chicagosun-times--2020-09-05--Jesus Solorio, 4th Congressional District Republican nominee profile

Running for : U.S. House of Representatives ( IL-04 ) The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing their districts and the country .
Jesus Solorio submitted the following responses : Are you satisfied with the federal government ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic ?
Why or why not ?
What grade would you give President Donald Trump for his handling of the pandemic , and why ?
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been overtly politized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disservice to Americans .
At the outset of the pandemic , conflicting messages were given to the American people .
Although our national emergency supplies were depleted , the Administration worked closely with governors across the country to provide them with medical supplies and personal protective equipment .
More collaboration between federal and local government is needed to ensure that proper information and supplies are properly distributed .
What should the federal government do to stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic shutdowns ?
In addition to the closure of our economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in crime that has destroyed hundreds of businesses and displaced thousands of workers .
Locally , elected officials need to focus on passing pro-business regulations that will help job creators rebound and rehire workers .
We must strengthen our immigration laws and bring back manufacturing into our district .
In the wake of the death of George Floyd , President Trump signed an executive order on police reform .
It calls for the creation of a database to track police officers with multiple instances of misconduct , federal grants to encourage police departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of force , and the greater involvement of social workers and mental health professionals when the police respond to calls dealing with homelessness , mental illness and addiction .
The order also calls for police departments to ban the use of chokeholds except when an officer feels his or her life is endangered .
Will this be enough to address concerns about police brutality ?
If not , what other steps should be taken ?
Every unnecessary loss of life is tragic , and What happened to George Floyd should have never happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , there is no doubt that our communities continue to distrust the brave members of the police department and most of the distrust has been because of the partisan rhetoric from elected officials .
In order to fix our communities , we must regain the trust of law enforcement officers .
President Trump took a major step in regaining that trust when he signed an executive order on police reform .
Furthermore , bad actors who abuse their authority must be disciplined and removed from police departments and defunding the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen a massive increase across our communities in Chicago .
Also in the wake of the death of George Floyd , the House passed the Justice in Policing Act , which would ban police departments from using chokeholds , develop a national standard for use of force , limit the transfer of military weapons to police departments , define lynching as a federal hate crime , establish a national police misconduct registry , and limit qualified immunity , which protects officers from lawsuits over alleged misconduct .
Do you support this legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other steps , if any , would you like to see the federal government take on police reform ?
The Justice in Policing Act is too broad and will ultimately handicap the ability of cops to do their job – for the most part , cops are making split-second decisions and the distrust permeating through public opinion only leads to more harm to officers because of their hesitation to act .
Doing away with qualified immunity will cause law enforcement officials to not do their job because of fear losing those protections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s decision to commute the sentence of Roger Stone ?
The President has the authority to commute and pardon individuals and gives him the discretion as to who gets their sentences commuted .
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years , whether it ’ s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community .
2020 Fellow at the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation ; as state chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois ( RNHA of Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak with Illinois Congressional Delegation to support legislation on immigration ; personally advocated for a legislative solution to DACA ; and recruited hundreds of new election judges for the 2018 midterm election .
What are your views on the decision by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump ?
Was the impeachment process fair or not ?
How so ?
If , in your view , the president should not have been impeached , would you have supported censure ?
Please explain .
It ’ s clear the impeachment of President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work Congress is tasked with doing .
How would you reduce the federal budget deficit , which now stands at about $ 1 trillion for 2020 ?
What changes , if any , to the U.S. tax code do you support and why ?
No other topic in today ’ s political arena is as misunderstood as the national debt and monetary policy .
But perhaps no other topic is as important .
We recognize that the problem with the federal budget deficit has less to do with the ( profound ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Republicans , and more to do with the nature of modern money – which is quite literally printed from trees , and monetary policy – which is inflationary by design .
Rather than focus on the federal budget deficit , we are committed to addressing monetary policy – which enables the profligate spending by Congress , and is itself responsible for significant wealth inequality in America .
My policy proposal calls for an overhaul to the tax code and regulatory changes to allow for the use of alternative currencies to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual and corporate income tax , and replacing those with tariffs and a Value Added Tax ( VAT ) .
These measures will have the following effects : • Increase the number of Main Street jobs in manufacturing and decrease the demand for Wall Street jobs in financial services .
• Incentivize savings and discourage the corporate practice of boosting stock price by repurchasing shares .
What changes would you like to see made to our nation ’ s healthcare system ?
Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s your view on Medicare for All ?
And what should be done , if anything , to bring down the cost of prescription drugs ?
It is the responsibility of every voter to take notice that with every election cycle politicians make new promises to deliver quality , affordable healthcare to every American , yet healthcare costs continue to rise substantially faster than inflation , while approximately 30 million Americans are still uninsured .
The problem is that elected officials continue to ignore fundamental economics : with every new government mandate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expands , but the supply of professionals and hospitals does not .
This Supply vs. Demand mismatch not only balloons the costs of healthcare , but leaves too many healthcare providers overworked , and overstressed .
We recognize that in order for Quality Health Care to be Affordable , the balance of Supply & Demand must be restored .
• Expand the Supply of health care professionals by ending regulatory bottlenecks & implementing innovative apprenticeship programs .
• Reduce the Demand for services by offering every American access to no frills insurance plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Medicare & Medicaid , and eliminating redundant distribution channels .
• Ensure that persons w/ pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage while economic balance is restored to the system .
• Lowering the price of pharmaceuticals should be addressed in a way that respects market forces , and does not deter the research and development of new life saving drugs .
We need to allow insurance providers – including Medicare – to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies , and give people greater autonomy in choosing their insurance .
Further , we can lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens by ensuring , through bilateral trade agreements , that other nations pay more for American prescription drugs .
• We oppose ‘ Medicare for All ’ as this is not a solution to the underlying problems of Supply & Demand that exist today .
In fact , this type of universal tax payer funded program will only cause the mismatch to deteriorate further .
Those politicians who are proponents of ‘ Medicare for All ’ will promise High Quality Healthcare for All , but in reality the voters will only receive free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for All will either require a 3rd party rationing of services , or the import of hundreds of thousands of foreign health care workers ( or both ) – thus depriving those nations of the doctors and nurses they trained .
Do you support or oppose DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) and why ?
Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers ?
Please explain .
The failure by congress to act on a permanent legislative solution has caused uncertainty for over 800,000 DREAMers that were brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution that will allow these individuals to apply for citizenship if they don ’ t have a criminal background other than being here unlawfully .
This legislation needs be coupled with a robust immigration reform package that includes securing our southern border , additional resources for enforcement , and having state and local governments work with federal agencies to secure our communities .
What are the three most important issues in your district on which the federal government can and should act ?
As I talk to voters across the district , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at the top of the list of concerns .
What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent ( s ) ?
Simple .
I ’ m running to represent every voter in my district and not the special interests that have destroyed our political process .
We need effective representation in Congress , and I will work hard to bring back jobs into our district , improve educational opportunities for every student , and deliver quality and affordable health care .
What action should Congress take , if any , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason we are seeing a spike in crime is because individuals are desperate for economic opportunities .
We must bring quality jobs to our district , in addition , elected officials must enforce current gun laws on the books .
I will fight to protect and uphold our second amendment right .
Is climate change real ?
Is it significantly man-made ?
Is it a threat to humankind ?
What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it ?
While human activity does contribute to the buildup of atmospheric CO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is no global warming crisis or existential threat to humankind .
Unfortunately , over the past generation , environmentalism has been dominated by the misguided notion that Mankind is dangerously heating the planet through unchecked generation of carbon dioxide ( CO ) , and only by aggressively replacing fossil fuels w/ windmills and solar panels can the Earth be saved .
We support the use of renewable energy technologies when these solutions are practical .
And we do recognize that fossil fuels are ultimately a finite resource , so we encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we ’ re opposed to ‘ Green New Deal ’ mandates that are forced on the public and that will only results in turmoil , financial hardship , and counterproductive environmental disruption .
