Equality & Racial Justice
Christine’s approach to policymaking is to listen first to affected communities. She partners with advocacy groups to amplify their needs and has been a leader on issues like drivers licenses for people regardless of immigration status, abortion access, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
Immigrant Justice
The Work & Family Mobility Act
Issue
In our current political climate, immigrant families risk deportation and detention every time they drive. During the Trump administration, arrests of people with no criminal convictions more than tripled, and most common charges were minor traffic offenses. By making drivers licenses available to all qualified drivers regardless of immigration status, we will increase safety for everyone on our roads and reduce the impact the administration's policies have on immigrant families in our communities.
Christine’s Plan
I filed legislation, H.4470, to enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard state drivers license, regardless of their federal immigration status. Now that we have transitioned to a two-tiered drivers license process, Massachusetts residents can apply for either a REAL ID or a standard Massachusetts license, which cannot be used for flying or federal buildings. This bill allows any resident, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a standard MA license. Sixteen other states, D.C., and Puerto Rico have implemented similar programs. Evidence shows that providing drivers licenses makes our roads safer-- more drivers will be insured, will have passed road and vision tests, and are less likely to flee to scene of a minor accident for fear of deportation.
Supported By
The Driving Families Forward Coalition, a growing and diverse coalition, includes the Brazilian Workers Center, SEIU 32Bj, JALSA, ACLU, MIRA, The Welcome Project, many labor unions, businesses and law enforcement groups.
Update: We voted to pass H.4470 in the House by a veto-proof margin in February 2022!
Black Lives Matter & Anti Racism
Black Lives Matter
Issue
We continue to work together to dismantle systems of racism through action, not just words. This means fixing a criminal justice system that often fails to provide justice, and redoubling our focus on eliminating the root causes of injustice and poverty to ensure our state and country values black lives.
Christine’s Plan
I cosponsored a bill that passed to address racial inequities in maternal health and I also voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday. I collaborate with the Black and Latino Caucus on key wins like the omnibus police reform bill that included an independent certification system to investigate police misconduct and excessive use of force, banned chokeholds, and assesses the role of race in policing. This bill is just the beginning to dismantle structural racism and reimagine public safety, and I will continue to listen to and work with Black and brown activists, community members, and legislators while fighting for racial justice.
Reproductive Justice
The Roe Act
Issue
With many states and the Supreme Court rolling back reproductive rights and working to dismantle legal abortion, Massachusetts strengthened our state protections to prohibit restrictions on access to abortion.
Christine’s Plan
I co-sponsored, advocated for and was proud to vote for The Roe Act, which was supported by a coalition of Reproductive Justice organizations like NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. The ROE Act, which the legislature passed over Governor Baker’s veto, removed medically-unnecessary barriers to abortion in Massachusetts to ensure families can get the care they need. The Roe Act is a huge win for reproductive freedom, and an example of how Massachusetts shows other states what is possible.
Menstrual Equity
Issue
Menstrual products are essential. Yet a 2019 “State of Menstrual Access Survey” conducted by MassNOW and the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition showed deep period poverty and inequity in Massachusetts. 56% of school nurses reported observing students missing class to obtain products and 25% of shelters reported that they did not provide menstrual products, often due to lack of supply.
Christine’s Plan
I filed H.690, An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools, which would ensure access to free menstrual products to address period poverty.
Especially now, as women’s health and the health of transgender and nonbinary individuals is being threatened nationwide, passing comprehensive menstrual equity legislation is a strong way to support vulnerable menstruating individuals in Massachusetts, who are most impacted by lack of access to products.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Protections
Banning Conversion Therapy for Minors
Issue
Conversion therapy practices harm our LGTBQ+ community — research has clearly shown that these practices pose devastating health risks for LGBTQ young people such as depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior.
Christine’s Plan
I voted to make Massachusetts the 16th State to ban this practice.
Protections for the Transgender Community
Issue
Regardless of strides that we have made in expanding civil rights protections, too often, our transgender community members are at risk. I will continue to work to make Massachusetts a safe place for everyone, regardless of gender identity.
Christine’s Plan
I was so proud to vote for the Transgender Public Accommodations bill. I gave my very first speech on the House floor to build support and speak to why it is so important. I also supported the efforts to defeat the trans-phobic ballot measure in 2018 that would have overturned these important protections.