Maryland House of Delegates District 19

A: There is no humane way to cut our way out of the structural deficit. Our top tax rates have not matched our collective ambitions for close to 50 years. In the absence of federal action, state level tax changes raise fears of capital flight, but we can mitigate risks by a) go to the people with an honest tax reform agenda, b) make our tax system fair with respect to rates and tax loopholes, and c) seek regional interstate compacts that make capital flight less attractive. Maryland’s property tax rates are flat and regressive. A progressive property tax system requires a constitutional amendment, but not something state and local leaders are considering. We should test the proposition for progressive property taxes with a ballot question. There are also some possible technical fixes: the state assesses commercial property based on income, which leads to under-collection in high-priced counties like Montgomery and Prince George’s. Market value assessment (which is the basis for residential property taxation) reduces sitting on passive asset appreciation and encourages redevelopment which is something the state is struggling with on housing right now. We have an opportunity for reform and lead on taxes and we should do this now.

A: Three interrelated issues. Cost of living is a nationwide problem, but also evidence of Maryland’s popularity as a place to live notwithstanding the population decline we have seen since the pandemic. Second, Maryland has limited tools to address grocery store prices, federal cuts, the behavior of the regional electricity grid operator, and the state’s hands are further tied because of its looming budget gap, which next year will present a tough choice between mitigating coming healthcare cost increases and continuing to fund Blueprint spending. Efforts to raise revenue or cut spending both hurt the legitimacy of the incumbent leaders and the state is struggling to find the right tools that will allow it to move forward. The governor has pursued economic development, but things are not moving fast enough. His most ambitious housing bills have faltered in the legislature the last two years. We see the growing political salience of inequality in efforts to address reparations, police accountability, cannabis legalization, and education. Third, the state’s high median wealth has masked persistent inequality in housing, employment, education, and policing in the state. Elected officials have struggled with effectively targeting state assistance to specific groups and inequality remains a pressing issue.

A: The state government cannot easily lower grocery prices, but it does regulate electricity and gas utilities, hospital and drug costs, and home and auto insurance. I would strengthen legislation to enable statutory bodies like the Public Service Commission, the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, the Health Services Cost Review Commission and the Prescription Drug Affordability Commission to scrutinize and reject rate increases that are excessive. The General Assembly did pass some new laws on the electricity rates, but did you know that when utilities are unable to meet their renewable energy goals, they pay an alternative compliance penalty which is added to rates? So, we are paying for the utility’s failure to comply with existing law. On auto insurance, I will legislate to remove non-driving factors in how premium is calculated and rate increase is allowed by the Insurance Commissioner. On prescription drug affordability, adding a “most-favored nation”-type provision will allow Maryland to extend upper payment limits to drugs that are now controlled by other states that have similar law. I have a plan to help bridge the housing policy disagreement between renter advocates and developers using a stabilization trigger mechanism tied to upzoning and permitting reform.

A: Worse, next year, the state will also have to pick between trying to lower escalating healthcare costs (following the end of Maryland’s all-payer hospital reimbursement model) and continuing its Blueprint spending. There are those who say they will fund the Blueprint fully. With what money? In making adjustments to the Blueprint, I would like the focus to be on non-wage cuts in transportation, facilities, and debt service rather than let the consequences fall on students, educators, and the community. In counties which support the bulk of school operating expenses, the state should allow more flexibility on Blueprint goals. The state should require counties and school districts to rationalize capital projects based on declining enrollment and vacant seats. In return, the state should allow counties greater tax flexibility. At this moment, county revenues appear to be stronger than at the state because of dramatic property value increases and tax flexibility will allow counties to choose a taxing level appropriate for them. Lastly, the state should create a framework for counties to sell school properties to raise money for needed HVAC projects. Perhaps, empty buildings can be included in housing legislation passed by the General Assembly that currently only includes state-owned land.

