Peggy Flanagan

Where Flanagan stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Immigration & border

Federal Immigration officers are not above the law.

Peggy is calling for an end to the aggressive sweeps against immigrants who pose no danger to our communities

Health care

Priorities

I grew up thinking that the bottom could fall out at any moment. My single mom and I relied on food stamps to keep food on the table. Medicaid was my healthcare as a child. Now, as Lt. Governor of Minnesota, I’m living proof that leaders can improve people’s lives when they invest in them.

Education

What, if anything, should our country do to ensure a secure social safety net for all, including access to food, housing, education and medical care? (500 characters)

I was raised by a single mom and always felt like the bottom could fall out. We relied on Section 8 housing, SNAP, childcare assistance, and Medicaid. I’m here because of these programs and am a testament to how government can work for people. That’s why I’ll fight to pass Medicare for All, raise the federal minimum wage, pass universal childcare, invest in affordable housing, give farmers the right to repair their own equipment, and fight to pass the Social Security Expansion Act.

Energy & environment

What, if any, actions would you take to address threats facing the United States due to climate change? (500 characters)

We need to take big actions to fight climate change, protect our planet, and invest in climate adaptation. I would restore Trump’s rollback of investments in clean energy and strongly support growth of our wind and solar energy sectors. We need to develop new technologies like biofuels including Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and green steel and green ammonia from green hydrogen. And we need to hold people and companies accountable when they refuse to comply with environmental standards.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (750 characters)

My top priority is helping Minnesotans afford the lives they want to live. We’ve got to make Congress work for Minnesotans instead of corporations, billionaires, and special interests. That starts with banning corporate PAC money, overturning Citizens United, and establishing ethical standards for electeds so they represent their constituents. Second, I’ll fight for Medicare for All. Until we get there, I’ll fight to lower the cost of all prescription drugs, end prior authorization, and restore Medicaid cuts. Third, I’ll focus on affordability by raising the federal minimum wage, establishing universal childcare, investing in affordable housing, banning Wall Street from buying up homes, and fighting for the Social Security Expansion Act.

What will you do to support a vibrant economy across the United States, and to address inflation? (500 characters)

In America one good job should be enough. There are policies that I will fight for so that our economy works for everyone, not just those at the top: from raising the minimum wage to a national paid family leave policy, to government issued loans for small businesses and ensuring entrepreneurs aren’t paying more in taxes than giant corporations, to expanding the Child Tax Credit. All of these actions will put more money back in people’s pockets and ultimately strengthen our economy for all.

Elections, ethics & government

What measures do you support to improve and secure elections, and to ensure voting access in our country? (500 characters)

The reality is that in Minnesota and across the country voter fraud is incredibly rare. What is at stake is people’s ability to participate in our election process which the Trump administration is actively trying to do. Minnesota has led the way in election protection and ensuring eligible voters can make their voices heard. I am proud of what our state has accomplished and believe we should replicate it on a national level with early voting and same day registration.

How do you view your responsibilities as a congressperson and what will you do to fulfill them? (500 characters)

My job is to represent the voices of Minnesotans in Washington. I’m the only candidate in this race who made the choice not to take corporate PAC money because I refuse to be beholden to anyone but Minnesotans. Special interests have enough representation in the Senate, I will work only for the people. To represent folks, you have to show up and meet people where they are – you’ve got to listen. I’ve held over 270 events since launching this campaign and that’s exactly how I’ll keep showing up.

What if anything do you think should be done to reform our federal court system? (500 characters)

I support exploring all options to restore the trust in the role of the federal judiciary, especially the Supreme Court. Americans are losing trust in the Court’s ability to rule based on the law instead of politics, which undermines our Democracy.Recent stories of justices taking lavish trips paid for by wealthy donors further hurts the credibility of the Court. All options have to be on the table for Court reform, including a code of ethics, term limits, and adding seats to the court.