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Delia Ramirez: 2024 candidate for U.S. House 3rd District representative

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: U.S. House 3rd District

City: Chicago

Age: 41

Occupation: U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 3rd District

Previous offices held: Illinois State Representative — 4th District

What must be done to achieve a consistent national policy on immigration, not just in terms of what such a policy should be but also in terms of getting a policy through the Senate?

As the first Latina Congresswoman from the Midwest, immigration is deeply personal to me. My family’s story is one that many across this country share. Immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy, workforce, and culture, and they deserve to have these contributions recognized instead of being demonized or relegated to live as second-class citizens.

We must start by passing the Dream and Promise Act to provide DACA recipients with a pathway to citizenship. We should expand work permits so migrants can provide for their families and achieve economic stability.

Ultimately, we break through the gridlock by helping legislators and the American people better understand the root causes of migration, including the impact of U.S. foreign policy on migration. I am doing this work by cofounding the Global Migration Caucus.

Do you believe the nation's election system and those of the individual states are secure and fair? If not, what must be done to improve them?

Our nation’s election system is fair and secure. Joe Biden was duly elected president in 2020. Despite repeated claims of mass voter fraud, Republicans have failed to produce any evidence of this over the last four years. There is more we can and should do to increase access to the right to vote including expanding early voting and automatic voter registration nationally. We must also work to protect people’s access to the ballot box by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act which I am proud to support.

What responsibilities does the United States have toward achieving peace in the Middle East? Do you support a two-state solution?

As a global power and the primary source of weapons and aid to Israel, the United States has an immense responsibility to help secure a lasting peace in the Middle East. This must start by using every diplomatic solution to secure a ceasefire to the current conflict in Gaza.

Ultimately, I support the effort to help negotiate a two-state solution so that both the people of Palestine and the people of Israel can live in peace.

Do you think the United States is providing adequate support for Ukraine? Should the U.S. support Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO?

Yes, the U.S. is providing adequate support for Ukraine including the aid package that passed earlier this year which I supported. I believe we must also provide additional aid for Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes because of this conflict. The U.S. should support Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO.

How do you perceive the financial health of Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid? To the degree you may see problems with these programs, what should be done about them?

As someone who spent most of their career in social services assisting people at the brink of poverty and low-income families, I know first hand how much safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid matter to working people.

We must ensure that these programs are prioritized and funded in such a way that they are solvent for generations to come. Furthermore, we must expand these programs so that benefits keep up with inflation and are adequate to address the needs of low-income people, seniors, and retirees.

How do you assess the state of the national economy? What should be done to make it stronger or more stable?

The Inflation Reduction Act was a good start to begin building a more sustainable and greener economy. However, people are still hurting and need more structural solutions on the issues impacting their bottom line.

Housing stability and homeownership are critical pathways to wealth creation and financial stability but many across our country are struggling with housing insecurity. We must make concerted efforts to end homelessness and make home ownership affordable and accessible to all.

Health care costs continue to burden families. No one should have to choose between their medicine or their next meal and that is why I am a staunch supporter of Medicare for all. Corporations and the 1% are experiencing record profits and yet people are still struggling to live paycheck to paycheck.

We must make sure that the ultra wealthy pay their fair share in taxes and that corporations are held accountable for price gouging and paying their workers a living wage.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective congressional representative in dealing with the issues the country will face in the next two years?

During my first term in Congress and my four years in the state legislature, I have been an effective legislator and public servant because I am deeply rooted and accountable to the communities that I represent.

I am a lifelong resident of this district. I dedicated my career to public service long before I became an elected official through leadership roles in community organizations, social service agencies, and public policy advocacy organizations.

I am a coalition builder who is deeply rooted in her progressive values and able to work across the aisle as I did by passing my first bill with bipartisan support: the Student Veteran Benefits Restoration Act which will help restore the GI education benefits of veterans defrauded by for profit colleges. It is the honor of my life to serve my community in Congress. I am eager to continue this work during my second term.

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