Ensuring pay equality

Despite decades of progress, women working full time make only 78 cents for every $1 dollar earned by men for the same job, while working mothers earn just 69 cents to that $1. Alexi supports efforts to narrow this pay disparity, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was signed into law by President Obama and further protects women's rights to take action against unfair pay practices. He will also work to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would empower women to negotiate for equal pay and protect workers from retaliation if they disclose or question their pay. The bill also allows women to receive the same remedies for sex-based pay discrimination that are currently available to those subject to discrimination based on race and national origin.

Protecting a woman's right to choose

The decision to have an abortion is a deeply personal and difficult one. Alexi is committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose under Roe v. Wade, and opposes any constitutional amendment that would override that right. Alexi also supports more funding for preventive initiatives aimed at reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, including greater access to contraceptives that curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and comprehensive sex education programs that teach safe sex methods. Preventing unwanted pregnancies would reduce the number of abortions and result in fewer unwanted births and their long-term consequences.

Expanding health care

More than 20 million women currently lack health care, and two-thirds of uninsured women fail to get the care they need because of high costs. Women pay more significantly more in out-of-pocket expenses then men. Alexi supports congressional efforts to guarantee quality, affordable health care for all Americans. He will also work to ensure preventive care and early detection programs, which include things like mammograms and pap smears, are easily accessible.

Balancing work and family

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 3.5 million workers cannot afford to take advantage of unpaid family leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The Paid Parental Leave Act provides federally-employed parents four weeks of paid leave to spend at home with a new child. Alexi supports this first step toward universal paid leave so that families must no longer choose between a child and a paycheck.

Preventing violence against women at home and abroad

One in four American women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. For some, the abuse is a matter of life and death, but in all cases it exacts staggering costs on our families, communities and society. Alexi supports efforts to raise awareness and fund programs so victims can get help early on, train medical professionals in domestic violence services and response, develop best practices to combat and prevent violent acts, and demand tougher laws against those who commit violence.

Internationally, Alexi believes the United States must apply pressure to prevent the systematic abuse and mistreatment of women in other countries. In many societies, women serve as second-class citizens when it comes to education, financial independence and protection from abuse. He will push for the UN to provide protection, relief and education to ensure women’s rights and safety are protected.