Destiny on the Issues

Economic Growth

A strong economy is critically important to the 6th District and is one of Destiny’s top priorities. She recognizes that small businesses and the local workforce are the backbone of our economy and will advocate for those who have lost income due to COVID-19. She champions tax relief for families, paid family and medical leave, and pay equality for all. While serving as a senior legislative analyst in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Destiny helped drive policy that expanded and diversified the U.S. workforce. She will build on that success as a member of Congress to help make the 6th district a more vibrant and prosperous place to live, work, and grow a business. 

 

Affordable Housing

On any given night, more than half a million people experience homelessness in the United States. Across the 6th district, the lack of affordable housing units is hurting families that are facing housing insecurity, inflation, and financial hardship. By making housing affordable, Congress can position more people for homeownership and reduce the homeless population, which will strengthen the middle class and our overall economy. 

While serving in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Destiny led the Title V program, a Biden-Harris Administration priority that enables homeless assistance providers to use unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal properties to assist people experiencing homelessness nationwide. Destiny believes that programs like Title V are both effective and fiscally responsible as reports show that each year, 2 million Americans receive assistance through Title V. In Congress, she will work to fully fund and scale up the Title V program to achieve optimal results.

 

Expanding Access to Health Care

As a public health expert who has personally experienced multiple life-threatening maternal health issues, Destiny’s number one priority in Congress will be ensuring access to high-quality, culturally competent, affordable health care for all people. Too many families across the 6th District are uninsured and unable to access the care they need. Destiny will work hand-in-hand with a multi-stakeholder, grassroots coalition to inform her public health policy agenda and pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen the health workforce, eliminate cost barriers to care, and reduce health disparities among people of color and low-income populations.

Expanding and diversifying the health workforce is critically important to ensuring that every American has access to the care they need, when they need it. Having served in the United States Department of Health and Human Services at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Destiny has worked with some of Maryland’s most notable healthcare experts to improve the way health care is managed and delivered in the state and across the nation. During her tenure at HRSA, Destiny was attached to the Bureau of Health Workforce. In her role, she was responsible for advising members of Congress and their staff on multiple federal grant programs that are designed to strengthen the U.S. health workforce. The programs, totaling more than $100 million dollars in investments, are instrumental in recruiting and training health professionals from racial minority and economically disadvantaged populations. Destiny is committed to continuing this important work in Congress.

 

Education

We must invest in what we value, and Destiny values a society where every child, regardless of their background has access to a quality education that propels them toward success economically, socially, and culturally. As a mother of three children actively attending public schools in the district, Destiny knows that education is one of the most powerful ways to empower our youth and cultivate their unique talents and abilities. Our communities thrive when every student receives a quality education, regardless of their zip code or ability. Destiny pledges to work with educators and parents to strengthen public education in the district and across the nation.

 

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

Drawing on a unique perspective shaped by my upbringing in a crime-ridden area, I am committed to enhancing community safety. With a Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law and Society, I stand as the sole candidate with graduate-level expertise in this crucial field. My experience extends to working on impactful criminal justice and public safety policies on Capitol Hill and within Maryland’s state and local government.

I possess a profound understanding of the root causes of crime within our district and am poised to bridge divides among key stakeholders – police, community activists, and public defenders. I aim to forge a collaborative partnership that fosters public safety, implements impactful criminal justice reform, and provides crucial support to our law enforcement officers.

Together, let us strive for a balanced and inclusive approach that addresses the concerns of every community stakeholder. Your safety and justice are my top priorities, and I am ready to be the silo buster who builds trust and functional partnerships across our district.

**For the People and the Good of Our District: 

1. Community-Police Relations: Building trust between law enforcement and our communities is essential. I will advocate for community policing strategies that foster positive interactions, transparency, and mutual respect. Through increased training and accountability measures, we can create safer environments for everyone.

2. Criminal Justice Reform: Our current criminal justice system is in need of significant reform. I will work to end mass incarceration, supporting policies that emphasize rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of crime. Smart, evidence-based approaches will guide our efforts to ensure fairness and equity for all individuals within the system.

3. Police Accountability and Transparency: Accountability is fundamental to a just society. I will push for legislation that enhances police accountability, including measures such as body-worn cameras, civilian oversight boards, and transparent investigations into instances of misconduct. By holding law enforcement accountable, we can strengthen the bonds between communities and those sworn to protect them.

4. Mental Health and Crisis Intervention: Our law enforcement officers are often called upon to address mental health crises. I will advocate for increased training in mental health awareness and crisis intervention, ensuring that individuals in distress receive appropriate care rather than punitive measures.

5. Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline: We must break the cycle of the school-to-prison pipeline. I will support initiatives that address the root causes of youth involvement in the criminal justice system, emphasizing education, mentorship, and community-based alternatives to incarceration.

