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?
Jackson: I support the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. I am committed to fund the associated reforms. I am a member of the Appropriations Committee we have engaged in funding methods to support the Commission and I look forward to enhancing them in the upcoming legislative session. The Kirwan Commission legislation will be the instrument to fund the findings of the Commission.
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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?
Jackson: I do not believe Maryland’s transportation spending in appropriately balanced between roads and transit. As a member of the Appropriations Committee I have access to the budget of the Department of Transportation and know that there is ample resources within the Transportation Trust Fund. The Baltimore region is not adequately served by transit. Baltimore Link merely adds to the congestion of the City and its region.
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Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
Jackson: No, I do not support the legilization of recreational marijuana.
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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?
Jackson: We should use the method we incorporate regarding economic development, incorrporating a P3 to enhance our efforts to restore our Bay. The Incentives offered to do business in Maryland, should include Bay restoration efforts.
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What steps should Maryland take to ensure the broadest possible access to affordable health care?
Jackson: We passed HB 1782 to stabilize the healthcare market for the upcoming year. We need to operate in a bi-partisan fashion in both chambers to develop a sustainable affordable health care program for Maryland; taking in top account the obstacles we have had to overcome recently.
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What role should the state play in helping Baltimore address violent crime?
Jackson: We have passed multiple bills to assist in this effort. We all have a role to play in addressing the violence in Baltimore; because as goes Baltimore, so goes the State of Maryland from the prospective of businesses and families looking to remain or relocate to Maryland. We should continue to focus resources on the education, recreation, economic development, and criminal justice restoration.
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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?
Jackson: I have high hopes for our business climate. I am an avid supporter of the $15 min wage, project labor agrrements, collective bargaining, etc. I believe that thes are ways to ensure that jobs become careers which means families are supported.
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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?
Jackson: i am in support of the creation of a non-partisan, independent body to draw legislative and congressional district maps after each census,
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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?
Jackson: Yes, the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights (LEOBR) adequately balances protections for law enforcement and the public. This process was accessedd by the 2016 Public Safety & Policing WorkGroup established by the Maryland General Assembly. I served on that WorkGroup. As a for Fraternal Order of Police President and later the Elected Sheriff of the same agency, I know this process works. We must remember that no position held exempts any one of us(any profession) from the rights afforded all of us. The LEOBR process allows the agency to get it right; particularly ensuring that the findings are correct. Justice is not a speedy vehicle, but it is the best viehicle; as long as we all are affored it.
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What strategy would you adopt to address the opioid addiction and overdose crisis?
Jackson: Early education. I am an avid substance abuse intervention advocate. This epidemic has gained national attention as it should; however, our country needs to admit that we have typically overlooked addiction and overdose crises which affect the poorer and minority communities for nearly 40yrs. Let’s begin to address all substance abuse in early education and we will begin to curtail the social ill of substance abuse of all portions.
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What if anything should the state do to address income inequality?
Jackson: We have taken steps to address the notion of pay disparity. While we have worked diligently over the last four years to address this amongst our state agencies, we must also address the private section which does business with our state. We must also ensure that our eligibility pool grows with the enhancement and accountability of our public school system to produce highly educated graduates.
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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?
Jackson: I think the Public Information Act and Open Meetings laws adequately ensure Marylanders’ ability to execise oversight of their goverment. Having said that, I am a proponent of periodic assessments of all exisiting processes to ensure our constituency is effectively served. If Marylanders believe that more access is needed, I am open to listen.
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