Tragically , there is an opportunity cost to these misguided efforts – as the true threats to wild animal life take a backseat to the exaggerated war against carbon dioxide : Poaching , Habitat Destruction , and Overfishing .
These should be the principal focus of 21st Century conservationists , and are central to our environmental proposals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end the disastrous Palm Oil biofuel mandates to help preserve Indonesian rainforests and orangutan habitat .
• Exert diplomatic pressure on nations to terminate all harvesting dolphins and whales .
• Provide greater assistance to African nations struggling to contain illegal poaching – including the use of drone technology and AI to track offenders and alert local authorities .
What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare ?
We need to acknowledge that previous generations made promises to future generations that will cause significant socioeconomic disruption if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand that in order for these programs to remain solvent , significant changes must be made .
We will ensure the solvency of Medicare through measures to significantly reduce health care costs , as addressed earlier .
We also need to understand that when Social Security was enacted , the average life expectancy at birth was 65 years .
Today , it is 78.5 years .
Congress and voters need to acknowledge that it is only fair to the younger generations – who are trying to save and raise their own families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retirement age upwards until it again matches the average life expectancy in the US .
However , those who choose to take an early retirement at 65 should be able to do so with reduced payments and with no penalties if they choose to pursue work to supplement their social security check .
What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis ?
Would you use the word “ crisis ” ?
Outstanding student debt now stands at $ 1.7 trillion .
Yes , this is a crisis .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over generations of bad policy and young adults are now forced to choose between taking on extreme levels of college debt , or enter skilled professions such as construction , manufacturing , and information technology where their jobs are at the whim of special interest lobbyists who control trade and immigration policy .
Higher education is complicit in this crisis , as they have been the beneficiary of considerable state and federal subsidies ( $ 200 billion per year by some estimates ) while making no efforts to contain the cost of tuition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tuition has been growing at twice the rate of inflation for decades .
In the short term , we propose reducing the interest rates of the outstanding $ 1.7T in student debt , and shifting the burden of interest payments from the students to the universities .
The students will still be responsible for repaying the principal .
In the long term , we propose the following as a solution : • Phased in termination of the federal student loan program .
• Reducing the demand for a college education by replacing regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeships starting as early as HS .
• Correcting poor immigration policies that result in job losses in professions such as construction , manufacturing , IT , and enginerering .
What should our nation ’ s relationship be with Russia ?
We must hold Russia accountable for their blatant attempt to undermine our electoral process .
What ’ s your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce ?
Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively ?
Please explain .
The US trade balance for manufactured goods was nearly a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words , last year Americans consumed $ 900 billion more in goods than they produced .
Due to the status of the dollar as the world reserve currency , the US has been running a consistent trade deficit for decades .
But the deficit for manufactured goods began to skyrocket after China was admitted to the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) in 2001 .
In the 1960s , manufacturing made up 25 % of U.S. gross domestic product .
It ’ s barely 11 % today , and more than five million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2000 .
Advocates for free trade need to understand that this trade deficit is not caused by free market forces , but instead by significant distortions .
Along with the substantial upset created by global currency policies , the Chinese have adopted a neo-mercantile trade policy where they effectively rob their own citizens of the product of their labor in order to purchase global influence by subsidizing exports .
It is not by “ free market dynamics ” that 97 % of our supply of anti-biotics , 70 % of the active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our rare earth materials are sourced from China .
The tragic irony of 2020 should not be lost on us – that the nation upon which we depend on so much for medicine and supplies critical for National Defense , is the same nation whose poor health standards , adversarial nature , and lack of moral clarity has triggered a global pandemic that will kill millions of persons and destroy tens of thousands of American businesses .
We strongly support President Trump ’ s strategy to reshore critical manufacturing industries and to confront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ Reciprocal Trade ’ that encourages access to the variety of a global marketplace while balancing the trade deficit through the tariffs so as to discourage the practices of mercantilism and labor arbitrage .
Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries ?
Please explain .
In Congress , I will advocate to end costly wars and bring back our troops home .
We have the responsibility of pushing diplomacy and hold countries accountable to ensure that there are no human rights being violated .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to police the world .
What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms ?
Work with nations across the world to ensure that bad actors are not developing nuclear arms .
Rescinding the Iran Deal was a step in the right direction .
Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls .
None .
I ’ ve also been outspoken against patronage and nepotism .
We need stronger ethics and accountability across our government to ensure that only qualified individuals are hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from ?
Please explain .
I admire President Ronald Reagan for his willingness to take on the status quo and promote the American Dream .
What ’ s your favorite TV , streaming or web-based show of all time .
Why ?
Shark Tank by far is my favorite show of all time .
It showcases the ingenuity of Americans and the entrepreneurial spirit .
Watching the hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life underscores how important it is that we must protect the American Dream from radical socialists policies .

Candidate profile
Jesus Solorio
Running for:U.S. House of Representatives (IL-04)
Political party affiliation: Republican Party
Political/civic background:
23rd Ward Republican Committeeman
2nd Vice-Chair, Chicago Republican Party
Member, NXTGen IL
Chairman, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois
Occupation: President, Solorio Strategies, LLC
Education:Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Maccormac College
Campaign website:www.solorioforcongress.com
Facebook: JesusSolorioJr
Twitter: @jesussoloriojr
Instagram:@jesussoloriojr
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing their districts and the country. Jesus Solorio submitted the following responses:
Are you satisfied with the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Why or why not? What grade would you give President Donald Trump for his handling of the pandemic, and why?
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been overtly politized by both parties and that has caused a disservice to Americans. At the outset of the pandemic, conflicting messages were given to the American people. Although our national emergency supplies were depleted, the Administration worked closely with governors across the country to provide them with medical supplies and personal protective equipment. More collaboration between federal and local government is needed to ensure that proper information and supplies are properly distributed.
What should the federal government do to stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic shutdowns?
In addition to the closure of our economy, we are now reeling from a spike in crime that has destroyed hundreds of businesses and displaced thousands of workers. Locally, elected officials need to focus on passing pro-business regulations that will help job creators rebound and rehire workers. We must strengthen our immigration laws and bring back manufacturing into our district.
In the wake of the death of George Floyd, President Trump signed an executive order on police reform. It calls for the creation of a database to track police officers with multiple instances of misconduct, federal grants to encourage police departments to meet higher certification standards on use of force, and the greater involvement of social workers and mental health professionals when the police respond to calls dealing with homelessness, mental illness and addiction. The order also calls for police departments to ban the use of chokeholds except when an officer feels his or her life is endangered. Will this be enough to address concerns about police brutality? If not, what other steps should be taken?
Every unnecessary loss of life is tragic, and What happened to George Floyd should have never happened and those individuals should be held accountable. Additionally, there is no doubt that our communities continue to distrust the brave members of the police department and most of the distrust has been because of the partisan rhetoric from elected officials. In order to fix our communities, we must regain the trust of law enforcement officers. President Trump took a major step in regaining that trust when he signed an executive order on police reform.
Furthermore, bad actors who abuse their authority must be disciplined and removed from police departments and defunding the police will further increase crime rates, which have seen a massive increase across our communities in Chicago.
Also in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the House passed the Justice in Policing Act, which would ban police departments from using chokeholds, develop a national standard for use of force, limit the transfer of military weapons to police departments, define lynching as a federal hate crime, establish a national police misconduct registry, and limit qualified immunity, which protects officers from lawsuits over alleged misconduct. Do you support this legislation? Why or why not? What other steps, if any, would you like to see the federal government take on police reform?
The Justice in Policing Act is too broad and will ultimately handicap the ability of cops to do their job – for the most part, cops are making split-second decisions and the distrust permeating through public opinion only leads to more harm to officers because of their hesitation to act. Doing away with qualified immunity will cause law enforcement officials to not do their job because of fear losing those protections.
What’s your view on President Trump’s decision to commute the sentence of Roger Stone?
The President has the authority to commute and pardon individuals and gives him the discretion as to who gets their sentences commuted.
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years, whether it’s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community.
2020 Fellow at the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation; as state chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois (RNHA of Illinois), I organized our members to speak with Illinois Congressional Delegation to support legislation on immigration; personally advocated for a legislative solution to DACA; and recruited hundreds of new election judges for the 2018 midterm election.
