On Nov. 6, voters in Pennsylvania’s 44th House District will have a choice of two candidates for state representative: Michelle Knoll (Democrat) or Valerie Gaydos (Republican). Rep. Mustio (R), who currently holds this seat, is retiring.
This district comprises the TOWNSHIPS of Aleppo, Crescent, Findlay, Moon, North Fayette, Ohio, and the BOROUGHS of Bell Acres, Edgeworth, Glen Osborne, Glenfield, Haysville, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights, and Sewickley Hills.
We asked each candidate five questions about their stance on key policies to combat hunger in Pennsylvania. We did not receive a response from Gaydos despite multiple requests, and were not able to determine her position based on public statements.
Knoll’s full response is below the graphic.
Michelle Knoll (D)
Do you support work requirements as a condition to access public benefit programs, even though it would prevent people from accessing healthcare or food assistance?
Not all people are able to work outside the home due to ill physical or mental health. They cannot be cut off from accessing healthcare.
What should the state minimum wage be?
$15
Do you support state laws that preempt laws on local taxes, local public health regulations, or local labor protections? In particular, do you support HB 861?
I do not support HB 861. It is an attempt to strip sick leave days in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It is an attempt to strip protections from LGBTQIA workers.
Do you support the Fair Share Tax Plan?
Yes. The higher income residents should pay a higher percentage of taxes not lower.
Do you support the Marcellus Shale severance tax, as proposed in Gov. Wolf’s budget, as a way to provide sustained revenue for Pennsylvania?
Yes. We have already lost $10 billion in the last 10 years. We need to use these funds for education.
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