Pamela Fadden
Pamela Fadden, candidate for the New Jersey State Assembly in the 26th legislative district, submitted the following answers to SOMA Action’s questionnaire. She is running on the "Melissa and Pamela for the Assembly” slate with Melissa Brown Bleaeuer. SOMA Action endorses Fadden for the Assembly.
1. Fair Tax Policy
A. Do you support the so-called "millionaires' tax"?
Yes I support the so-called "millionaires' tax" and Assembly Bill AIO to raise the tax rate from 8.97% to10.75% on annual incomes between $1 million and $5 million dollars.
B. What role should the New Jersey Legislature take in reversing the limitation on the SALT deduction on Federal Income Tax?
I support State Resolution No 111 urging the United States Congress to reinstate unlimited state and local tax (SALT) deductions. New Jersey is considered a "donor state" because New Jersey residents pay more in federal taxes than the state receives back in federal funding, To counteract the limitation in SALT deductions, I would into of earning some of that money back for our state. For example, many other states rely on New Jersey interstate highways and bridges for commerce and travel to their states; I would support in-state toll rates and out-of-state toll rates similar to in-state and out-of-state college tuition.
2. Economic Development Authority
A. The EDA has been beset by scandal, with companies allegedly receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks based on dubious claims of possible out-of-state relocation. As currently structured, the EDA's tax breaks do not require corporations to pay a fair wage to its employees, and or seek to maintain employees' current benefits or create new benefits. Do you support a thorough investigation by the Governor's Task Force of the EDA's past activities?
Yes, EDA contracts should require contractors and corporations to pay fair wages (inclusive of benefits) to its employees. Tax breaks should be used to pay for employee benefits such as: health care coverage, life insurance, disability, paid leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement, flex spending, and pension.
B. Do you support a policy that would require recipients of EDA subsidies to provide jobs with fair wages and maintain current benefits?
Yes
C. Do you believe the EDA should be modified, and if so, in which ways? Do you support making receipt of benefits from EDA contingent on hiring or wage and benefit targets? If so, what should those targets look like?
As a union member, leader, and negotiator, I would like to see the employees of the EDA unionize and enter into a collective bargaining agreement. New Jersey is one of the "richest" states but also amongst the most expensive for cost of living. Entering into a collective bargaining agreement would create a salary guide based on level of education and experience, a set level of benefits, and benefit opt out provisions. A collective bargaining agreement would also contain language about length of workday, travel, sick, personal, or vacation days, and any other provisions related to pay or benefits.
3. Women's Reproductive Rights
A. Do you support a woman's right to choose in all circumstances?
Yes
B. Governor Murphy has restored funding to Planned Parenthood in New Jersey. What is your position on the restoration of these funds?
I agree with Governor Murphy. I support A4843 to protect and expand access to comprehensive reproductive health care before, during, and after giving birth, including access to contraception, abortion, and prenatal and postnatal care, must be provided to ALL persons. I recently renewed my donation to Planned Parenthood because no one should be denied the ability to control their own body and protect their health because of where they live, the color of their skin or who they love.
C. Do you support state legislation that would create a legal right to abortion and contreception, even if Roe and Griswold are reversed by the Surpreme Court?
Yes I support such legislation. Women, with the aid of their doctors, family and faith counselors should be making decisions NOT judges and government officials.
D. What is your position on increasing access to quality contraceptive choices? Do you support economic support for contraception availability?
I support increasing access to contraceptive choices. Women and their doctors should have a choice as to which method is safest and best for their needs and medical history. I support A2418 to establish a New Jersey Prescription Drug Affordability Board. I support legislation for economic support and caps on prescription drug costs.
4. Protecting the Environment
A. What measures do you support to increase the use of renewable energy sources and reduce fossil fuel consumption in New Jersey?
I support measures to make New Jersey the northeast green energy hub with clean solar and wind energy. Our state has ideal offshore conditions which would generate more energy than current methods and would attract new businesses and young environmentally conscious professionals to live, work, play and raise their families.
