Chad Martin

Education AN EDUCATION LOTTERY would enable Alabamians incredible opportunities to not only excel our primary students academically, but also offer scholarships for higher education, as well as offer job training for specialized trades. Drug Policy DECRIMINALIZATION/ LEGALIZATION of natural medicines would allow countless Alabamians to take their health into their own hands while simultaneously alleviating the backlog of our judicial system as well as the inhumane overcrowding in our prisons. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime excerpt details the "Benefits of Decriminalization", while highlighting it does not increase drug use or crime rates. Abortion / Contraception WOMEN'S HEALTH & BODILY AUTONOMY is an essential human right. Alabama Reflector reported Alabama as having "the highest rates of maternal mortality among Southern States" Education Providing resources and technical assistance to improve K-12 educational opportunities in struggling Black Belt schools is essential for long-term economic growth. Infrastructure / Transportation INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE in the Black Belt region focuses on basic needs that address long-standing economic and social disparities. These improvements include enhancing infrastructure by expanding broadband access, increasing transportation opportunities, and establishing wastewater management in areas such as Uniontown and Lowndes County that have been neglected for far too long. We must focus our efforts and support our under-served areas to improve the overall quality of life for ALL. Healthcare MENTAL HEALTH is a crucial component to overall health and well being. By implementing a more collaborative based approach as opposed to policing we can help our community members find the proper resources needed to guide them down more productive paths. Criminal Justice / Public Safety We have allowed private corporations to profit off of our prison industry instead of preparing individuals to get back to society. Mr. Martin wants to implement educational and trades training programs to better equip those who are being released. Education INVEST IN CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS Alabama Daily News recently reported findings from the most recent Kids Count Data Book which measure four categories including, economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. Alabama placed 43rd in overall child well-being. Healthcare EXPANDING MEDICAID coverage can potentially alleviate the closures of rural hospitals by reducing uncompensated care. HealthInsurance.org reveals "Alabama has among the strictest eligibility rules for Medicaid". By expanding medicaid and protecting Medicare we ensure that our population's most vulnerable are cared for by providing the access they require.