Childcare Costs

In Maryland, single parents pay 40% of their income for infant care. Married parents of 2 children living at poverty line pay 123% of their income for childcare. The cost of infant care in Maryland is nearly $5,000 higher than the annual cost of college tuition at a four-year college. I champion legislation that provides incentives for businesses that offer on-site childcare facilities; or childcare subsidies to employees. I was successful with passing legislation that allows parents to obtain and maintain a state childcare subsidy for up to 90 days in the event they become unemployed.

Summer Meals

In Maryland, nearly 20 percent of U.S. households with children are food insecure, meaning they don't have reliable access to enough food to provide healthy meals for their family. People struggle with hunger in every county and congressional district in Maryland. Negative impacts of food insecurity for children include struggles in school, developmental impairments, social and behavioral problems. Maryland can do more with supplementing federal programs that provide funding during the summer months for families in jurisdictions with high levels of childhood poverty.

Higher Education

College attendance is a pathway to success for many students from working-class families, but the cost is often formidable. I champion legislation to expand opportunities for more Maryland families; reduce cost barriers; and expand scholarship opportunities for needy students.

Criminal Justice Reform

Fixing a broken criminal justice system involves reforms in sentencing, bail, and parole policy, juvenile diversion, policing policy, rehabilitation, and transition back into the community to reduce recidivism. I champion legislation that considers the impact of substance abuse, mental illness, lack of education, and poverty on criminal activity; and implementing effective ‘best practices’ to reduce recidivism.

Violence Against Women

A World Health Organization study finds 70% of U.S. women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. I champion progressive legislation to protect women against domestic violence and sexual assault by strengthening police policy, improving protective orders, expanding monitoring devices or technology usage, and enhancing education and training.

Source: Pamela Queen.com