PLATFORM
"I come from a proud, hard-working family that came to the United States as refugees following the crisis in the Balkans. Politics matter deeply, and Idahoans deserve better than superficial policies that are antagonistic to working-class families. This campaign is about fighting for progress, innovation, prosperity, and change for all Idahoans. Together, we will restore democracy to our working people, and we will make Idaho the state it deserves to be."
LIST OF ISSUES
Medicare for All
Healthcare is a fundamental human right. Our current health care system is failing: thousands lack access to healthcare, are unable to afford proper coverage, receive inadequate quality of care, and either in-debt themselves or die because of the inefficiencies of our system.
A state-facilitated, single payer system should not be recognized as simply "socialist". Indeed, there are plenty of ways to reconcile private providers with a system that guarantees healthcare as a right to all persons. Cutting down administrative costs will be the most powerful impact to increasing accessibility, strengthening quality of care, substantially decreasing costs, and saving thousands from a crippling system.
A Living Wage
Idaho's workers deserve more. We need an economy that works for everybody, and this will require significant economic reform. The current minimum wage of $7.25 is inexcusable, and it is not radical for cities to democratically increase their wages to provide a richer quality of life for many.
Small and local business will have a voice as well. There doesn't have to be an ultimatum between raising wages and supporting small business. Instead, we can reward those organizations that decide to uphold the prosperity and dignity of their workers' labor with increased wages. An economy that works for everybody is the first step to a state that is representative of all people.
Public Lands in Public Hands
Our public lands are not commodities to be divided and sold to the highest bidders. Idaho's recreational usage of public lands is a major revenue source for the state, and many hold these lands dear for activities such as hunting and fishing. Public lands belong to the people of Idaho, and they will not be given up to the richest organizations.
Free Public Education
Education is the first step to prosperity and a competitive work force. Currently, Idaho's public education system is failing an overwhelming majority: public schools are receiving inadequate funding, teachers are insufficiently compensated, and students are discouraged from pursuing education as a career. Altogether, this is systematically impairing Idaho's youth as well as our future workforce.
We need to invest stronger than ever in education. This means providing public schools with funding to ensure 5-day school weeks, better compensation for Idaho's teachers, and subsidization for students seeking higher education overall. College is a necessity and not a luxury. It is imperative that we subsidize the cost of tuition for public colleges/universities so that no graduate is burdened with student loan debt.
Revitalizing Democracy
Idaho belongs to ALL of its citizens. As a refugee, I witness first-hand the struggles of being part of a minority demographic. It is justice if only we represent every person, regardless of their individual characteristics, and promise them the fullest prosperity of life that Idaho has to offer.