What are your views on the decision by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump? Was the impeachment process fair or not? How so? If, in your view, the president should not have been impeached, would you have supported censure? Please explain.
It’s clear the impeachment of President Trump was politically motivated and a distraction to the work Congress is tasked with doing.
How would you reduce the federal budget deficit, which now stands at about $1 trillion for 2020? What changes, if any, to the U.S. tax code do you support and why?
No other topic in today’s political arena is as misunderstood as the national debt and monetary policy. But perhaps no other topic is as important. We recognize that the problem with the federal budget deficit has less to do with the (profound) lack of fiscal discipline of either Democrats or Republicans, and more to do with the nature of modern money – which is quite literally printed from trees, and monetary policy – which is inflationary by design.
Rather than focus on the federal budget deficit, we are committed to addressing monetary policy – which enables the profligate spending by Congress, and is itself responsible for significant wealth inequality in America.
My policy proposal calls for an overhaul to the tax code and regulatory changes to allow for the use of alternative currencies to the US dollar. We recommend eliminating both the individual and corporate income tax, and replacing those with tariffs and a Value Added Tax (VAT). These measures will have the following effects:
Increase the number of Main Street jobs in manufacturing and decrease the demand for Wall Street jobs in financial services.
Shrink the trade deficit.
Incentivize savings and discourage the corporate practice of boosting stock price by repurchasing shares.
Impose fiscal discipline on politicians.
What changes would you like to see made to our nation’s healthcare system? Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to repeal it in full? What’s your view on Medicare for All? And what should be done, if anything, to bring down the cost of prescription drugs?
It is the responsibility of every voter to take notice that with every election cycle politicians make new promises to deliver quality, affordable healthcare to every American, yet healthcare costs continue to rise substantially faster than inflation, while approximately 30 million Americans are still uninsured.
The problem is that elected officials continue to ignore fundamental economics: with every new government mandate and regulation, demand for health care services expands, but the supply of professionals and hospitals does not. This Supply vs. Demand mismatch not only balloons the costs of healthcare, but leaves too many healthcare providers overworked, and overstressed.
We recognize that in order for Quality Health Care to be Affordable, the balance of Supply & Demand must be restored.
Expand the Supply of health care professionals by ending regulatory bottlenecks & implementing innovative apprenticeship programs.
of health care professionals by ending regulatory bottlenecks & implementing innovative apprenticeship programs. Reduce the Demand for services by offering every American access to no frills insurance plans, streamlining prescription refills, requiring copay for Medicare & Medicaid, and eliminating redundant distribution channels.
for services by offering every American access to no frills insurance plans, streamlining prescription refills, requiring copay for Medicare & Medicaid, and eliminating redundant distribution channels. Update the tax code to facilitate individual policies.
Ensure that persons w/ pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage while economic balance is restored to the system.
Lowering the price of pharmaceuticals should be addressed in a way that respects market forces, and does not deter the research and development of new life saving drugs. We need to allow insurance providers – including Medicare – to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, and give people greater autonomy in choosing their insurance. Further, we can lower the cost of these drugs to American citizens by ensuring, through bilateral trade agreements, that other nations pay more for American prescription drugs.
We oppose ‘Medicare for All’ as this is not a solution to the underlying problems of Supply & Demand that exist today. In fact, this type of universal tax payer funded program will only cause the mismatch to deteriorate further. Those politicians who are proponents of ‘Medicare for All’ will promise High Quality Healthcare for All, but in reality the voters will only receive free access to a failing system. Medicare for All will either require a 3rd party rationing of services, or the import of hundreds of thousands of foreign health care workers (or both) – thus depriving those nations of the doctors and nurses they trained.
Do you support or oppose DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and why? Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers? Please explain.
The failure by congress to act on a permanent legislative solution has caused uncertainty for over 800,000 DREAMers that were brought here as children. I support a solution that will allow these individuals to apply for citizenship if they don’t have a criminal background other than being here unlawfully. This legislation needs be coupled with a robust immigration reform package that includes securing our southern border, additional resources for enforcement, and having state and local governments work with federal agencies to secure our communities.
What are the three most important issues in your district on which the federal government can and should act?
As I talk to voters across the district, the economy, education, and health care are at the top of the list of concerns.
What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent(s)?
Simple. I’m running to represent every voter in my district and not the special interests that have destroyed our political process. We need effective representation in Congress, and I will work hard to bring back jobs into our district, improve educational opportunities for every student, and deliver quality and affordable health care.
What action should Congress take, if any, to reduce gun violence?
The main reason we are seeing a spike in crime is because individuals are desperate for economic opportunities. We must bring quality jobs to our district, in addition, elected officials must enforce current gun laws on the books. I will fight to protect and uphold our second amendment right.
Is climate change real? Is it significantly man-made? Is it a threat to humankind? What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it?
While human activity does contribute to the buildup of atmospheric CO 2 , and while the climate is changing, there is no global warming crisis or existential threat to humankind. Unfortunately, over the past generation, environmentalism has been dominated by the misguided notion that Mankind is dangerously heating the planet through unchecked generation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and only by aggressively replacing fossil fuels w/ windmills and solar panels can the Earth be saved.
We support the use of renewable energy technologies when these solutions are practical. And we do recognize that fossil fuels are ultimately a finite resource, so we encourage long term investments in alternative energy technology. But we’re opposed to ‘Green New Deal’ mandates that are forced on the public and that will only results in turmoil, financial hardship, and counterproductive environmental disruption.
Tragically, there is an opportunity cost to these misguided efforts – as the true threats to wild animal life take a backseat to the exaggerated war against carbon dioxide: Poaching, Habitat Destruction, and Overfishing. These should be the principal focus of 21st Century conservationists, and are central to our environmental proposals.
Increased R&D funding for advanced nuclear fission & fusion technology.
Reform patent law to incentivize long term private industrial R&D in energy technology.
Exert diplomatic pressure on the EU to end the disastrous Palm Oil biofuel mandates to help preserve Indonesian rainforests and orangutan habitat.
Exert diplomatic pressure on nations to terminate all harvesting dolphins and whales.
Provide greater assistance to African nations struggling to contain illegal poaching – including the use of drone technology and AI to track offenders and alert local authorities.
Explore options for endangered species alternative habits in wealthy, politically stable nations.
What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare?
We need to acknowledge that previous generations made promises to future generations that will cause significant socioeconomic disruption if not upheld. But we also need to understand that in order for these programs to remain solvent, significant changes must be made. We will ensure the solvency of Medicare through measures to significantly reduce health care costs, as addressed earlier. We also need to understand that when Social Security was enacted, the average life expectancy at birth was 65 years. Today, it is 78.5 years. Congress and voters need to acknowledge that it is only fair to the younger generations – who are trying to save and raise their own families while supporting retirees – to gradually adjust the retirement age upwards until it again matches the average life expectancy in the US. However, those who choose to take an early retirement at 65 should be able to do so with reduced payments and with no penalties if they choose to pursue work to supplement their social security check.
What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis? Would you use the word “crisis”?
Outstanding student debt now stands at $1.7 trillion. Yes, this is a crisis. It’s a crisis that has been created over generations of bad policy and young adults are now forced to choose between taking on extreme levels of college debt, or enter skilled professions such as construction, manufacturing, and information technology where their jobs are at the whim of special interest lobbyists who control trade and immigration policy.
Higher education is complicit in this crisis, as they have been the beneficiary of considerable state and federal subsidies ($200 billion per year by some estimates) while making no efforts to contain the cost of tuition. In fact, the cost of tuition has been growing at twice the rate of inflation for decades.
In the short term, we propose reducing the interest rates of the outstanding $1.7T in student debt, and shifting the burden of interest payments from the students to the universities. The students will still be responsible for repaying the principal.
In the long term, we propose the following as a solution:
Phased in termination of the federal student loan program.
Reducing the demand for a college education by replacing regulatory mandates for advanced degrees with market based apprenticeships starting as early as HS.
