Ashwani Jain in Medium.com scoial media
On Abortion:
I believe in reproductive rights and reproductive justice
I believe in reproductive rights and reproductive justice. Specifically, all women, girls, and other gender variant people--regardless of their zip code, identity or economic status--should have safe, affordable access to the healthcare they need.
This includes abortion care, gender affirming horomone replacement therapy and contraceptive coverage--which should all be treated like other forms of healthcare and should be fully accessible and covered for anyone who needs it.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Civil Rights:
LGBTQ people welcome in Maryland: you make us stronger
To those who feel marginalized for their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, I want to assure you that you are welcome in Maryland--and you make us stronger! And for those of us not part of the LGBTQ community itself,
it is important that we remain partners and allies--because we are all stronger together. And no, you don't need to fully understand the nuances of gender identity to know that each individual person knows who they are better than you or I ever will.
When you vote for a Governor, you're also voting for the person who will choose the Cabinet and Administration. I will work to create the most diverse administration in our state's history by hiring qualified individuals who reflect the great
diversity of our state. We need to bring more veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQ and persons with disabilities to the table. The more leaders we have with similar lived experiences to residents, the more sincere they'll be when enforcing policies.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Crime:
Ban the use of chokeholds; end the money-bail system
Right now there is a lack of trust between communities all around Maryland and our law enforcement professionals. This means we need to implement policing standards that will show our communities that officers who abuse their power can and will be
held accountable. This is why I want to listen to activists in their calls to ban the use of chokeholds and require de-escalation efforts in any confrontations and creating real consequences for officers that fail to live up to these standards.
We need to stop criminalizing poverty. I believe that we cannot end mass incarceration without first ending the money-bail system. I believe this is an ineffective, unfair, and racist way of approaching our prison system.
More often than not, the people most likely to spend time in jail awaiting trial are not the worst offenders, but the poorest ones.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Crime:
Repeal prohibition of prosecution for marital sexual assault
The idea that rape or sexual assault, unwanted touching, forcible sex or anything else of that nature is okay because the parties are married is arcane and insulting. Unfortunately, there are some laws in place that
prevent the prosecution of a spouse committing these types of offenses against their partner. I believe we need to repeal these prohibitions.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Drugs:
Legalize marijuana, expunge the records of those imprisoned
I will make Maryland move to fully legalize marijuana and allow for safe cultivation and distribution. This help generate needed revenue to pay for my Maryland Now Plan. By beginning/increasing cultivation to arable land in locations like
Frederick County, the Upper Eastern Shore and even urban farms in Baltimore City, we can boost our agriculture sector and increase revenues for our local and state economy.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Drugs:
Treat drug use as a public health crisis, not a crime
We need to treat drug use and addiction for what it truly is--not a crime that can be corrected with punishment, but a public health crisis requiring support for those suffering. Criminalizing opioid addiction disproportionately affects low-income
communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color. We can move past the scourge of drug use in our communities but we need to do it through support for those most in need, rather than pushing those in need to have to hide their problem.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Education:
Public dollars should be used to improve public schools
I am opposed to school choice/vouchers because I believe public dollars should be used to improve public schools (especially in low-income and minority neighborhoods which are traditionally underfunded). By dedicating taxpayer dollars to public schools,
I also believe there will be greater accountability and transparency when it comes to how the funds are used and the quality of education provided.
Maryland needs Universal Pre-K across the state. Most children grow up in households where both parents work outside of the home, making outside care a necessity. Unfortunately, the cost of pre-k and childcare are too expensive.
By providing universal pre-k, we can reduce the financial burdens faced by our residents and ensure our children are prepared for their future thus reducing the opportunity gap by some of our low-income and minority families.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Education:
Ease student loan debt for those who teach public school
I believe that if you pursue a career in teaching, your student loan debt should be forgiven. I support student loan debt forgiveness--of between $5K-$10K--for those who teach in MD public school systems for 6 years.