A: The usual answer to this type of question is to say that I will keep my door open, consult regularly with residents, and be transparent. I will do all of this, and I have demonstrated my commitment to transparency, consultation, uplifting community voices with the local podcast I have produced the last five years (linktr.ee/ihppod). What really enables political accountability are relationships. I have strong ties in my district and across the state. I have relationships with many legislators in the statehouse. Lastly, I am willing to also commit (campaign money) to pay for an independently conducted annual poll of D19 residents that serves as a review of my job performance.

A: I support the governor’s strategy of combining service cuts with new revenue to address our structural deficit. Maryland’s tax system is regressive, meaning income disparities between high-income taxpayers and other families are larger in Maryland after state and local taxes are collected than before. We cannot continue to provide necessary services or make long-term investments in our greatest resource – the people of Maryland – without also asking wealthy Marylanders to pay their fair share. I would support increasing the state real estate transfer tax on high value sales, adopting worldwide combined reporting to close corporate tax loopholes, and an additional surtax on capital gains income. At the same time, I believe that the legislature should use its oversight authority to identify areas of waste, duplication and ineffectiveness in the current budget. We should also do more to partner with the private sector, particularly philanthropies, to encourage additional investment in innovative program delivery.

A: The three most pressing issues facing Maryland are:

1) Revitalizing our economy and preparing for the future: I support the DECADE Act and Gov. Moore’s strategy of incubating lighthouse industries in biotechnology and quantum computing. But we need to pair the business incentives in this bill with long-term investment in our workforce through excellent education and other supports that make Maryland an attractive place for these industries. I will fight to fully fund the Blueprint for MD’s Future, as I explain below. We should also increase the pipeline of students into STEM careers so that our workforce will be ready for these lighthouse industries.

2) Speeding a just transition to sustainability: We need to do everything we can to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and bring down energy costs for consumers. I support the Utility RELIEF Act, which will help to reduce electric bills in the short term.

3) Resisting federal intrusion and authoritarianism: Maryland is on the front line of the resistance to Donald Trump, and we need to do everything we can to protect our state and each other.

A: Too many Marylanders struggle with rising costs for housing, and healthcare. As delegate, I will focus relentlessly on the affordability crisis. I support legislation to encourage more affordable housing development near transit, reduce red tape in permitting for new home construction, and reform outdated zoning laws. I also support rent stabilization and good cause eviction to protect tenants and promote housing stability for working families. I will continue to work to lower prescription drug costs through our Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and protect the board from any attempts to reduce its effectiveness by the pharmaceutical industry. I also support legislation to end tax breaks on advertising for pharmaceutical companies and direct the savings to protecting ACA subsidies for Marylanders.

A: I believe that the state should keep its commitment to funding and implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, either by raising or redirecting revenue. It is critical that we ensure adequate funding to:

- expand collaborative time from 20% to 40% of teachers’ work hours. The evidence is clear that more collaborative time allows educators to do their jobs in the way they’re meant to be done and helps to deliver strong student achievement outcomes.

- expand the number of community schools in Maryland. Early results of community school expansion have been phenomenal, and the wraparound services that community schools provide are essential to ensuring the holistic well-being of children and their families.

- secure a living wage for our education support professionals (ESPs)

A: I believe that the most important role of any elected official is to listen and make themselves available to their constituents. I would like the residents of District 19 to judge me on my efforts to make myself available, both during session and after session, as well as on my effort to explain my votes and keep them appraised of the people’s business.

A: Maryland’s budget shortfall is largely a result of significant mismanagement of the economy by Congress and the Trump administration, and so we must hope that sanity will eventually return to DC. In the meantime we should use all options to handle the deficit, starting with implementing new tax brackets for millionaires and implementing a progressive property tax that targets excessively large homes hurting our housing market. We must also look for ways to extract money from the finance and tech sectors, which have consolidated far too much of the nation’s wealth with little ability to spend it constructively. This may take the form of new taxes on online ads , cryptocurrency transactions, or speculative betting. But we have to face the fact that greater debt will be necessary over the next few years to invest in our long term economy and to weather the storm of instability inflicted by the Trump administration.

