Every student, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves access to a quality, 21st century education. That’s why Cathi is such a strong supporter of the historic Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Now fully funded through 2027, it lifts students in marginalized communities, builds a stronger and more diverse workforce, and ensures greater equity statewide. Cathi also campaigned hard for the Built to Learn Act, which funds new school construction throughout Maryland. Before she became a delegate, she led a successful fight to build new schools throughout the county.

Climate change is arguably the most pressing issue we face today, as it threatens not just our economy but our very existence. Cathi is one of eight House legislators to receive a 100% rating from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in 2021. She supported new laws requiring the MTA to purchase zero-emission buses and the state to plant 5 million native trees. This year she’s proposing the Green Building Restoration Act, that would require new schools and other public buildings to be constructed with the environment in mind. Cathi also supports Environmental Human Rights, to ensure every person the right to a healthful and sustainable environment.

Since she first marched with NARAL in the 1980s, Cathi has been a strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights. She believes that decisions about a woman’s body should be made by the woman, in consultation with her doctor. That’s why she was proud to co-sponsor the 2022 Abortion Care Access Act, expanding the number of providers in Maryland. She adamantly opposes the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. And she is concerned that abortion bans disproportionately affect lower-income women. Cathi has pledged to vote in favor of bills that protect the fundamental human right to control your own body.

Long before the pandemic, it was clear that many of our neighbors did not have access to quality, affordable health care and health insurance. Cathi supports the concept of health care as a human right, and has voted to expand access to health care throughout Maryland. During the 2021 session, she voted to add new protection for those with huge medical debt; to make telehealth a permanent option for patients and doctors; and to require the state health department to collaborate with counties in the fight to end COVID-19.

Cathi is proud to have voted in favor of a package of police reform laws that help ensure all citizens across the state are treated fairly, equitably and humanely — regardless of their race. Heralded as among the strongest legislation in the nation, these laws include an independent review for all police-involved shootings; body cameras for all officers; a higher standard for no-knock warrants; better training, tuition assistance and mental health care access for every officer; and elimination of rules that protected officers who violate the law.

While other states are actively trying to limit voting rights, here in Maryland we are expanding them. Cathi voted to make ballot drop boxes available across the state from now on; she supported the new law that establishes a permanent mail-in ballot list, so you don’t have to reapply every election; and she voted in favor of more early voting centers, closer to public transportation and in the most densely populated areas. The right to vote is sacred in our country, and Cathi will fight to keep it that way.

Cathi is a strong advocate of a 21st century workforce, and believes we must do all we can to nurture and develop new skills. She voted to fund robust career and technical training at the high school level, as well as record funding for our community colleges — which are vital to training, retraining and educating the workforce. She also secured funding for a new health professions building at Towson University. And as a member of the Appropriations Committee, she is proud to have met the needs of businesses, nonprofits and individuals while balancing the budget and producing record surpluses.