This would not only bring educator student debt more in line with the state average for post-secondary degrees but will also encourage educators to stay in the profession past the attrition peak and become the high-quality, experienced educators we need.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Education:
For comprehensive Sex Ed in public schools
We must ensure we have comprehensive Sex Ed in Public Schools--that teaches about everything from abstinence to contraceptives, to
LGBTQ inclusion, sexual orientation, gender identity and reproductive rights.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
Ban fracking; deactivate all in-state coal power plants
We must take the important step of moving away from fossil fuels. That is why I am proud to run on a pledge to ban fracking and deactivate all coal power plants in our state. This will provide immediate relief from harmful industrial runoff and
poor air quality. It is also necessary for our long-term needs to cut our state's carbon footprint drastically if we want to stave off a potential existential-threatening climate crisis.
One possibility is considering investing in exciting new technology, such as the ability to generate electricity from plants. New systems have already been developed to do so by utilizing the decomposition of organic substances by bacteria within the
soil, and capturing the freed electrons. We need to encourage continued innovation as we move toward a carbon neutral future.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
We need to invest in solar and offshore wind farms
We need to invest in clean, renewable energy that will create new, safer and high paying jobs that won't harm our environment nor the communities they neighbor. That means investing in solar energy across our state.
The solar industry has already invested billions in our state, and last year employed nearly 5,000 people. We can create new jobs while making it easier for Marylanders to improve the energy efficiency of the places they live and gather.
We must continue to invest in wind power throughout our state. While the Clean Energy Jobs Act was passed in 2019, which was an important step in achieving our 100% clean energy plan by 2045, we must do more.
We need to invest in offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean and approve the U.S. Wind Project and the Skipjack Offshore Energy Project off the shore of Ocean City.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
We must take deliberate steps to focus on climate justice
We must take deliberate steps to focus on climate justice. This is why I am strongly in support of reforming the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. We must ensure this body
can better advise state agencies by actually including proper representation from affected communities of color--including indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Environment:
Ban single-use plastic bags; achieve 100% composting
Banning single-use plastic bags is an important continuation from Maryland being the first state to ban single-use containers made from styrofoam. We need to go further and ban single-use plastic to further reduce ocean and bay waste and relieve
pressure on landfills. We must require businesses that sell food to charge five cents for each carryout plastic bag. Two of those cents should go to local governments and three of those cents should go to our MD Department of the Environment.
Another key reform will be how we address food waste as a state. When food scraps end up in a landfill, they decompose slower than they do in a compost pile.
They also produce more methane as they break down, creating harmful greenhouse gases. We should set the goal for ourselves to achieve 100% composting by 2030.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Environment:
Help farmers afford water conservation requirements
Farmers are often required by state and local authorities to implement conservation practices that improve water quality. While these help our environment and provide more sustainability in the long-term, they can be costly to the farmers' bottom lines.
We need to invest in these small business owners and help them afford these practices. By working with the USDA, our state's Department of Agriculture can make grants and funding more available and accessible.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Families & Children:
Create a Paid Family Leave Insurance Fund
I am in strong favor of creating a Paid Family Leave Insurance Fund for all businesses to guarantee all workers up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement should they need to take a leave for personal or familial reasons. The way in which we make this a
reality is by ensuring employers and employees each contribute a small amount from each paycheck (at least 0.75% of each payroll). The payments would range from $50 to $1,000 per week, depending on a person's income.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Families & Children:
Require free menstrual products in public school bathrooms
I believe we need to require all public schools to include free menstrual products in bathrooms. Some girls end up going home and missing classes because of these types of challenges. Some of our schools' budgets cover these
product expenses--but they are often kept in the nurse's office, making it inconvenient for students.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Government Reform:
Committed to imposing anti-corruption measures
I am committing to the following if elected:- Imposing a 4-year lobbying ban for the Governor, Lt. Governor and agency heads from becoming corporate lobbyists after they leave their positions.
- Requiring the Governor, Lt. Governor and
agency heads to place any of their personal businesses into a blind trust to be sold off if elected.
- Banning the Governor, Lt. Governor and agency heads from owning stocks or serving on for-profit corporate boards while in office.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Gun Control:
For universal background checks, universal licensing
We must urge those in Congress to ensure we have universal background checks (so people who buy guns from private shows go through the same background check as those who buy at licensed gun
stores) and a universal licensing system (so before you even step into a gun store, you have to take a firearm safety course and receive a license).