A: Global climate change should always be at the forefront of our concerns, particularly since the faster we transition to renewables and the more we prepare our infrastructure now the less Maryland will pay in the future. Secondly, the damage done to the federal civil service by the Republican Party is extensive and will take many, many years to recover from. While this affects all states, Maryland in particular has many civil servants whose talent is currently being wasted and who need stable careers soon lest they be forced to move to where the cost of living is lower. Thirdly, the authoritarian and reckless nature of the Trump administration is a danger itself that must not be overlooked, whether it manifests through ICE disappearing our residents, officials threatening and blackmailing our institutions into adopting regressive policies, or our elections being potentially overturned through illegitimate acts by federal agents.

A: We should drive the price of energy down by heavily building local, community owned solar farms and renegotiating our connection to the regional electric grid to ensure Maryland is not paying the price for data center consumption in other states. I will also support efforts to reduce the bureaucracy that make it difficult for businesses to grow and for dense housing to be built, while at the same time investigating solutions for the increase in cost of raw supplies needed by our industries. The General Assembly should also increase the state minimum wage to match their historic levels (while being mindful of the impact on local inflation) as a job that doesn’t provide a livable wage isn’t a job worth existing.

A: We should continue to fund the Blueprint, particularly expanding pre-K availability as early childcare is a significant cost for families in this region and the benefits of starting a child’s education early are well documented. Though the costs of improving our education system are high, if the plan meets expectations Maryland will draw in professional families who are seeking the best place in the country to raise kids, thereby improving the state’s tax base.

A: I hope with my MD Resist platform my constituents see that I am not just running for myself, but to reorganize the Democratic party on a set of progressive principles and bold defiance against those profiting from hollowing out our institutions and communities. If I am elected in this crowded race I hope that will be a sign to other elected leaders that there is a strong desire for the party to unify around a shared vision, and then I would like to be judged by how successful I am in drawing other Democratic delegates and senators to the MD Resist banner. Our party must resist Trumpism but it cannot be defined by opposition to it, and it’s far past time the Democrats asserted what they are fighting for.

A: State legislatures are constrained between federal and local jurisdictions. They can’t paint crosswalks nor pull the U.S. out of wars. The size of the state budget in and of itself is not an issue. As Maryland continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families, the population will increase. A population increase will create a broader tax base, which can accommodate a larger state budget. The state budget should reflect that positive growth while maintaining the constitutional requirement for a balanced budget. Finding opportunities to trim the state budget and increase revenue is where the General Assembly does its work. However, when prioritizing during deficit years, potential cuts to social services actually puts more Maryland families in greater jeopardy more than it helps the state’s bottom line. Incentives to expand current Maryland businesses (biotech, service) are necessary and a mechanism to bring new businesses (manufacturing, global) to the state are necessary as well. Decreases to the Developmental Disabilities Administration in FY2027’s budget would cut $150 million in general funds from direct services. The General Assembly must protect the most vulnerable populations, as a lack of federal dollars creates an exponentially negative impact on families most in need.

A: Accessible and affordable healthcare; increasing utility rates, and rising grocery prices.

A: Increasing utility rates are in the top three household cost concerns, along with escalating healthcare and a lack of affordable housing. The State Legislature should grant stronger oversight to the Public Service Commission, ensuring citizens have the necessary utilities at affordable rates and with reliable services. As healthcare costs increase, the State can cap prescription drug prices and expand safety net programs helping to ease the financial burden on families for necessary services. Housing issues are local in scope, but there are incentives the state can offer, including lowering interest rates and offering home ownership at affordable pricing.

