Denise Maris, Democrat, Candidate for PA House, District 76
My position on economic policies would be to propose to the Pennsylvania state tax system would be to help our seniors with their property taxes. We should work to either reduce or eliminate said tax burden because many of them are on a fixed income. Another proposal would be to increase the tax burden on the wealthy in our state and increase the earned income tax credit. Another position on economic policy would be to boost the jobs in our area by working with area employers to determine their employment needs, work with our educational system to develop programs to help fill needs, as well as create a workforce “incubator” to create new opportunities in our community. Additionally, I would promote the expansion of our trade’s skills education, obtain additional skilled teachers and increase the variety of classes offered to individuals and expand the age threshold to help our displaced workers.
My position on addressing the cost of housing would be to work with the governor to increase the current monies received through the several grants available to communities. Such programs include Community Development Block Grant, Low Income Housing Tax and community revitalization plan. Additionally, more needs to be done to control costs associated with rental properties so that local community members aren’t priced out of a home.
My position on healthcare access is to build upon the technological advancements made during COVID such as tele-health and drive-through screenings. Additionally, I want to increase the number of mobile medical vans that service our areas, especially in our under-serviced rural areas. These medical vans would provide free checkups, provide basic services and make connections to other healthcare providers should a patient need it.
My position on the immigration policy is to provide those individuals that are here illegally a pathway to citizenship. One way this can be accomplished is by partnering with organizations in our area to provide the ability to take citizenship classes. Another way would be to provide employment-based green cards with monthly fee would go toward legal and other fees required for citizenship. Finally, more needs to be done to help with the backlog of cases, whether that means increasing the number of agents at the border, hiring more processing agents, or expanding the courts to hear more immigration cases.
A woman’s reproductive rights and abortion should be a conversation between her and her healthcare provider and NOT the government. When elected, I will work to protect those rights and stand against any policy that tries to take those rights away from women.
Coming from an area that has a high gun ownership, more needs to be done to protect innocent people who get hurt from the misuse of guns. Whether we need to restrict the sale of certain guns, increase the waiting period, increase the age requirement to obtain a gun, introduce a mental health stability evaluation and/or require individuals to complete safety trainings. Moreover, we should require individuals to watch videos regarding the physical and psychological effects of mass shootings.
My current position on environmental policy is we need to do more to protect our bountiful environment which provides us an opportunity to hunt, fish and enjoy its riches. We can combat climate change and balance economic interests by working with the government’s organization called Civilian Climate Corps. This organization provides the opportunity to engage our youth to help manage and conserve our public lands by providing training in natural conservation, professional development and scientific studies. By joining forces with the federal government, it would help provide employment to our youth and our veterans while helping to protecting our environment.
As an LGBTQ+ ally, more needs to be done to protect our LGBTQ+ community and not treat them as second-class citizens. There should be no legislation that harms or discriminates against members within the LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, I will stand against laws that promote such discriminatory practices.
My position on addressing the lowering the costs of higher education in Pennsylvania would be to provide different options in getting a higher education. For one, aligning with the current workforce needs and educational systems to provide specific courses to students to help them to either graduate with a certificate in a specific skillset or earned credits toward an advanced degree. I would also work to provide working adults reduced tuition online courses for a more affordable college education. Moreover, increasing the tax credit for fringe benefits for non-profit employers who offer tuition assistance to educate their workers.
One thing I would like to add is that our district encompasses both rural and urban communities and more needs to be done to bridge the divide. We need to advocate for both of our communities because we have similar issues that plague us. Such issues as the working poor in that members in our community are one paycheck away from losing everything, to the lack of an assortment of job opportunities. Moreover, disability is another common issue shared by both communities and more needs to be done to help our members in our community. Additionally, I would advocate to have monthly meetings from both communities to discuss their issues and collectively come together to fix said issues. I would ensure that true representation happens and getting a seat at every possible table. From advocating for assistance for our first responders, veterans and teachers, to making sure that our rural areas aren’t forgotten. Additionally, I plan to hold town hall meetings in our district and attend local government meetings to keep up to date with the everyday struggles facing our communities. Issues are ever changing and the only way to ensure being current is to be accessible to the members in our community.