RAY'S PRIORITIES
I come from a proud family that has spent generations in public service. They taught me that a community is always stronger when it sticks together, and that's why I want to work with ALL Pennsylvanians to create good-paying jobs, improve our school system, pass a budget, and build a government that works for EVERY Pennsylvanian. With decades of experience in business and leadership, I know what it takes to find innovative solutions, navigate complicated governmental agencies, and get things done!
Criminal Justice
Once someone has paid their debt to society, they are promised a second chance--but far too often, these men and women are given little-to-no support. This has led to an unsustainable system where roughly 75% of state prisoners return to prison within five years, needlessly costing Pennsylvanians millions and simultaneously failing on our promise to provide parolees with a real second chance. Investment in rehabilitation is smart because the costs will be offset long-term, but most importantly, it provides post-prison opportunities to Pennsylvanians who have earned the right to rejoin our communities.
Supporting Our Farmers & Cities
Pennsylvanian farmers are being cut out by agribusiness companies and regulations that make it more difficult for them to compete out-of-state. Let's tweak our subsidies and tax structure to give local farmers an upper-hand and then have them collaborate with inner-city non-profits to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have easy access to healthy food at an affordable price.
Healthcare
Recent Republican failures on healthcare prove that both sides must come to the table and find a deal that protects our healthcare system and the millions of Pennsylvanians who depend on it. We must also tackle the opioid epidemic by declaring a state of emergency, collaborating with other states on best practices, and investing in addiction recovery and rehabilitation.
Government Reform
We should build a government that works effectively and efficiently on behalf of ALL of its citizens. That task may seem impossible, but it starts with systemic reform. The best way to ensure our political representatives are doing what's right is by making sure they're incentivized to act on behalf of OUR interests. But unfortunately right now we are motivating them to do the exact OPPOSITE. That's why any serious reform effort must begin by getting rid of the corrosive influence of money in our elections.
We must also fight ANY attempt to undermine our democratic system -- from gerrymandering to Russian hackers and voter intimidation -- and make it EASIER for people to vote by declaring election day a national holiday and making it easier for citizens to vote-by-mail.
Empowering The Middle Class
The middle class is the backbone of the American economy, and it's tired of getting squeezed. We must support every working Pennsylvanian by developing a fairer tax structure and creating better jobs that pay not only a living wage, but a wage based on the true value and productivity of every worker.
So where better to start but at the state level? Our state needs to do more to support Pennsylvanian entrepreneurs and small business owners, and we must invest more in infrastructure funding, which will create jobs and be beneficial to all Pennsylvanians!
Education Innovation
Following Governor Corbett's (R) disastrous cuts to our public school system, we must focus on restructuring it and giving all Pennsylvanian teachers and administrators the respect and support that they deserve. We must also develop a new formula for educational funding that doesn't squeeze homeowners -- one that includes more state subsidies to ensure that every school has the funding and tools needed to provide every child with the cutting-edge education they need to follow their dreams.