Correcting poor immigration policies that result in job losses in professions such as construction, manufacturing, IT, and enginerering.
What should our nation’s relationship be with Russia?
We must hold Russia accountable for their blatant attempt to undermine our electoral process.
What’s your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce? Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively? Please explain.
The US trade balance for manufactured goods was nearly a $900 billion in 2019. In other words, last year Americans consumed $900 billion more in goods than they produced.
Due to the status of the dollar as the world reserve currency, the US has been running a consistent trade deficit for decades. But the deficit for manufactured goods began to skyrocket after China was admitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. In the 1960s, manufacturing made up 25% of U.S. gross domestic product. It’s barely 11% today, and more than five million well paying manufacturing jobs have been lost since 2000.
Advocates for free trade need to understand that this trade deficit is not caused by free market forces, but instead by significant distortions. Along with the substantial upset created by global currency policies, the Chinese have adopted a neo-mercantile trade policy where they effectively rob their own citizens of the product of their labor in order to purchase global influence by subsidizing exports.
It is not by “free market dynamics” that 97% of our supply of anti-biotics, 70% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients, and nearly all of our rare earth materials are sourced from China. The tragic irony of 2020 should not be lost on us – that the nation upon which we depend on so much for medicine and supplies critical for National Defense, is the same nation whose poor health standards, adversarial nature, and lack of moral clarity has triggered a global pandemic that will kill millions of persons and destroy tens of thousands of American businesses.
We strongly support President Trump’s strategy to reshore critical manufacturing industries and to confront China.
And we propose a policy of ‘Reciprocal Trade’ that encourages access to the variety of a global marketplace while balancing the trade deficit through the tariffs so as to discourage the practices of mercantilism and labor arbitrage.
Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries? Please explain.
In Congress, I will advocate to end costly wars and bring back our troops home. We have the responsibility of pushing diplomacy and hold countries accountable to ensure that there are no human rights being violated. However, that does not mean that the U.S. needs to police the world.
What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms?
Work with nations across the world to ensure that bad actors are not developing nuclear arms. Rescinding the Iran Deal was a step in the right direction.
Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls.
None. I’ve also been outspoken against patronage and nepotism. We need stronger ethics and accountability across our government to ensure that only qualified individuals are hired to fill public positions.
What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
I admire President Ronald Reagan for his willingness to take on the status quo and promote the American Dream.
What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time. Why?
Shark Tank by far is my favorite show of all time. It showcases the ingenuity of Americans and the entrepreneurial spirit. Watching the hundreds of stories of entrepreneurs from diverse walks of life underscores how important it is that we must protect the American Dream from radical socialists policies.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-05--Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, 4th Congressional District Democratic nominee profile

Political/civic background : Congressman , County Commissioner , State Legislator , Alderman , and activist and organizer in the non-profit space The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing their districts and the country .
Jesus G. “ Chuy ” Garcia submitted the following responses : 1 .
Are you satisfied with the federal government ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic ?
Why or why not ?
What grade would you give President Donald Trump for his handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump has botched the response to COVID-19 , as evidenced by the 175k Americans who have died due to incompetence of the President and his team .
I ’ d give the Administration an “ F ” .
The President initially claimed that the virus was a hoax , and for months refused to wear a mask .
The President and his administration have fueled conspiracy theories that contradict the advice of doctors .
Countries with far less resources have demonstrated leadership resulting in fewer deaths and more effective containment strategies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of total global cases while only constituting 4 % of the world ’ s population .
We still lack the testing resources needed for effective contact tracing and containment .
2 .
What should the federal government do to stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic shutdowns ?
First , the government must give working families and small businesses the assistance they need .
That involves the following : 1 .
Issue stimulus checks on a recurring basis for families who continue to struggle to make ends meet during the pandemic .
Immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elgibile for stimulus checks .
2 .
Cancel rent for workers who have lost their jobs , or provide at least $ 100B in rental assistance , as well as extend eviction moratoriums at the federal level .
3 .
Provide additional relief to small businesses , including restaurants and mom and pop shops , especially minority and women-owned businesses .
Prioritize help for small businesses to keep employees paid and keep operations afloat through the end of the shutdowns .
4 .
Extend unemployment insurance at the full $ 600 a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send harmful ripple effects throughout the economy .
In order to support economic recovery , the government must effectively manage the spread of COVID-19 .
We should advocate mask-wearing , support workers ’ ability to isolate after being exposed , massively increase testing capacity and reduce testing result wait-times.. All of these initiatives were included in the HEROES Act passed by House Democrats on May 15 .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s and the Senate Republicans could help the economy and families now by passing the HEROES Act .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd , President Trump signed an executive order on police reform .
It calls for the creation of a database to track police officers with multiple instances of misconduct , federal grants to encourage police departments to meet higher certification standards on use of force , and the greater involvement of social workers and mental health professionals when the police respond to calls dealing with homelessness , mental illness and addiction .
The order also calls for police departments to ban the use of chokeholds except when an officer feels his or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enough to address concerns about police brutality ?
If not , what other steps should be taken ?
The policies included in the President ’ s Executive Order are also included in the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act which is a much more comprehensive policy framework .
The executive order does not address the root issues of racial inequity , racial bias , or systemic disinvestment in communities of color , whereas the Justice in Policing Act addresses these issues more directly .
4 .
Also in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House passed the Justice in Policing Act , which would ban police departments from using chokeholds , develop a national standard for use of force , limit the transfer of military weapons to police departments , define lynching as a federal hate crime , establish a national police misconduct registry , and limit qualified immunity , which protects officers from lawsuits over alleged misconduct .
Do you support this legislation ?
Why or why not ?
What other steps , if any , would you like to see the federal government take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act is an aggregate of many important steps in the right direction and serves as a starting point to address police brutality in America .
We must do more to hold police officers who break the law accountable , including a clear end to the practice of qualified immunity .
I support this bill .
In addition we must understand criminal justice and policing within the context of systemic racism .
Addressing racial inequity requires a holistic policy framework .
We must bring an end to the school-to-prison pipeline and give students in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to address inequities in health outcomes , as my legislation the Health Equity and Accountability Act seeks to do .
The approach to criminal justice reform must be holistic and true equity can not be achieved without addressing inequities in housing , access to capital and credit , education and so much more .
The Justice in Policing Act is a strong step forward , but alone can not end the scourge of racial inequity or police brutality in America .
5 .
What ’ s your view on President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence of Roger Stone ?
The pardoning of Roger Stone is in line with the pattern of President Trump demonstrating his willingness to engage in corruption to benefit himself , his family , and allies at the expense of the integrity of our democratic and legal institutions .
For the same reasons I concluded that the President committed impeachable crimes .
The commutation of Roger Stone affirms my belief that Donald Trump is unfit to discharge the duties of the President of the United States .
6 .
Please tell us about your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it ’ s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community .
Much like the work I have done my entire life , dating back to my time as a County Commissioner , State Legislator , Alderman , and even as an activist and organizer in the non-profit space — I have spent the last two years in Congress advocating for policies that will advance economic opportunity and prosperity for working people , immigrants , and small businesses .
The more than 20 pieces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have co-lead , and the hundreds I have cosponsored and voted in favor of — have all focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans , reigning in corporate power , and ensuring our government and economic institutions work for everyone .
My Health Equity & Accountability Act — co-lead by the chairs of the Tri-Caucus ( Congressional Hispanic Caucus , Congressional Black Caucus , and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus ) seeks to bridge the gap of health outcomes and access to affordable , quality healthcare for people of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empower working people to have a seat on corporate boards and end the practice of stock buybacks meant to enrich investors at the expense of employees .
My Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act was aimed at improving the future planning of our urban and rural developments to promote smarter , more sustainable and equitable growth to include affordable housing and provide more affordable mobility to millions so they can better access jobs and services .
My Systemic Risk Mitigation Act , Keep Big Tech Out of Finance Act , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crack down on corporate power , market manipulation , and market concentration trends that ultimately harm working people .
Finally , my New Way Forward Act boldly tackles our broken immigration system by decriminalizing migration , and providing refugees and immigrants a fairer process to immigrate to the United States that maintains the human dignity that we all deserve .
