Policy Priorities
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Medical and dental coverage for all is a right, not a privilege. However, many Oregonians do not have access to medical and/or dental care. As a cancer survivor Dr. Pham has experienced first-hand how broken our medical system actually is in Oregon. At the age of 27, he was diagnosed with leukemia and could not afford the $15,000 monthly copay for the cancer treatment. He had given up all hope until he was able to find financial aid to get the treatment necessary for his survival.
As a clinician, Dr. Pham has worked hard to take care of his pediatric patients. His 15 years of experience in healthcare has given him an in-depth understanding of how the healthcare system works. All of his experiences and relationships he has developed over the years will allow him to navigate and shape meaningful policies that will help all Oregonians - from rural to urban.
Investing in Strong Education
Dr. Pham wants all residents of Oregon to have the same high quality education that transformed his life. We need to invest more funds into schools and in educating our children in order to give them the tools necessary for leading successful lives. Such investment could be in the form of preschools, higher education or vocational programs.
I will work with parents, teachers and school board members to develop a strategic plan and policies that will focus on getting more funding to our schools.
Supporting Workers and Creating Economic Opportunity
As a small business owner himself, Dr. Pham knows that businesses are the backbone of Oregon’s economy. Both small and large businesses in our community should work together with our local government to create more jobs that provide living wages with strong benefits.
Dr. Pham believes that we must build relationships for collaboration to promote policies such as transportation and infrastructure solutions that work for our workforce, economic development and the tools for businesses to expand, and access to clean, renewable energy to fuel our economy. On the same side of the coin, Dr. Pham looks to expand education and training to strengthen and build up our workforce growing the number of family-wage jobs.
Protecting our Environment
Dr. Pham trusts and values data-based science and will support legislation to fight climate change and protect Oregon’s beauty and resources for future generations. Climate change is happening right before our eyes and we need to continue to be proactive about managing the situation.
Dr. Pham understands the need to address toxins, extreme weather events, climate resilient systems, and ensuring access to clean air, water, and land to prioritize human safety and health. He also believes that we need to invest in Oregon’s parks and public spaces for communities to enjoy. Dr. Pham is committed to passing equitable policies that focus on environmental justice and prioritizing those who are disproportionately burdened.
Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are issues that are very important to Dr. Pham. The hardships of living below the federal poverty level and learning a new language and culture was very difficult at first for his family. Overcoming these obstacles has given him a unique perspective and insight into how legislators can help improve policies to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardships and housing instability for many families. We need to have a strategic plan in place to help those who are impacted by the pandemic economically and emotionally. His experience as a business owner, health care provider, humanitarian, and community leader provide Dr. Pham with a unique perspective and experience to collaborate and build up a strategic plan.