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Health Care:
Healthcare is a human right, supports a public option
When I was getting treated for cancer at the age of 13, I had the means to get better: I had parents who had health insurance; access to healthy food; ways of getting to and from hospital; and a great support system. But shortly after I beat cancer and
became a Make-A-Wish Ambassador, I met children across this state who were not as fortunate. That's why I believe in a Public Option where healthcare is a human right and not a luxury.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Immigration:
Police shouldn't ask individuals about immigration status
Unless individuals have violated State criminal laws or are under the authority of criminal warrants issued by the state or federal judges, I do not believe we should be working with ICE to detain/house non-violent individuals who have been placed in
ICE custody. We must ensure that our law enforcement agencies do not ask individuals about immigration status or take action simply based on a person's immigration status.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Immigration:
Advocate for Sanctuary counties & refugee right to counsel
In the past, I've helped organize the state to get the Maryland Dream Act passed in 2012, and was the first candidate in my 2018 Montgomery County Council race to advocate for Sanctuary County policies.I have also been vocal in my support for "Right to
Counsel" laws that help refugees--who have come to Maryland--gain access to critical legal assistance with their valid claims to remain in the United States.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Jobs:
Expand access to collective bargaining & union rights
One of the key tenets of building up our state's workers is protecting and expanding access to collective bargaining and union rights. Not only do collective bargaining rights help ensure our workers have a seat at the table
when it comes to ensuring safe working conditions, access to healthcare, and living wages, but they make companies places where employees want to work allowing employees to stick around longer and be more productive.
I strongly oppose "Right To Work" and "At-Will" policies.I will push for more training and development programs targeted for veterans,
LGBTQ workers, workers of color, women, those with a disability, and currently and formerly incarcerated individuals to ensure that all Marylanders are given ample opportunities to find successful careers.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Jobs:
Create the nation's first Guaranteed Jobs Program
I will make Maryland the first state in the nation to fulfill this promise: If you are unemployed and need a job--you will be guaranteed one. By having our state government serve as an employer of last resort, we can ensure
all unemployed residents in our state have the opportunity to access a decent job with living wages, safe working conditions, healthcare and union protections.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Principles & Values:
Remove religious exemptions in state non-discrimination laws
I also believe that--in order to ensure equality for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation--we need legislation to allow for and protect:- Surrogacy for same-sex couples
- Same-sex couple adoption
-
Foster-care non-discrimination
- Non-discrimination when applying for health insurance
- Non-discrimination on jury selection
- The removal of religious exemptions in state non-discrimination laws
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Principles & Values:
Every event I host will be free, open to the press
I am committing that every single event I host will be FREE and open to the press. You should not be forced to pay in order to hear from your candidates and representatives. I also have never, and will never, accept any donations from corporations
and businesses, and will make all contributions to my campaign public, accessible and transparent.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Tax Reform:
Eliminate the state income tax for 95% of Maryland workers
For the 95% of Marylanders who earn a personal income of less than $400,000, my Maryland Now Plan will eliminate your state income tax. To make up for this lost revenue I will:- Close the "Carried Interest Corporate Loophole"
- Income earned by
hedge fund managers on their investments should be fairly taxed
- Increase the Fossil Fuel Fee
- Increase our State Sales Tax from 6% to 7.5% and expand the Sales Tax to include services
- Legalize the Commercial Use and Taxation of Marijuana.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Tax Reform:
Ensure richest pay their fair share of taxes
As it exists now, our tax code is hardly as progressive as it should be. We must ensure our tax code is structured so the richest Marylanders (the ones who have benefitted the most from Maryland's economy, infrastructure, and workforce) are paying their
fair share of taxes. I pledge to work with the state legislature to make this happen so we can fix our tax code, and with that extra revenue stream, build back our state.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
On Welfare & Poverty:
Offer grants, incentives to grocers to serve food deserts
We must encourage healthy eating. Typically, those living in low-income neighborhoods lack access to fresh produce; they live too far away from full-service groceries; they're poorly served by public transit;
and what they have is limited to what smaller convenience stores carry. We should offer grants, loans and tax incentives to grocers willing to open stores in underserved and impoverished areas.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2023