Issue Position: Public Health and Safety

Issue Position

We must protect the programs that provide for seniors and help them to stay self sufficient. Our seniors should never have to choose between paying for their medication and putting food on the table. Melissa will support measures that provide income security for seniors, and protect funding for vital programs that provide the resources that help seniors live and age with dignity.
Melissa honors the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country. As a sibling of three veterans, and the granddaughter of a Seabee, Melissa has seen firsthand the impact that war can have on those who have served and their loved ones. She believes that we need to expand and strengthen programs on the state level that provide support services for veterans and their families, including both physical and mental healthcare. As a City Councilor, Melissa helped build the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket Armed Forces Park, and supported legislation funding the renovation of World War II Veterans Memorial Park.

The state has made some good first strides in addressing the opiate crisis, but more work needs to be done. We need policies that address all facets of addiction, including mental health and homelessness. Melissa will work towards legislative changes that do not punish and criminalize addicts, but instead treat addiction holistically and help individuals to become healthy and whole and rebuild their lives.

Gun violence is a serious threat to the safety of our citizens. During her tenure on the Woonsocket City Council, Melissa sponsored and supported legislation to keep guns out of schools. Melissa recognizes and respects the 2nd Amendment right to lawful and responsible gun ownership, but also believes that common sense gun legislation, like the bump stock ban that was passed last session, is necessary to strengthen public safety.

Melissa believes that the rights of every Rhode Islander should be protected and respected, regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, national origin or religion.

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