ECONOMIC VITALITY

I believe that all our citizens have a right to live materially secure lives; it is thus our duty to work for a vibrant economy that gives everyone access to prosperity. To that end, I support:

● A living wage for all.

● Tax policy that supports:

○ Small business and economic development

○ A vibrant middle class

○ Smart growth

○ Sound and productive fiscal policies.

● Affordable public higher education accessible to all, including trade and technical schools that prepare students for the good paying, benefit-rich positions Connecticut’s traditional and emerging employers need to fill.

● Social and racial equity in emerging markets, including the newly legalized recreational cannabis market.

● Access to housing that is affordable.

● Access to affordable childcare.

● A jobs program for impacted areas and low-income youth, with both federal and state funding, to train and place at-risk youth in good-paying jobs.

I believe that when workers are strong, Connecticut is strong. The labor movement is a valued constituency of the Connecticut Democratic Party. I understand that labor unions helped build America’s middle class, and organized labor remains critical to fulfilling America’s basic bargain: If you work hard and do your part, you should be able to get ahead and stay ahead. We need to strengthen and protect America’s workforce.

It was labor unions that led the fight to improve working conditions and labor standards and helped to build the largest middle class in history. Labor unions demonstrate that we are stronger together than as individuals. Emerging business, old business, government, and nonprofit sectors are all driven by our labor force. I know that supporting and protecting labor benefits every aspect of our society. I, without reservation, support workers’ right to organize a union without fear or intimidation.

Workers have the right to:

● Fair compensation.

● Comprehensive health and dental insurance.

● Safe work environments.

● Protection from harassment and discrimination.

● Procedures for challenging unfair labor practices.

● A fair and secure retirement.

● The chance to compete for existing work when faced with outsourcing

Strong unions raise the bar to the benefit of non-unionized workers, and are critical to building and expanding the middle class