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Maryland's 6th Congressional District election (June 26, 2018 Democratic primary)

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Maryland's 6th Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: February 27, 2018
Primary: June 26, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent:
John Delaney (Democrat)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Maryland
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): D+6
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic
Inside Elections: Solid Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
Maryland's 6th Congressional District
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th
Maryland elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018

Businessman David Trone (D) won an eight-candidate Democratic primary for an open congressional seat in Maryland's 6th congressional district, receiving 40.4 percent of the vote to state Del. Aruna Miller's (D) 30.6 percent.[1]

Trone, a co-founder of Total Wine, unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination in the 8th Congressional District in 2016. Trone contributed a record $12.7 million to his own campaign.[2]

In his bid for the 6th District nomination, Trone contributed $10.2 million of his own money to his campaign, the second-largest figure in the history of U.S. House races. Trone's spending drew criticism from his opponents' supporters.[3][4][5]

Trone had endorsements from Rep. Anthony Brown (D) and gubernatorial candidate Rushern Baker III, who had together received nearly $75,000 in donations from the Trone family since 2015.[6]

State Del. Aruna Miller (D) had endorsements from the Sierra Club as well as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett (D). Miller emphasized her legislative record, particularly a bill she sponsored which implemented a GPS tracking system to enforce domestic protection orders.[7]

State Sen. Roger Manno (D) ran on his legislative record, and ran an ad in which he called for universal Medicaid coverage.[7] Unions including the United Auto Workers, Communications Workers of America, and Service Employees International Union as well as progressive groups including the Working Families Party of Maryland and Progressive Maryland endorsed him.

Also in the running were businessmen Andrew Duck, Chris Graves, and Christopher Hearsey, activist George English, and physician Nadia Hashimi.

According to Goucher College professor Mileah Kromer, the 6th was "the remaining district [in Maryland] that could possibly be competitive."[8]


Maryland voter? Dates you need to know.
Primary electionJune 26, 2018
Candidate filing deadlineFebruary 27, 2018
Registration deadlineJune 5, 2018
Absentee application deadlineJune 19, 2018 (mail/fax), June 22, 2018 (online)
General electionNovember 6, 2018
Voting information
Primary typeClosed
Early voting deadlineJune 26, 2018
Polling locations: Go to this page to find early voting locations and your assigned precinct for election day.


For more on related elections, please see:



Candidates and election results

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6 on June 26, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of David Trone
David Trone
 
40.0
 
24,103
Image of Aruna Miller
Aruna Miller
 
30.7
 
18,524
Image of Nadia Hashimi
Nadia Hashimi
 
10.5
 
6,304
Image of Roger Manno
Roger Manno
 
10.4
 
6,257
Image of Andrew Duck
Andrew Duck
 
4.9
 
2,949
Image of Chris Graves
Chris Graves
 
1.6
 
982
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
George English
 
1.1
 
650
Image of Christopher Hearsey
Christopher Hearsey
 
0.9
 
531

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 60,300
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Who ran in Maryland's 6th Congressional District?

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

Democratic Party Democratic primary candidates

Endorsements

Democratic candidate endorsements
Endorsement Date Duck Hashimi Manno Miller Trone
Federal officials
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)[9] March 28, 2018 ✔
Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD)[10] March 6, 2018 ✔
Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA)[11] November 20, 2017 ✔
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)[11] November 20, 2017 ✔
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)[11] November 20, 2017 ✔
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA)[11] November 20, 2017 ✔
State figures
State Del. Maggie McIntosh (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Kathleen Dumais (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Adrienne Jones (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Sheila Hixson (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Kumar Barve (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Anne Kaiser (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Shane Pendergrass (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Joseph F. Vallario, Jr. (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Tawanna Gaines (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
State Del. Ariana Kelly (D)[12] February 14, 2018 ✔
Former state Del. Casper Taylor (D)[13] January 31, 2018 ✔
Former Sen. Joseph Tydings (D)[14] January 4, 2018 ✔
State Del. Michael Busch (D)[15] October 4, 2017 ✔
Local figures
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett (D)[16] February 19, 2018 ✔
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker (D)[17] February 12, 2018 ✔
Organizations
End Citizens United[18] April 24, 2018 ✔
Sierra Club of Maryland[19] April 17, 2018 ✔
Maryland Working Families Party[20] March 1, 2018 ✔
United Auto Workers[21] February 15, 2018 ✔
Progressive Maryland[22] February 7, 2018 ✔
National Nurses United[23] January 14, 2018 ✔
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers[24] January 11, 2018 ✔
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 307[25] January 9, 2018 ✔
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24[25] January 9, 2018 ✔
Food & Water Action Fund[26] December 19, 2017 ✔
Service Employees International Union Local 500[27] December 14, 2017 ✔
32BJ Service Employees International Union[27] December 14, 2017 ✔
Laborers International Union of North America[28] December 12, 2017 ✔
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees[29] November 22, 2017 ✔
314 Action[30] November 20, 2017 ✔
Teamsters Joint Council No. 62[31] November 2, 2017 ✔
Teamsters Joint Council No. 55 [31] November 2, 2017 ✔
United Food and Commercial Workers[32] October 17, 2017 ✔
Communications Workers of America[33] October 3, 2017 ✔
International Union of Elevator Constructors[34] September 19, 2017 ✔
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26[35] September 15, 2017 ✔
Community Hub for Opportunities in Construction Employment[36] September 5, 2017 ✔
EMILY's List[37] August 31, 2017 ✔
Feminist Majority[38] Unknown ✔

Campaign finance

The table below contains data from FEC Quarterly October 2017 reports. It includes only candidates who reported at least $10,000 in campaign contributions as of September 30, 2017.[39]

Democratic Party Democrats



Major contributions

Democratic Party David Trone

On June 15, 2018, David Trone (D) contributed $5 million to his own campaign ahead of the June 26 primary. The contribution brought Trone's total contributions to his own campaign to $10.2 million.[40]

Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: Maryland's 6th Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker Race ratings
October 30, 2018 October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report Solid Democratic Solid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales Solid Democratic Solid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe Democratic Safe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

Campaign tactics and strategies

Campaign advertisements

Democratic Party Nadia Hashimi

Support
"Dr. Nadia Calls Out 'Mansplaining' in Congress" - Hashimi campaign ad, released May 11, 2018


Democratic Party Roger Manno

Support
"My Story" - Manno campaign ad, released June 18, 2018


Democratic Party Aruna Miller

Ballotpedia did not find any ads that Miller published in this race. If you are aware of one we missed, please let us know.

Democratic Party David Trone

Support
"Kissing Babies" - Trone campaign ad, released May 16, 2018


Online presence

June 19, 2018

The following social media statistics were collected on June 19, 2018.

Facebook Twitter
Candidate Followers Likes Comments on Last Ten Posts Followers Following Tweets
Democratic Party Manno 3,213 2,402 5 2,719 656 858
Democratic Party Miller 7,142 6,559 18 6,507 1,587 3,008
Democratic Party Trone 24,382 24,410 25 7,446 611 1,048


Republican involvement in the Democratic primary

In April 2018, the Republican Party of Maryland mailed two sets of fliers in the district that were critical of state Del. Aruna Miller (D). The first set of fliers criticized Miller for supporting a bill that would prevent state and local law enforcement from questioning an individual on whether they had legal permission to reside in the country, while the second set criticized Miller's vote in favor of a bill allowing local organizations to establish addiction and infection treatment centers.[41]

Campaign themes and policy stances

Campaign themes

Democratic Party Andrew Duck

“

Healthcare for All
“No one should have to put their life on the line just to get healthcare for their sick child.”

Andrew knows what it’s like to not have access to affordable healthcare. Andrew’s son, Brandon, was born premature, weighing only 3 lbs 10 oz. With a sick child and another one on the way, Andrew knew he needed access to healthcare, but it was difficult to get insurance that would cover his son’s preexisting conditions. His solution was to join the Army. While he is proud of his service, he realizes this shouldn’t be the only path to affordable healthcare.

The Environment
” I know climate change is real, and I believe we should be doing something about it.”

Andrew believes in science and climate change. For the past four years Andrew has been working as Director of Operations for Avertica, a small green energy company that has two patents on conductive polymers. These polymers have the potential to improve solar panel technology or to be used in for super conductive batteries. Andrew will support green energy technology and jobs.

Economic Equality
“The system is rigged, and we need someone who can stand up to big money interest to make it fair again.”

Andrew knows what it’s like to try to support a family on a minimum wage job. Andrew understands that supporting the Fight for $15 is the first step towards a living wage, which puts us on that path to economic equality.

Other factors, including making sure that unearned income such as profits from hedge funds investments are taxed at the same level as earned income, help make the economic playing field a little more equal.

Defending Democracy
“I’ve spent my life defending democracy around the globe. I will continue to defend democracy right here at home.”

Andrew served as the chief of the Counter Intelligence Cell in a multinational division that included a Russian brigade. His experience is especially timely given the current political situation and climate.

Andrew understands the need for a “Diplomacy First” policy. Andrew has seen combat up close, and combat soldiers know better than anyone else the true cost of war.[42]

”
—Andrew Duck for Congress[43]


Democratic Party Nadia Hashimi

“

Healthcare
Our healthcare system needs a lot more than a tin of Band-Aids. As a physician, I've seen the failures. We need to restore trust in the doctor-patient relationship and bring down inflated healthcare costs. Insurance companies put up roadblocks to patient care. People can't afford the medications their doctors are prescribing. Our billing system is so complex that it takes specialized training to understand it. We're not even able to provide sustainable coverage for our at-risk children. On September 30th, 2017, Congress let the CHIP program, which filled in coverage gaps for nearly 9 million children, expire. For parents of children with special needs, they're digging deep into their pockets to pay for the services that will help their children thrive. Without regulation, insurance companies will gladly go back to the days when they could deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions or refuse to cover mental illness therapies. We've got a staggering opioid crisis and lack the resources to treat it. Fact: we all need and deserve health care. I will design and fight for a plan that won't crumble after a single election cycle.

As your Congresswoman I will fight to:

Decrease inflated healthcare costs and eliminate waste Enforce pharmaceutical pricing oversight and demand price negotiation Expand access to healthcare in a stepwise fashion by first establishing Medicare for all children and dropping the Medicare eligibility age to 55 years old Promote jobs within health care that expand access, not bureaucracy Protect and boost funding for NIH Cut back red tape to facilitate introduction of new medications and control research and development costs Prioritize access to healthcare by establishing medicare for all children, dropping the eligibility age to 55 years old, and making it a public option.

Education
A quality education is a fundamental tool to help children thrive. It is the way people change their circumstances and live out the American Dream. I am an example of the empowering effect of education. We have far too many schools under-performing and the steeply rising costs of college and universities either make higher education unaffordable or produce graduates drowning with debt.

Not all school districts are created equally. And vouchers don't solve the problem. Our teachers shouldn't have to dig into their pockets to provide basic school supplies. And schools need to be equipped to handle the needs of students affected by: poverty, lacking of social and/or family support, mental health issues, economic stress, and bullying.

As your Congresswoman I will fight to:

Level the playing field at our public schools Protect Title IX Decrease the cost of higher education Expand social services around public schools to address non-educational needs of students Expand affordable public options for higher education Expand certificate programs for trade, manufacturing and technology Incorporating STEAM into the curriculum beginning at the primary level Make high speed internet accessible for all schools Enhance community colleges and state institutions as affordable and accessible options for higher education Grow child care programs at community colleges to encourage higher education

Economy and Jobs
As your Congresswoman, We need to keep American jobs at home and create policies that expand high paying jobs in the workforce. Globalization and automation are here to stay. We should use these movements to grow our economy. We need to think forward and strengthen our clean energy industries, healthcare system, education system at all levels, social services, public health and research. We also need to support our agriculture and ensure that farmers thrive. I will advocate for small businesses, the cornerstone of any strong economy. We need to protect our local economics from global competition in positive and productive ways.

As your Congresswoman I will fight for:

Minimum wages that meet cost of living Infrastructure investments to ready us for the future Ensuring our industries have a place in the global market Domestic energy production Becoming a world leader growth in alternative energies Policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and encourage partnership between private ventures and the government

Immigration
As your Congresswoman, I will fight for practical and humane immigration reform that addresses national and global challenges. We need compassion, respect and acknowledgment of individual responsibility. On this topic, the rhetoric has been particularly toxic and the effects are reaching our children. Our President is a pro at polarizing the country, stirring up tensions and pitching out-of-touch policies or repeals.

We are a country of immigrants. It is American tradition to welcome those who are looking to begin a new life, hoping to enjoy freedom from and of religion, escaping violence or persecution. Families two or three generations in shouldn’t live and work in the shadows. The current system promotes tax fraud, human trafficking and compromises human dignity. We shouldn’t be in the business of stigmatizing children. Dreamers are American-educated success stories. They’ve been educated and trained in the American system. We should keep those talents here instead of uprooting those for whom America is the only place they've ever called home.

