Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Hakeem Jeffries for US Congress NY-08
Candidate Name: Hakeem Jeffries
Office Seeking Election for: US Congress NY-08
Website: https://hakeemjeffries.com
1.
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district. As a Brooklyn native, I understand the community and the issues most important to the people of New York’s Eighth Congressional District. As a public servant, I have been a tireless advocate for policies that would benefit the people that I represent. I have worked hard to help residents impacted by the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, reform our criminal justice system, improve the economy for everyday Americans, and protect our health care from right-wing attacks.
2.
Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office? Yes
3.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly). I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 5, The Equality Act, and H.R. 3488, the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, in addition to a number of other bills that would improve the lives of LGBTQ individuals.
4.
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Stonewall Democrats and LAMBDA Independent Democrats of Brooklyn
5.
If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to? LAMBDA Independent Democrats of Brooklyn
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? Yes
8.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? Yes
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 been vocal and outspoken on these issues and have attended a number of events on such matters.
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? Yes
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? That sounds in line with legislation that I would support.
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? I have visited incarcerated individuals in the past, and will continue to do so.
14.
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole? Yes
15.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?Yes
16.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work?Yes
17.
Will you oppose any legislation that promotes the Nordic model? Yes, but I assess legislation on a case-by-case basis.
18.
What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City? I support sanctuary cities.
19.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools? No
20.
Do you support the establishment of safe consumption spaces? Yes
21.
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates Senator Savino
22.
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
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 2022A: Maya Wiley B: Clinton and Biden C: Hochul
25.
Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination I am a proud original co-sponsor of H.R. 1280, The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which addresses a wide range of issues regarding policing practices and misconduct. I am also a co-sponsor of H.R. 40, which establishes the commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans, as well as H.R. 3617, The MORE Act of 2021, which decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level.
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? I support free tuition at public colleges and I support the cancellation of some student debt.
27.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate. I believe our health care system needs significant changes. I have cosponsored the Medicare for All Act every Congress that I've been a Representative.
28.
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services. I am pro-choice and believe that access to reproductive services must be protected.
29.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate? Money raised from the non-governmental side has no bearing on the decisions I make on the governmental side.
30.
Will you refuse money from police and corrections unions? I do take from AFSCME and AFG. I do not take from police unions.
31.
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? Yes
32.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions? I am a long time supporter of the Jim Owles Club
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 plan to serve my term.
34.
Who are you supporting for Speaker/Democratic leader in 2023? I will make this decision at the start of the new term based on the candidates for leadership.
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 am open to changing the name provided that substantial input is received from local residents, especially from the Queensbridge Houses.
36.
What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it? I would consider this.
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. While I voted for FOSTA/SESTA, I understand the concerns sex workers have with the law and will continue to seek ways to address those concerns. I support the Safe Workers Study Act
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? No
39.
Do you support the Green New Deal? No
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? I would consider this. I will add that criminal justice reform is one of my top priorities. I introduced and helped pass The First Step Act which was the largest criminal justice reform in decades. The First Step Act has helped thousands of Americans who were incarcerated and corrected many of the injustices they faced within the federal prison system.
41.
Do you commit to not supporting Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema? Will you consider supporting a primary opponent?
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? I endorse on a case-by-case basis and have endorsed a number of primary challengers throughout my career.