B. What measures do you support to move New Jersey towards the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030? Greenhouse gas emissions will only be reduced if New Jersey uses energy more efficiently and invests in making power on-site with renewables and other climate friendly energy resources; such as rooftop solar panels, solar water heating, and small-scale wind generation. Solving climate change will take action by society including local, state, and national governments and educational media campaigns in the areas of electricity, building, transportation, land use, and industry.
C. What measures would you support to reduce the amount of waste going into New Jersey landfills and incinerators?
To reduce our waste we need to promote more than just reduce, reuse, & recycle paper and plastics. Other ways to reduce the amount of waste include donating clothes and furniture, reduce food waste (eating leftovers), eating healthy, buying things with less packaging, boycotting plastic bottles, considering what you’re buying and purchase items made from recycled materials, cleaning smarter (homemade alternatives use less plastics and chemicals) and composting kitchen waste.
D. What measures would you support to protect and expand natural habitat in New Jersey?
As the most densely populated state we lose more and more wildlife habitats to development; as a state we need to work towards repairing damaged habitats through restoration, protection, enhancement, and creation. I support the mission, research and practices of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and support legislation to protect rare and imperiled species in our state through habitat restoration, education, and citizen engagement.
E. What measures do you support to promote environmental justice in New Jersey and protect overburdened communities?
Environmental Justice in my opinion starts by making all communities (even less affluent ones) safe for all New Jerseyans, which includes the water supply and conditions of housing. I will work to ensure that housing and clean drinking water are human rights for all regardless of income or neighborhood. I support A5343 to develop a Public Community Water System service line inventory to identify lead in service lines, and eliminate it with annual reporting to the DEP and affected residents. I also support Al 372 which requires lead-based paint inspections on residential rental properties at tenant turnover and certain other times. If lead-based paint hazard exists, the owner would be required to remediate through methods compliant with the "Lead Hazard Control Act." I also support A1459 which prohibits the sale, distribution, import or manufacturing of any children's product intended for use by a child under the age of six which contains, is composed of, or made with: lead, mercury or cadmium. These practical bills address issues that disproportionately affect minority communities.
5. Protecting Our Immigrant Communities
A. Do you support making drivers' licenses available to all New Jersey?
Yes
B. Do you support universal legal representation for immigrant detainees?
Yes
C. Do you support Assembly bill A5207, and its corresponding Senate bill S3361, which will keep ICE from: signing any new detention contracts in New Jersey; expanding any current detention contracts in New Jersey; or renewing any current detention contracts in New Jersey?
Yes, I support Assembly bill A5207, essentially making NJ a safe state. New Jersey has a large community of immigrants. As neighbors, business owners, taxpayers, and workers, immigrants are an integral part of New Jersey's diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all New Jerseyans. I am proud to call NJ home and when elected, I will continue the hard work so that all of our immigrants are treated with dignity and respect. Over 200,000 immigrants work in health care and social services in New Jersey.
Immigrants should have equal access to Covid testing, treatment, vaccinations, healthcare and education without fear of being detained. I will fight for immigrants to be eligible for financial aid, worker benefits and protections, and expanding access to professional and occupational licenses.
6. Public Education
A. The reopening of Public Schools closed as a result of the Covid crises has become quite controversial. What are your thoughts?
I am a parent of a 4th and 7th grader and I'm a high school teacher, union member and President of the Hawthorne Teachers' Association, I believe that public schools need to reopen so parents can return to work and for the social, emotional and mental health of both students and teachers. I think the New Jersey department of health should mandate the Covid vaccine for those 12 years old and over so students and teachers can safely change classes and participate in extracurricular activities. My husband and I are vaccinated and we vaccinated our daughter so she could play club softball. My youngest daughter isn't old enough for the vaccine so she still wears a mask even when taking dance classes. I think mask wearing will have to remain the policy for students under the age of 12 or until the vaccine is approved for the younger age group.
B. As part of the CARES Act, school districts were provided Education Stabilization Funds to be used over the next three years to address the impact of COVID. How do you believe districts should allocate those funds?
