Melissa Bird

Environment / Energy Regional climate response plans that prioritize wildfire recovery, water access, and frontline communities. Immigration I vehemently and passionately oppose ICE - ICE MUST BE ABOLISHED. Economy Elevate the Oregon Coast as an economic hub, not just a vacation destination. This includes opposition to the Coos Bay port expansion in favor of flexible, adaptable, locally driven policies to build the capacity of rural communities. Housing Expand models like Project Turnkey to convert motels into non-congregate housing. Wages / Job Benefits Rethink how we measure need, adjust the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and Area Median Income (AMI) to reflect real costs of living. Abortion / Contraception Protecting the right to abortion, contraception, and fertility care. Economy Direct investment in small businesses, especially women- and BIPOC-owned businesses, through startup grants, technical assistance, and microloans. Economy Support for small and mid-sized farms over industrial agriculture. Infrastructure / Transportation Preserve and expand rural infrastructure, including post offices, internet broadband, and healthcare. Healthcare Protect health care access for all LGBTQIA2S people. Defense / Veterans Protect and expand TRICARE and VA services, especially mental health care and disability claim processing. Guns Universal background checks including a basic mental health screening. Environment / Energy Heavily regulate AI and data centers for water and energy usage, with clear penalties for environmental harm. Education Free community college for every student. Foreign Policy Congress must immediately end all weapons sales and funding to the Israeli State. Foreign Policy Israel’s occupation of Palestine is illegal, characterized by criminal apartheid governance, and must end. Foreign Policy As Congresswoman, I will vote to revoke President Trump’s illegal actions in Venezuela, Greenland and any other nation he attacks without provocation. Healthcare Ban private equity ownership of hospitals and health systems. Immigration ICE agents must be held accountable for their crimes against our communities and I will push for prosecution of those who are breaking the law. Taxes / Budget Providing universal child care for everyone. Wages / Job Benefits Increasing the minimum wage to 25/hour.