As your Congresswoman I will fight for:

Comprehensive immigration reform that brings people out of the shadows and empowers them to contribute to our economy and grow our GDP Expanded pathways for legal entry into the United States for jobs of all skill levels A just pathway to citizenship for Dreamers Reinforced borders to stem the flow of drugs and criminal activity coming into the country Immigration policies that do not discriminate based on faith

Criminal Justice
We have a revolving door criminal justice system -- one that profits off recidivism. How many convicted individuals come out of the prison system rehabilitated? The US Sentencing Commission released a study in early 2017 that revealed federal offenders who were younger than 21 years old at the time they were released were most likely to wind up back in the system (67.6% rearrest rate). We’re not doing the future of this nation any favors. Putting handcuffs on a child forever changes him/her. Sending that child into a punitive system as opposed to a reformative system has the kinds of consequences we expect it to have.

At the same time, our law enforcement and first responders put their lives on the line each and every day. Their families live with that sacrifice as well. We honor them best by helping them to build bridges with the communities they so bravely serve, providing them with the proper training and fighting to reduce crime overall.

As your Congresswoman I will fight for:

Trainings to help law enforcement recognize and manage mental health crises Bridges between law enforcement and social services to address crisis situations and urgent needs Additional trainings on the use of force Turning prisons into rehabilitation center, starting with juveniles, and growing into adults. Arrested minors should always be matched up with a social worker and the focus should be on identifying ways to empower and rehabilitate the child. Stigma helps no one. Expansion of our cybersecurity initiatives to protect consumers and credit card companies from losses

Guns
We need representatives who aren’t afraid of standing up to the NRA. I don’t want to see any more innocent American lives sacrificed to their weaponized agenda.

It is very telling that the gun lobbyists fought hard for the 1996 Dickey Amendment (Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Bill) which stated that “none of the funds made available for injury prevention and control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be used to advocate or promote gun control.” The gun lobbyists fight to ban pediatricians from asking whether guns are in the home and if they’re safely stored. The NRA grades lawmakers every election cycle, far too many of our representatives have received an A rating for siding with the gun rights lobbyists. As your Congresswoman I will fight to:

Ban assault weapons Block attempts to legalize silencers Institute effective background checks Keep weapons out of the hands of those with a history of violence, especially domestic abusers Lift bans on the CDC / NIH and fund research on gun violence and preventative measures Ban bump stocks Explore safer gun technologies

Environment
The scientific evidence is clear and abundant. Climate change is real. Our world, lacking full understanding of the ocean depths and global temperatures, is apathetic to the irreversible environmental disasters we are facing. No matter how far the science deniers sink their heads into the sand, we are witnessing and suffering the consequences of extreme weather, severe droughts, and rising seas.

The anthropogenic degradation of the oceans has caused untold devastation to our world’s food supply, the global economy, to our lives and our planet. We have to admit to the reality of climate change and take a leading role in shaping efforts and policies to fight climate change. We must recommit ourselves to the UN Paris Climate Agreement, as well as guide all committed members toward clean energy, and better, cleaner tomorrow for our children.

We have to stop protecting the outdated and subpar 20th century technology, and invest in alternative clean energy technology. We need to revisit the established science, focus on the ethical implications, and review all the current prevailing laws. The scale of the damage is extensive and the efforts to mitigate the environmental degradation and restore healthy ecosystems and food chains are far-reaching. It is vital, at this very moment, that we begin to meaningfully invest in science and make evidence-based decisions that will give us future generations a fighting chance.

As your Congresswoman I will fight for:

Reduction in carbon pollution Increased investment in research and innovation to launch a cleaner alternative energy Increased funding for training for clean energy jobs Pushing the US in the direction of energy independence Researching and developing new policy recommendations that will assist in restoration and remediation of environmental issues that directly impact us Researching and fighting for a preventative and precautionary approach to integrating legislation, economic tools, recognition of ethical concerns, and establishing an overall effective policy framework Seek a solution to the problem that includes an integrated approach, involving individuals, government, NGOs, and private industry, while incorporating a variety of tools and approaches simultaneously to solve the problem

Women
We have gotten as far as we have on gender equality only because brave women paved the way. We can’t let the momentum falter. We need equality and parity, without disclaimers. Pregnancy or domestic violence should never be classified as pre-existing conditions and exclude women from health coverage. Lets not mistake being pro-choice with being anti-life. Groups like Planned Parenthood can help with family planning, education, health screenings and preventative care, particularly where there are barriers to access.

As your Congresswoman I will fight for:

Equal pay for equal work Expeditious processing of sexual assault cases A woman’s right to make decisions for her body Keeping guns out of the hands of those with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) Access to reproductive health resources including contraception, maternity and newborn care Protecting Planned Parenthood Uniform laws to ban child marriage in the United States Childcare programs at community colleges

Foreign Policy
Let’s face it. The political climate of the world is chilling. From North Korea to the Middle East, from Europe to Africa - our foreign policies are nonexistent. The world is awakening, and social, economical, and political migration is on the rise. We are seeing the reverse of colonialism. Isolationism is harder to maintain. In today's technological world, even small, local issues have widespread, international consequences. The world does not need any more bombs, fighter jets, and expanding militaries.

The world needs a vision to a peaceful future where human and civil right is its most important value. We need to reestablish and strengthen our diplomatic ties, increase our foreign aid, and expand our global outreach budgets, not our military budget.

We should strive to be respected, not resented.

We need to be a guiding hand with long term goals. As the richest and most powerful country in the world it is our responsibility to ensure America safety and security. It’s also our responsibility to strive for peace and development. Combating global terrorism and transnational crime requires addressing the root causes of terrorism, poverty, isolation, lack of education, and marginalization. The best way to protect our security is by promoting peace, progress, and prosperity across the globe. We can maintain our role as world leader by maintaining mutually beneficial alliances with other nations and helping grow economies. The best way to honor our troops is by not placing them in harm’s way. Military interventions should be kept to the bare minimum.

As your Congresswoman I will fight to:

Make diplomacy, foreign aid, and global outreach should be essential cornerstones of our policy Promote human and civil rights and rejecting torture Eliminate all mass surveillance programs, at home and abroad Eradicate terrorism by working with our allies to protect human rights and prevent radicalization Create a reliable, safe and resilient cyberspace, securing our democracy and economy[42]

”
—Hashimi for US[44]


Democratic Party Christopher Hearsey

“

Internet Infrastructure
Growing up and living in small towns, I know first-hand how access to necessary infrastructure and utilities is important to the growth and success of communities like those across western Maryland. Too often, small and rural communities are left behind.

I understand that access to the internet is necessary to participate in the American economy. The telecommunications infrastructure that gets you online is among the single most important utilities of the modern age. The internet is an indispensable tool for finding a job, searching and buying affordable goods and services, communication, information exchange, entertainment, collaboration, and social and political change.

As an aerospace executive, I have seen the promise that emerging wireless broadband holds to driving down prices while increasing access globally. Among my highest priorities will be to ensure that innovative technologies make it to your home as fast as possible. I will also fight to modernize the existing fiber optic infrastructure so that western Maryland can take full advantage of today’s economy and never be left behind.

Healthcare
When I was seventeen years old, I suffered devastating head and back injuries while playing hockey. Luckily, my mother’s employer offered health insurance and I was able to get the appropriate medical care, but the medical bills did pile up and it took me another decade to pay off the debt.

In fact, my trouble did not end with the initial injury. In my adult life it became difficult to obtain adequate health insurance because of my preexisting condition. I was a struggling college student working sixty hours a week across several part time jobs and my preexisting injury effectively priced me out of the health insurance marketplace. Had I gotten sick or injured again, it is quite possible that medical bills would have consumed my future. The Affordable Care Act ended this inequity and finally gave me and millions of Americans a chance to break free from the cycle of debt that our health insurance market tends to incentivize.

But the costs of healthcare are still an ongoing problem that needs fixing. We must find a way to reduce the cost of administering such an important but expensive program so that that the country can forever afford to provide its citizen the opportunity to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. We owe it to all Americans to stabilize the insurance market and find innovative solutions to drive down the cost of healthcare across the board.

In Congress, I will fight for solutions that help working families deal with the financial burden of healthcare costs. I know first-hand how unanticipated medical expenses can quickly spiral out of control leaving you vulnerable. I will commit myself to the development of a national healthcare system that is modern, responsive, dependable, and affordable to all. I will push against the continuous patchwork of ineffective, ideological proposals. I will not participate in the "my way or the highway" attitude in Congress. I will listen to Marylanders, and health system experts, not lobbyists. Above all, I will put Maryland first.

The Opioid Epidemic
Opioid addiction is one of the most destructive forces currently plaguing the United States, with few Marylanders (or Americans) unaffected by the crisis - including myself. As a young man, I watched my father overdose on opioids right in front of me. I lost my own father to this crisis, but I do not want another child to lose their parent, which is happening all too often, day after day, as this crisis continues.

While I respect and believe in the appropriate use of our criminal justice system, opioid crimes (particularly those committed by addicts instead of dealers) are a symptom, not the disease. Addiction is the disease, and we must treat it as such.

Research is showing that states that have legalized marijuana dispensaries see reductions in opioid abuse. In addition, those who suffer from chronic pain report being able to resume daily activities while using medical marijuana to control their symptoms. We must carefully consider the costs of continuing to treat a drug with legitimate medical uses and a relatively low risk of addiction as illegal and having no medical value, while extremely potent opioids, which are legitimately dangerous and lead to deaths every day, are prescribed daily by doctors.

Legalizing marijuana dispensaries will not heal the hurts that have been dealt to our citizens during this crisis. However, finding patients alternatives to control their chronic pain and other symptoms of disease is vital to loosening the stranglehold that opioids currently have on our country.

National & State Parks
Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns called our National Parks, “America’s Best Idea”, and I could not agree more. I have taken Amtrak from Montgomery County to Glacier National Park in Montana. I have traveled to the battlefields, trails, and other historical sites of our region.

To me, the parks are not just another line item on the federal budget, they are an enduring testament to American history and its values. I believe that our state and national parks are now and should forever remain the birthright of every American. Regrettably, the National Park Service is facing one if its greatest threats in its 100-year history. It is a crisis of neglect that has taken the form of deferred maintenance projects, insufficient funding, and a Congress and Administration that pays lip-service to these issues. The National Park Service maintains more than 75,000 assets across the country, including campgrounds, natural lands, historic trails, irrigation and electrical systems, as well as thousands of miles of roads. Of these, 41,000 – or more than half – need repairs. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers 2017 Report Card, Maryland needs almost $80 million to repair much of its park system. This includes fixing trails, restrooms, and other non-transportation facilities.

In Congress, I will fight to protect the legacy of our state and national parks and ensure that access remains affordable for all Americans. I believe it is fundamentally important to preserve the low cost all access passes that provide entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. I will fight to preserve the best deal in government, an $80 lifetime access pass for senior citizens, and to ensure that veterans never have to pay to visit any public lands. We must preserve the promise of our forebears to manage and conserve the public lands for the benefit of the people in our generation, and for all generations that follow.

Science & Technology
Science is what makes everything we do as a society possible. From growing safer, more efficient, more nutritious crops to space exploration and everything in between, science has influenced every facet of modern life. It has also made this country competitive in the global marketplace, and this is a position that we must maintain.

If we do not support research and development, we will fall behind in the global marketplace and our children will not be prepared for the economic shocks sure to come our way in the future. From biotechnology to the Goddard Space Center, science is integral to Maryland’s well-being, and programs at Hood College, Mount Saint Mary’s, Frostburg State University, and across the University of Maryland system play a role in training the scientists of the future. I pledge to support science, from education to research and development to applied technologies, as part of my push to prepare Maryland for the 21st Century. .

Economy and Job Growth
Maryland’s economy must be prepared for the jobs and challenges of the future. The 21st century economy is going to be fundamentally different from the economies we have seen before. Increasingly, Americans are required to have access to technology to participate in the economy. As in past generations, we must prepare for these technological changes so that Marylanders can prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, because they are quickly becoming the jobs of today. Technology innovations in manufacturing was the driver of the economy for decades. Now, coding is fast becoming the new blue-collar job, though we should not ignore the need for people who can fix technology when it breaks down. Without access to the internet, technology, and job training, we run the risk of leaving more and more Marylanders behind. These fixes are also not one size fits all. Different communities will have different needs requiring different skill sets, and so these solutions must be adapted.

Maryland must aspire to build its own Silicon Valley. The tech corridor off I-270 can and will continue to grow and attract more medical and space technology companies, especially with Maryland’s business-friendly tax structure. In addition, Maryland boasts access to seaports, airports, and a spaceport that can transport the goods and services of the future for the benefit of Marylanders today. All we need is political leadership that understands and will prepare Marylanders for these economic challenges. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Marylanders have the access to the technology, services, and training they need to take advantage of the opportunities that we know are coming.

Veterans Issues
The men and women who devote their lives to serve the United States to preserve our security and keep the peace should be honored and respected. When called upon, they defend the liberties and rights enshrined in our Constitution. For their sacrifice, as dutifully acknowledged by President Lincoln, we must uphold our solemn promise “to care for [all] who shall have borne the battle and for [the] widow, and [the] orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” The men and women who volunteered to risk their lives did so believing that we would care for them, and that is a promise we cannot break.

