Stein: Yes, I do support the findings of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission), and I am committed to funding associated reforms. I supported including $200 million in the FY 2019 budget to help fund the Commission’s recommendations. I also support the proposal, to be placed on this year’s ballot, for a Constitutional amendment that would require all casino money for education be put into a lock box (which would help with funding the Commission’s recommendations).

Stein: I believe that Maryland should be spending more on mass transit. The decision to cancel the Red Line was a major mistake. I would support a light rail system that connects Lexington Market with the Social Security complex. With the increase in the gas tax, the state should have the resources to meet its transportation needs.

Stein: I am undecided. I would like to see more studies on the impacts of legalization of recreational marijuana in other states.

Stein: If the federal government eliminates funding for its Chesapeake Bay program, Maryland should replace its share of the lost revenue with state funds. MDE’s oversight of compliance with the State’s TMDL (total maximum daily load) requirements must remain strong.

Stein: I strongly supported legislation this year that seeks to shore up Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange through a tax on insurance companies, and that requires Maryland to apply for a reinsurance program. The state must continue to support a stable health exchange and Medicaid expansion.

Stein: I supported this year’s legislation that provides stronger penalties for repeat gun offenders and additional resources for anti-violence programs, such as Safe Streets and witness intimidation programs.

Stein: I believe that Maryland’s business climate is positive. With a highly educated workforce, a top-notch health care system and incentives for biotech and life sciences companies, there are many reasons for businesses to locate in Maryland. However, I realize that Maryland’s corporate income tax rate is high and would support efforts to gradually reduce the rate so that it matches Virginia’s rate.

Stein: Yes

Stein: Legislation in 2016 encouraged more civilian oversight and citizen participation in police review boards, which was a good development. Whether there should be other changes to LEOBR to adequately balance protections for police and the public, I honestly cannot say.

Stein: I supported the HOPE Act of 2017, which increased funding for behavioral health community providers and expanded grants for drug court programs. It also required the State Health Department to establish crisis treatment centers across the State, and required hospitals to establish a protocol for overdose patients. I also would support requiring opioid manufacturers to underwrite the cost of prescription drop-off centers at pharmacies, as described in https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/12/05/one-idea-for-preventing-leftover-opioids-from-fueling-opioid-abuse/?utm_term=.4faf8ed54bff

Stein: I have strongly supported expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) (including this year’s expansion), which is one of the most effective means for lifting working families out of poverty. I also support increasing the minimum wage.

Stein: I support live streaming of proceedings in the House of Delegates and State Senate.