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 — including Towson High. Before she became a delegate, she led a successful fight to build new schools throughout the county.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues we face today, as it threatens not just our economy but our very existence. That’s why Cathi is so proud of her 100% Lifetime Voting Record from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. She supported new laws requiring the MTA to purchase zero-emission buses and has proposed the Green Building Restoration Act, which 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. And a year later, she advocated for legislation that ultimately enshrined reproductive freedom in the Maryland constitution. She believes abortion bans disproportionately affect lower-income women.

As the White House continues to chip away at the Affordable Care Act, Cathi and her colleagues continue to take action at the state level to help Marylanders afford health care. She voted in favor of a state-funded premium subsidy program for young adults, as well as a new subsidy to help all residents pay their monthly premiums even if federal help disappears. She has also voted to add new protection for those with huge medical debt, and make telehealth a permanent option for patients and doctors.

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 has sponsored multiple new laws that strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity training program. She voted to fund robust career and technical training at the high school level, as well as record funding for our community colleges. 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.