Destiny West

Abortion / Contraception 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. Criminal Justice / Public Safety 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. Wages / Job Benefits 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. Environment / Energy 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. Defense / 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. Immigration 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. Healthcare 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. 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. Economy 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. Criminal Justice / Public Safety 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. 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.