I believe that the VA system needs to be modernized and streamlined, that we need to ensure our veterans can effectively access VA services, and that we continue to improve how we diagnose and treat combat-related injuries, especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Twenty-two veterans take their own lives every day, and this is simply twenty-two too many. To the estimated 380,000 veterans in Maryland, I will do everything I can to make sure that we keep our promises to you, and that I give you a voice on Capitol Hill.

Space Policy
Those who came before us made certain that our country rode the first waves of the industrial revolution, the first waves of modern invention, and the first waves of exploration. In partnership with government, American industry is rapidly developing the tools and technology needed to compete deep into the 21st Century.

In recent years, we have witnessed some extraordinary developments in the history of spaceflight. From the development of reusable rockets to the emergence of a thriving commercial market for space launch and space-based services. Across the nation space businesses are leading the way- bringing together the talent, technology and capital for a new space industrial renaissance that will benefit all of us here on Earth.

The key to generating hundreds of billions of dollars in new economic activity derived from space-based products and services is to send forward thinking leaders to Washington who understand the potential of these revolutionary technologies. Maryland has a long history of reaping the benefits from the aerospace industry and should not be left behind in the coming technological revolution. In Congress, I will work to ensure that western Marylanders take full advantage of the opportunities that new aerospace jobs and businesses will offer in the coming wave of aerospace industrialization.

Blockchain
Like manufacturing jobs of the 20th century, coding is becoming the blue-collar job of the 21st century. For the last thirty years, computer science education has transformed from utilizing clunky programming languages to training cybersecurity professionals who rely on sophisticated code to protect digital information. The programming code that underlies our economy today is evolving towards a new code called blockchain, which represents cryptographically secure code that catalogues information through links across computer networks. Cybersecurity in the information age is paramount to the growth and success of America’s economy, but blockchain technology adds integrity to transactions between people by building time-stamped information from one block of information to the next. This prevents manipulation of information by another user and increases the trust one can have in the information sent or received as well as the contents of the underlying transaction, for example in the exchange of money, processing medical or financial records, or executing contracts.

So, what does this mean for Marylanders? More efficient and effective use of your time and money. Maryland has always been a leader in America’s financial security. Embracing the use of blockchain technology is already underway by businesses across Maryland and American banking institutions are slowly embracing the technology. Why? Because blockchain technology has the potential to mitigate or end medical and financial fraud, eliminate many costs of doing business, and streamline the contracting for goods and services.

For almost a decade, millions of people have embraced investing in what are called cryptocurrencies. The code that enables a store or record of value underlying a cryptocurrency is the blockchain. I fully support investment in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and others as instruments of value in which people invest. I believe that more should be done to protect the rights of cryptocurrency investors and the Congress should investigate how best blockchain technology could support increased efficiency and security of the American economy in the 21st century.

Climate Change
The scientific evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable that human activities contribute to climate change.We must act to reduce the impact of human activities on our environment.

I will not debate the science with those who use talking points over evidence. There is enough evidence for us to take it as fact. But we can and should debate how to best reduce our impact and protect our planet for future generations. If we fail, we damage the environment, perhaps irreparably, for future generations.

I pledge to work with my colleagues in Congress to protect the future for Marylanders and our children. Without addressing the problem of climate change now, Marylanders will continue to suffer property damage, illness, loss of life, and degraded economic security to the trends of extreme weather events caused by increased greenhouse gasses.

Immigration
Our country is a nation of immigrants. At least nine of the founding fathers were immigrants, including Alexander Hamilton who immigrated to America as an adolescent in search of better opportunities.

Like many Marylanders and Americans, I come from a family of immigrants. My great grandparents immigrated to the US from Hungary and England early last century. My mother in law came to this country from communist Poland on a scholarship and devoted her life to teaching US and World History to English as a Second Language students in the Connecticut public school system.

Immigrants are our friends, classmates, neighbors, and coworkers. They pay taxes, billions of dollars in taxes, supporting federal programs and services they are ineligible to receive. I want to see comprehensive immigration reform that affords these amazing and hardworking people a path to citizenship, one that increases the pool of H1-B visas and reverses the brain drain we have seen in recent years. I do not believe that we should give violent criminals a path to citizenship, but those who show that they want to be productive members of American society should be allowed to build their lives here and contribute to our economy.

And there is no group of immigrants for whom this is truer than those who did not choose to come here - DACA recipients deserve to have Congress come up with a solution, not to be used as pawns in a political trade for an ineffective and expensive border wall constructed at taxpayer expense. I promise to work with my colleagues in Congress to protect Dreamers and to construct comprehensive immigration reform to prepare Maryland for the challenges of the 21st century economy.

National Defense
Defense should be part of a smart foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy over destruction. When diplomacy fails, our military must buy more bullets. This balance has been with America since the beginning. The eagle on the Great Seal of the United States holds an olive branch in its right talons, and arrows in the left, to symbolize our desire for peace but readiness for war. I, too, believe that we should always strive to find solutions that do not needlessly spend the lives of Americans, but we should stand ready to defend freedom and resist oppression, wherever it takes root.

The brave action and selfless sacrifices of our men and women in uniform does not give the Department of Defense a free pass. I support auditing the DoD and ensuring that our dollars are responsibly and effectively spent. Defense research has led to many valuable contributions to technology, medicine, and American life, and I want these to continue. But Congress is tasked with the oversight of federal agencies, and it is the duty of that body to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. I will advocate for Congress’ role in fulfilling its duties and ensuring that the olive branch takes a more prominent global role than the arrows. For history has shown that when conflict assumes the prominent role in global affairs economic security fails and with it global leadership and peace. America must continue to live up to its ideals . .

Agriculture
The average American is five generations removed from farming, but that makes the agriculture and livestock industries no less vital to the fabric of American life. While less than 2% of Americans are farmers, the food produced by American farmers fuels the nation to invent, innovate, and create the world of the future.

While the average farm size in the United States is over 400 acres, the average farm size in Maryland is 166 acres, with the most common farms comprised of less than 50 acres. The small farmer is the backbone of Maryland agriculture, and there are threats to their way of life. From automation of farming practices to conglomeration to environmental taxes, the modern farmer must contend with more complex challenges today than ever before, in addition to maintaining food production in a changing climate.

We must support our farmers and livestock producers to ensure that they can continue to feed their families and the rest of Maryland and the United States. We must find more effective and efficient ways to use technology to the advantage of small and big farms alike to reduce the costs of farming and doing business while reducing the burdens and costs of operation. We must ensure that our farms in Maryland have access to the tools they need to succeed and continue to bring their crops to market. .[42]

”
—Chris Hearsey for Congress[45]


Democratic Party Roger Manno

“

Healthcare
I'm fighting to make sure everyone has quality, affordable health care.

I just survived Cancer because I have health insurance -- but millions of Americans are not so fortunate.

I know what it's like to live without health care. For me, it's deeply personal.

My dad was a carpenter. He had a 4th grade education, worked hard, but died from a preventable heart condition when I was 6 years old, because he was poor and couldn't afford health insurance.

That economic injustice thrust my mom and I into an economic nightmare that left me living in the streets, in a group home, and on and on.

That should never happen in America. But that health care horror and income inequality is as real today as it was 45 years ago.

I've spent my life trying to right the wrong.

In Annapolis, I took on the insurance companies who denied care, and won. I’ve passed new laws that ban genetic discrimination (HB29), expand cancer coverage for first responders (SB1099), and advance end-of-life care and options for seniors (SB790 and SB442). I authored the landmark law that guarantees paid rest breaks for retail workers (HB1099), and created the first funding formula for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (SB419). When seniors needed their long-term care benefits, but the Maryland Insurance Commissioner approved the maximum rate increases, year after year, I called him to the mat, then introduced fiscally rational legislation (SB176) to finally freeze premium rates. And in 2008, I stood a door away from President Obama’s Oval Office and crafted provisions of the largest health care expansion since Medicare – because we knew that health care is a right for Americans.

For my efforts, I'm proud to have been named "Legislator of the Year" for increasing Medicaid pediatric funding, and to have received the "Distinguished Legislative Service Award" from The National Federation of the Blind, and the "Legislative Achievement Award" from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 1664, AFL-CIO).

We've made a lot of progress, but our work will continue until every single Marylander has Medicare for All, the “single-payer” universal health care system that leaves no one out.

Economy
I'm working to diversify our economy, strengthen our job market and level the playing field for all Marylanders.

For me, there is no higher priority than fueling Maryland's economy to create the jobs that our families need. That's why I'm focused on diversifying our economy through investments in highly skilled sectors like Biotech, IT, life sciences, infrastructure, and rebuilding our once-thriving manufacturing sector.

I introduced and passed new Maryland laws that provided hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for K-12 education, increased the Earned Income Tax Credit by 20 percent, restored the Mortgage Interest Deduction, created the Security Clearance Tax Credit and the Apprenticeship Opportunities Act, and have restructured Maryland's tax code so that middle-class families and the working poor take home a greater percentage of their hard-earned money. Those investments have helped Maryland emerge from the recession with balanced budgets, AAA bond ratings from all three ratings agencies, some of the best schools in the nation, and more minorities, women and veterans in the workforce than ever before.

While I'm proud that we have restored 100 percent of the jobs lost during the recession, we must continue fighting to close corporate tax loopholes that drive jobs out of the state and the nation, and advance new solutions to bring those jobs back home to Maryland.

With strong leadership, we can do it.

World Class Education
A world class education for every child.

It's not just important -- it's critical to the development and success of our children. That requires world class classrooms, educators, and standards that work for all kids.

I've personally worked in public school classrooms as a para-educator, before working in the trenches of Annapolis for more than a decade -- and no one works harder for our kids.

I've tackled the never-ending grind to learn how to take as many as 200 standardized tests throughout K-12, and I authored and passed the More Learning, Less Testing Act of 2017 (SB452) -- the #2 bill of the National Educational Association (NEA) that now limits testing to 2.2 percent of class time. I authored and passed the Attendance Policy for Pregnant and Parenting Students (SB232), because young women who are pregnant or parenting are penalized for unexcused absences for medical appointments or to care for their children. I also authored a new law that expands tuition waivers for students with permanent and total disabilities, who are enrolled in classes for continuing education instruction designed to lead to employment, including life skills instruction.

When some in Annapolis presented the "doomsday budget" that would have cut hundreds of millions of dollars from classrooms, I stepped up and authored the new law, eventually passed in the 2012 Special Session, that now provides billions of dollars of funding for K-12 education, health care and other programs. When Maryland suffered from year after year budget cuts because of failed budget projections, I authored groundbreaking legislation that now transforms the Maryland budget, and earmarks critical funds for K-12 school construction.

When some in Annapolis sought to privatize a Montgomery County agency that generates $30 MILLION per year in funding for K-12 and other critical services, I stopped that reckless and misguided legislation.

As Senate Chair of the Spending Affordability Committee (SAC), which sets statewide capital spending limits, I have consistently set the maximum possible school construction funding (far greater then the Capital Debt Affordability Committee recommendations), because portable classrooms and deteriorated buildings are no place for our kids to learn.

And when state legislative leaders tried to dump their responsibility to fund education onto Maryland counties, I stood up to them sponsoring legislation to fix Maryland's pension system, to protect earned benefits, and to keep the state from eliminating funding for teachers' and employees' pensions. That legislation, the Teacher and Employee Pension Sustainability and Solvency Trust Fund (HB10), sought to replace the failed "corridor funding formula" with real math, and make out-of-state corporations who pay no Maryland taxes, pay their fair share.

In Congress, I'll continue my fight for a world class education for every child in America.

Women's Rights
I'm committed to protecting the fundamental rights of women.

We've made great strides in advancing the fundamental rights of women in the workplace, the home and in the doctor's office - but we still have a long way to go.

I'm proud to be 100% Pro-Choice and have worked closely with NARAL and Planned Parenthood to protect and advance these rights. That's why in the Maryland Senate, I restored more than $9 million in budget funding for women's reproductive health services. I've also passed a new law banning genetic discrimination (HB29), established attendance policies for pregnant and parenting students (SB232), and am leading the effort on making emergency contraception (EC) available on college campuses (SB969).

In 2008, I was selected to serve on a President Obama White House working group for health reform, in which I advised the White House on principles and provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including banning discrimination based on preexisting conditions. In 2011, we successfully urged U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to recognize women's birth control and reproductive services as medically necessary preventative health services, guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act.

I've passed the new law establishing hiring preferences for Veterans and their spouses, walked the halls of Congress to push for the Equal Rights Amendment, and authored the first bill in America to ensure that women's health services are provided only by medical professionals.

Lastly, in 2014, when bigotry rose its head in my own community, I rolled up my sleeves to make history by electing the first woman of color in the history of the 19th District.

In Congress, I will not rest until women have equal pay for equal work, and absolute equal rights under the law.

Protecting Seniors
We need to keep our promise to seniors who built our community.

For more than a decade, I've had the honor to represent the largest community of seniors in the State of Maryland, and together, we've delivered.

