With so much uncertainty ahead about COVID-19, how would you ensure that the people's business – both at the legislature and in all of our elections – will be conducted effectively, and with full participation, in the safest possible manner for the foreseeable future?

The legislature should expand voting by absentee ballot due to COVID-19 to ensure everyone can vote safely. This is the optimal choice for voting since it ensures no-risk to voting.

What can be done to improve the business climate in Connecticut while COVID-19 continues to be a risk?

We need to invest in and support small local businesses. While the COVID-19 recovery is still uncertain now is the time to invest in the local communities because people are more inclined to stay local and reduce their risk of exposure.

What specific legislation would you support to reduce racism in Connecticut?

Re-investing in communities and small business but also education and training for economic freedom from systemic racism that limits opportunities. Re-imagining social justice requires a commitment to success by approaching it from many angles and measuring success, accountability and transparency will be paramount as we move to a more just society. More specifically, creating a tax structure that is fair and equitable for working people and more housing opportunities within the lending institutions.

With higher education facing major changes because of the pandemic, what steps will you take to make sure that Connecticut’s residents have access to college and/or other job training that won’t leave them tens of thousands of dollars in debt?

While COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect in how we live our lives, it has also given us a new perspective about how we can improve and solve some of the problems we faced prior to the pandemic. We need to take advantage of on line learning and streamline resources that CT universities (and K-12 schools) can use. For instance lectures can certainly be done on line with multiple classrooms and schools participating at he same time. Thus reducing class room hours which can alternatively be used for more hands on one on one learning. Especially for students who struggle with the traditional learning path.

What is one specific policy you support to help protect African Americans as an at-risk group during the pandemic?

A living wage and reduce the ability for employers with 200 or more employees to hire part timers as a way to avoid higher salaries and benefits which ultimately leads to low wage workers being dependent on state welfare programs such as SNAP, HUSKY and TANF.

How can Connecticut lower healthcare costs while also improving quality and access to care?

Employers with 200 or more employees need to pay into health care benefits programs for their employees until we have a national health care program that addresses the health care crisis.

What should Connecticut do to re-tool our public health for COVID-19 and the possibility of future pandemics, while also addressing other chronic illnesses that put people at risk every day?

CT has done a very good job despite the inability of the federal government leadership to bring the country together during this crisis. I think neighborhood pop up clinics to address chronic illnesses is a good alternative since many people are afraid to go out and risk being infected. Telehealth is also a great tool in meeting the demands of patient questions and relieving patient anxiety about not being able to see their health care provider. Maybe have at home check for high risk patients as well.

Connecticut’s revenues will sharply decline as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and, unlike Congress, Connecticut has a balanced budget requirement. What changes would you make to balance the budget? (If you want cuts, be specific what will be cut. If you want to raise taxes, be specific about which taxes.)

Fair income tax rates for the working and middle class. Legalizing marijuana for much needed revenue. People also prefer this as an alternative to toxic marijuana sold on the streets. I do not believe marijuana is a gateway drug, I think cigarettes and alcohol are much more addictive then marijuana. E tolls are needed to secure revenue to keep our roads safe, workers who work out of state can be reimbursed for the travel expense. Every other state along the eastern seaboard has tolls and it is really bad policy not to initiate this legislation. i also think if we have e tolls there is an opportunity to reduce the gas tax over time which is a regressive tax for working people.