Economy

Hard-working people deserve to earn a living wage, and our families deserve a tax system that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest Americans. We need to bring good-paying jobs to South Florida, raise the minimum wage, and make sure Floridians can get the skills they need through job training programs.

My single mom brought me and my three sisters to the United States from Ecuador in search of opportunity. At 15, I started working for minimum wage at a donut shop to help my family make ends meet, and with the help of a scholarship, I was able to go to college and eventually earn a master’s degree.

Those same opportunities that helped us get ahead are disappearing for too many families across this country. That’s why I’m committed to investing in workers, who are the backbone of our economy.

Education

Every single child should have the opportunity to reach his or her highest potential. I truly believe in  investing in our public education system to ensure every child has access to a quality K-12 education, regardless of zip code. We must make college more affordable and that starts with creating a plan for debt free community college, expanding financial aid programs, and lowering interest rates on student loans.

Immigration

We’ve all seen the images of children separated from their parents at the border. That’s not who we are as a country. And we must fight back.

As an immigrant from Ecuador and a first-generation American, I know many of the challenges that immigrants face in this country, especially under this administration. For years, we’ve talked about fixing our broken immigration system. Now let’s finally do it by creating a path to citizenship for DREAMers, allowing TPS holders to become permanent residents, and protecting our asylum process for those who need it most, including those who have recently arrived from Venezuela and Nicaragua.

In Congress, I have fought tirelessly to close down the Homestead Detention Center for Migrant Children and ensure that those children are placed in safe environments. The facility has been a scar on our community, and we will never fully know the damage done to these children, many whom were separated from their families at the border. And I will not stop pushing until the Trump Administration again extends TPS to Venezuelans and Haitians in need.

Our history as a nation of immigrants makes us a stronger country, and our diversity is what makes South Florida so special.

Environment

Stronger storms. Increased flooding. Red tide. Algae blooms. Tons of dead fish washing up on our coasts. We can’t ignore the horrible images, and we can’t keep talking about protecting our coast and our environment. South Florida is ground zero for climate change, and we must act now.

Through my work at the Coral Restoration Foundation, I’ve worked to slow the impact of climate change on our marine life and our reefs. I’m committed to investing in clean energy and innovative infrastructure, not just to move us to a low fossil fuel economy but also to protect our communities from sea-level rise.

In Congress, I serve in leadership on this issue as the Vice Chairwoman of the U.S. House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. I’ve helped secure $200 million in funding for Everglades restoration and remain committed to protecting our vibrant ecosystem.

Gun Safety

I lost my father at the age of 24 to gun violence. I know what it’s like to receive that devastating phone call that changes your life forever, so you’ll never have to wonder where I stand on passing common-sense gun reform that will protect our children and our communities.

Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States. We must ban military-style assault weapons. We must close the gun show loophole. We must require universal background checks. We must prevent those with a history of domestic violence or terrorism from purchasing a gun. And we must prevent firearms from falling in the hands of people with mental illness. It’s time.

Women

The idea that a woman should be paid the same as a man for doing the exact same work is not revolutionary. And we need more female voices in Washington to help end gender discrimination and fight for equal rights for all of us.

As a mother, sister, and daughter, I will fight for women’s rights, especially for women of color who face additional barriers to full equality. In Congress, I’m working to ensure paid maternity leave, pass child care legislation, and protect reproductive freedom. And I will always stand with Planned Parenthood.