Prosperity:
Train Tomorrow’s Leaders

“A job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about dignity. It's about respect.” — President Joe Biden

The Issue

The American workforce is the backbone of our nation. Every day, people across the country work their hardest to make ends meet and support their families, in both blue- and white-collar jobs. Every job is important, and every person deserves the opportunity to work and support themselves and their loved ones. Far too often, many Americans face serious barriers to either securing employment in the first place or having safe and fair conditions in their workplaces. We need to re-center the experience of the American worker and ensure that no worker’s well-being is hurt in pursuit of the bottom line of wealthy executives.

What I’ve Done So Far

From institutional racism to mass incarceration, too many young people face insurmountable barriers when entering the workforce. I am proud to have created Summer R.I.S.E. – a transformative program to help Montgomery County teens develop work experience that will change their professional lives down the road. High school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to spend their summers in a career-based learning opportunity, working directly in a field that interests them and developing skills that will make them more marketable in the workforce – whether they decide to go to college or not.

What I Will Do in the Senate

  • Crushing student loan debt has limited the potential of countless young minds eager to reshape our world. By canceling student debt, we're not just alleviating financial stress; we're investing in our future, allowing a generation to breathe again.

  • When elected to the Senate, I will pursue legislation to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities -- especially for low-income youth -- through comprehensive initiatives backed by the federal government. By incentivizing businesses to establish robust training programs, we will forge symbiotic relationships between educational institutions and industries, fostering a seamless transition from learning to earning. This legislation will not only empower our youth with practical skills and experience but also invigorate economic growth and cultivate a generation of skilled professionals poised to excel in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century.

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have, for decades, been sanctuaries of academic excellence and cultural heritage. They've shaped leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Our commitment to HBCUs isn't just about funding; it's about recognizing their monumental role in American history and ensuring they remain vibrant hubs for generations to come.