1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to champion a bold progressive agenda when Democrats next control the presidency and Congress. The American people deserve transformative policies that address the fundamental challenges facing working families, our democracy, and our planet’s future. I call on you to advocate for the following essential reforms: ∙ Establish universal single-payer healthcare. The U.S. healthcare system’s failures–high costs, poor outcomes, and deep inequities–demand a universal system separated from employment and funded through taxes, akin to models in Scandinavia, Canada, and Europe. Every other major industrialized nation recognizes healthcare as a fundamental human right, not a privilege based on wealth. A single-payer system would eliminate administrative waste, negotiate lower drug prices, end medical bankruptcy, and ensure that no American dies from lack of access to care. ∙ Double the current federal parental leave time. Our parental leave policies lag shamefully behind global standards, undermining working families and child development. Doubling current leave time would support economic security, improve health outcomes, and demonstrate our commitment to the next generation. This is an overdue investment in human dignity that reflects the values of a compassionate society. ∙ Dramatically increase taxes on the wealthy. Growing inequality threatens our social cohesion and democratic institutions. The wealthiest Americans and corporations must pay their fair share to fund critical public priorities. Progressive taxation is both a matter of economic justice and fiscal responsibility, enabling investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services that benefit all Americans. ∙ Pass legislation overturning Citizens United. Corporate personhood and unlimited political spending corrupt our democracy and drown out the voices of ordinary citizens. We must eliminate the undue influence of wealthy interests and restore genuine accountability to our political system. Democracy thrives when power rests with the people, not corporate shareholders. ∙ Enact comprehensive gun control legislation. The uniquely American epidemic of gun violence claims tens of thousands of lives annually. Strong gun control measures are essential to protect our communities and children. The overwhelming majority of Americans support commonsense reforms, and our leaders must demonstrate the courage to act. ∙ Deploy the full weight of the federal government behind green energy. The climate crisis demands immediate, transformative action. Federal leadership in green energy is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity that will create jobs and secure a livable future for generations to come. These interconnected reforms address the structural failures that undermine our democracy and prosperity. I urge you to be a vocal champion for this agenda and to prioritize the public good over entrenched interests. Bold, progressive leadership is what the moment demands.