In the Spring of 2017, Buffy joined tens of thousands of women across the country who decided to run for office for the first time. With her newborn daughter by her side, Buffy entered the arena.

It is critically important that elected officials support policies that establish essential rights and protections for women.

Here’s are some things California can do right now to promote equity and equality:

Enact a Better Paid Leave Policy

California should lead the way on requiring 12-weeks 100% paid leave for the birth of a child or the need to care for a family member. This would give women and their partners the time they need to bond with their children, adjust to a new reality, and return to work, should they choose.

Support early childhood education and more affordable child care options

The average cost of child care in the Bay Area is $2,000 per month for one child. Buffy believes every Californian deserves access to excellent child care, and 3 and 4 year olds deserve universal, quality pre-K. The more early education our children get, the better our society will be.

Protect women speaking out on sexual harassment and assault

Buffy remains dedicated to rooting out inappropriate behavior and protecting sexual assault survivors speaking out about injustice. She has advocated for concrete policy solutions to address this devastating issue, like extending the 1-year statute of limitations on reporting workplace harassment, ending forced arbitration on harassment claims, and creating better and more accessible counseling, supportive services, and resources for survivors.

Empower women in lower-wage jobs

Two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women and disproportionately women of color. Service and retail industries keep women underpaid and consistently change work schedules, making it very difficult for workers to plan for childcare or educational opportunity. Buffy will fight for a Fair Work Week Law and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to put in the pockets of those struggling the most.

Promote Women’s Health Access

Buffy is a tireless warrior in the fight to protect every woman's right to choose. Even in the progressive East Bay, Planned Parenthood was forced to close clinics that served as a vital resource for women in our community. We need to ensure women are getting the resources they need to live healthy lives. Health care is a human right.