Pillars of Change
Education Pillar
Ruby is focused on fighting back against legislation, like Education Spending
Accounts, that further increases inequality in our state compared to others in the U.S., and getting on a path to a weighted funding model for students based on need and increasing Basic Education Program. This feels especially urgent as we navigate uncertainty in education.
"A number of factors contribute to these achievement gaps, including inequitable access to resources such as school funding, high-quality curriculum, advanced courses, and the most effective teachers. The totality of that injustice, of course, cannot be laid at the feet of American educators; however, we must forthrightly acknowledge that most teachers are not prepared to work in diverse classrooms and communities of color. ”
Source - Bellwether Education Partners
Healthcare Pillar
Ruby supports legislation that expands affordable healthcare for people in need. Access to healthcare is a human right and it's imperative that we listen to the concerns of everyday hard-working West Tennesseans’ who do not have adequate medical coverage.
"Among all the rights to which we are entitled, health care may be the most intersectional and crucial. The very frailty of our human lives demands that we protect this right as a public good. Universal health care is crucial to the ability of the most marginalized segments of any population to live lives of dignity.”
Source - Health Care as a Human Right - American Bar Association
Small Business Investment Pillar
Ruby supports increased economic investments in businesses, especially small businesses so that vibrant community-owned businesses remain viable inside and outside the 240 loop. There are legitimate challenges that can prevent low-income people and communities from fully engaging in a sizeable portion of economic recovery funding efforts.
"Accelerating economic development remains one of the top priorities for mayors around the country, with an increasing focus on intentionally targeting socioeconomic issues, such as income inequality. Seventy-five percent of mayors highlighted economic development in their 2016 State of the City address, according to the National League of Cities, with 22 percent looking specifically at providing greater support to small businesses and 17 percent mentioning businesses owned by women and people of color.”
Source - The Future of States and Localities