7 .
What are your views on the decision by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump ?
Was the impeachment process fair or not ?
How so ?
If , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been impeached , would you have supported censure ?
Please explain .
I voted to impeach President Donald Trump .
No one , not even the President of the United States , is above the law .
After weeks of deliberation I believe the facts were presented in a fair and transparent manner and showed that the President committed impeachable offenses .
His actions before and after the impeachment vote affirm my assessment that Donald J. Trump is unfit to continue discharging the duties of the President of the United States of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the federal budget deficit , which now stands at about $ 1 trillion for 2020 ?
What changes , if any , to the U.S. tax code do you support and why ?
First and foremost , our economy does better when working class American ’ s do better , not just those at the top .
For that reason , I believe a full recission of the 2017 GOP tax reforms is a critical first step to reduce the federal budget deficit .
Additionally , we must levy heavier taxes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EITC , and make sure we do not balance the budget by cutting vital social safety net programs OR earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare .
We can not succeed in reducing the budget deficit by cutting our way out — instead we must induce economic growth by making sure we give low-income and working class families a boost .
9 .
What changes would you like to see made to our nation ’ s healthcare system ?
Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to repeal it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Medicare for All ?
And what should be done , if anything , to bring down the cost of prescription drugs ?
I support a Medicare for All system .
The insurance companies are profiteering off the backs of working people while leaving more than 20 million Americans uninsured .
How many more are underinsured ?
Additionally , the Coronavirus pandemic has shown that tying workers ’ health care to their employment undermines the health of the entire society .
The US is one of the only advanced economies without universal health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthier and our economy would be stronger with universal coverage like Medicare for All .
The House passed a bill to bring down the costs of prescription drugs but it was too limited in scope .
We should allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and prevent the kind of profiteering rampant in the pharmaceutical industry .
10 .
Do you support or oppose DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) and why ?
Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers ?
Please explain .
I support the DACA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dream and Promise Act to provide a legal pathway to citizenship for DREAMers .
We should also end the 5 and 10 year bars for legal permanent residency , decriminalize immigration ( border crossings ) and leave it to the civil code , not the criminal code .
Immigrants come to our country to seek a better opportunity for their families and to seek refuge ; we must stop treating migrants like criminals .
That ’ s what my New Way Forward Act seeks to do .
11 .
What are the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the federal government can and should act ?
1 .
We must enact significant immigration reform which must include a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals , and the decriminalization of immigration .
2 .
We must get a handle on COVID-19 which includes robust testing and contact tracing capacity , and a far more coordinated response and relief effort to the health and economic crisis that the virus has posed .
This includes rent and mortgage relief , moratoriums , and extended unemployment benefits at the full $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means we must significantly ramp up the availability and production of PPE and worker protections .
Individual economic relief in the form of stimulus checks is also key for so many families in my district .
3 .
Finally , we must tackle the scourge of racial inequity that pervades our economy and society .
This includes criminal justice reform and education reform to close the achievement gap and give all students a fairer playing field .
It also means disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline to the criminal justice system .
We must tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes and invest in more wealth building strategies in communities of color .
12 .
What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent ( s ) ?
I live in the district , my opponent does not .
I have lived in the 4th District my whole life , raised my family there , led a non-profit organization and represented my community in elective office .
Unlike my opponent who supports Donald Trump , I have fought to advance policies that would strengthen and protect working families and immigrants .
13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any , to reduce gun violence ?
Congress must end the Charleston Loophole , enact universal background checks , and take military-grade and automatic weapons off our streets .
But much like my previous comments , reducing gun violence requires a holistic approach : we must address the opportunity gap we see so prominent across racial and socio-economic lines .
We need to give people access to good education , jobs , and healthcare as part of a strategy to end gun violence .
14 .
Is climate change real ?
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat to humankind ?
What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it ?
Without any doubt — climate change is anthropogenic ( man-made ) and poses an existential threat to humankind .
It also poses an immediate threat to communities of color and working class communities who are already facing the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice .
Low-income communities face significant health consequences from dirty air and water .
They also lack the resources to recover from the increasing extreme weather events like the flooding throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the devastating storms that battered Puerto Rico The U.S. must lead the world in addressing climate change .
We must implement plans to be carbon neutral and be leaders in the green economy to restart a manufacturing base and lead in green technology innovation and production .
As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee , I am well aware that the transport sector is now the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions .
That is why I created the Future of Transportation Caucus , whose mission is to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in transportation policy .
Our caucus was instrumental in fighting for innovative reforms in the Moving Forward Act ( H.R .
2 ) including the unprecedented inclusion of a greenhouse gas emission performance metric to be used in constructing new roads .
15 .
What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare ?
Social Security and Medicare benefits are earned benefits.Much like someone ’ s pension , the government must ensure Americans get their earned benefit .
We must first reverse the 2017 tax cuts which place an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut back on military expenditures and procurement , and make sure we stop President Trump from circuitously trying to cut these programs .
16 .
What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis ?
Would you use the word “ crisis ” ?
I support student loan forgiveness to end the student debt crisis our country faces .
For too many , student debt is a crippling burden .
Our nation needs a high-skilled workforce and we should invest in helping young people from all backgrounds to complete higher education .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now more than ever , Congress must pass student loan forgiveness .
We must give all students the opportunity to reach their highest potential without regard to where they grew up or who their parents are .
17 .
What should our nation ’ s relationship be with Russia ?
Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its intent to manipulate our elections and undermine democratic institutions .
They are an adversary and should be treated as such .
The US relationship with Russia has never been a partisan matter until the Presidency of Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce ?
Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively ?
Please explain .
I believe there is a time and circumstance to use tariffs in international commerce .
They can serve as important diplomatic tools to advance American interests — however — misused , tariffs can have crippling effects on the global economy , our local industries and workers , as well as America ’ s standing in the world .
In the case of Donald Trump , tariffs have often been used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial interests .
For example , the tariff war the President engaged in with China had deleterious effects on US industry — especially on the agricultural industry on which Illinois ’ economy relies heavily .
19 .
Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries ?
Please explain .
I believe the United States plays an important role in encouraging Democracy around the world , but it has a terrible track-record in doing so .
Throughout the world , including Latin America , the US has manipulated outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repair the ills of other nations , it is critical that the United States first put effort into getting money out of our political process and ensure the right and access to vote for all Americans—provisions that the House passed in HR 1.. 20 .
What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms ?
Congress must hold the Executive Branch accountable to maintain and play a key role in multinational organizations that seek to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms .
Instead of ceding leadership and participation from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading voice in international talks and discussions .
Whether it is counter-terrorism or the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear arms , the US must be seen a global leader and ally so that we can build the multinational colations it will take to tackle such global issues as these .
It is critical that Congressional leaders maintain pressure on the White House to remain in the New START treaty with Russia .
Congress must also ensure the White House does not jeopardize our participation or leadership in multilateral organizations that help maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
21 .
Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls .
None of my relatives are on my public or campaign payrolls .
22 .
What historical figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from ?
Please explain .
US Senator Paul Simon .
I admire the integrity he maintained throughout his career and his selfless commitment to advancing the causes for working people and his community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for labor unions and civil rights .
He was a true public servant who always put his community first .
23 .
What ’ s your favorite TV , streaming or web-based show of all time .
Why ?
All-time favorites are tough but I don ’ t have cable and don ’ t watch streaming shows .
That said , I ’ ll give you a two-fer on shows I ’ ve recently enjoyed .
The Narcos series on Netflix was a fascinating look at the inner workings of Pablo Escobar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m a history buff and getting an in-depth look was intriguing .
Second , I recently enjoyed watching the short docu-series , the Taco Chronicles .
There ’ s nothing like a good , authentic taco and the series , all in Spanish with English subtitles , was fascinating in terms of exploring various types of tacos and the history associated with regions throughout Mexico and Latin America .

