Eighth Congressional District Candidate Forum at George Mason ... >
May 5, 2014 - State Rep. Charniele Herring.

Opening Statement
...Congress is broken.  To change it we need new people.  I know that gets said a lot but what I mean is that we need people with different live experiences, people who know what it means to struggle and people who have lived. 

I'm Charniele Herring and I understand what people are going through, because at 16 years old I was homeless.  That experience has taught me vigilance, git and determination, but most of all it has taught me to help those who are struggling. 

I am here today because someone helped me.  It was a college program called STEP that got me to George Mason University.  It was Pell Grants that helped me finance my education.  It was Stafford Loans that helped me finance my education at law school while I worked two jobs. 

My life experience informs my approach to policy and my ability to fight Tea Party extremists.  I've been a member of the Virginia General Assembly for five years.  Living in a shelter prepared me to do what I need to do, and that is to be organized for the future.  I have what it takes to be an effective congresswoman.  My record in the Virginia General Assembly demonstrates this. 

I formed the Reproductive Health Care Caucuse and took on Bob McDonnell with his trans-vaginal ultrasound bill.  I have been recognized for my work protecting women's rights, especially by NARAL Virginia, with the Aggie Wolf Defender of Choice Award.  I have worked to improve our edcuation system with important programs like pre-K.  As a legislator, I fought to protect voting rights and successfuly passed legislation just this year to make absentee voting easier.  I have fought for workers' rights and authored successful legislation to reform the bail bond industry that was plagued by predatory lending.  I have been recognized by the NAACP for my work in civil rights.  I have a commitment that we make sure that we have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. 

Look, the reality for our region is this.  There is great promise and opportunity.  Since the age of 11 I have watched the area grow and prosper, but there are still too many who are struggling.  I'm running for Congress becuse I want to help Virginians who are struggling, because not too long ago I was struggling.  Those Virginians need a seat at the table.  They need a voice.  In Congress I will be that voice.
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