Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Tom Suozzi for US Congress NY-03
Candidate Name: Tom Suozzi
Office Seeking Election for: US Congress, Congressional District 03 (Queens, Long Island)
Campaign Address: PO Box 669, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Campaign Website: suozziforcongress.com
Campaign Telephone: 516-801-4066
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter): @tom.suozzi, @tom_suozzi
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Aaron Siegel 917-952-9143
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
I am very proud to serve in the United States Congress and believe I am uniquely qualified to represent our district, which spans parts of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. This is considered a swing district that leans Democratic. I am an ardent supporter and advocate for our Democratic values, but understand that if we go too far left we risk losing this seat and losing seats like this will put our majority in the House in jeopardy. We must win more House seats and increase our representation in the Senate and ultimately elect a Democrat President in 2020.
Do you now support or have you ever supported openly LGBTQ candidates for public office? Yes
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).
Wrote an op-ed in the NYT in 2009 supporting gay marriage.
Co-sponsored HR 5, Equality Act
Fought for funding for:
• The State Department and USAID to preserve human rights of LGBTI persons and protect vulnerable individuals in the LGBTI community
• The for-President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).Sent a letter to acting Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella to withdraw a rule change to an Obama executive order that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Cosponsor of International Human Rights Defense Act, establishes a permanent Special Envoy within State Department for LGBTI people.
Cosponsor of H Res 124, expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individual.
Cosponsor of Every Child Deserves a Family Act, would prohibit a child welfare agency receiving federal financial assistance from discriminating against any potential foster or adoptive family on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
Long Island LGBT Network
If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
Long Island LGBT Network, Jim Owls Club
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
Supporter and advocate of the LGBT community
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years? Yes
Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? Yes
If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements? Yes
What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
I have spoken out against many of the policies of this Administration including the Muslim ban, caging of children at the border, attacks on women, Jews and other minorities, gun violence prevention and the need to end this culture of mean and divisive politics in our country. We all need to elevate the conversation.
If elected or re-elected will you become a member of the “Squad?"
I was named an honorary member of the Squad by AOC.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest. No
Will you advocate for legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release? Yes
Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility? Perhaps, if warranted.
Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole? Yes
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole? No
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? If qualified for the position.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? No
If an incumbent, did you vote for HR 1865 in 2018? Will you introduce and or support legislation to amend HR 1865 so that sex between consenting adults, with monetary exchange, is legalized? This would include the use of ads and on-line contact.
Supported HR 1865.
Do you support a national law legalizing gestational surrogacy? Wii you introduce such legislation? Will consider supporting
What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and to further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I have proposed a plan for comprehensive immigration reform that will protect 5 million people who are here illegally and give them legal standing to stay here without fear of deportation.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools? No
Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces? No
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
I have a dedicated staff member who works with LGBT community.
Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff? Yes
Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018?
A. N/A/ B. Clinton C. Cuomo and James
Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination
Examining the Booker/Jackson Lee bill on reparations.
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 expansion of Pell grants, curbing of ridiculously high student loan interest rates and a phase down of funding for for-profit schools. I am working on and hope to introduce proposals to assist with student debt financing, public service and loan forgiveness after X number of years of paying.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Not at this time. I support a public option to buy into Medicare as a first step. Focus needs to be on fixing the ACA.
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services. 100% pro-choice, but believe we need to collectively work towards having fewer abortions.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate? No
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? Need more specifics
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
Since elected to Congress I have been a supporter of the Jim Owles Club and have advocated for many of the same policies they support including HR 5, the Equality Act, release of Judith Clarke, and have proposed immigration reform to make the systems fairer and ensure that all people are treated with human respect and dignity.