Candidate profile
Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia
Running for:Congressman 4th Congressional District
Political party affiliation: Democratic Party
Political/civic background: Congressman, County Commissioner, State Legislator, Alderman, and activist and organizer in the non-profit space
Occupation: Congressman 4th Congressional District
Education:University of Illinois at Chicago (BA,MUP)
Campaign website:Chuyforcongress.com
Facebook: Chuy For Congress
Twitter: @chuyforcongress
Instagram: @chuyforcongress
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing their districts and the country. Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia submitted the following responses:
1. Are you satisfied with the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Why or why not? What grade would you give President Donald Trump for his handling of the pandemic, and why?
President Trump has botched the response to COVID-19, as evidenced by the 175k Americans who have died due to incompetence of the President and his team. I’d give the Administration an “F”. The President initially claimed that the virus was a hoax, and for months refused to wear a mask. The President and his administration have fueled conspiracy theories that contradict the advice of doctors. Countries with far less resources have demonstrated leadership resulting in fewer deaths and more effective containment strategies. The US now accounts for over 25% of total global cases while only constituting 4% of the world’s population. We still lack the testing resources needed for effective contact tracing and containment.
2. What should the federal government do to stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic shutdowns?
First, the government must give working families and small businesses the assistance they need.
That involves the following:
1. Issue stimulus checks on a recurring basis for families who continue to struggle to make ends meet during the pandemic. Immigrants and children of undocumented parents should be elgibile for stimulus checks.
2. Cancel rent for workers who have lost their jobs, or provide at least $100B in rental assistance, as well as extend eviction moratoriums at the federal level.
3. Provide additional relief to small businesses, including restaurants and mom and pop shops, especially minority and women-owned businesses. Prioritize help for small businesses to keep employees paid and keep operations afloat through the end of the shutdowns.
4. Extend unemployment insurance at the full $600 a week. Anything less will hurt families and send harmful ripple effects throughout the economy.
In order to support economic recovery, the government must effectively manage the spread of COVID-19. We should advocate mask-wearing, support workers’ ability to isolate after being exposed, massively increase testing capacity and reduce testing result wait-times..
All of these initiatives were included in the HEROES Act passed by House Democrats on May 15. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s and the Senate Republicans could help the economy and families now by passing the HEROES Act.
3. In the wake of the death of George Floyd, President Trump signed an executive order on police reform. It calls for the creation of a database to track police officers with multiple instances of misconduct, federal grants to encourage police departments to meet higher certification standards on use of force, and the greater involvement of social workers and mental health professionals when the police respond to calls dealing with homelessness, mental illness and addiction. The order also calls for police departments to ban the use of chokeholds except when an officer feels his or her life is endangered. Will this be enough to address concerns about police brutality? If not, what other steps should be taken?
The policies included in the President’s Executive Order are also included in the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act which is a much more comprehensive policy framework. The executive order does not address the root issues of racial inequity, racial bias, or systemic disinvestment in communities of color, whereas the Justice in Policing Act addresses these issues more directly.
4. Also in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the House passed the Justice in Policing Act, which would ban police departments from using chokeholds, develop a national standard for use of force, limit the transfer of military weapons to police departments, define lynching as a federal hate crime, establish a national police misconduct registry, and limit qualified immunity, which protects officers from lawsuits over alleged misconduct. Do you support this legislation? Why or why not? What other steps, if any, would you like to see the federal government take on police reform?
The Justice in Policing Act is an aggregate of many important steps in the right direction and serves as a starting point to address police brutality in America. We must do more to hold police officers who break the law accountable, including a clear end to the practice of qualified immunity. I support this bill.
In addition we must understand criminal justice and policing within the context of systemic racism. Addressing racial inequity requires a holistic policy framework. We must bring an end to the school-to-prison pipeline and give students in every zip code the tools to succeed. We need to address inequities in health outcomes, as my legislation the Health Equity and Accountability Act seeks to do.
The approach to criminal justice reform must be holistic and true equity cannot be achieved without addressing inequities in housing, access to capital and credit, education and so much more. The Justice in Policing Act is a strong step forward, but alone cannot end the scourge of racial inequity or police brutality in America.
5. What’s your view on President Trump’s decision to commute the sentence of Roger Stone?
The pardoning of Roger Stone is in line with the pattern of President Trump demonstrating his willingness to engage in corruption to benefit himself, his family, and allies at the expense of the integrity of our democratic and legal institutions. For the same reasons I concluded that the President committed impeachable crimes. The commutation of Roger Stone affirms my belief that Donald Trump is unfit to discharge the duties of the President of the United States.
6. Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years, whether it’s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community.
Much like the work I have done my entire life, dating back to my time as a County Commissioner, State Legislator, Alderman, and even as an activist and organizer in the non-profit space — I have spent the last two years in Congress advocating for policies that will advance economic opportunity and prosperity for working people, immigrants, and small businesses.
The more than 20 pieces of legislation I personally sponsored, the dozens I have co-lead, and the hundreds I have cosponsored and voted in favor of — have all focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans, reigning in corporate power, and ensuring our government and economic institutions work for everyone.
My Health Equity & Accountability Act — co-lead by the chairs of the Tri-Caucus (Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus) seeks to bridge the gap of health outcomes and access to affordable, quality healthcare for people of color.
My Reward Work Act sought to empower working people to have a seat on corporate boards and end the practice of stock buybacks meant to enrich investors at the expense of employees.
My Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act was aimed at improving the future planning of our urban and rural developments to promote smarter, more sustainable and equitable growth to include affordable housing and provide more affordable mobility to millions so they can better access jobs and services.
My Systemic Risk Mitigation Act, Keep Big Tech Out of Finance Act, and Bank Merger Review Modernization Act seeks to crack down on corporate power, market manipulation, and market concentration trends that ultimately harm working people.
Finally, my New Way Forward Act boldly tackles our broken immigration system by decriminalizing migration, and providing refugees and immigrants a fairer process to immigrate to the United States that maintains the human dignity that we all deserve.
7. What are your views on the decision by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump? Was the impeachment process fair or not? How so? If, in your view, the president should not have been impeached, would you have supported censure? Please explain.
I voted to impeach President Donald Trump. No one, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. After weeks of deliberation I believe the facts were presented in a fair and transparent manner and showed that the President committed impeachable offenses. His actions before and after the impeachment vote affirm my assessment that Donald J. Trump is unfit to continue discharging the duties of the President of the United States of America.
8. How would you reduce the federal budget deficit, which now stands at about $1 trillion for 2020? What changes, if any, to the U.S. tax code do you support and why?
First and foremost, our economy does better when working class American’s do better, not just those at the top. For that reason, I believe a full recission of the 2017 GOP tax reforms is a critical first step to reduce the federal budget deficit. Additionally, we must levy heavier taxes for those at the top, improve the EITC, and make sure we do not balance the budget by cutting vital social safety net programs OR earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare. We cannot succeed in reducing the budget deficit by cutting our way out — instead we must induce economic growth by making sure we give low-income and working class families a boost.
9. What changes would you like to see made to our nation’s healthcare system? Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to repeal it in full? What’s your view on Medicare for All? And what should be done, if anything, to bring down the cost of prescription drugs?
I support a Medicare for All system. The insurance companies are profiteering off the backs of working people while leaving more than 20 million Americans uninsured. How many more are underinsured? Additionally, the Coronavirus pandemic has shown that tying workers’ health care to their employment undermines the health of the entire society. The US is one of the only advanced economies without universal health care coverage. Our people would be healthier and our economy would be stronger with universal coverage like Medicare for All.
The House passed a bill to bring down the costs of prescription drugs but it was too limited in scope. We should allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and prevent the kind of profiteering rampant in the pharmaceutical industry.
10. Do you support or oppose DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and why? Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers? Please explain.
I support the DACA program and supported HR 6, the Dream and Promise Act to provide a legal pathway to citizenship for DREAMers. We should also end the 5 and 10 year bars for legal permanent residency, decriminalize immigration (border crossings) and leave it to the civil code, not the criminal code. Immigrants come to our country to seek a better opportunity for their families and to seek refuge; we must stop treating migrants like criminals. That’s what my New Way Forward Act seeks to do.
