Will Boyd

Healthcare Work to lower prescription drug costs in the United States. Healthcare Support a health care program affordable to all. Education Support efforts to connect college students to the right people and resources within their community to improve the chances of job acquisition. Healthcare Secure funding for organizations that provide healthcare for women even as some seek to defund them and misinform citizens about their missions and organizing activities. Wages / Job Benefits Work with members of congress to increase the state minimum wage to 20 by 2028 and ultimately a realistic Living Wage as there should be no reason why Alabama working families should have to live in poverty. Environment / Energy Support the installation of more electric charging stations across the state. Healthcare Support and introduce legislation that helps fill the healthcare/Medicaid coverage gap that exists for women in Alabama. Healthcare Oppose privatization of Social Security as Boyd believes benefits should continue to be governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 which protects the rights of employment benefit plan recipients and their beneficiaries. Healthcare Support repeal of the 45 percent “trigger” which creates a fund warning and ultimately requires that cuts be made to Medicare as well as unfairly place the burden of Medicare on working people in lower income brackets. Healthcare Support establishment of minimum nurse staffing ratios and prohibit “mandated overtime” in order to ensure safe patient care. Healthcare Protect Social Security’s guaranteed benefits while also promoting individual investment accounts. Environment / Energy I believe we must protect the earth and environment by reversing climate change. Healthcare Work with the Offices of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use the bargaining power of 40 million Medicare beneficiaries to negotiate better drug prices while also providing beneficiaries with an option to obtain drug coverage directly from Medicare rather than a private plan. Healthcare Support expansion of Medicaid in Alabama. Education Support legislation that provides psychological counseling to students who willfully disrupt the learning experience or purposefully do not engage in the classroom. Economy Oppose legislation which implements bilateral, regional or unilateral free trade agreements with nations who refuse to adopt internationally recognized workers’ rights and environmental standards. Environment / Energy Support an all inclusive approach to energy (which includes coal) while exploring greater ways to reduce dependence on foreign oil and investing more into renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal energy production. Education Support legislation that closes the widening gap between cost of living and cost of education as college tuition and fees have risen nearly three times as fast as median family income. Education I believe student success can be improved by working with educators and community leaders. Healthcare Repeal the income test for Medicare Part B premiums as such income testing undermines the principal of social security as seniors have already paid into Medicare based on their payroll taxes and should not be subjected to increasing premiums. Education Ensure that teachers are better compensated and have secure retirement plans. Economy I believe building a stronger economy involves working with businesses and Organized Labor. Healthcare I believe high quality healthcare should truly be accessible and affordable to all.