Along with strong, passionate activists and a great team in Annapolis, we've worked for new safety measures throughout our community, like sidewalks, crosswalks, road repaving, updated water and gas lines, and other infrastructure upgrades that make seniors safer. We've pushed for new safety measures, like updated smoke detector requirements, sprinklers, and strong regulations to prevent smoking near oxygen tanks and respirators.

I've fought the State of Maryland when it implemented double taxation schemes on seniors on fixed incomes, and won. I've gone up against the State Highway Administration until it reformed their immoral and predatory EZPass tolling schemes, and I took on the Maryland Insurance Commissioner for approving annual 15 percent rate increases on Long Term Care policies.

I authored new laws that protect seniors from retaliatory evictions (SB620), secured groundbreaking funding and awareness for an "Advance Directive Registry" in order to honor the medical wishes of patients who are incapacitated (SB790 and SB442), dedicated funding for blind and physically handicapped services (SB419), and increased economic fairness for homeowners whose homes are taken by eminent domain (HB1159). I passed amendments that allow seniors to remain in their homes rather than in institutional facilities, and took on the energy companies and the Public Service Commission until new service reliability standards became law.

In Congress, I will keep America's promise to protect Social Security and Medicare, and to protect retirement income - the nest egg that you've worked so hard for.

Jobs and Worker's Rights
Hardworking Marylanders deserve good jobs with good benefits.

My dad was a carpenter, worked hard, but died at the age of 50 from preventative heart disease because he didn't have health insurance. That should never happen in this country.

American workers deserve good jobs, benefits, and fair working conditions. That's why I'm fighting to address worker exploitation and the offshoring of Maryland jobs.

I introduced the boldest manufacturing effort in Maryland history, based on the audacious belief that workers deserve the same tax benefits as companies (SB181). I've authored legislation to address fair trade and currency manipulation (SB893), cosponsored legislation that raised the minimum wage, and introduced the "tipped worker" amendment for the lowest wage workers.

I authored and passed new laws that now give Maryland workers paid rest breaks (HB1099), reigned-in outsourcing of Montgomery County contracts (HB946), increased apprenticeship job training throughout Maryland (HB644), and the job-creating Security Clearance Tax Credit for federal contractors (SB138 and SB 296). Having twice been awarded "Legislator of the Year" by AFL-CIO unions, and named an honorary member of 2 AFL-CIO construction trade unions in Maryland, I'll continue fighting day in and day out for the rights and benefits of public and private sector workers.

Foreign Affairs and a Strong Defense
Working in Congress during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 taught me, first and foremost, the importance of military readiness and a strong defense.

It also taught me the value of diplomacy and strategic alliances in promoting peace, human rights, and global security for the U.S. and our allies.

The world can be a tough and dangerous place, but America's interests and allies are worth fighting for.

That means continuing and strengthening our alliances through NATO and our partners around the globe.

Our global challenges are vast, but not insurmountable. So, while there are serious concerns with the development towards nuclear weapons in Iran, North Korea and other non-democratic nations, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) offers a narrow and fragile path towards deescalating Iran’s weaponization of nuclear materials. While America must remain committed to the agreement, we must also pursue our own security interests if Iran fails to comply with the JCPOA terms, or in any way threatens our security, or the security of our allies.

The United States must also commit all available resources to protect and strengthen our alliances against terrorism, increase our domestic and international efforts against hate crimes and extremism, and support democratic nations that recognize human and civil rights. Among them, the United States has no greater ally in the Middle East and against terrorism than the democratic nation of Israel, who's Qualified Military Edge is critical to U.S. security, and security and stability throughout the region. Our support for international democracies and against bigotry and antisemitism must remain unshakable. It's why I strongly opposed the recent effort, which sought to entangle the state of Maryland in an international boycott using state dollars -- not against the nation of Israel, but specifically against Israeli universities. That's also why, in response to recent acts of hate and bigotry against Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians in Maryland, I authored the new Security Grant program (now law) to protect schools, child care and community centers in Maryland (SB1191). In doing so, we spoke with a resounding voice that hatred and bigotry against any American has no place here and will not be tolerated. And abroad, we must remain resolved to use all available means to address the many humanitarian and refugee crises in Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen, and many others. As the moral power center on the international stage, the U.S. must use that stature and opportunity to advance human rights, civil rights, peace and security at home and throughout the globe. That's an awesome responsibility, but one that I believe we are up to.

On a very personal note, I traveled to Israel on an official U.S. Congressional Delegation in 2005 during Israel's historic "disengagement" from settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. During that visit, I met with negotiators from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which left me with a powerful and emotional understanding that it is incumbent upon the United States to work for peace and stability throughout the region toward a two-state agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, without preconditions or interference from other self-interested actors. That dream of peace, while elusive, is very much in my heart.

With strong support from Congress, and some hope and resolve from us all, I believe that such an agreement is possible.

Veterans
America owes the greatest debt to the service men and women who have served in uniform, both in the U.S. and abroad.

My Uncle Lou Scheinbaum was a Medic on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Anyone who knows that battle knows the horror that those American heroes lived, in order to liberate Europe, and end the most terrible war and tyrant the world has ever known. Uncle Lou survived with the help and prayers of a local Priest and the lucky elephant figurine he gave my uncle to keep him safe.

He eventually returned from Normandy and the Nazi occupation, but he never slept a restful night for the rest of his life.

His home in Queens, New York, filled with hundreds and hundreds of lucky little elephant figures he collected since returning from Europe, reminds my family of the gift that is life, and the immeasurable debt that we all owe to our Veterans.

Throughout my career in government service, I have had the great honor to work with thousands of Veterans and their families, to provide the services and benefits that they and their families have earned and deserve.

During my service working in the United States Congress, I was honored to work closely with veterans and their families to obtain the rightful benefits and recognition deserved. For example, I facilitated the reopening of a case of a widow, whose husband was a POW in Germany during WWII, and was tortured and disabled before being denied benefits for decades by the VA. Never have I been more pleased than the day I was informed that I had helped her secure retroactive death benefits, and the full military recognition that her late husband deserved.

As a State Senator, and a member of the Veterans Caucus, my work has continued.


For returning warriors, and for far too many of Maryland’s 422,000 Veterans, returning to the civilian workforce is a challenge, if not downright impossible. That should never happen in America. That’s why I am so proud to have been honored by the United States Department of Defense for legislation I passed in the State Senate (SB245) to create a hiring preference for veterans and their spouses consistent with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.

I'm also proud to have authored and co-sponsored more than a decade of legislation to improve the lives of Veterans and their families . These include:

Surviving Spouse benefits, including the hiring preference, tax relief on retired pay/Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) income, and other issues. Increased tax subtraction on retired pay for our former members of the Uniformed Services. As a member of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, we were successful in approving such increases on two recent occasions. I am hopeful that we will be able to go further during the current year, with the goal of eliminating the tax entirely in the coming year. (SB312 and HB362) Legislation to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce significantly and prevent Veteran suicides in the State of Maryland. We have to do a lot more in our State in this critical area. (SB 911, a new item in 2018 based on Veterans Summit / Veterans Caucus initiative.) Legislation that permits our counties and other real estate taxing entities to give our Uniformed Service retirees over the age of 65 a 20% reduction in real property taxes for up to five years. That already is in effect in portions of Districtt. Supporting HB 165 and HB 502, which both add "the widow or widower" of that retiree for the benefit. In other words, any surviving spouse over 65 and receiving SBP will benefit. Improved counseling and support services for Veterans in the Community Colleges of Maryland. I support SB 509, which requires these institutions to provide staff for advisement and establish a Veterans Resource Center, among other specific services. Supporting our currently-serving members of the Uniformed Services, and current Senate legislation to increase retirement income exemption for active duty personnel stationed overseas or serving at sea outside the USA. [SB 512]

Environment
Protecting our natural resources is a moral obligation.

Everyone has a nature moment -- that sense of solace on a wild river, stream, or forest -- hiking, canoeing, throwing a bass lure -- that moment when you know how connected we all are to the air, water and land -- and knowing that we belong to it, and it belongs to us. That's a solemn responsibility that we all have for our children, and for future generations.

I'm so proud to hold the longest 100% environmental rating from the League of Conservation Voters of any legislator in Maryland, and I'm honored to be endorsed by Food and Water Action.

My record speaks volumes.

Throughout my tenure in the Maryland Senate and the House of Delegates, I've stood up against the big polluters and oil and gas lobbyists and won. As Chair of the AELR regulatory committee, I stopped the Governor's regulations that would have allowed "fracking" drilling on October 1, 2017. I also challenged the Governor's repeal of strong Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions regulations, which led to litigation by Sierra Club and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

In the House of Delegates, I authored legislation to ban "Tar Sands" oil for use in Maryland fleet vehicles -- the first anti-fracking legislation ever introduced in Maryland. In the State Senate, I authored the first ever Maryland legislation to attempt to ban dangerous artificial turf fields. I've passed sweeping new laws to finally put science into oyster harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay (SB937), established a study and database on dangerous pesticide use (SB675 and SB700), created the Electric Vehicle and Recharging Incentive program (SB393 and SB908), re-established the Clean Energy Incentives Program, and removed coal from the allowable sources (SB946), increased penalties for phosphorous polluters (SB751), created the Oyster Shell Recovery Tax Credit program (SB694), and built a framework for a transition to sustainable organic farming -- the Maryland Organic Transition Pilot Program (HB449).

I'm proud of our work, but there's so much left to do.

LGBTQ Rights
“If you love people and want to see that spark ignite, you have to love everyone.” - Roger Manno, Washington Blade, 2.22.12

It shouldn’t matter who you love, how you’re born, who you are, or who you choose to be, everyone deserves respect, dignity, and equal protection under the law.

Maryland began our legislative battle for full Marriage Equality in 2007, during my first year in the Legislature. In those days, those of us who sponsored the Marriage Equality legislation were either called “marriage ambassadors” or heretics. We just thought it made sense that our friends and neighbors who are loving couples who happened to be of the same sex, deserved to be treated like every other couple.

In 2012, after years of work, the legislature finally passed The Civil Marriage Protection Act (marriage equality), which I proudly co-sponsored, and which was approved by the voters of Maryland on referendum later that year. In doing so, Maryland became the first state in America to pass Marriage Equality on the ballot, without the U.S. Supreme Court requiring the state to do it.

That battle thrust my own district through some difficult and ugly struggles, but we persevered. I told the Washington Blade at that time: “In my heart, marriage equality is an important and timely issue of emancipation for loving families who happen to be of the same sex.” I'm glad that a majority of Marylanders agreed.

I'm also proud to have been one of two Senate lead cosponsors of the landmark gender identity bill, the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, along with (now) Congressman Jamie Raskin, and lead sponsor Senator Rich Madaleno.

I'm proud of my role in the Maryland House and Senate towards providing equality for all Marylanders -- from marriage equality, to gender identity birth certificates, to adoption rights for same-sex couples as co-parents, to transgender equality -- but there's still so much more work to do on the federal level in Congress.

Making Government Work
I'm making government work better for everyone - not just the privileged few.

Government functions best when it is open, transparent and accessible to everyone.

As Chair of the Spending Affordability Committee, I led the unanimous and bi-partisan fight in Annapolis that has transformed how Maryland builds budgets, and reformed the Board of Revenue Estimates processes that have led to years of poor revenue forecasts that triggered mid-year service cuts outside the purview of the legislature (SB371). I've passed new laws to expand transparency and the Open Meetings Act (SB450), and authored the Disclosure and Accountability of State Spending Act (SB604), so that taxpayers can see right on their tax form, how government is spending your hard-earned money.

I have also supported numerous other reforms to level the playing field - including banning campaign contributions from casino owners, strengthening ethics rules for legislators and lobbyists, and improving access to government records and proceedings. I worked across the aisle to sponsor tough accountability legislation for state agencies that violate repeat audit findings, and helped reform legislative vacancy and nomination procedures, special elections and public financing of elections.

I continue to support non-partisan redistricting reform, so that voters chose their elected officials, not the other way around.

And in 2017, as a member of the Legislative Policy Committee, I voted to increase accountability for state legislators who sexually harass people in the General Assembly, including expulsion of legislators who violate this new policy. There is no place for harassment in government or in any workplace.[42]

”
—Manno for Congress[46]


Democratic Party Aruna Miller

“

Health Care
Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution is it written that the government must provide free, quality education to our children, but we do it because we know that providing a basic level of education to all citizens is a public good. A healthy population is at least as important as an educated population, which is why I believe that we should be moving toward a single payer health care system that covers every American.

The #1 reason people declare bankruptcy in the United States is due to lack of insurance coverage and subsequent medical debt, and a medical emergency can happen to anyone at any time. The bottom line is that, as the richest country in the world, there is no excuse for us not ensuring the health of our citizens.

With the current occupant in the White House, passing a single payer health care system will not be an option until at least 2020. Therefore, my top priority in Congress will be to save the Affordable Care Act and to improve it. I will fight to pass bipartisan proposals like funding the cost-sharing subsidies for low-income enrollees, maintaining federal support for the Medicaid expansion that helps over 250,000 Marylanders access health care services, and lowering prescription drug costs, especially for our seniors.

