Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
To say that the working class needs its own party, its own organization. To call out the push towards war that we see in this country -- both with the invasion of Venezuela, but also the invasion of our streets by militarized police forces like ICE and the Border Patrol.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Inflation and high prices for things like food, rent and utilities. Working people need to push the corporations to lower their prices. And we need to push to increase our own wages.
What is one unique challenge your district faces and how do you plan to address it?
Operation Midway Blitz last fall was very focused on the Southwest Side -- on Little Village in particular. We saw neighborhood organizations grow to challenge ICE and what they are doing, and now we’ve had the similar example of the folks in Minneapolis. I commend this “self-organization” in our communities to oppose the repression directed against Latino immigrant workers.
What do you think federal immigration reform should look like?
Everyone who lives and works in this country should be able to vote, and should have full access to all services available to the population. The bosses use immigration status as a means to divide the working class against itself -- so as to pay everyone less. Full rights to everyone here.
How should Congress address the rising costs of health care?
The corporations that use our healthcare system to generate profits are constantly increasing the costs that we all pay. Having a public system, rather than a system designed to shovel our money at the big insurance companies, would be a start.
What approach would you take on tax policy and what is your top priority?
Corporations and the wealthy -- those that have money -- should bear the burden of taxes in this society. The current system puts the tax burden on working people, while the rich and the largest corporations pay very little -- when they pay anything at all.
Is the House currently using its oversight powers in the way it should be? What areas of government need more or less oversight?
The corporations can have more oversight when it comes to paying their taxes, having safe places to work, and polluting our environment.
What is the most pressing foreign policy issue facing the country and what role should the House play in dealing with it?
The push towards war -- in the Caribbean with the invasion of Venezuela, against Iran and the looming war with China. Working people will need to be organized if they are to be able to stop the war machine.
How do you view AI and the role the government should play in its regulation?
AI, like all technologies, can be a useful tool for humanity. In the hands of the ruling class, it will be used to cut jobs, monitor consumer behavior, and otherwise serve their priorities, rather than ours.
How would you describe the current state of your party and what changes or new approaches would you like to see your party adopt?
We are small, but we have been growing. We got over 5% in the last election, which allowed us to hold the ballot line in this district without the burden of petitioning. We hope to have two candidates in Chicago this year.