As a parent, teacher, union member and local president I know that we must improve our school infrastructure. If our schools had proper heating, cooling, and ventilation like any other public building (shopping centers, office buildings, hospitals and doctors’ offices, etc.), then so many more of our schools would have been able to reopen last September. In addition, we need to pass legislation that requires every school to have certified guidance counselors or social workers. Our students are vulnerable and schools need to address physical health (proper ventilation) and mental health before students will learn academically.
C. What are your thoughts on bill A4454, which requires school districts to include instruction on diversity, equity, and inclusion in grades K-12 as of next school year?
I agree with Assembly bill A4454. Not only do we need to teach diversity, equity, and inclusion but we need to apply it to our school staff: teachers, guidance counselors, administration, support staff, etc. Too many of our schools model racism and prejudice with their hiring practices.
7. Access to Healthcare
A. What measures would you take in New Jersey to ensure that all residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare?
I would support legislation adopting more customizable and affordable Health Benefit Plans that are supported under the Individual Health Coverage (IHC) Program, NJ Health Preservation Act and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). I would also support an open "open enrollment period" meaning that if an individual or family moves into NJ or the benefit carrier loses their job that the individual or family will still have access to quality affordable healthcare. New Jersey prohibits the sale of short term health insurance programs but in light of Covid and the recent job market I think it's in the best interest of our residents to support either a gap medical or short-term medical plan that can roll into a long term plan if needed.
B. Do you support NJ's Marketplace through which people can buy insurance under the Affordable Care Act?
Yes
C. What should New Jersey do to reduce the disparity in healthcare outcomes for people of color?
In addition to my answer for question 7-A and 5-C. I would have voted yes for several Assembly bills (A653, A954, Al 669, A2222, A4558, etc.) that would give more New Jerseyan's access to affordable prescription drugs by placing a cap on out-of-pocket cost on the most common maintenance drugs such as insulin. The incumbent in our race has voted no or abstained from all of these votes. New Jersey is home to many drug companies yet our residents pay more than residents in other states for the same prescriptions.
8. Public Transportation
Do you support increased funding to ensure that NJ Transit operates more smoothly and without disruptions and that service is not cut off on a daily basis? The three pillars of our campaign are Economy, Education, and Infrastructure. NJ transit is an important piece of our Economy and Infrastructure especially as we aim towards more green technologies. We are commuting everyday on our grandparents' infrastructure — it's time that we invest in modern environmentally friendly improvements that will make NJ Transit safer and more reliable.
9. Elections
A. New Jersey appears to be unique in having what is called "The Line" in Primaries. Do you agree with those who say that this advantages incumbents over challengers, "organization" backed candidates over independents that the resulting ballot design confuses voters? Would you favor doing away with "The Line"?
The "Line" had a huge impact in the LD 26 Republican primary. Incumbent BettyLou DeCroce was not given the party line in Morris County and was placed on the nowhere-land side of the ballot. The county committee didn't give her the party line because they felt she was too friendly to the democrats. She worked with educators and had the decency to work with Assembly Democrats on occasion. This incumbent lost the primary. Party line voting subliminally takes critical thinking away from the voter in place of party loyalty. This is not serving the state of New Jersey; because voters remain uninformed that there may be another better choice for their vote that may not have served the party’s interest. I would prefer a simplified ballot with one column per party (democrat, independent, republican, etc.). I do believe that incumbents should have the top out of respect for their service with challengers randomly drawing for position.
B. Current law mandates the placement of ballot boxes at almost all Municipal Buildings and on College Campuses. A bill has been introduced in the Legislature to amend this by giving wide discretion to County Elections Boards as to the placement of ballot boxes. Would you favor or oppose this Amendment?
I oppose this amendment to current law. Every municipality should have a box box for local constituents and every College should have a ballot box on Campus for student voting.
C. Politics today are hyper-partisan. How can we reduce hyper-partisanship while pushing for a bold, progressive agenda?
Yes there is hyper-partisanship especially amongst Trump republicans, but there are also moderate republicans that no longer feel they belong in the party and are looking for a new agenda and candidates that they can support. I live in a majority republican town and I had this conversation with many of my friends and neighbors.