In addition to increasing access to health care, we must also take federal action to stem the tide of opioid deaths in this country. In the Maryland General Assembly, I have actively fought for legislation and leadership to address our state’s opioid epidemic, and along with my colleagues, we pushed the Governor to do more to combat this crisis.

I have supported bills that are saving lives in Maryland like the Heroin and Opioid Prevention Effort (HOPE) and Treatment Act and the Heroin and Opioid Education and Community Action Act. These bills provide funding for treatment and public education, ensure naloxone and other overdose-reversing medication is available in emergencies, and place limits on the amount of opioids that can be prescribed. We can and must take these actions, and more, at the federal level and that’s what I will do in Congress.

Environment
Climate change is real. It is happening and we must elect legislators who will take action.

As an individual and as a legislator, I have always been an advocate for the environment. One of my first actions in the General Assembly was to co-sponsor the Marcellus Shale Act of 2011 which laid the groundwork for the eventual fracking ban in Maryland. I have taken on industrial farming by co-sponsoring the 2014 Poultry Fair Share Act. I have stood as 1 of 24 legislators against the majority on a bill which would have prohibited construction of wind-powered generation stations. I have advocated for stronger regulations ON THE COAL AND ENERGY INDUSTRY. I am proud of my work as a State Legislator which has included promoting renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting our bay and waterways.

But we need more of that in Congress. While 97% of scientists around the world agree that climate change is a problem, over a third of our Congressional representatives are climate change deniers. My background is in engineering and I make decisions based on scientific evidence.

It’s this fact-based perspective I plan to bring to Washington as your Congresswoman. That is why science advocates like 314 Action and environmental advocates around the state support our campaign.

In Congress, the most urgent need I see is for the United States to return to the Paris Climate Agreement on Climate Change. Addressing Climate Change is the most urgent challenge of our generation. By leaving the Paris agreement the US has abdicated leadership on this issue. The technologies of the future will be those that address the need for clean, renewable energy and they will be developed countries who lead.

Further in Congress, I will work to close the “Halliburton” loop hole in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which exempts natural gas drilling from the Safe Drinking Water Act and exempts companies from disclosing the chemicals used during hydraulic fracturing.

I would also tighten restrictions on corporate farming to promote responsible agricultural and livestock practices nation-wide.

Economy and Jobs
American economic vitality hinges on the prosperity of the middle class. Stagnant working-class wages coupled with rising income inequality have shrunk our middle class and left our economy in a precarious position. Maryland working class families deserve public policy investments that prioritize their growth.

As a State Legislator I have a strong progressive record fighting to support Maryland’s working class families, from ensuring adequate funding for our public schools, to co-sponsoring legislation for a $15 minimum wage to ensuring workers get paid sick leave.

Today we are connected globally and the pace of disruptive technology is only projected to accelerate. It is a time of great transition for industries and our economy. The changing dynamics of the global economy presents many challenges to American workers, but it also offers many opportunities. Instead of helping existing corporations get richer, I will focus on making sure all Americans have the ability to innovate, create, and build. When given a fair playing field Americans workers can compete with any country, anywhere in the world. In Congress, I will ensure we make strategic investments in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing technologies, and education to make our country the destination for the jobs of the 21st century.

In Congress, I will continue this fight. The Republican legislation masquerading as tax reform starves resources for these crucial middle-class programs in favor of excusing wealthy Americans and large corporations from paying their fair share of taxes.

Labor policies need to be adapted to address the modern day workforce. There are more women in the workplace and many families are now dual income with no single breadwinner. In 2011, one of the first bills I introduced was paid family leave. In following years I have continued to move the ball forward on this important issue for working families.

I have stood with American workers who are the engine of our American economy. I continue to do the same in Congress.

Education
Our public schools are under attack from Betsy DeVos and the Trump administration. As a mother of three children who attended public schools, I understand the important role an investment in public schools play in our community, economy, and our future. As a State Legislator, I proudly supported legislation that strengthened the funding of our public education system. These policies have made Maryland public schools some of the top in the nation.

In Congress, I will continue to support increasing investment in our public schools because we owe it to our students to equip them with the skill sets they will need in the 21st Century. Whether a child is college bound or is more inclined to choose a vocational training, our K-12 public school system should provide the foundation of skills for future success.

Additionally, we need to be making higher education more affordable for those who choose that path. Like many families, my husband and I had to take a second mortgage on our home to send our children to college. I am fortunate we had the home equity to do this. But for many Maryland families, the cost of college is just too high. As a State Legislator, I fought to hold tuition to low single-digit increases even in tough budget years. And as a young person, I relied on Pell Grants, student loans, and work study programs to get through college.

In Congress, I will fight to expand programs so students can access higher education. Burdening students with years, sometimes decades, of debt to get an education is just wrong, and it’s a drag on our economy. Student loans should be offered with competitive interest rates and public sector jobs should be a path to loan forgiveness.

Supporting Individuals with Disabilities
Far too often individuals with disabilities are shut out of the workforce, unable to fully realize their potential. I am committed to expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities through improving their access to meaningful employment and ensuring that considerations are made to accommodate their needs in the workplace.

As a State Legislator, I fought against the practice of paying subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities, and advocated for programs which assist such individuals in achieving a higher quality of life.

For families with children who are disabled, I proudly co-sponsored Maryland ‘s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program which allows parents to create tax free savings accounts to help cover expenses for children with disabilities.

At the federal level, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created to ensure equal protections, accommodations, and educational and work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We have made great strides in this area and in Congress I will work to realize the vision of the ADA - a world where all individuals are able to fully participate and integrate into our society.

Net Neutrality
The idea of Net Neutrality is simple: Your internet provider shouldn’t be able to control what websites you have access to. If you pay for internet access, you should be allowed to access the entire internet. The repeal of Net Neutrality is a dangerous and undemocratic act that hurts the flow of information, favors mega-corporations, and hurts small business. The internet should remain open and free, and I will fight for that principle.

In Congress I will fight for that principle.

Women's Issues
I want my three daughters to have every possible opportunity to succeed in America. Unfortunately, much of the progress we have made toward equality is under attack.

As a State Legislator, I led efforts to protect women. When I met the family of a Maryland woman who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend after he repeatedly violated her restraining order, I passed the law requiring GPS tracking of domestic abusers who violate their restraining orders.

In Congress, I will fight just as hard for Maryland’s women, starting with protecting a woman’s right to choose. I will fight against every Republican attempt to undermine Roe v. Wade, de-fund Planned Parenthood, and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care and birth control. I am proud to have the endorsement of EMILY’s List, a national organization dedicated to helping elect pro-choice women.

I will also fight to promote equal pay for equal work. In Maryland, a woman still earns on average 82 cents for every dollar a man makes, and that pay gap is even worse for women of color. We can do better. That’s why I co-sponsored the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in the Maryland House of Delegates, and was proud to see it signed into law. In Congress, I’ll continue to promote equal pay for equal work because unfair pay makes it harder for families to get ahead.

In addition, labor policies need to be adapted to address the modern-day workforce. There are more women in the workplace and many families are now dual-income with no single breadwinner. In 2011, I introduced the first bill ever in Maryland for paid family leave. In following years, I have continued to move the ball forward on this important issue for working families.

Fighting for equality for women shouldn’t be a women’s issue – equality is good for everyone. In Congress I will my work to ensure our country is a place where everyone can follow their dreams.

Immigration Reform
I came to this country from India when I was seven years old, received a quality public education, worked my way through college, made a successful career as an engineer, raised three daughters, and am now giving back to our community as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

As an immigrant, I know the value immigration brings to this country. Immigrants embody the American Dream and make invaluable contributions to the fabric of American life. But today, President Trump is attacking immigrant families and using xenophobic rhetoric and policies to divide Americans against each other. This is not a partisan political fight, it’s about basic morality and fundamental decency, and we must fight back. What Donald Trump does not understand is that immigrants are not a nuisance to be dealt with, they are an asset to our nation.

As a State Legislator, I co-sponsored and fought for the Maryland Dream Act, so that bright young adults, who want to go to college, but through no fault of their own are now undocumented residents, have the ability to attend our state schools.

In Congress, I will work on comprehensive fixes to our broken immigration system. Today there are thousands of highly skilled workers stuck in a legal limbo — sometimes up to 20 years—in our H1 visa programs. A shorter path to Permanent Residency would allow these individuals to fully participate in our economy and become job creators through entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, any comprehensive immigration reform must include a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million law-abiding undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. today and the 2.1 million DREAMers who were brought to this country as children. It’s the American way, it’s good for the economy, and in Congress I’m determined to get it done.

Protecting Our Children
Our children are our future and we should be providing them with opportunities and protections so they can thrive as they grow into adulthood.

As a State Legislator, I have fought for children again and again. I worked to extend the statute of limitations for sexual offenses against minors, so child victims of sexual abuse can get justice. I have also worked to protect children from threats to their health by passing the law banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. In addition, I have fought to make sure parents are given adequate warnings about the potential health risks imposed by exposure to chemicals in artificial turf fields.

I am particularly proud of my work in helping to pass earned paid sick leave for Maryland’s workers. No longer will any Marylander have to choose between their job and taking care of themselves or their sick child. In 2011, I introduced the first bill for paid family leave. That bill would have ensured that parents could spend those first few critical months with their newborn children. I have continued to advocate on this important issue for working families.

In Congress, I will continue to fight to give our children the best opportunities for a bright future, strengthen child protections, and ensure that parents are given the resources they need to provide for their families.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is finally getting the national attention it deserves, with many thanks to the silence breakers and the #MeToo movement,

During my tenure as the President of the Maryland Women Legislators Caucus, I launched the Sexual Harassment Evaluation (S.H.E.) Committee, where a bipartisan group of women legislators worked together to review and establish policies to address sexual harassment.

We must do more to address sexual harassment and assault in this country, and we should start with Congress and President Trump. There should be an immediate and full investigation of every allegation of sexual harassment and assault against Donald Trump and every Member of Congress who has used taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment case should be exposed.

For too long, members of Congress have protected themselves and silenced victims through onerous reporting processes and coerced confidentiality agreements. New standards need to be adopted to protect all workers against harassment in their place of employment. Stronger penalties need to be enacted, and those penalties must be enforced. Today, many people feel they must either accept whatever form of harassment they are experiencing or lose their jobs. That should never be the case.

In Congress, I will fight to make sure we enact real legislative change to end sexual assault and harassment.

Gun Safety
I respect the Second Amendment Right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. Today, however, the fact is that the US has more gun deaths than any other developed nation means we need common sense gun laws.

We can reduce gun violence in America, but we must use science to do so. That is why I support the repeal of the “Dickey Amendment” that prevents the Center for Disease Control (CDC) from researching causes and preventative measures for gun violence.

As a State Legislator, I helped expand background checks for all commercial gun sales, pushed legislation to reduce magazine sizes, ban bump stocks and co-sponsored legislation to make our Maryland Universities gun-free zones. As I have done in Annapolis, in Congress I will support a national ban on semi-automatic assault weapons, high capacity magazines and an outlawing of bump stocks that effectively convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones.

In Congress I will work to ensure we truly achieve universal background checks for all gun sales. Just as I have done in Annapolis I will continue to work to ensure we have stringent controls when firearms are purchased and close the gun show and straw purchase loopholes.

Nationally, only about 90 percent of gun purchasers go through a background check and there are too many mistakes being made in the process; allowing ineligible people to buy guns, especially in cases of known violent abusers. We need to do a much better job of inputting data into the background check system. In Congress, I will push for more funding, oversight, and, if necessary, investigations to make sure this happens.

Further, if you are on an FBI terrorist watch list you should not be able to purchase a firearm (No Fly-No Buy).

Maryland’s concealed carry laws are some of the most stringent in the nation. I firmly oppose concealed carry reciprocity between states.

National Security and Foreign Policy
America is safest when our foreign policy reflects our national values. We stand for democracy, human rights, free and fair trade, respect for other countries, and peace. Today Donald Trump is isolating us in the world. He is pursuing a friendship with Vladimir Putin, while antagonizing our NATO allies in Europe.

He has alienated Latin America and his rhetoric has intensified tensions with North Korea. At a time when our diplomatic efforts are most critical, Donald Trump is seeking to dismantle the U.S. Department of State. In Congress I will oppose any such attempts made by the President to weaken our diplomatic presence, as it is a vital element to both our foreign policy goals and our national security. Furthermore, the US should denounce the use of first strike nuclear weapons; and Congress should re-evaluate current policies that give the President the sole authority to authorize a pre-emptive first strike.

We are blessed as a nation to have an all-volunteer military force. The people who join our military put their lives on the line so we can be free. Elected leaders have a responsibility never to send them into harm’s way unless it’s absolutely necessary. Therefore, the use of these forces in combat should be reserved for when all other options have been fully exhausted.

War is a serious national undertaking, which is why the Constitution requires Congress to declare war before the President, as Commander-in-Chief, executes it. In Congress i will strongly oppose ever giving the executive branch a blank check to use our military as was done in the Iraq conflict.