6. Fair Sentencing and Eliminating Racial Disparities: Our justice system must be blind to race and socio-economic status. I will work to eliminate racial disparities in sentencing, advocate for fair and proportionate punishment, and support efforts to reform policies that perpetuate systemic injustices.

**For Police – the Brave Men and Women who serve our communities: 

1. Comprehensive Police Training:
Investing in comprehensive training for law enforcement is crucial. I will work to secure funding for ongoing training programs that cover de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and cultural sensitivity. Equipping our officers with the necessary skills ensures effective and respectful policing.

2. Recruitment and Retention Incentives:
To attract and retain the best candidates, we must provide competitive salaries, benefits, and incentives for our law enforcement officers. I will support legislation that addresses the challenges of recruitment and retention, recognizing the importance of a dedicated and well-trained police force.

3. Mental Health Support for Officers:
Police officers face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being. I will advocate for increased mental health support services for our law enforcement community, including access to counseling, stress management programs, and resources to help them cope with the demands of their profession.

4. Officer Safety Equipment and Technology:
Our law enforcement officers deserve the best tools and equipment to keep themselves and our communities safe. I will work to secure funding for state-of-the-art safety equipment, technology, and resources that enhance the effectiveness and safety of our officers on the front lines.

5. Community Policing and Problem-Solving:
Promoting community policing models that emphasize collaboration, communication, and problem-solving is key to fostering positive relationships between officers and the public. I will support policies that encourage officers to work closely with communities, understanding their unique needs and concerns.

By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of both our communities and our law enforcement officers, we can build a safer, more just society. Together, we can forge a path that prioritizes safety, justice, and the well-being of all residents.

 

Environment

Climate change is a scientific fact, a national security issue, and a fundamental environmental justice issue. Negative impacts of climate change disproportionately harm vulnerable populations in our society and threaten the sustainability of life on our planet. In Congress, Destiny will prioritize practical policy for District 6, based on science, not rhetoric. This includes providing Federal incentives and funding for local carbon reduction plans, pioneering carbon capture technology, and ensuring that the federal government leads climate resilience planning missions in every town and city across our district, state, and nation.

 

Immigration

District 6 is home to one of the most diverse populations in the United States thanks to our dynamic immigrant community. Immigrants contribute invaluable skills and energy to our communities in the district and across the United States. Many leave behind everything they love in search of freedom and a better life for their families. They serve as caretakers to our elderly, provide manpower that supports our food supply chain by growing, harvesting, processing, and selling food, and are hard-working entrepreneurs who strengthen our economy. In Congress, I will advocate for immigration policies that create pathways to legal status and reinforce national security measures.

Women

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is crucial to address the myriad challenges faced by women in Maryland’s 6th district and across our nation. My commitment is unwavering, and I am dedicated to advancing policies that uplift and support women in every facet of life. As the founder of the Drake Institute of Women’s Policy, I am keenly aware of the major issues impacting the advancement of women in society and would work tirelessly to build bipartisan support for legislation that addresses the following issues:

1. Equal Pay for Equal Work: It is a stark reality that women, on average, still earn less than their male counterparts. As your representative, I will tirelessly advocate for and support legislation that ensures equal pay for equal work. We must close the gender pay gap, promoting economic fairness and recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the workplace.

2. Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access: Every woman deserves the right to make decisions about her own body. I will be a staunch defender of reproductive rights, fighting against any attempts to roll back the progress we have made. Additionally, I will work to expand access to comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring that women have the resources and support they need for their overall well-being.

3. Women in Leadership: Diversity is our strength, and we must reflect that in our leadership. I am committed to promoting opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles, from boardrooms to government offices. By breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of our nation.

4. Combating Gender-Based Violence: No one should live in fear due to their gender. I will advocate for robust policies to address gender-based violence, supporting survivors and working collaboratively with community organizations to prevent such incidents through education and intervention programs.

5. Affordable Childcare and Family Leave Policies: Balancing work and family responsibilities should not be a privilege. I will push for comprehensive policies that provide affordable childcare options for families and advocate for fair family leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting both women and men in their caregiving roles.

6. Education and Career Opportunities: Education is the gateway to empowerment. I will support initiatives that provide equal educational opportunities for women and work to eliminate gender-based discrimination in the workplace, ensuring that women have the chance to thrive in their chosen careers.

 

Veterans

Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for this country. We owe it to them to provide the support they need to make a successful transition back into civilian life after completing their service. As a military spouse, I recognize the unique challenges facing our veterans. I am fully committed to amplifying their voices in Congress to provide better access to the health care, education, housing, and employment opportunities needed for sustaining themselves and their families.