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Brief Bio
Melinda is a mom, Marine spouse, and business owner with over 20 years in corporate HR and program management experience. In 2022, she founded Families Against Book Bans (FABB) to advocate for intellectual freedom, equitable public education, and teachers and librarians.
Balancing business regulations to protect the environment is crucial for sustainable development. Striking the right balance ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation. Effective regulations can mitigate pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote the use of renewable energy sources. This balance encourages businesses to innovate and adopt eco-friendly practices, reducing their ecological footprint while remaining competitive. Moreover, it helps in safeguarding public health and maintaining biodiversity, which are essential for long-term prosperity.
State and local governments should ensure equitable, quality public education for all children in pre-K through grade 12 by allocating adequate funding, prioritizing under-resourced schools, and providing access to experienced teachers. They should implement inclusive curricula that reflect diverse perspectives and needs, offer robust support services like counseling and special education, and facilitate family and community engagement. Additionally, governments should invest in modern infrastructure and technology to bridge the digital divide and create a conducive learning environment for every student.
As a legislator, I will address inequalities facing women in South Carolina by advocating for equal pay legislation and workplace protections, ensuring women receive fair wages and are protected against discrimination. I will push for expanded access to healthcare, including reproductive health services, and support policies that provide affordable childcare and paid family leave. I will also work to increase funding for education and training programs that empower women to pursue diverse career opportunities. Additionally, I will support initiatives to combat domestic violence and provide resources for survivors.
Medicaid expansion in South Carolina would provide numerous benefits. It would extend health coverage to over 200,000 uninsured residents, reducing the burden of medical costs and improving access to preventive care. This expansion would lower uncompensated care costs for hospitals, ensuring financial stability for rural healthcare facilities. By enhancing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, it would address critical public health issues. Additionally, Medicaid expansion would create jobs and stimulate economic growth through increased federal funding, leading to healthier communities and a more productive workforce.
I believe billing SC ratepayers in advance for new energy facilities should not be allowed without strict accountability measures. Ratepayers should not bear the financial burden for failed projects or misallocated funds. Instead, we must implement robust oversight and transparent reporting to ensure funds are used as intended. If projects fail, companies should be held financially responsible, not consumers. This approach protects ratepayers, encourages responsible project management, and ensures that investments in energy infrastructure are both fair and effective.