11. What are the three most important issues in your district on which the federal government can and should act?
1. We must enact significant immigration reform which must include a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals, and the decriminalization of immigration.
2. We must get a handle on COVID-19 which includes robust testing and contact tracing capacity, and a far more coordinated response and relief effort to the health and economic crisis that the virus has posed. This includes rent and mortgage relief, moratoriums, and extended unemployment benefits at the full $600 per week level. This also means we must significantly ramp up the availability and production of PPE and worker protections. Individual economic relief in the form of stimulus checks is also key for so many families in my district.
3. Finally, we must tackle the scourge of racial inequity that pervades our economy and society. This includes criminal justice reform and education reform to close the achievement gap and give all students a fairer playing field. It also means disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline to the criminal justice system. We must tackle the racial gaps we see in health outcomes and invest in more wealth building strategies in communities of color.
12. What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent(s)?
I live in the district, my opponent does not. I have lived in the 4th District my whole life, raised my family there, led a non-profit organization and represented my community in elective office. Unlike my opponent who supports Donald Trump, I have fought to advance policies that would strengthen and protect working families and immigrants.
13. What action should Congress take, if any, to reduce gun violence?
Congress must end the Charleston Loophole, enact universal background checks, and take military-grade and automatic weapons off our streets. But much like my previous comments, reducing gun violence requires a holistic approach: we must address the opportunity gap we see so prominent across racial and socio-economic lines. We need to give people access to good education, jobs, and healthcare as part of a strategy to end gun violence.
14. Is climate change real? Is it significantly man-made? Is it a threat to humankind? What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it?
Without any doubt — climate change is anthropogenic (man-made) and poses an existential threat to humankind. It also poses an immediate threat to communities of color and working class communities who are already facing the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice.
Low-income communities face significant health consequences from dirty air and water. They also lack the resources to recover from the increasing extreme weather events like the flooding throughout the Midwest, the fires in the West, and the devastating storms that battered Puerto Rico
The U.S. must lead the world in addressing climate change. We must implement plans to be carbon neutral and be leaders in the green economy to restart a manufacturing base and lead in green technology innovation and production.
As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am well aware that the transport sector is now the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. That is why I created the Future of Transportation Caucus, whose mission is to push for equity, access, and sustainability in transportation policy. Our caucus was instrumental in fighting for innovative reforms in the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) including the unprecedented inclusion of a greenhouse gas emission performance metric to be used in constructing new roads.
15. What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare?
Social Security and Medicare benefits are earned benefits.Much like someone’s pension, the government must ensure Americans get their earned benefit. We must first reverse the 2017 tax cuts which place an extreme burden on our federal budget, cut back on military expenditures and procurement, and make sure we stop President Trump from circuitously trying to cut these programs.
16. What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis? Would you use the word “crisis”?
I support student loan forgiveness to end the student debt crisis our country faces. For too many, student debt is a crippling burden. Our nation needs a high-skilled workforce and we should invest in helping young people from all backgrounds to complete higher education. With the COVID-19 crisis in full swing, now more than ever, Congress must pass student loan forgiveness. We must give all students the opportunity to reach their highest potential without regard to where they grew up or who their parents are.
17. What should our nation’s relationship be with Russia?
Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its intent to manipulate our elections and undermine democratic institutions. They are an adversary and should be treated as such. The US relationship with Russia has never been a partisan matter until the Presidency of Donald Trump.
18. What’s your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce? Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively? Please explain.
I believe there is a time and circumstance to use tariffs in international commerce. They can serve as important diplomatic tools to advance American interests — however — misused, tariffs can have crippling effects on the global economy, our local industries and workers, as well as America’s standing in the world.
In the case of Donald Trump, tariffs have often been used to advance his own personal wealth and financial interests. For example, the tariff war the President engaged in with China had deleterious effects on US industry — especially on the agricultural industry on which Illinois’ economy relies heavily.
19. Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries? Please explain.
I believe the United States plays an important role in encouraging Democracy around the world, but it has a terrible track-record in doing so. Throughout the world, including Latin America, the US has manipulated outcomes and undermined democratic processes. Before seeking to repair the ills of other nations, it is critical that the United States first put effort into getting money out of our political process and ensure the right and access to vote for all Americans—provisions that the House passed in HR 1..
20. What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms?
Congress must hold the Executive Branch accountable to maintain and play a key role in multinational organizations that seek to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms. Instead of ceding leadership and participation from the world stage, America should be a leading voice in international talks and discussions. Whether it is counter-terrorism or the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear arms, the US must be seen a global leader and ally so that we can build the multinational colations it will take to tackle such global issues as these.
It is critical that Congressional leaders maintain pressure on the White House to remain in the New START treaty with Russia. Congress must also ensure the White House does not jeopardize our participation or leadership in multilateral organizations that help maintain world peace, like the United Nations.
21. Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls.
None of my relatives are on my public or campaign payrolls.
22. What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
US Senator Paul Simon. I admire the integrity he maintained throughout his career and his selfless commitment to advancing the causes for working people and his community. Senator Simon was a staunch advocate for labor unions and civil rights. He was a true public servant who always put his community first.
23. What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time. Why?
All-time favorites are tough but I don’t have cable and don’t watch streaming shows. That said, I’ll give you a two-fer on shows I’ve recently enjoyed. The Narcos series on Netflix was a fascinating look at the inner workings of Pablo Escobar and El Chapo’s organizations. I’m a history buff and getting an in-depth look was intriguing. Second, I recently enjoyed watching the short docu-series, the Taco Chronicles. There’s nothing like a good, authentic taco and the series, all in Spanish with English subtitles, was fascinating in terms of exploring various types of tacos and the history associated with regions throughout Mexico and Latin America.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-05--After clinching playoff spot, Sky look to set tone for postseason by finishing season strong

Entering their game Monday against the Fever , the Sky felt depleted .
They were on a two-game losing streak .
Injuries continued to pile up .
They lost Azura Stevens ( season-ending knee injury ) and Diamond DeShields ( personal reasons ) , who left the bubble in Bradenton , Florida , last weekend .
The Sky had a nine-player roster , which they temporarily augmented by signing free-agent forward Alisia Jenkins to a seven-day contract four hours before tipoff .
In guard Kahleah Copper ’ s eyes , the Sky had one of two options : “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lay down or you ’ re going to come out and throw the first punch.
’ ’ Ultimately , they settled on the latter .
Led by Courtney Vandersloot ’ s record-breaking 18 assists , rookie Ruthy Hebard ’ s first career double-double and Gabby Williams ’ season-high 21 points , the Sky blew past the Fever , who were 5-10 entering that game .
That was an example of the Sky at their best .
When they ’ re moving the ball , playing both ends of the court and getting everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best teams in the league .
“ That ’ s what we need , ” coach James Wade said .
“ We need everybody locked in .
I felt like we kept on , we stayed persistent in what we wanted to do.
” This condensed 22-game season has been the ultimate grind on the body and the mind , said forward Cheyenne Parker , who scored a team-high 17 points in the Sky ’ s 79-69 loss to the Mystics on Friday .
Players are playing most of their games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s part of the reason the Sky have been plagued by injuries .
But the mental and emotional toll has been greater .
Sports took on a very different look when they resumed during the global pandemic .
In the bubble , players can ’ t have their family and friends visit , leaving some feeling isolated .
They ’ re also playing during a summer of racial reckoning ignited by the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and , most recently , the police shooting of Jacob Blake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season “ has been unlike any season I ’ ve had in the pros so far.
” But she finds strength in knowing that she can lean on her teammates on and off the court for support .
“ There ’ s so much negativity going on in the world and around us that it ’ s hard to stay positive-minded , ” Parker said .
“ So I ’ ve been trying to stay positive-minded , thinking about the good , changing my perspective on things .
And I think that as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding , as well.
” The Sky ( 11-6 ) clinched a playoff berth for a second consecutive season .
With three games left , they ’ re trying to find the strength to end the regular season on a strong note and set the tone for the postseason .
“ This is the time when we really have to dig deep and find that mental strength that ’ s talked about , ’ ’ said Parker , who injured her right ankle last month .