A: Maryland had a structural deficit of $1 billion dollars in the last fiscal year. Hard decisions had to be made about programmatic priorities. While education remains the state’s priority, the laudable objective of the Blueprint remains out of reach. An incremental approach concentrating on teachers’ salaries, filling vacancies, and focusing on early childhood education are the initial steps. The majority of education funding comes from local jurisdictions. The state has an important role in setting achievable educational goals but the responsibility for funding primary education lies at the county level. The State can help augment educational systems with support for stronger classroom instruction and educators.

A: As a State Delegate, I will be a strong and consistent voice for the district and the constituents. My experience as a patient advocate has taught me the importance of being accessible and approachable. As a consensus builder, I understand the importance of working with diverse groups and look forward to the opportunity to proudly represent District 19.

A: We’ve made policy decisions on long term spending – public schools, increased Medicaid, state pensions, aid to local governments among others - which are mostly set in law and hard to rein in. Beyond those commitments, there’s little left to cut without affecting the services people rely on, leaving tough choices even if revenue streams stay steady.

Warren Buffett is on record saying he shouldn’t be paying a lower tax rate than his secretary. He’s right. We can close the gap by ensuring Maryland’s tax burden is shared by all taxpayers, including corporations and high income earners. It should be equitable and not overly burdensome for the middle class and working families, or overly beneficial to those who make their income from investments. We should prioritize corporate tax reforms by ending combined reporting to prevent profit shifting by large corporations, and create policy that sets a reasonable tax floor to ensure larger pass-through businesses aren’t used to avoid paying income taxes. Capital gains on investment income by the wealthy need to be proportionally aligned with existing income tax rates everyone else pays. Working families should not pay an effectively higher tax rate than those who make the majority of their income through investments.

A: Workforce development, affordable housing, child and senior care.

CTE / Vocational Education – Not every student will pursue a four-year degree—but every student deserves a path to a good-paying job. --Scaled up pre-apprenticeships and strengthened partnerships with unions, workforce programs, and local employers --More industry-recognized credentials and dual-enrollment opportunities so students can graduate ready to enter the workforce.Affordable Housing – Working and middle-class families shouldn’t be priced out of the communities they call home. --More workforce housing, transit-oriented development and modernizing local zoning to remove barriers to “missing middle” housing like small multi-family units. --Targeted incentives to spur construction and preserve existing affordable housing—so teachers, skilled workers, and young families can afford to live where they work.Child Care & Senior Care – A strong child care system is essential to a strong economy—but costs are pushing families to the brink, sidelining workers. Seniors deserve dignity, independence, and the ability to age in place. --Full implementation of Maryland’s Blueprint for pre-K and expanded access by increasing child care scholarships. --Investments to grow provider capacity, cutting barriers to opening new centers, supporting better wages for child care workers. --More in-home/community-based care, investments in accessible and affordable senior housing, and support caregivers.

A: Raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour, create more affordable housing, and fix our broken energy supply and delivery system.

Raising the minimum wage speaks for itself. Affordable Housing:Working families shouldn’t be priced out of the communities they call home. The state need to focus on increasing the supply of workforce housing by supporting transit-oriented development and modernizing local zoning and remove barriers to “missing middle” housing like duplexes and small multi-family units. It should also create more targeted incentives to spur construction and preserve existing affordable housing so teachers, tradespeople, and young families can afford to live where they work.Energy:Families and small businesses are getting squeezed by rising energy costs—and Maryland needs a smarter path forward. Christa will support an all-of-the-above strategy that modernizes the grid, strengthens transmission, and jump-starts in-state generation. She’ll push for transparency and accountability from utilities, push for more consumer choice, and ensure the coming data center industry pays its own way—not pass costs on to ratepayers.

A: The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future must be fully funded and implemented. We can raise revenue by ensuring Maryland’s tax burden is shared by all taxpayers, including corporations and high income earners. It should be equitable and not overly burdensome for the middle class and working families, or overly beneficial to those who make their income from investments. We should close tax loopholes for large corporations and align capital gains investment income with existing income tax rates everyone else pays.

A: I would like my constituents to follow my voting record, let me know when they don’t agree, and help educate me on issues important to them.