Paul Addis

1. EDUCATION
A strong education system builds a strong state. When people have access to a high-quality education starting with K-12, people have a stronger chance of obtaining economic stability. In Washington, not all schools are meeting the challenge to build a strong foundation for success. Students of color and low-income students are disproportionately affected by the achievement or opportunity gap in Washington state. How will you reduce or eliminate the achievement gap and ensure that all people have access to a high quality education?

Choices mean competition. Competition means better service. I would like to see more choice for parents in WA. Parent trigger laws, like in CA, are one step. Also, allowing corporations to defer tax liabilities into non-profit organizations that provide organizations that provide scholarships to low income students to attend their chose school.

2. REVENUE
Washingtonians need a strong infrastructure and the resources, critical investments, and community services to support a vibrant and inclusive community and economy. What changes will you propose to our state’s revenue structure to ensure that we can adequately invest in our communities?

Allow more market growth in industries like industrial hemp, which would increase sales tax revenue.

3. SAFETY NET
A strong safety net is the foundation of a strong state and workforce. Programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and similar programs such as Housing Essential Needs and Aged Blind Disabled (HEN and ABD), are keeping many of our families, children, and disabled adults alive. What will you do to protect funding for basic need services that provide a safety net for Washington families?

Cut wasteful spending and prioritize needed services.

4. RACIAL JUSTICE
Institutional racism is a daily burden that our communities face when accessing housing, credit, the ballot box, and interfacing with the criminal justice system. This oppression is often codified in the rules, allowances and governance of these institutions as “business as usual” and creates significant consequences for people of color. What will you do to address the consequences of institutional racism that create barriers for our members’ ability to prosper?

Businesses that deny necessary services due to race/gender/religion/etc. should face punitive fines that are large enough to be a deterrent.

5. JOBS
Wages have stagnated while cost of living has increased, making it difficult for low income families to meet their basic needs.  What would you do to help low income families support themselves?

Repeal high minimum wage laws, which harm unskilled workers. Also, reduce tax burdens on a small business.

6. DEBT AND LENDING
Everyone, regardless of their income, should have fair and reasonable consumer protections when they borrow money. Fringe financial industries like debt settlement companies and predatory lenders push our communities into a cycle of debt. How would you protect Washingtonians’ ability to avoid this cycle of debt?

See # 4. Any business practicing harmful and predatory policies should face high punitive fines

7. CRIMINAL JUSTICE
People leaving the criminal justice system face many roadblocks to reentering their community.  This includes housing and employment discrimination and mounting debt from legal financial obligations.  What changes would you make to the criminal justice system?  Please include any ideas you have to reduce these roadblocks to reentry.

I support the recent US Senate measure from Cory  Booker (D-NJ) (REDEEM ACT) that restores the record of non-violent offenders and helps end the prison cycle.

8. HEALTH CARE
Health and well-being is critical for all Washingtonians to thrive. Everyone should have high quality, essential health care services including reproductive health and preventative medicine.  What will you do to ensure that all Washingtonians have access to affordable, high quality, and culturally appropriate health care?

I would like to see WA develop a better plan than the ACA, which could include better mental health services, universal catastrophic coverage, and free market solutions which lower costs and increase quality of health care (e.g. qliance.com)

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