medical situations. Patients should feel confident visiting an emergency room during a pregnancy complication and not be fearful of delayed care.

Mandy believes that Mountaineers are Always Free and should be able to make their own medical decisions without government interference. Our medical students should be able to learn and practice a full range of medical procedures to ensure the best care possible for patients; with the current bans in place they are not afforded this opportunity. Many West Virginians already travel hours for OB/GYN care, abortion bans will further diminish the number of practitioners in our state as young medical professionals will seek education and employment in states that permit a full range of care.

The wealthy will always have access to abortion care, contraception and IVF treatments. Women and families, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should have access to affordable and comprehensive reproductive health care including the full range of contraception methods. It is not up to politicians to decide when or how we plan our families. Mandy is the only candidate in this race that is calling for reproductive freedom to be put on the ballot. West Virginian’s had a constitutional right to abortion for close to 50 years, it is time to let the people decide if we want reproductive freedom in the Mountain State. The power should belong to the people.

Mandy supports:

  • A ballot referendum so that the people can vote on reproductive freedom and to give the people the power to put initiatives on the ballot.

  • Access to contraceptives and IVF treatment

ROBUST PUBLIC EDUCATION

Our students deserve access to arts, sciences, math, and foundational courses that will enable them to pursue worthwhile careers of their choice—whether they choose a college or technical path.

West Virginia has thriving industries in aeronautics, neurosciences, specialized medicine, and astronomy—our youth should have access to education that prepares them for careers close to home.

Our teachers and support staff should have competitive wages, but they should also have a work environment that is safe, access to continuing education, and reasonable workloads so they can focus on teaching.

The needs of children have changed over the years. Many children are dealing with adverse child experiences from being exposed to substance use disorder, abuse, poverty, and from the effects of the pandemic. Creating permanent behavioral health positions in schools will allow teachers to teach, while students will have access to the help and support they need.

Mandy supports: 

  • Competitive pay for public school teachers and support staff. 

  • Creating permanent behavioral health positions in schools so that teachers can teach, and students can access the help and support they need. 

  • Each school district should have adequate funding to maintain school buildings.