Our military should be ready to defend us and our troops should never be denied the best tools they need to defend us. However, military spending represents over +50% of discretionary spending (more than the next 8 nations combined). In Congress I will ensure American tax payer dollars are being spent wisely. I will support strengthening, and more importantly modernizing, our Armed Forces to defend our national security interests. Threats around the world have changed and we must adapt. Cyberwarfare, unmanned aerial vehicles and small cell terrorism are some of the biggest challenges we face in the 21st Century, and what was the template for military spending in the 20th century should be reexamined.

Finally, I will not let Donald Trump bring his hate to the Armed Forces. His decision to ban thousands of troops from protecting our country because of their gender identification is un-American. To achieve our military goals, our nation relies on having the best Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. To turn away some of our top recruits would only jeopardize our safety.

Seniors/Social Security and Medicare
As a nation, it is our duty to both preserve and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, benefits which seniors have earned through a lifetime of work. Social Security and Medicare have reduced poverty among senior citizens by two-thirds in the past 50 years.

Congressman Paul Ryan has announced his intention to cut Social Security and Medicare, undoubtedly to help finance the Republican tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. The plan he previously advocated ended Social Security and Medicare guarantees for those under age 50. That still is clearly the Republican goal.

At age 50, the average American has been paying into Social Security and Medicare for 30 years. To reduce their future benefits at that age is nothing less than a direct threat to their retirement. This is not acceptable. Medicare and Social Security are promises our nation has made to its senior citizens and those nearing retirement age have paid into these funds over a lifetime. In Congress, I will always vote to uphold these promises.

To ensure Social Security’s solvency, I will propose an increase to the taxable wage. Workers making under $120,000 would see no change to their wages. Small adjustments to the taxable wage on high income earners can ensure Social Security remains strong and viable for generations to come.

Honoring Our Promise to Veterans
Our veterans and members of the Armed Forces have made enormous personal sacrifices to defend our freedom and our county. We must keep our nation’s promise to the men and women in uniform by providing quality health care, education, and employment opportunities for veterans.

As a State Legislator, I have consistently supported legislation to assist our veterans and members of the Armed Forces. I helped pass the Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013, which required licensing units and boards to give credit to former service members for their military training, experience, and education. I also co-sponsored multiple bills to provide incentives for companies to hire qualified veterans. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for policies that help veterans transition to a meaningful civilian career when they retire from or leave the service. Current and former members of the Armed Forces possess a wide variety of specialized skills, many of which are not fully recognized by state certification authorities. I will work to strengthen our economy and our communities by connecting veterans – and their unique skill sets – with good paying jobs.

Nothing is more important than providing quality health care for veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs should be reorganized to provide more timely and convenient access to world-class care. In Congress, I will stand against Donald Trump’s latest attempts to pass legislation like the “Coordinated Access and Rewarding Experiences Act,” which is the most recent Republican effort to privatize the VA, in the hopes of privatizing Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security after that.

Our Veterans have given so much in service to our country. We have the strongest military in the world, and we have a sacred responsibility to protect and care for those who have put their lives at risk to protect us. As your Congresswoman, I will never forget our promises to America’s Veterans.

Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability
The ill-advised and irresponsible Republican tax cuts for big corporations and the wealthy will add almost $1.5 trillion dollars to the deficit. For all of the lip service that Republicans pay to fiscal conservatism, the passage of this legislation shows that their loyalties lie, not with their principles, but with their donors.

It is our responsibility as a democratic nation to maintain a tax system that encourages economic growth for all. To do this, we must ensure that the economic burden is not placed solely on the backs of middle-class workers. Corporations and the wealthy should pay their fair share of taxes to support government programs that benefit our nation as a whole. In Congress, I will vote for responsible fiscal policies, while increasing spending that leads to a stronger economy, good paying jobs, and a better America for all.

Besides hurting the middle class, especially in states like Maryland, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are also making federal workers pay for the tax plan by slashing their retirement and benefit programs. They passed tax cuts for corporations currently experiencing record-breaking profits at the expense of hard working civil servants. Federal employees are among the most dedicated and productive workers in our entire economy. In Congress I will always fight to make sure they are treated accordingly. They deserve a pay raise in 2018.

Criminal Justice Reform
There are roughly 2.2 million Americans incarcerated in our federal and state prisons, most for non-violent crimes. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration per capita of any major country, making up one quarter of the world’s prison population.

Unfortunately, incarceration rates for people of color are far higher than for whites, which is why the mass expansion of our corrections system is now called “the New Jim Crow.” This is not something we can stand for as a nation. We must confront institutional racism where it exists. That means ending the school to prison pipeline, providing more training to our police force to confront implicit bias, and ensuring criminal sentencing is sensible and fair.

In addition, we must stop incarcerating non-violent offenders, the mentally ill, and those suffering from drug addiction in such large numbers. We need to institute alternatives to arresting and incarcerating non-violent, first-time offenders. We must recognize that drug addiction should be treated as a mental health issue rather than a criminal justice one. We can reflect this new approach through the establishment of drug courts, to avoid treating addicts like violent criminals. For those who are incarcerated, our prisons should offer a real path to rehabilitation for any prisoner who wants it.

Finally, we should end the practice of capital punishment. As State Legislator I helped end the practice in Maryland.

In Congress, I will continue to fight for real criminal justice reform and the end of capital punishment.

LGBT
One of the proudest moments of my State Legislator was co-sponsoring the historic CIVIL MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT, which eventually brought marriage equality to Maryland. I will never forget standing on the House floor and speaking in support of equality and against this prolonged injustice. But the passage of that bill did not mean the end of inequality for members of the LGBT community. That’s why in 2014 I proudly co-sponsored the FAIRNESS FOR ALL MARYLANDERS ACT OF 2014 that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.

But we’re still not done. The 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which made same-sex marriage a right nationwide, was a turning point in the fight for LGBT rights; however, we still have a long way to go. Right now, anti-discrimination protections for the LGBT community are being attacked under the guise of protecting religious freedom. This cannot be tolerated. In Congress, I will be a voice to expand federal equal protection laws to LGBT individuals.

The cornerstone of our democracy is fairness. All Americans deserve to live their lives free from discrimination on the basis of who they are and who they love.

Upgrading Our Infrastructure
As a transportation engineer for Montgomery County for over 25 years, I know how important it is to have a balanced and efficient transportation system that can support and grow our regional economy.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our vital national infrastructure a D+ grade. Americans trust that the roads and bridges they travel on to get to and from work every day are safe, but right now the American government can’t promise that. We need $1 trillion in infrastructure investments just to keep pace with essential maintenance and growth projects over the next 10 years. Despite being necessary, properly funding infrastructure maintenance has the added benefit of creating three million jobs. In Congress I will fight for 21st Century infrastructure.

Additionally, just as rivers were once the engine for prosperity and growth, in the 21st century, broadband will be the key mechanism for innovation and economic expansion. We must ensure that broadband extends throughout our entire country including our rural communities, or we will be leaving much of our talented workforce out of the new economy.

In Congress, I will ensure that expand broadband access is expanded.

Animal Welfare
My late father taught me the importance of treating every living creature with dignity and respect, a lesson which has stuck with me throughout my personal life and my career as a legislator.

As a State Legislator, I was the primary sponsor for the establishment of the Animal Abuse Emergency Compensation Fund, which assists in paying the costs associated with the removal and care of animals rescued under Maryland’s animal abuse and neglect laws.

During the 2018 session, I will be pursuing legislation which will ban the use of elephants for entertainment within the state of Maryland. In Congress, I will continue to be a voice for all living things, by fighting against inhumane treatment of animals in captivity and for protecting our nation’s wildlife.[42]

”
—Aruna Miller for Congress[47]


Democratic Party David Trone

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Veterans
My father was a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy During World War II. He served aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Bon Homme Richard and saw combat in the Pacific.

When my father came home from the war, he was returning to a nation that was both eager and ready to help. President Roosevelt understood that re-adjusting millions of veterans to civilian life after the war would be no easy task, so he began preparations well in advance. These efforts culminated in his signing of the G.I. Bill of Rights in 1944, often referred to as the “G.I. Bill.” It guaranteed veterans a range of educational, housing, unemployment, and medical benefits.

Unfortunately, the picture is very different for returning veterans today. While our nation is all too eager to thank them with words, we’re not nearly as prepared to act. Unlike President Roosevelt, who understood the importance of long-term thinking, our leaders didn’t have a plan in place to support veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As a result, veterans today are facing many serious challenges with medical care, education, employment, and homelessness. We have a moral obligation to do better.

Healthcare and mental health

We’re all familiar with the scandals of 2014 where it was revealed that veterans were dying waiting in line for care, and VA officials were falsifying records saying that people were being treated when they were not. In response, Congress created the Veterans Choice program.

Under the Veterans Choice Program, veterans are allowed to seek care from outside providers if their wait time for an appointment is more than 30 days or if they live more than 40 miles from the closest VA facility. Many people in Allegany and Garrett counties live more than 40 miles from the closest VA hospital.

Unfortunately, the program has suffered from budget shortfall and the rules have left many veterans who need outside care unable to receive it. Furthermore, it was never intended to be a permanent fix to the problem. Congress needs to pass real reform that fixes the underlying problems at the VA so that it can deliver the excellent care that it once did.

We especially need to focus on mental health and traumatic brain injuries. It’s estimated that around 300,000 servicemembers have sustained TBI since the year 2000. About 22% of people who served in Afghanistan and Iraq returned with TBI compared to 12% in Vietnam.

Homelessness

TBI and other disabilities are also major contributing factors to veteran homelessness. After 9/11 our leaders failed to anticipate this problem and prepare for it. By 2009 there were about 500,000 homeless veterans. But the VA that year was only serving 92,000 of those. In response to these alarming numbers, President Obama set an ambitious goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015.

While his administration made great strides, reducing veteran homelessness 50% by 2016, the goal remains unmet. And for the first time in 7 years, the number of homeless veterans increased in 2017.

Many cities and counties have made commitments to end veteran homelessness – Montgomery County is among them. We need more municipalities to step up and more resources from the federal government to support them. The only acceptable number of homeless veterans is zero.

Education

Education is another area where our leaders failed to anticipate the needs of today’s veterans. Tuition costs have risen drastically in recent years and benefits were not being adjusted accordingly. In 2000 some veterans were finding that the G.I. Bill now only covered 1/10th of their education costs.

Congress finally took action in 2008 by passing the post-9/11 G.I. Bill which brings tuition benefits in line with today’s costs. But many veterans still don’t have the resources or support that they need to finish school.

Veterans are nontraditional students and we need to do more to support their needs. My company has a program that allows our employees to earn a four-year degree at company expense. All of the coursework in the program is done online. Most of the people who take advantage of it are older than a typical college student and all are working full time to support themselves. The online courses give them the flexibility needed to complete their degree. We need to look at options like this to give veterans the flexibility that they need to finish their degrees.

Employment

Employment has also been a challenge for post-9/11 veterans. At the beginning of 2011 post-9/11 veterans were over 50% more likely to be unemployed than the overall workforce. Progress has been made since then and post-9/11 veteran unemployment has fallen to levels comparable to civilian unemployment.

But underemployment remains a serious issue. Today’s jobs require more skills and education than ever before. Veterans can be at a disadvantage because while they are serving our country, they’re missing out on opportunities to get the education and skills needed to advance in the civilian workforce.

Compounding the problem, employers are far less likely to understand the needs of military veterans because they are less likely to have served themselves. In my father’s generation, 12% of the population served in the armed forces. Almost everyone either served or had friends and family who served. Today less 1% serve in the military.

We need to do more to incentivize employers to hire veterans and educate them on the skills that veterans can provide to their workforce.

Conclusion

“Thank you for your service” must be more than words. Government at all levels, the private sector, and non-profits all need to step up to find and implement solutions. It’s imperative that we fulfill our commitment to serve those who have served us.

Equal Opportunity for Women
Our country has made progress towards equality for women in the workplace. Women now make up 47% of the workforce, and the number of women in the workforce with college degrees has quadrupled since 1970. But there are still significant systemic barriers that hold women back. In Congress, my legislative priorities to ensure equal economic opportunity for women will include:

• Equal Pay – The numbers don’t lie. In 2016, women working full time in the United States made 80 cents for every dollar that men made. For non-white women, the difference is even greater. Black women made 63% of what white men made, while Hispanic and Latina women made just 54% – this is unacceptable. The underlying social and economic forces contributing to this gap are complex, and require both shifts in cultural norms and government action. That’s why I support the Paycheck Fairness Act, which will provide effective recourse for women who have been victims of wage discrimination.

• Paid Family Leave – The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not have paid family leave. Though some employers do provide paid leave voluntarily, only 15% of the workforce has it. The current policies especially harm women, who bear more of the burden balancing work and family than men do. As Senator Gillibrand said in 2016, many women can’t even get a day off to give birth. Our country can do better and must do better. I support the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a national paid leave system.

