Policy Priorities
I have a long-standing reputation as a lawmaker dedicated to civil liberties, to improving health care for all, to fair taxes, environmental protection and to quality public education. I have encouraged arts and economic development that have benefited millions of Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians, and I believe strongly that a commitment to diversity and economic development are inextricably intertwined.
I invite you to explore this section of the site for more detailed information on my policy priorities and my positions on various issues. Just select from the links to the left.
Advocate for Philadelphia
- Supports reducing the tax burden on city dwellers
- Supports adequate Public school funding
- Brings home resources and funding for libraries
- Dedicated to finding a dedicated, long term, reliable source of monies for mass transit
- Originated the "Philadelphia Weekend" which brings members of the General Assembly to Philadelphia to see what a beautiful, vibrant city we are
- Invited the members of the Agriculture Committee to Philadelphia to tour Saul Agricultural Public High School, the port, and the food distribution center.
Crime Prevention
- Promotes responsible gun control including a one gun a month limits
- Advocates for alternative sentencing for youthful, first-time, non-violent offenders
- Works to aid families of missing loved ones
- Brings home grants for neighborhood town watch groups
- Brings home funding for police district advisory committees made up of citizens who work directly with police to improve police/community relationships
Education
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Supports increased funding for Philadelphia School District
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Opposes tuition vouchers
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Opposes the privatization of Philadelphia public schools
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Voted for charter schools
Neighborhoods
- Works along side neighborhood organizations to close down nuisance bars
- Brings home funding for and promotes town watch groups
- Supports community improvement groups and local small business associations
- Serves her district by providing efficient, prompt, and friendly constituent service
Public Transportation
- Fights for permanent public transit appropriations
- Supports funding for public transportation and "green" transportation through alternative modes of transit.
Civil Liberties
- Only House member to vote against forced flag pledging and mandatory prayers in public and private schools
- Advocates for reproductive privacy
- Favors equal rights for lesbian women and gay men, supports same sex marriage
- Stopped English Only legislation
Environmental
- 100% vote record for the environment as rated by PennEnvironment
- The only member of the General Assembly who does not own, lease, or even drive a car. Babette depends on public transportation to get everywhere
- Working to make and keep state buildings green
- First elected official to join PhillyCarShare
Health Care
- Opposes using tobacco settlement monies for non-health related purposes
- Fights for mental health insurance parity
- Supports more stringent state control over managed health care entities
- Works for affordable prescription medication, especially for seniors
- Advocate for increased PACE PACE/NET program funding
- Champion of HIV/AIDS prevention, research and treatment
- Supported expanding CHIP to cover all Pennsylvania's children
Campaign Finance Reform & Government Transparency
- Advocate for campaign finance reform
- Favors lobbyist disclosure
- Supports increased openness in government
Economy
- Supports an increased minimum wage
- Delivers funding to the arts industry yearly
- Friend of the small business owner; has helped small businesses transverse the city bureaucracy.
- Favors expanding unemployment compensation
Disaster Recovery and Emergency Preparedness
- Would give governor power to declare emergency and designate a state agency to respond as lead agency
- Votes for improved public health system
- Supports restoration and maintaining of universal surface transit
- Favors gun control to keep weapons out the hands of terrorists
- Works for expansion in power of Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to promote civil tranquility
- Promotes energy independence through recycling, renewable energy sources, and "green" buildings
- Wants to see comprehensive emergency preparedness planning on a national scale starting at the local level.