Hi, John --
Earlier this month, I emailed you and everyone on our team a survey to learn what issues are most directly impacting you.
This morning, our team pulled and read responses from HUNDREDS of people about their top priorities: the pandemic, climate change, health care, and so much more.
I am grateful for the opportunity to hear from you directly, because one of the most important parts of my job when we win our race in November will be listening to you and advocating for the policies that will improve the lives of people in our district.
If you participated in our survey, thank you. Your input will help me be a better leader for our district. And if you haven’t take our survey yet, you can add your own responses here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/WehDaIJN1
Today, I wanted to share the overall results of our survey, as well as some of the specific responses we received.
Of the hundreds of participants, there was a common trend about which issues many of us see as critically important. The top three issues participants are most concerned about are: health care, the pandemic, and the climate crisis -- with gun violence and racial inequity following closely behind.
One person wrote this,
“My number one priority would have to be climate change. Our coastlines and weather patterns have dramatically altered in my relatively short life on this Earth, and our tap-water contamination is a serious issue. Protecting the environment now is the only way to create a sustainable society and economy for the future.”
I couldn’t agree more. The climate crisis will continue to have devastating effects on Long Island, and in Congress, you can count on me to push for bold solutions to our community’s, nation’s, and world’s environmental problems.
The current administration’s pandemic response, as one person put it, is “abysmal.” They followed up:
“More needs to be done in regards to testing, contact tracing, and requiring of masks. Funding needs to go to schools to best deal with the situation -- whether more resources for virtual learning or upgrades for safety for in-person learning.”
As I’ve watched the president and his cronies deny the advice of experts and turn their heads away from the facts, I’ve only grown more concerned about our nation’s response to the pandemic. It is clear to me that we must elect new leaders who believe in science -- when I get to Congress, you can count on me to lead with facts.
Many of you expressed your concerns about our current health care system. One participant wrote:
"Health care is a right not a privilege. It’s unacceptable that drug prices are so high and Big Pharma has such control over patents, drug prices, medical equipment, and on and on."
I agree that every American deserves access to high quality affordable health care. And for far too many of our leaders in Congress, including my opponent Lee Zeldin, accepting troves of campaign donations from corporations, particularly the pharmaceutical industry, can cloud judgment. When you look at how our leaders vote, make sure you follow the money trail. I have refused to take any money for corporate PACs because when I go to Washington, I will serve the people of Long Island first and foremost.
On our campaign, and when you send me to Washington, I will continue to listen, learn, and fight for you.
Thank you again to each and every person who shared their thoughts with me and my team and provided a window into your life experience. It is a privilege to learn more about you, and your willingness to share will help me best represent you on this campaign and in Washington.
I look forward to continuing these conversations with you.
With gratitude,
Nancy
