ecONOMY
When we look back at the issues and problems for which I ran as a write-in candidate in 2022 and 2024, it is fair to say not much has changed. But presently, geopolitical issues arising from wars and tensions abroad are giving rise to price increases on gas, groceries, utilities, goods and services, a weak job market and instability in the markets. If we compare pre-pandemic prices to today’s post-pandemic prices, they keep rising with no signs of leveling off. The rising cost of living affects middle-class and low-income families negatively, as many are dealing with uncertainties due to the pressures of trying to make ends meet. The cost of doing business means hard times for consumers as the cost continues to be passed on.
IF ELECTED
- Enact monetary policies which help to reduce inflationary price increases on goods and services for both consumers and businesses.
- Work on structural reforms and other measures to reduce the deficit created by government spending, interest payments, and long-term costs.
- Work to improve the localization of supply-chain distribution (“re-shoring”) to ensure inventory and supplies remain adequate and can continue to meet demands despite challenges abroad, disruptions, and unforeseen events.
- Provide resources to help alleviate the burden on families, especially during tough economic times.
- Work hard to improve the standard of living for families.
HEALTHCARE
It is a fact that prices for medical care outpace inflation. Healthcare spending has reached $4.9 trillion and accounts for 18% of the US economy. Out-of-pocket costs have risen, as seen in copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Let’s face it: because of the cost of healthcare today in this country, many of us can’t afford to get sick. There are some factors contributing to the cost of healthcare; among them are hospital mergers creating monopolies and reducing competition, an aging population which may have higher utilization and coverage needs, and pharmaceutical companies’ patent exclusivity rights, which mean fewer generic drugs and less competition in the markets. According to the CBO (Congressional Budget Office), “retail prescription drug prices are expected to exceed $690 billion by 2031.”
IF ELECTED
- Protecting Medicare from “insolvency” is a major concern. Structural reforms are one of the few ways we can keep it from “insolvency,” ensuring people who depend on Medicare for their healthcare needs can continue to receive the benefits they have come to depend on without future limitations or disruptions.
- Support site-neutral payments. This will help reduce spending for consumers because the same rate for services can be applied whether they are provided at hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, or physician practices, without paying for off-campus facility fees.
- Work to ensure nonprofit healthcare systems disclose scheduled pricing for their services to consumers. This gives consumers benefit, buying power, and control over their own healthcare decisions.
- Work to protect consumers from excessive prices from drug manufacturers by shortening patent holders’ exclusivity rights. This exclusive sales right prevents drugs from entering the market at a faster rate and keeps generic manufacturers from competing and reducing costs for consumers.
- Support the implementation of price caps on prescription drugs to ultimately resemble those of other industrialized countries and help consumers afford prescription medications.
- Support global pharmaceutical markets outside of the United States by allowing them to compete at home and help lower prescription drug prices. This effort, in the long run, will help make medications more affordable and accessible to consumers.
EMPLOYMENT
Geopolitical factors continue to cause concern because of the ongoing tensions abroad creating a climate of economic uncertainty. Company layoffs and slow hiring are a few examples resulting in a weak job market. Although unemployment rates for both the months of January and April continued at 4.3%, the markets remain less optimistic. The loss of jobs for New York residents, already burdened by the state’s high cost of living, can be problematic. These changes can also create challenges for small businesses. Small businesses play an important role in Suffolk County’s local economy. They provide us with innovations, technology, and essential services which help improve our lives, create jobs, and contribute to the tax system.
IF ELECTED
- The protection of Social Security from “insolvency” again is a major concern. Structural reforms now mean securing future benefits for retirees and their beneficiaries without the fear of future “insolvency” due to more people living longer, more retirees collecting benefits, and lower labor participation essential in contributing to the funding of the program through “payroll taxes”.
- Enact fiscal policies in Congress which help consumers and businesses remain stable, reduce costs, and taxes.
- The state of the economy is a concern for most Americans. Affordability and price increases pose a risk and strain on most consumers’ budgets. Business expansion and investment are also at risk due to global conflicts, giving rise to a weak labor market. The reduction of prices is a major concern and one that will require assessment and work to eliminate abuses, restore affordability, and improve consumers’ standard of living.
- Support small business and entrepreneurship as part of the investment and fuel of our local economy.
- Make valuable investments in infrastructure to preserve jobs and create new ones.
environment
Suffolk County’s investment in water infrastructure is at risk. Nitrogen pollution threatens our aquifers and coastal areas and prevents residents from enjoying clean drinking water. Management of nitrogen and aquifers is essential in helping to preserve and protect public health, marine life, and the local economy.
IF ELECTED
- Protect the county’s water quality and work with environmental agencies to protect our natural resources, aquatic life, marshlands from erosion, and improve commercial and recreational fishing.
- Work with the state and local government to find sewer infrastructure solutions, including the upgrading of old sewer systems and wastewater management to remove nitrogen and phosphorus to protect our drinking water.
- Raise awareness of the impact carbon emissions are having on the environment and how it’s contributing to many of the problems we are experiencing today, such as severe weather patterns, erosion, pollution, and increase in temperatures
SAFETY
The safety and well-being of our communities are and have always been a priority to all. This is important because our communities are places where we often work, live, and play. Learning to keep our communities safe from crime, drugs, and gangs requires a collaborative effort between officials, law enforcement, and the public.
IF ELECTED
- I will fight hard to help keep our communities safe from danger.
- Work to ensure that those who are considered a “threat to public safety” are processed through the judicial system as required by law.
- Ensure rehabilitative programs are only offered once offenders serve time for crimes committed and not as an alternative to incarceration.
- Ensure that there is no breakdown in communication between officials and local enforcement agencies once there is a potential threat to public safety.
- Ensure public places where people gather for activities—parks, malls, schools, churches, and libraries—are kept safe and free from violence.