Do you support the findings of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education? Are you committed to funding associated reforms, and if so, how?
Tarlau: Yes I believe that additional revenue will have to be raised. I sit on the Ways and Means Committee and will be looking at corporate tax loopholes to close such as the Throwback Tax, Carried Interest Loophole and Combined Reporting. I also would look at reinstating the millionaires tax to raise revenue.
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Is Maryland’s transportation spending appropriately balanced between roads and transit? Does the state have the resources to meet its transportation needs? With the cancellation of the Red Line and the advent of BaltimoreLink, is the Baltimore region adequately served by transit?
Tarlau: I believe that more money should be used for mass transit. We helped to stabilize WMATA with $167 million of dedicated funding and must now do what we can to support mass transit in the Baltimore region.
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Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
Tarlau: I believe there should be a referendum so people can decide whether they want it legalized.
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At a time when the federal government’s commitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration is questionable, what new steps should Maryland take to protect this resource?
Tarlau: Luckily the federal government continued to fund its commitment to the Chesapeake Bay. I believe that if the Federal government fails in doing this, the state has to step in.
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What steps should Maryland take to ensure the broadest possible access to affordable health care?
Tarlau: This year we subsidized the insurance market with a $380 million assessment on the insurance companies. I believe the long term solution is a single payer universal health care system. We will see whether we can do this in Maryland over the next few years.
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What role should the state play in helping Baltimore address violent crime?
Tarlau: I will support what ever resources the Baltimore leaders ask of the state to help with their program to address violent crime. I do not really believe that we can manage that from Annapolis
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How would you characterize Maryland’s business climate? What can the state do to foster the creation of more family-supporting jobs?
Tarlau: I support raising the minimum wage to $15/hr I believe raising wages will actually be helpful in people having more spendable income. I think our business climate is good because of our schools, transportation infrastructure, and geography. I believe the best way to help out is to improve our schools and our infrastructure even more.
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Do you support the creation of a non-partisan, independent body to draw legislative and congressional district maps after each census?
Tarlau: We passed legislation last year to have a compact on redistricting with other states. I voted for that and continue to support that approach.
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Does the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights adequately balance protections for police and the public? Should it be changed, and if so, how?
Tarlau: I think it has to be reviewed but believe that collective bargaining rights have to be respected.
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What strategy would you adopt to address the opioid addiction and overdose crisis?
Tarlau: We voted on a bi-partisan comprehensive package in 2017 and will continue to address this on a bi-partisan nature.
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What if anything should the state do to address income inequality?
Tarlau: I support the $15 minimum wage and also believe that we should make our tax system even more progressive. I introduced legislation in 2015 to increase the tax rates on millionaires and lower them on lower income residents.
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Do the state’s Public Information Act and open meetings laws adequately ensure Marylanders’ ability to exercise oversight of the government?
Tarlau: I think they can be improved.
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