civil rights
The Issue:
equal rights amendment.
Lisette cifaldi
I support the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure that gender-based discrimination is illegal in our country.
Jeff bradley
Jeff Bradley has stated, “I am opposed to ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.”
My take.
The adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would bar gender-based discrimination in our country. South Carolina has refused to ratify this Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment ensures that woman are recognized as equals under the US Constitution. Women having equal rights, and equal protection under the law is not, and should not be viewed as a political party issue. According to a 2016 poll 94% of Americans support an amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing equal rights for men and women. Jeff Bradley’s continued opposing of this amendment highlights his inability to put aside his own personal bias, and his pandering to a radical conservative base, even when faced with overwhelming public support of the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Issue:
Medicaid expansion.
Lisette cifaldi
When elected, I will co-sponsor legislation compelling the Governor to accept federal dollars to expand Medicaid in our state to provide accessible and affordable health care to all South Carolinians.
Jeff bradley
Jeff Bradley opposes Medicaid expansion in South Carolina, which would provide health care coverage to 345,000 low-income South Carolinians.
My take.
South Carolina remains one of the 10 states that have yet to expand Medicaid to cover all adults, who have incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. In doing so, SC has rejected about $1.6 billion annually in federal dollars for Medicaid expansion since 2014. Furthermore, a recent study has demonstrated that by expanding Medicaid, South Carolina would see a $4.04 billion increase in economic output and a $100 million rise in county and state tax revenue. The report also says that would create an extra 29,000 jobs and 345 million in county and local tax revenue over the first three years.
Local small business owners in District 123 have voiced support for Medicaid expansion because the cost of providing health insurance to workers has become cost prohibitive. The shortage of workforce housing coupled with not being able to provide health insurance to their staff, make it difficult for small businesses to hire and retain employees on the island. Medicaid expansion could significantly help local workers get access to the healthcare they need that business owners can’t afford.
Jeff Bradley doesn’t believe in any government-supported health care program. He called the Affordable Care Act “an overreach in federalism” and that all health care decisions must be, “free market driven.” This lack of support means he didn’t support eliminating pre-existing conditions nor the 383,000 South Carolinians who signed up for ACA marketplace coverage in 2023.
The Issue:
transgender issues.
Lisette cifaldi
As a psychotherapist, I understand that supporting gender-affirming care for minors is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being, as it helps alleviate gender dysphoria and reduces the risk of depression, anxiety and suicide.
Jeff bradley
Jeff Bradley co-sponsored a bill that prohibits gender affirming care for minors, including therapy and requires schools to out any child to their parents they suspect of questioning their gender.
My take.
H.4624 was passed EVEN after all of the public hearings on the bill received near unanimous testimony from doctors and parents explaining that people younger than 18 do not receive gender-transition surgeries in South Carolina and hormone treatments begin only after extensive consultation with health professionals.
Early access to appropriate gender-affirming care fosters a supportive environment, allowing young individuals to thrive and develop a positive self-identity. Additionally, providing this care can improve their long-term health outcomes and overall quality of life.
Denying gender-affirming care in South Carolina can lead to increased mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, among transgender individuals. This lack of access to necessary healthcare – including counseling – exacerbates discrimination and marginalization, significantly impacting the overall well-being and quality of life of these children.