On July 2nd, I joined a large crowd as Governor Chafee opened birth records for a group of people who have never been allowed to see them: people who were adopted in Rhode Island. It was an extraordinary moment for the people who had fought to have access to a little bit of information we all take for granted – their names at birth, who gave birth to them, at what time, and where.
I know many lives were changed that day. I could see it on all of their faces. And that moment made the years of work we put into it all worthwhile. I am honored to be one of the many people who worked to change that law, to create equal rights for those who are adopted in our state.
I am running for State Senator because, like that day in July, I know that our legislators’ decisions have a direct impact on the lives of all of us.
I have spent my whole career in Rhode Island working on public policies that impact our right to health care, equality, economic opportunity, and that protect some of our most vulnerable populations.
I believe strongly that good public policy – based on a thorough analysis of the facts, coupled with compassion and a dedication to progressive values -can bring about real, positive change in our state. Through the breadth and diversity of my work, I have seen the many places where policy areas intersect. We need legislators at the General Assembly who see these intersections, understand how to make decision based on fact not anecdotes, and that advocate to protect all of our rights.
I am lucky to live on the East Side. Our neighborhood is filled with people who care about each other, care about our state, and care about electing someone who will fight for the true progressive values that we share.
When I knock on my neighbors’ doors, I’m proud to say that I not only believe in creating an equitable society, I am lucky enough to do it every day through my work. If elected your State Senator, I will fight to protect women’s reproductive rights. I will push our General Assembly to finally pass marriage equality. I will work to build our economy back by supporting small businesses, investing in our infrastructure, and making our state an attractive place for people to live and work. I will work to build a strong public school system that values every child and I will support health care that is accessible and affordable to everyone.
We need to make sure our next state senator from the East Side carries on our values of integrity, equality, and opportunity to the State House, and that she represents the voices of the East Side. If I haven’t already met you, I hope we can before the September 11th primary. I encourage you to reach out to me with ideas at www.gaylegoldin.com or on Facebook at GayleGoldinforRI. I know that together we will create a stronger, fairer and more equitable Rhode Island for all of us.