Criminal Justice Reform
My passion for criminal justice reform stems from personal experience. Early in business career I was arrested and charged by a corrupt prosecutor. I was fortunate to have the resources to defend myself in court. Far too many people, especially people of color, are not so fortunate.

That’s why for over 20 years, I’ve supported the ACLU’s efforts to fix our broken justice system. In 2015 the ACLU created the Trone Center for Justice and Equality in recognition of June and my longtime support.

I’m also proud to chair the ACLU’s Private Sector and Education Advisory Council. The council recently released a report showing how hiring returning citizens is good for business. The report uses data from my own company, where we’ve banned the box and hired over 100 returning citizens. We’ve found that they are some of our best employees.

In Congress, I will continue the fight for criminal justice reform. Our country need a comprehensive approach that tackles problems on the streets, in our courts, and in our prisons. These are some of my top priorities on this issue.

BODY CAMERAS FOR POLICE OFFICERS

We need to address the role of police officers in our communities. Body cameras for police officers are a no-brainer first step. When implemented in San Diego, the police department received 40.5% fewer complaints and police officers used force 46.5% less when they wore body cameras. Congress should use every means available to have body cameras adopted nationwide and make sure police departments have strict rules to ensure they remain turned on during all police encounters.

COMMUNITY-BASED POLICING AND PREVENTION

Congress also needs to focus on community-based policing. From 2009 to 2014 the federal government gave police departments tens of thousands of machine guns, ammunition magazines, camouflage and night vision equipment, and armored cars. Police should have the tools necessary to ensure public safety, but that does not require us to turn our cities and towns into war zones, as we witnessed with the excessive militarization of police in Ferguson. Police departments need the resources to work with communities to disrupt gang activity and prevent more violent crime. Interlock devices in cars will also help reduce drunk driving and keep our communities and police officers safe.

A FAIR TRIAL

Every defendant should have the right to an attorney with the experience and time necessary to devote to their defense. Across the country, our public defender system is in shambles.  In Fresno County, California, public defenders are expected to handle 700 cases a year.  Congress should lead the way by funding more public defenders in the federal court system and limiting the number of cases that they have to take.

In addition, we need to overhaul the bail and pretrial detention system. A 2013 study found that 50% of pretrial detainees were in jail because they could not afford to pay bail of less than $2,500. It’s even worse for Latino and Black defendants who often receive higher bail than white defendants.  This causes an undue financial burden on the defendants and their families, limits the defendants’ ability to participate in their own defense, and wastes taxpayer money. We spend $38 million every day in this country to keep these mostly nonviolent offenders behind bars before their convicted of anything.

Congress should pass the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act. This bipartisan bill would use Justice Department grants to incentivize states to implement pretrial detention reform and require them to show that they’re meeting certain guidelines as a condition for receiving the grants.

END THE WAR ON DRUGS AND MASS INCARCERATION

America has 5% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s prisoners. Our prison population has increased by over 630% since 1972. This explosion in incarceration is due to our failed war on drugs. Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump have doubled down on these failed policies by instructing prosecutors to seek the harshest sentence possible for even the lowest level offenders.

With an administration that is determined to take us backward, the time for Congress to act is now. We should treat drug addiction as a public health issue not as a criminal one. And we need to repeal mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses so that judges can use their discretion to get low-level offenders into treatment programs rather than sending them to prison for decades.

END LONG-TERM SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

We need to end long-term solitary confinement, ensuring that it is only used for limited periods of time and only when necessary. Each year 80,000 prisoners are held in solitary confinement in the U.S., many of them for infractions as minor as having a pack of cigarettes. Long-term solitary confinement has severe psychological effects on inmates and is considered torture under international law.

REDEFINE SUCCESS

We also need to redefine success in our prisons. This is not just a criminal justice reform issue but a public safety one, too. Preparing inmates to earn a living once they’re out of prison lowers crime rates because they’re not forced to turn back to crime to support themselves.

There’s no reason we can’t adopt a rehabilitative approach to our prison system. European countries like Germany actively prepare inmates to reenter society successfully and have lower recidivism rates as a result. We ought to value the lives of inmates and get them the resources they need to positively contribute to society. Former prisoners should be eligible to receive Pell Grants and access to student-aid programs if they want to develop their skills and credentials to become meaningful contributors to society. Prisons should be able to serve as places of training and education. Over 60% of inmates in the United States are functionally illiterate and over 70% cannot read above a fourth-grade level. We shouldn’t waste money on incarceration simply because people don’t have the educational skills they need to succeed. A majority of states spend more on incarceration than on education per person. It’s a moral and economic disgrace.

Right now, we fund prisons based on the number of inmates that they have, giving them no incentive to stop inmates from reoffending. Let’s change this by providing bonuses to wardens and staff in prisons where inmates do not re-offend after being released.  This will help encourage prison wardens and staff to develop innovative programs for education, job training, and other areas that can help people succeed when they get out of prison. The bonuses can be paid with money saved on incarceration with no additional cost to the taxpayers.

Economy

I’ve been fortunate in my life to start and grow a successful business. But I didn’t start out with much. I grew up on my family’s struggling farm, working 12 hour shifts, cleaning hog and chicken pens, and went to college and graduate school on student loans. I know the struggles that hard working Americans face trying to make ends meet.

Some argue that businesses have to choose between paying fair wages and remaining competitive. I know that’s false choice. Paying our employees more is an investment in our people. And when you invest in people, you get great returns on that investment.

It’s time that Congress took the same approach by investing in the American people. Here’s what I propose.

RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE AND TIE IT TO INFLATION

First, we should raise the minimum wage immediately. Increasing the minimum wage is the best way to reduce poverty and increase worker productivity. With that, we also need to pass a law tying the minimum wage to inflation. The federal minimum wage has not gone up since 2009, and it hasn’t kept pace with the rising cost of living. It would be almost $11 today if it had kept up with inflation. 35 million Americans would directly benefit from a minimum wage increase. 89% of them are 20 years or older and 30% of them are women. It’s one of the best things we can do to reduce poverty. As a business owner, I know firsthand that higher wages pay off in the long run by reducing turnover rates and training costs by making employees more productive.

MAKE BANKING EASIER

We should make banking more accessible to people in every community by having basic banking services at our post offices. This keeps people from falling victim to outrageous interest rates at payday lenders and high banking fees they can’t afford. This will be particularly important as market forces push banks to close branches and move their services online. Wal-Mart has already capitalized on this trend by offering check cashing services at their stores, with fees of $3-$6 per check. That may not seem like a lot, but those fees can really add up for struggling families. Banking services at post offices will help those families save money and help the USPS retain its important position serving our country.

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK

I have three daughters who are young adults. For all of the progress we’ve made, they’re still entering a workforce where women are only paid 82 cents for every dollar that a man earns for the same work. The picture is even worse for black and Hispanic women, who earn 68 and 62 cents respectively for every dollar white men earn.

Studies show that closing the pay gap for women, who make up 46% of the workforce, would be a great boon to the economy. President Trump likes to talk about economic growth, but he’s rolled back Obama-era equal pay protections. This is bad for women and bad for the economy.

Congress needs to get us back on the right track by codifying former President Obama’s equal pay protections into law and by finally passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would close loopholes that employers use to pay women less than men.

A FAIR TAX SYSTEM

Donald Trump’s tax cuts are a disaster for the American people. They exacerbate income inequality and add $1.5 trillion to the debt. The wealthiest individuals should pay more in taxes, and I will oppose Trump’s fiscally irresponsible policies. We also need to remove the carried interest loophole that allows hedge fund managers to pay lower tax rates on their profits than working Americans.

Immigration
Immigrants are an important part of American society and should have a path to citizenship. Trump’s mass deportations, travel bans, and rescinding of DACA and TPS protections are antithetical to American values.

We all benefit from the rich cultural and economic diversity immigrants bring to our community. Research shows that immigrants improve the quality of life for all Americans. Immigrants and their children founded over 40% of Fortune 500 companies, and these companies employ more than ten million people worldwide. Notably, Steve Jobs’s father was an immigrant from Syria.

We also should reduce the amount of time it takes for applicants to receive work authorization. It shouldn’t take someone 10 years to get a visa if they have valuable job skills that can boost our economy. Everyone who works hard and plays by the rules should feel welcome in America. We are a nation of immigrants and that is one of our greatest strengths.

Seniors and Dementia
We are approaching a crisis as our population ages and as our birth rate declines. In 2013, the United States had 44.7 million Americans age 65 and older. By 2060, this number will double to 98 million. This staggering increase in the number of older Americans means we must change our policies.

Every politician will tell you that they are going to save Social Security and Medicare. I not only want to fix it; I want to make sure it lasts. First, let’s really fix the financing. We should remove wage caps. Let’s hold Republicans to the standards of their favorite hero—Ronald Reagan—and raise the cap on taxable income for Social Security.

I also propose increasing the budget of the NIH. Even before Trump was President, it was drastically underfunded. Every dollar we put in is a great investment that will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Healthcare

Quality healthcare is a basic human right, and the government’s job is to ensure that right for all Americans. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, we’ve made great strides towards realizing the goal of universal health coverage for all Americans. We are on the right track toward universal coverage. Uninsured rates are at historic lows, and millions of people have gained coverage because of the law.

Donald Trump and the Republican Congress want to take us backward. Their plan would cause millions to lose their coverage and make healthcare more expensive for millions more. The Affordable Care Act isn’t perfect, but we need to modify and build on it, not repeal it.

CLOSE THE MEDICAID GAP

We need to close the Medicaid coverage gap and expand Medicaid in all 50 states. The Republican plan takes us in the wrong direction by gutting the funding for Medicaid expansion. 31 states in the District of Columbia have expanded the program and Republican Governors who were skeptical at first are now admitting that Medicaid expansion has been good for their states. Let’s keep the funding and work with the remaining 19 states to close the Medicaid gap.

CONTROL PREMIUM INCREASES

America has the most expensive health care system in the world, and we don’t get better results because of it. Health care providers are incentivized to perform costly tests that aren’t necessary. We should find ways to change the incentives so that providers are rewarded for treating patients not for performing tests.

We also need to focus on wellness and prevention. When people are empowered to make good decisions about diet, exercise, not smoking, and getting yearly checkups, healthcare costs go down.

Finally, we need to get everyone covered. The U.S. spent $38.3 billion on uncompensated medical in 2016. A large part of that is people without insurance having to go to the emergency room, which is far more expensive than preventative care. That cost is then passed on to the rest of us. Covering everyone will help drive down costs in the long run.

LIMIT OUT OF POCKET COSTS

People should be able to afford to use the coverage they have. Too many people can only afford high deductible plans that discourage them from seeing a doctor when they need to because of high deductibles. This is not only wrong, but it’s costly. Studies show that dealing with medical problems sooner rather than later saves money. It’s particularly a problem for mental health services. Too many plans have higher co-pays and deductibles for these crucial services. I support stricter limits on deductibles and other out of pocket costs so that nobody has to think twice about getting the care they need.

Early Childhood Education
Every child deserves a great education, regardless of their family’s economic situation. But too many parents struggle to give their kids access to early educational opportunities. Single parents, 80% of whom are women, struggle to afford childcare and pre-school. We need to do more to help parents give their kids a good start in life. In Congress, my legislative priorities on early childhood education will include:

• Universal Pre-K – I support the Early Learning Act, will create universal pre-k starting at age 4. The bill establishes an Early Education Trust Fund for the program, funded by a 1.5% tax increase on income, dividends, and capital gains over $500,000. Pre-k is one of the best investments the government can make. Not only is this good for kids and parents, it’s a good investment – studies show that for every dollar we invest in early education, we get seven dollars back in economic growth.

• Affordable Childcare – Working parents, especially single mothers, often can’t afford to stay home with their children and struggle to afford quality childcare. Quality childcare is not just important for a child’s safety and well-being, it’s critical for their future educational development. A landmark study in 1995 showed that children from low-income families will have heard 30 million fewer words by age three than their more affluent peers.

Affordable quality childcare is particularly a problem in the Sixth District. According to the University of New Hampshire, the average share of family income spent on childcare is 8.8%. But Sixth District families in all five counties spend a much larger percentage of their income on childcare.

I support the Childcare for Working Families Act, which will ensure that families earning less than 150% of state median income will pay no more than 7% percent of their income towards childcare costs. Furthermore, it will also improve the childcare workforce by providing training and compensation improvements.

Protecting the Right to Choose

I’m 100% pro-choice. Medical decisions should be made by women and their doctors, not politicians like Donald Trump and Mike Pence. The Trump administration, the Republican Congress, and Republican state legislatures all around the country are trying to eliminate access to reproductive health services. I will fight these efforts and support legislation that ensures women have access to contraception and safe and legal abortion. In Congress, my legislative priorities to protect the right to choose will include:

• Fighting Barriers to Abortion Access – Politicians are creating ridiculous barriers for women to access safe and legal abortion under the guise of “protection”. Clinics are often forced to close because of these restrictions and women are often forced to drive hundreds of miles to receive the treatment they choose. Many states are also passing demeaning waiting period laws requiring women to drive to the clinic two different times for no medical reason. I support the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would stop these laws and put health decisions back into the hands of women and their doctors.