‘ ‘ The rest of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard for all of us .
.
.
.
Physically , I ’ m not 100 % still .
But I ’ m still going to give it my all every night out there .
So that ’ s what we need to do to get it done , staying mentally strong and getting through the aches and pains.
” They ’ ll rely on each other for support .
“ We just have to appreciate what we do have , ” Williams said .
“ A lot of changes happened within our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ This is what we got .
And I love what we have .
So let ’ s embrace it .
’ ”

Entering their game Monday against the Fever, the Sky felt depleted.
They were on a two-game losing streak. Injuries continued to pile up. They lost Azura Stevens (season-ending knee injury) and Diamond DeShields (personal reasons), who left the bubble in Bradenton, Florida, last weekend.
The Sky had a nine-player roster, which they temporarily augmented by signing free-agent forward Alisia Jenkins to a seven-day contract four hours before tipoff.
In guard Kahleah Copper’s eyes, the Sky had one of two options: “You’re going to come out and lay down or you’re going to come out and throw the first punch.’’
Ultimately, they settled on the latter.
Led by Courtney Vandersloot’s record-breaking 18 assists, rookie Ruthy Hebard’s first career double-double and Gabby Williams’ season-high 21 points, the Sky blew past the Fever, who were 5-10 entering that game.
That was an example of the Sky at their best. When they’re moving the ball, playing both ends of the court and getting everyone involved, the Sky can be one of the best teams in the league.
“That’s what we need,” coach James Wade said. “We need everybody locked in. I felt like we kept on, we stayed persistent in what we wanted to do.”
This condensed 22-game season has been the ultimate grind on the body and the mind, said forward Cheyenne Parker, who scored a team-high 17 points in the Sky’s 79-69 loss to the Mystics on Friday.
Players are playing most of their games on one day of rest. That’s part of the reason the Sky have been plagued by injuries. But the mental and emotional toll has been greater.
Sports took on a very different look when they resumed during the global pandemic. In the bubble, players can’t have their family and friends visit, leaving some feeling isolated. They’re also playing during a summer of racial reckoning ignited by the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and, most recently, the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Parker said this season “has been unlike any season I’ve had in the pros so far.” But she finds strength in knowing that she can lean on her teammates on and off the court for support.
“There’s so much negativity going on in the world and around us that it’s hard to stay positive-minded,” Parker said. “So I’ve been trying to stay positive-minded, thinking about the good, changing my perspective on things. And I think that as a team, we came to that understanding, as well.”
The Sky (11-6) clinched a playoff berth for a second consecutive season. With three games left, they’re trying to find the strength to end the regular season on a strong note and set the tone for the postseason.
“This is the time when we really have to dig deep and find that mental strength that’s talked about,’’ said Parker, who injured her right ankle last month. ‘‘The rest of the season, it’s going to be hard for all of us. . . . Physically, I’m not 100% still. But I’m still going to give it my all every night out there. So that’s what we need to do to get it done, staying mentally strong and getting through the aches and pains.”
They’ll rely on each other for support.
“We just have to appreciate what we do have,” Williams said. “A lot of changes happened within our team. James [Wade] was like, ‘This is what we got. And I love what we have. So let’s embrace it.’ ”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-05--Dear Abby: Service member’s husband could live where she does, but chooses not to

DEAR ABBY : I have been married to my husband for 12 years .
He retired from the Army before I met him , and I currently serve , stationed overseas .
When we first met , I thought we had an understanding that because he didn ’ t have to work , he would follow me and my three children wherever the military takes us .
He doesn ’ t like to get “ tied down , ” and I don ’ t do too well with long-distance relationships .
He developed a love for golf , which takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now that it ’ s just the two of us and the children are grown , I thought we would never be apart .
Well , we ’ ve been apart for the four years that I ’ ve been stationed away from him , and I am tired of it .
He ’ s a good man but set in his ways .
I have another 10 years before I retire , and I don ’ t want to waste the best years of my life being lonely .
We haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even when he visits , we are not on the same emotional level .
I plan to divorce him , which I have alluded to twice before , and now is my chance to follow through .
Should I ?
— SERIOUSLY DEBATING DEAR DEBATING : Because you are unwilling to accept the way your husband is , and he is unwilling to spend time working on your marriage , you should follow through .
Contact an attorney and get the process started .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second “ oops ” baby .
We are thrilled , but I ’ m deeply concerned about one thing .
My husband ’ s brother and his wife are a few weeks away from completing their first round of IVF .
I ’ m beside myself trying to think of ways to be as sensitive as possible .
My husband says that , as both of these circumstances are beyond human control , there ’ s no need to worry , and we can reasonably expect everyone to be adult and understanding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by infertility is incredible , and I ’ m worried she ’ ll feel overlooked , or , worse , if the IVF isn ’ t successful , that she ’ ll regard our baby as a constant reminder .
Please help !
— UNEXPECTED IN TEXAS DEAR UNEXPECTED : I applaud your appreciation of the emotional toll infertility can take on couples , which can be devastating .
However , if your sister-in-law ’ s IVF is unsuccessful and you make your grand announcement afterward , the news will be doubly painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for telling her quietly — before she receives the results — so she will be prepared regardless of what they are .
DEAR ABBY : I have had two partners now who , almost every morning , would regale me for 10 minutes about their nightly dreams .
It drove me up the wall , but I didn ’ t want to hurt their feelings , so I sat and listened to their boring stories about flying or falling or my doing something bad .
Would you please inform your readers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not interest other people ?
— DREAM-FREE IN WASHINGTON DEAR DREAM-FREE : I have a better idea .
You tell your future partners you would rather not hear about their dreams when they start regaling you .
That way they won ’ t miss the message if they happen to skip my column today .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 12 years. He retired from the Army before I met him, and I currently serve, stationed overseas.
When we first met, I thought we had an understanding that because he didn’t have to work, he would follow me and my three children wherever the military takes us. He doesn’t like to get “tied down,” and I don’t do too well with long-distance relationships. He developed a love for golf, which takes him touring all over the world.
Now that it’s just the two of us and the children are grown, I thought we would never be apart. Well, we’ve been apart for the four years that I’ve been stationed away from him, and I am tired of it. He’s a good man but set in his ways. I have another 10 years before I retire, and I don’t want to waste the best years of my life being lonely.
We haven’t slept together in seven months, and even when he visits, we are not on the same emotional level. I plan to divorce him, which I have alluded to twice before, and now is my chance to follow through. Should I? — SERIOUSLY DEBATING
DEAR DEBATING: Because you are unwilling to accept the way your husband is, and he is unwilling to spend time working on your marriage, you should follow through. Contact an attorney and get the process started.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I recently found out that we are expecting our second “oops” baby. We are thrilled, but I’m deeply concerned about one thing. My husband’s brother and his wife are a few weeks away from completing their first round of IVF. I’m beside myself trying to think of ways to be as sensitive as possible.
My husband says that, as both of these circumstances are beyond human control, there’s no need to worry, and we can reasonably expect everyone to be adult and understanding. But I understand the emotional toll taken by infertility is incredible, and I’m worried she’ll feel overlooked, or, worse, if the IVF isn’t successful, that she’ll regard our baby as a constant reminder. Please help! — UNEXPECTED IN TEXAS
DEAR UNEXPECTED: I applaud your appreciation of the emotional toll infertility can take on couples, which can be devastating. However, if your sister-in-law’s IVF is unsuccessful and you make your grand announcement afterward, the news will be doubly painful for her. This is why I vote for telling her quietly — before she receives the results — so she will be prepared regardless of what they are.
DEAR ABBY: I have had two partners now who, almost every morning, would regale me for 10 minutes about their nightly dreams. It drove me up the wall, but I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, so I sat and listened to their boring stories about flying or falling or my doing something bad. Would you please inform your readers that their dreams are their own and they do not interest other people? — DREAM-FREE IN WASHINGTON
DEAR DREAM-FREE: I have a better idea. You tell your future partners you would rather not hear about their dreams when they start regaling you. That way they won’t miss the message if they happen to skip my column today.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.