My story echoes those of countless other residents in Wilkes, North Carolina, a small town hurting under the weight of a changing economy. As someone who lost a reliable job due to unforeseen circumstances and now suffers with heart conditions, I have first-handedly experienced the struggle many Americans face daily - securing regular employment and meeting medical expenses while trying to keep a roof over our heads. An economic storm of inflation, soaring healthcare costs, and rising homelessness is becoming unbearable to bear for many, and my personal resilience alone cannot meet these challenges.

Thirteen percent of our residents live below the poverty line under these conditions, according to a recent data from U.S. Census Bureau, making it harder to access decent employment opportunities and affordable medical care. With my personal story as a lens, I implore our elected officials and lawmakers to take meaningful action right away. We demand that strategies be put in place to lower inflation, secure housing for our community's most vulnerable and fund quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of economic status or ability to pay.

Involving the larger public in implementation policy discussions allows for government that truly represents and meets the needs of its people. I plead with you to stand with me, to lend your voice to the cause that impacts us all. Sign the petition. Let us work together to build an economy that works for every resident, in every town across America.