• Repealing the Hyde Amendment – The Hyde Amendment is a provision barring the use of federal funds for abortions services. Millions of women who depend on Medicaid for health coverage are denied access to safe and legal abortion because of this antiquated provision. I will work to repeal the Hyde Amendment in Congress.

• Supporting Planned Parenthood – Millions of women across the country depend on Planned Parenthood for health services like cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, and safe and legal abortion. I will oppose any effort to defund Planned Parenthood and will fight to make sure that this vital organization can continue providing services.

LGBT
The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same sex marriage was a great victory for this country, but the fight for equal rights isn’t over. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still legal in many states, so businesses can refuse to serve someone food or lease an apartment simply because of their sexual orientation. The problem is exacerbated for transgender people. They face everyday discrimination that often goes unnoticed, from workplace dress codes to ridiculous regulations about which bathrooms they use. Transgender people are 50% more likely to be unemployed, and tragically 50% of transgender youth attempt suicide before their 20th birthday. This is unacceptable.

We need to pass the Full Equality Act to ensure LGBT individuals are protected against discrimination at work, school, and in their community nationwide. And we need to pass laws that protect and recognize transgender individuals as important members of our society instead of outsiders.

Environment
Protecting our environment is crucial. Climate change is real and it’s a serious threat to our economy and our way of life. President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord is bad leadership. Good leadership requires long-term thinking. Whatever short-term economic benefits Trump may think we gain from withdrawing from this agreement are nothing compared to the long-term costs.

Trump’s decision is terrible for the next generation and the world we’re going to leave to them with. With a President that thinks you can solve a problem by sticking your head in the sand, we need a Congress that will take immediate action to protect our environment. As a father, I know that if we don’t act now, my children will have to live with the consequences. That’s why I will push for a strong environmental protection agenda in Congress.

INVEST IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY

We can help transition the United States to a greener economy by providing grants to make green technology affordable and accessible. Solar energy usage has doubled every two years for the past three decades as the technology becomes cheaper. If solar continues to grow at this rate, it could provide all of the world’s energy within the next two decades. But in order for it to keep growing at this rate, we need new technologies to keep making it cheaper. Businesses, universities, and even our own military are working on developing these technologies every day. Let’s give them the start-up capital they need to bring these technologies to market and make 100% green power a reality.

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

Solving a major problem like climate change requires us to make sure that nobody gets left behind. Many communities, including several here in Western Maryland, have been economically dependent on coal and other traditional sources of energy. I support investments to help revitalize these communities that have been harmed by the transition to renewable energy.

MAKE FEDERAL BUILDINGS ENERGY EFFICIENT

As the nation’s largest landlord and energy consumer, the federal government needs to lead the way on sustainable buildings. President Obama has shown this leadership by issuing executive orders to reduce the federal government’s carbon footprint by building new green buildings and upgrading existing ones. Congress should codify the President’s most recent green building executive order into law, to ensure that the federal government continues to live up to its responsibility as a leader in green construction.

PROTECT FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

Republicans in Washington are trying to roll back the CAFÉ standards that have driven tremendous gains in fuel efficiency and dramatically reduced air pollution from automobiles and other vehicles. We should fight to keep these standards in place. From 1975 to 2010 the fuel efficiency of cars doubled. We need to continue on this trajectory, not go backward.

PRESERVE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

The Chesapeake Bay is a vital natural resource not only to Marylanders but to all Americans and the federal government must play a role in its preservation. I will oppose efforts by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to undermine the EPA’s plans to clean up the Chesapeake.

Transportation

AN INFRASTRUCTURE BANK Our roads, bridges, and railway tracks are in desperate need of repair. We need an infrastructure bank so that states and municipalities can fund the projects and repairs they need. Our safety should not be in the hands of partisan lawmakers. I support Congressman Delaney’s plan to fund the infrastructure bank with a one-time tax deal that allows corporations to return the $2 trillion held in offshore accounts to the U.S. at a reduced tax rate.

STOP STUDYING AND START INVESTING We also need to start investing in transportation again. Maryland has fallen far behind some of our neighboring states in making forward-looking investments in transportation, and as a result, suburban Maryland has some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation. Projects like the Corridor Cities Transitway, fixing I-270, or improving I-81 end up stalled for years. We need action.

Our regional leaders and transportation agencies have been studying this problem for years, and experts agree on the most important investments we need to make. We already have several major projects in our local and regional plans, that would effectively reduce congestion, improve safety, boost our local economy, reduce air pollution and protect our quality of life. Let’s get beyond the pointless debates over “roads vs. transit”, recognize what the studies all show – that we need both – and get to work identifying new funding sources and getting them built. Where do we start?

Fix I-270 with new express lanes from the American Legion Bridge all the way through Frederick, and regional express-bus service using those new dedicated lanes. Revenue from the new toll lanes will pay for the construction, and the new express-bus service, while keeping the free lanes free so everyone will have a range of better choices; Build the Corridor Cities Transitway to connect key job centers along the I-270 corridor; making key communities along the route more transit oriented, walkable and sustainable to support thousands of new jobs; Fully fund and complete long-planned improvements to I-81, I-70, MARC rail and other key transportation projects in Western Maryland, to better connect our communities, reduce congestion, improve safety and provide more jobs. We need a balanced mix of road improvements, expanded transit services, more integrated bike and pedestrian access in our communities, and better land-use planning. We need to use all the tools in our toolbox to ease congestion, not one or the other. A combination approach is what studies show works best. The bottom line is we don’t have to accept the nation’s worst congestion, and I won’t. So let’s stop studying this issue to death and get started on real solutions that we already know will do the most good.

Election Reform
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM I have learned firsthand the problems with political donations. That’s why I refuse to accept money from PACs or lobbyists. We need to overturn Citizens United and enact reform for more transparency. It’s unacceptable that PACs can raise millions of dollars, and we don’t know who they are. Politicians and outside groups spent $3.7 billion in 2014 mid-term elections. That’s absurd. We need to make it easier for everyone who wants to serve and get rid of special interests. The only special interests politicians should care about are yours.

END GERRYMANDERING Gerrymandering is a national and local problem. Gerrymandering has greatly distorted representation in Congress, leading to an ineffective system of government. And politicians in both parties are the direct cause of this dysfunction. It’s a fundamentally self serving system for the politicians and no one else. Maryland has become a national example of this terrible problem thanks to our state legislature. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has called one of Maryland’s redistricting plans “outrageously unconstitutional.” It’s now the second most gerrymandered state in the country. It doesn’t help that we are likely to live in areas that represent our personal political views. Elections are becoming more and more predictable. I support an independent redistricting commission so that all voters are represented in government. Today, technology can let us take census data to create sensible boundaries. We are constitutionally required to redraw the lines every ten years, but we are not required to do it fairly. There is no excuse to not have an effective districting system that benefits all constituents.

Violence Against Women

Violence against women is an all too common problem in the United States. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act was a positive step in helping to give law enforcement the tools they need to prosecute abusers and providing support for victims. But more than two decades later, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking remain serious problems – and we need to do more to combat them. In Congress, my legislative priorities to combat violence against women will include:

• Keep Abusers from Obtaining Guns – Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women in the United States, and abusers often use guns to threaten or even kill victims. Domestic violence incidents involving a firearm are 12 times more likely to result in death. Keeping convicted abusers and stalkers from obtaining guns is a long-overdue common-sense measure that will save lives. I support the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, which would make these prohibitions federal law.

• Enforce Title IX Sexual Assault Protections – Sexual assault on college campuses is a significant threat to the safety of female students. One in five undergraduate women experiences sexual assault on campus. In response to this epidemic, the Obama administration released new guidelines for how colleges should protect students from sexual assault, which they are legally required to do under Title IX. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos have rolled back these guidelines. Congress should act to write the Obama administration’s provisions into law so that we can continue making progress on protecting women on campus.

• Allow Trafficking Victims to Expunge Convictions – Women who have been victims of forced prostitution and human trafficking often find themselves further victimized by our criminal justice system by laws criminalizing prostitution. These women (including many right here in our district) often find it even harder to get out of prostitution after a criminal conviction, because it’s more difficult for them to find legal employment with a criminal record. To help survivors who have been further victimized by these misguided laws, I support the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would allow women who have been victims of trafficking to have their criminal convictions vacated and their arrests expunged.[42]

”
—David Trone for Congress, "On the Issues," accessed March 18, 2018]</ref>


Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

There are no Pivot Counties in Maryland. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won Maryland with 60.3 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 33.9 percent. In presidential elections between 1789 and 2016, Maryland voted Democratic 52 percent of the time and Republican 21 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Maryland voted Democratic all five times.[48]

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+6, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 6 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made Maryland's 6th Congressional District the 166th most Democratic nationally.[49]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 0.97. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 0.97 points toward that party.[50]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The New York Times, "Maryland Primary Results," June 27, 2018
  2. ↑ The Huffington Post, "This Guy Spent A Record $12.7 Million Running For Congress — And Lost," April 26, 2016
  3. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Open seat in Maryland's most competitive congressional district attracts large field of candidates," June 2, 2018
  4. ↑ The Washington Post, "Tycoon turned candidate: Why Trone’s critics say he’s trying to buy a seat in Congress," April 28, 2018
  5. ↑ Roll Call, "Can Aruna Miller Upset the Largest Self-Funder in House Race History?" June 20, 2018
  6. ↑ The Washington Post, "David Trone again endorsed by Md. politician who’s received thousands in Trone family donations," March 8, 2018
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Maryland Matters, "For Miller and Manno, Annapolis Record Is a Big Part of the Campaign Narrative," April 30, 2018
  8. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Open seat in Maryland's most competitive congressional district attracts large field of candidates," June 2, 2018
  9. ↑ The Washington Post, "N.Y. senator endorses state delegate in race to succeed Delaney in Maryland," March 28, 2018
  10. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Anthony Brown backs David Trone in competitive House election," March 6, 2018
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Voice of Asia Online, "4 INDIAN-AMERICANS ON CAPITOL HILL ENDORSE MARYLAND’S ARUNA MILLER," accessed February 20, 2018
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 India Abroad, "Congressional candidate Aruna Miller endorsed by Maryland state lawmakers," February 15, 2018
  13. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE CAS TAYLOR," January 31, 2018
  14. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY U.S. SENATOR JOSEPH TYDINGS (RET)," January 4, 2018
  15. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Speaker Mike Busch backs Del. Aruna Miller in state's 6th Congressional District," October 4, 2017
  16. ↑ The American Bazaar, "Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett endorses Aruna Miller," February 19, 2018
  17. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Gubernatorial candidate Rushern Baker backs David Trone in Maryland's competitive House race," February 12, 2018
  18. ↑ Aruna Miller for Congress, "Aruna Miller Endorsed by End Citizens United," April 24, 2018
  19. ↑ Bethesda Magazine, "Leading Environmental Group Backs Aruna Miller’s Candidacy for Congress in District 6," April 17, 2018
  20. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Maryland Sen. Manno wins nod from state progressive group in House contest," March 1, 2018
  21. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)," February 15, 2018
  22. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY PROGRESSIVE MARYLAND," February 7, 2018
  23. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY NATIONAL NURSES UNITED (NNU)," January 14, 2018
  24. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY S.M.A.R.T. UNIONS," January 11, 2018
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY ALL IBEW UNIONS THROUGHOUT MARYLAND," January 9, 2018
  26. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY FOOD & WATER ACTION FUND," December 19, 2017
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY SEIU 32BJ AND SEIU 500," December 14, 2017
  28. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY LIUNA!" December 12, 2017
  29. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STATE EMPLOYEES LOCAL 22," November 22, 2017
  30. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, "Scientists group backs Aruna Miller in 6th District," November 20, 2017
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY TEAMSTERS," November 2, 2017
  32. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS (UFCW)," October 17, 2017
  33. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA," October 3, 2017
  34. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS," September 19, 2017
  35. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW) LOCAL 26," September 15, 2017
  36. ↑ Manno for Congress, "MANNO ENDORSED BY BUILDING TRADES UNIONS," September 5, 2017
  37. ↑ Bethesda Magazine, "Aruna Miller Endorsed by Emily’s List," August 31, 2017
  38. ↑ Feminist Majority PAC, "Dr. Nadia Hashimi (D-MD-06)," accessed February 20, 2018
  39. ↑ FEC, "Federal Election Commission," accessed November 5, 2017
  40. ↑ The Washington Post, "Trone pours another $5 million into race to succeed Delaney in Maryland," June 15, 2018
  41. ↑ The Washington Post, "Why are Maryland Republicans targeting one Democrat in a crowded primary?" April 15, 2018
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  43. ↑ Duck for Congress, "On the Issues," accessed March 18, 2018
  44. ↑ Hashimi for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 18, 2018
  45. ↑ Chris Hearsey for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 18, 2018
  46. ↑ Manno for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 18, 2018
  47. ↑ Aruna Miller for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 18, 2018
  48. ↑ 270towin.com, "Maryland," accessed June 22, 2017
  49. ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  50. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018


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