Campaign Issues

Issues

Kathy Beery has been on the front lines of issues that impact the Valley and Virginians for much of her adult life. From Education to Community services and supporting Mayor Reed’s call for crosswalks in her neighborhood, Kathy has supported her neighbors and the infrastructure that builds and sustains the Valley.  

Education

Our Constitution states: “The General Assembly shall provide for a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age throughout the Commonwealth, and shall seek to ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained.” The General Assembly has a legal, moral, and fiscal responsibility to ensure that every child receives the same shot at a top-quality education, no matter their zip code. I will support the continued development of universal preschool for our youngest children, and support increasing the Virginia Literacy Fund.  I will be part of developing policies that ensure equitable access to an education that prepares students for careers and to participate in a pluralist democracy. 

Abortion & Bodily Autonomy

The end of Roe v. Wade has revealed the far-right anti-freedom agenda and embrace of government overreach. They are prepared to rob women of their freedom, dignity, and health and insert the government in every doctor's office in the name of protecting unborn lives. I will support policies that actually reduce abortions -- age-appropriate sex education, free or reduced-cost access to long-acting reversible contraceptives, and family-supportive programs for childcare and healthcare.

Health Care

The pandemic taught us that our community is only as healthy as the poorest among us. It is in the public interest to make sure everyone has access to preventive medicine and necessary care. This is particularly challenging in rural communities and in places where people work for themselves or small businesses that can’t afford to offer health benefits. I will support policies that maximize access to preventive care, adequate sick leave, and reduced drug costs. 

Economic Prosperity & Workers' Rights

Economic opportunity and flourishing lives are important to all residents of Senate District 2. Workers should have a living wage and safe working conditions, both physically and mentally. Workers should have the right to organize and advocate for better wages and working conditions. “Right to work” encourages the exploitation of workers. I support an end to Virginia’s right-to-work policies, public sector unions, and other mechanisms for protecting workers. 

Gun Safety

I understand that people in rural Virginia hunt to feed their families. I support responsible gun ownership and the right to own a gun. I own a gun. But there is no reason to own a weapon of war that is designed to shred anything or anyone it hits. I will join the 80% of Americans who want common sense gun regulations and I will not kowtow to the gun lobby. It is possible to protect the Second Amendment and implement reasonable policies for gun ownership.

Money in Virginia Politics

Campaign finance reform has been stalled in Virginia for too long. When elected officials can use campaign funds to buy cars, homes, or pay for personal expenses, we are facing a thinly veiled system of bribery. It leads to policies that favor large corporate interests over the needs of citizens, including a regressive tax policy that under-taxes corporations and over-taxes working families. I will support campaign finance reform and an overhaul of our tax code, and I won’t accept corporate donations to my campaign.