
Issues
From defending Women’s rights and our LGBTQ+ loved ones, improving housing & healthcare affordability and protecting our children from the danger of lethal drugs and firearms, Erika is committed to working on the issues that reflect the values of a true Democrat.
Affordable Housing
Access to affordable housing is a fundamental right for all citizens. Erika understands that this is a critical issue that affects the health, education, and overall well-being of families and individuals in our community and everyone should have a safe and stable place to call home, regardless of income. She is committed to working towards solutions that will provide more affordable housing options for low and moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This includes expanding the availability of government-subsidized housing, increasing funding for affordable housing programs and rent stabilization.
Education
Our excellent schools are the pillar of our success and the reason why our qualified workforce is attractive to scores of businesses in the country. The best way to support education is securing livable wages for our teachers, and an environment that promotes respect and collaboration with parents to foster a passion for learning. Erika wants to make sure our students are equipped with the critical thinking tools needed to read and assess books freely, without the state making that decision for them.
Erika is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our education system; this includes addressing the achievement gap and making sure that historically marginalized communities receive the support and resources they need to level the path to success.
Environment
We have a duty to procure a clean and healthy environment for our physical and economic well-being, as well as the viability of our future generations.
Virginia can take bold action to tackle the pressing environmental challenges facing our communities, such as climate change, water pollution, and habitat destruction by moving towards renewables and energy-efficient technologies to reduce our carbon footprint.
Erika is committed to promoting conservation and sustainability in agriculture and fishing practices, protecting our air and water quality and promoting responsible and environmentally-friendly business practices.
Keeping Children Safe From Fentanyl
Hate addiction, love the person.
Erika believes that this public health emergency demands immediate and assertive action from our elected leaders. As your State Senator, she will work to bring education, prevention, intervention and recovery for all who have contact with this destructive drug that has made its way to our schools and communities.
One of Erika’s top priorities as a state senator will be to secure the resources needed to help those struggling with addiction.
Commonsense Gun Safety
Gun safety is a critical issue that affects families and communities across the entire country. As your State Senator, Erika will focus her work on commonsense measures to help reduce gun violence, including expanding background checks, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes that allow weapons to fall in the wrong hands to the detriment of responsible gun owners. Erika is committed to taking the necessary action to reduce gun violence in our communities and make Virginia a safer place for all.
Healthcare
Access to affordable and quality healthcare is a basic right for all. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the opioid crisis, the importance of a responsive and accessible healthcare system is as relevant as ever.
Erika recognizes that many families in Northern Virginia struggle to afford basic healthcare services and prescription medications. She will work towards access to affordable healthcare for all, including expanding Medicaid and strengthening the Affordable Care Act.
Additionally, Erika supports investing in preventative care and mental health services, to ensure that individuals can receive the care they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, or gender identity is entitled to dignity and the respect of equal rights under the law. Erika understands the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ youth and community, from discrimination, violence vulnerability, bathroom access, and housing insecurity, and is committed to working on legislative progress towards equality.
Reproductive Rights
As a passionate advocate for reproductive rights, I believe that every person should have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, regardless of their income, race, or gender. Reproductive healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right, and I am committed to fighting for this right in Virginia.
In my campaign, I will work to expand access to reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, safe and legal abortion, and prenatal care. I will also fight against any efforts to restrict access to these essential healthcare services, including dangerous and harmful anti-choice legislation. I believe that everyone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, free from political interference or judgement, and I will always stand with Virginians in defense of reproductive freedom.
Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are essential to our communities, playing a vital role in the creation of vibrant local economies.
Erika believes in supporting small businesses by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes access to capital, fair taxes, and a regulatory environment that encourages growth and innovation.
Transportation
Erika is a long time advocate of improving transportation options for the residents of Northern Virginia to make it less car-dependent and more efficient. Access to transit and pedestrian-bike safety is key to allow more movement of people without the notorious congestion of our urban areas. As your State Senator, Erika will be you advocate before VDOT, to bring responsive solutions to the transportation needs of Northern Virginia, particularly around state-owned roads.
Transportation must be made affordable and accessible to all residents, including low-income families and people with disabilities. Erika is committed to working with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to find innovative solutions to the transportation challenges faced by Northern Virginia.
Women’s Rights
Erika Yalowitz is a proud Latina and a committed Democrat who is deeply passionate about women’s rights. She believes that all women should have access to the full range of reproductive healthcare services, including contraception and abortion, and that these rights should be protected by law.
Erika is a fierce advocate for women’s rights, and she is dedicated to using her voice and her platform to help ensure that every woman has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Whether it’s by fighting for better access to healthcare, working to ensure equal pay for equal work, or advocating for policies that empower women in all aspects of their lives, Erika will never stop fighting for women’s rights.
Worker’s Rights
Building up a healthy middle class is part of Erika’s goal to lift up all communities in Virginia. As an active Labor Union member, Erika believes that eliminating wage theft, offering workers a livable wage that is competitive with neighboring states and offering safety and job development opportunities, as well as apprenticeships that don’t require a college degree will largely help workers and working families thrive in Virginia. Erika believes it’s time to repeal ‘Right to Work’ policies to help workers expand participation in decisions concerning their livelihood.