Denise Maris, Democrat, Candidate for PA House, District 82

I am pro-choice. The fundamental right to make decisions about our own bodies must be guaranteed. Without that, there is no true liberty. Each of us has the freedom to decide when and with whom we have a child. Forcing someone to continue with a pregnancy against their will is against the rights guaranteed in the constitution. Women deserve equal protection under the law and should not be stripped of their self-determination.

What is your position on voting administration? (ex: mail-in ballots, drop boxes, voter ID, etc.) 

The right of citizens to vote and choose their representatives is paramount. Without free and fair elections, no other rights can be guaranteed. The ability of citizens to vote by mail has served to enfranchise those who work away from home such as military, transportation workers, and others. There has never been any widespread voter fraud proven in all the years citizens could vote by mail (since 1775). The changes to mail-in voting in 2020 had broad, bipartisan support and was successful. I believe that this practice should continue so that as many voters as possible can make their voice heard. However, we cannot let gerrymandering or map manipulation interfere with the voice of the voter. Fair Districts of PA has developed a plan for drawing the new lines after the census that is a transparent, accountable process that will best reflect the will of the voters. This plan has had wide bipartisan support but has not been permitted out of committee due to partisan politicians steering the agenda. The legislators are to be chosen by the voter, not the voters being chosen by the legislator. Only through a fair and transparent redistricting process that includes input of the people can we have elections that truly reflect the will of the voters.

What are your positions on economic policy and job creation (ex: inflation reduction, taxes, regulations, etc.)? 

I have a clear understanding of what the citizens of the 76th District are currently experiencing. I know what it is like to raise a family, and manage a household, all while living paycheck to paycheck. I understand the stress of unexpected expenses, the dread of an upcoming car inspection, a leaky roof, or an appliance repair or a replacement that will seriously impact your wallet. I have been there and have lived those stressors. I understand the burdens of high student loan bills, seniors being unable to remain in their homes because of rising taxes, utilities and property upkeep. The rising cost associated with quality child care often forces families to choose between one or two parents being able to work. I will address these issues and work hard to come up with responsible, affordable solutions. I believe in job creation of jobs with a livable wage. I also do not believe that those jobs should be at the expense of our environment. It is past time we raised the minimum wage to at least $15/hr, and we need to go further. We need to support every worker's right to organize, expand safety protections for workers, and invest in good union jobs at the state level.

What is your position on climate change and environmental policy? 

I see the beauty and possibilities that our great district has to offer in Clinton and Union Counties. Exploring and promoting the PA Wilds will not only maintain the unique beauty of our state but will bring more revenue to the district. We need to teach our children from a young age to appreciate and nurture our natural resources. The current rate of climate change is evident in the increased number of severe storms, wide variations in temperatures, and increased flooding as water levels rise. The time to act is now and I will make every effort to make Pennsylvania a leader in environmental action. Furthermore, I believe in bringing more job opportunities to this area but not if it adversely affects our environment.

What is your position on immigration policy? 

I believe that we must have secure borders and that prospective immigrants should do everything they can to follow the process. However, I do believe that asylum seekers should be treated like the refugees they are and be given an opportunity to go through the process while being protected in the United State. I also believe that Dreamers should have an opportunity to achieve citizenship. We are the great melting pot, and diversity of culture will only enrich our states and our country.

What is your position on LGBTQ rights? (ex: marriage, adoption, sports participation) 

I believe that the LGBTQ+ community deserves the same fundamental rights as all citizens of the United States. Who we marry, what job we desire, how we choose to raise our children, where we choose to live are all personal decisions that we have the constitutional freedom to make. No one, especially our representative government, has the right to infringe upon those decisions. Discrimination in any form is wrong. I will fiercely defend and uphold the rights of all individuals in Pennsylvania. I also support trans individuals participating in sports that align with their preferred gender.

What is your position on criminal justice reform? 

I support decriminalizing marijuana which would impact many of those incarcerated for marijuana related offences. I also support putting systems in place to deal with those facing addiction. Incarceration is no way to get clean. There must be changes to the courts to allow for special circumstances when dealing with individuals with mental health challenges, and our veterans. These communities present special circumstances that will not be appropriately addressed in a standard criminal court. We also need to examine the fact that your criminal record, no matter how old, can prohibit someone from gainful employment in their chosen field. Having a record expunged is prohibitively expensive for many. They should not lose future opportunities for poor judgment in the distant past.

What is your position on gun ownership policy? 

I will work to pass universal background checks for all gun sales. This is a measure that is supported by people from all backgrounds and political leanings. None of us wants someone with a violent criminal history or an unstable individual to have access to firearms. This measure would help to decrease the number of guns getting into the wrong hands. Not only will this protect innocent people from violent gun crime, but it will also protect our vulnerable citizens who struggle with suicide ideation. Preventing these folks from obtaining a firearm could prevent gun related suicides. I will fight to make these changes, not only in my district, but across the Commonwealth of PA.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

I know that having access to a quality, affordable education empowers our students to compete on a global scale. I understand that the relationships that can be developed between our local students and local industry benefit both, and encourage our young people to stay, live, work, and raise their families in the district. I will put forward a plan for fair funding of all schools in the Commonwealth, as well as forge relationships between the schools and local industries to improve both. Increased need for medical intervention has lead to people learning what their insurance covers as well as what it does not. Access to quality healthcare is a right, and not a privilege to be available only to those who can afford the high premiums. Additionally, another issue that is close to my heart is Veteran’s healthcare issues. Being a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I understand first-hand the effects of PTSD on a family. Veterans also experience Traumatic Brian Injuries and other challenges from serving our country. We must have appropriate services available to help all of them readjust to civilian life.