Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Grace Meng for US Congress NY-06

Candidate Name: Grace Meng

Office Seeking Election for: US Congress NY-06

Website: https://gracefornewyork.com/

1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district. I am honored to represent the vibrant and diverse place where I was born and raised. As a woman of color and the child of immigrants, I understand the structural barriers and biases that affect many of my constituents. As the mother of two boys, I recognize the importance of investing in a future that works for everyone. In the nine years I have represented New York’s Sixth Congressional District, I have worked with numerous individuals, organizations, and advocacy groups across

this district, city, and country with the goal of finding common ground and coming up with solutions to help people who are often left behind in the decision making process.

2. Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office? Yes, I am a board member of Equality PAC, the political arm of the Equality Caucus where I serve as a Vice Chair. I have endorsed and given contributions to a number of candidates, including Angie Craig, Gina Ortiz Jones, Lauren Baer, Katie Hill, Chris Pappas, Sharice Davids, Corey Johnson, and Ritchie Torres.

3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).

? I am an original cosponsor of the SERVE Act, H.R. 5170, that would protect and guarantee LGBTQ+ veterans’ VA benefits who were discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Those who served our nation deserve not only our gratitude, but an ironclad commitment to ensure they have access to their deserved benefits. This must be extended to LGBTQ+ veterans and I am proud to support this legislation.

? I am an original cosponsor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, H.Res. 814 that marks a solemn day, November 20, to remember those lives who were tragically taken due to anti-transgender violence. I firmly believe we must stand against bigotry and hatred and this resolution is one step in a journey toward equality for all.

? I am an original cosponsor and proud to have helped pass the Global Respect Act,

H.R. 3485 that seeks to ban those who attack the LGBTQI+ community’s human rights from entering the United States. America can be a beacon of hope and this bill, if signed into law, would tell oppressors of the LGBTQI+ will be met with stern consequences, including prohibition on entering our country.

Additionally, during the 117Congress, I cosponsored the following legislation:

a. H. R. 5 - Equality Act (original cosponsor and voted for the House passage)

b. H.R. 3485- Global Respect Act (original cosponsor and helped pass it)

c. H.R. 1201- International Human Rights Defense Act

d. H.R. 3488- Every Child Deserves a Family Act

e. H.R. 1379- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act

f. H.Con.Res. 29- Supporting the goals and ideals of GLSEN’s 2019 Day of Silence in bringing attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) name-calling, bully, and harrassment faced by individuals in schools

g. H.Res.489 - Encouraging the celebration of the month of June as LGBTQ Pride Month (original cosponsor)

4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? I am the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. I am also a board member of the Equality PAC.

5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to? My campaign has contributed to the Jim Owles Democratic Club, Stonewall Democrats of NYC, LGDCQ, Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee, and NQAPIA.

6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community? No.

7. Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years? I march in the St. Pat’s for All Parade, held in Queens every year. I have also marched in the Queens Pride Parade in the past.

8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? Yes to both.

9. If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements? Yes.

10. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended? I have attended numerous rallies in DC, New York, and across the country to denounce the former president’s divisive rhetoric and policies, including boycotting Trump's 2017 inauguration, attending the first annual Women’s March in Washington, D.C. I also joined the kick off of the Home is Here campaign - the march for DACA recipients, and the climate strike. I also marched to Senator McConnell’s office demanding the Senate Republicans take up House-passed legislation that impacts women’s health and well-being.

11. Will you advocate for legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals aged 55 and older who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release? Should Congress consider such legislation, I would review it carefully and make a decision.

12. Will you advocate for legislation that would ensure those appearing before the New York State Parole Board are considered for release from prison based on who they are today and not exclusively based on the nature of their crime? Should Congress consider such legislation, I would review it carefully and make a decision.

13. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility? When was your last visit to visit incarcerated constituents? Yes. In August of 2019, I visited Westchester County jail to observe a program that taught parenting skills to incarcerated mothers. This program also used dogs to reduce stress and anxiety and help with mother-child bonding. I have also visited Rikers Island Jail in the past.

14. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole? No

15. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? Yes

16. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? I would need to review the exact legislation before making a judgment. My primary concern with the criminalization of sex work is the protection of sex workers. Sex workers are often in positions of great vulnerability. They may fear arrest and thereby, hide abuse from the police or fail to seek help whenever they are in danger. As such, policies should encourage, not discourage, victims of crimes from seeking help from law enforcement or health services. Further, if a sex worker is pursuing a different field of employment, a criminal record can often keep them from pursuing a new career.

17. Will you oppose any legislation that promotes the Nordic model? I would need to review such legislation before making a final decision. I have concerns with the Nordic model’s criminalization of buying sex, which could further endanger the safety of sex workers. My primary concern with the criminalization of sex work is the protection of the sex workers. I also believe that we must hold accountable the sex work facilitators, exploiters, and buyers, but not the sex workers themselves.

18. What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City? Standing up for immigrant communities is one of my top priorities in Congress. This Congress, I introduced my signature bill, the New Deal for New Americans Act of 2021, H.R. 1308. This landmark bill would establish critical assistance programs for immigrants and refugees to overcome common challenges such as language barriers and employment attainment, and help in breaking down barriers to naturalization. I am proud this bill was endorsed by various organizations across the

country, including the National Partnership for New Americans, which includes the New York Immigration Coalition; the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; International Rescue Committee; and Make the Road.

19. Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools? I believe investing in our nation’s education system is a down payment to sustain our future. I don’t believe we should pit one community against another, but we should expect public and religious schools to offer their students an inclusive environment for all to thrive. When we do this, our students, our families, and our communities thrive.

20. Do you support the establishment of safe consumption spaces? New York City recently established a safe consumption space that offers a different approach to those who use drugs. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021, H.R. 6311, that would provide $125 billion over ten years to fight the opioid crisis to expand treatment and support at the local level, including funds for states and localities to establish safe consumption spaces.

21. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates. In 2018, I endorsed John Liu, who defeated former IDC Senator Tony Avella.

22. Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community? Yes.

23. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff? Yes.

24. Who did or do you support for office in the Democratic primary in the following races

A) mayor and comptroller in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Lt. Governor 2022 In the citywide elections of 2021, I endorsed Andrew Yang for Mayor and David Weprin for Comptroller. In 2016, I supported Hillary Clinton for President. In the 2020 Election, as a DNC official, I did not endorse in the primary. I have not endorsed in the 2022 Governor and Lt. Governor election.

25. Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination. The legacy of slavery and colonialism is what fuels racism and discrimination today. I supported

numerous pieces of legislation to rectify these harmful legacies and create an even playing field for all. I am an original cosponsor of legislation to repay the debts of slavery in the form of reparations (H.R.40 - Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act).

Racism and discrimination have intersectional effects on all aspects of life, from maternal/newborn health to elder housing, that is why I support legislation to address the racial disparity in infant mortality, and enshrine housing rights for LGBTQ elders among many other issues. In Congress I will continue to address these inequalities.

26. What legislation or other policy changes do you support in order to make college and graduate school affordable for poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans and to alleviate the crushing loan debt that many students and alumni are facing? Education is a civil rights issue, and everyone deserves access to quality education. The price of college has increased exponentially while wages have stagnated. Since President Biden was sworn into office, I have applauded his efforts to pause loan repayments and urged the president to cancel up to $50,000 in debt. This would help millions of people and allow them to focus on other priorities like buying a home or paying down other debt.

a. I have also cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation to make higher education available to all who want it and address student loan crisis, including

b. H.Res. 100 - Calling on POTUS to cancel up to $50k in student debt

c. H.R. 3946 - Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act (original cosponsor)

d. H.R. 4631 - POST Grad Act (original cosponsor)

e. H.R. 2730- College for All Act of 2021 (original cosponsor)

f. H.R. 1918- Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act (original cosponsor)

I also cosponsored the H.R.3315, Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act.

27. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate. Yes. I am troubled by the nearly 30 million Americans who are currently uninsured, and the over 40 million Americans who struggle with the costs of their co-pays and deductibles. While I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 1976- “Medicare for All,” and a founding member of the Medicare for All Caucus, I also support a public option, Medicare buy in, lowering the Medicare age, and any proposals that will get us closer to universal, affordable healthcare. I will take the necessary steps to ensure healthcare access for all Americans – regardless of age, income, or socioeconomic status – is attainable.

28. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services. As a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I have fought against the GOP and Trump Administration’s efforts to limit access to reproductive health care and make decisions about their own body - whether in the U.S. or abroad. However, state legislatures across the country are passing legislation to undermine Roe V. Wade. We must fight to maintain the right to privacy and autonomy over our own bodies and protect access to reproductive healthcare. I am proud to have been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

29. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate? I do not accept donations from the tobacco industry, oil and gas industry, or police organizations, and my campaign strategically reinvests money received through PACs back into the community by directly supporting local non-profits and organizations doing work on the ground in my district.

30. Will you refuse money from police and corrections unions? I have not taken money from any police or corrections unions.

31. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? I would need more details to answer accurately.

32. What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions? As a candidate and now Member of Congress, I’m grateful for my relationship with Jim Owles and for your support and friendship over the years. I have appreciated Jim Owles’ commitment to equality and justice, and I hope to continue working together.

33. If you resign in the middle of your term, will you let the voters decide? Do you plan to serve your term and not send a vacancy to the county committee? I fully intend to serve my entire term, as elected to do so by my constituents.

34. Who are you supporting for Speaker/Democratic leader in 2023? I support our House Democratic Leadership team, who have delivered unprecedented results for the American people.

35. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people with AIDS, and was blatantly racist, would you support

a city bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a purpose? I would gladly consider supporting city efforts to rename the bridge. I welcome any outreach to my office with the specifics and proposed names for this purpose.

36. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?‘ I believe we need a transparent and open process to identify an appropriate person to replace the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle.

37. What is your position on FOSTA/SESTA, passed in 2018? Do you or will you sponsor the Safe Workers Study Act which has been introduced by Elizabeth Warren and co- sponsored by Reps. Barbara Lee and Ron Wyden and a host of other sponsors including Bernie Sanders. I voted to pass FOSTA/SESTA in 2018. I have not reviewed the Safe Workers Study Act, but will do so.

38. Do you support the class-wide scheduling of Fentanyl-related substances, which groups like Human Rights Watch have argued would worsen pretrial detention, mass incarceration, and racial disparities? The Biden Administration has offered recommendations that would create a class wide definition of “fentanyl-related substances.” This is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Should legislation be introduced and considered on the House Floor, I would be open to reviewing bill and weigh in on areas that affect the criminal justice system to ensure it does not create more inequities in the system.

39. Do you support the Green New Deal? Yes.

40. President Biden has not granted a single pardon or commutation. When have you publicly demanded that Biden do more on this issue? Will you pledge to publicly speak out about this in 2022? To my knowledge, Presidential pardons and commutations are typically granted at the end of each President’s term. I would need more information on this issue and welcome further conversation.

41. Do you commit to not supporting Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema? Will you consider supporting a primary opponent? I have not endorsed either Senator. If I were to endorse

in West Virginia or Arizona Senate races, I would consider all Democratic candidates before making a decision.

42. Some members of congress indicate they will only support incumbents regardless of their politics and regardless of who is presenting them a primary. Are you one of them? When I was first elected to the NYS Assembly, I ran against and defeated a Democratic incumbent. And when I ran for Congress, I ran against the local party establishment, so I understand the need for fresh insight and new leadership. In any endorsement I make, I consider each Democratic candidate’s experience, merits, and positions before making a decision.