Helena Foulkes

Where Foulkes 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

What actions will you take to ensure all residents are treated with dignity, civilian’s constitutional rights are protected, and people’s rights to free speech, assembly, and civic participation are not violated during any immigration enforcement activity occurring within our state?

What Trump is doing with his ICE agents across the country is horrific and outrageous. They are terrorizing communities and people are rightfully afraid – kids are staying home from school, people are missing work, and our small businesses are hurting because of the fear people are living in. It’s the job of the governor to protect people and that’s exactly what I’ll do as your next governor. That means ensuring all residents are treated with dignity and that their constitutional rights to free speech, assembly and civic participation are protected. I’d also partner with organizations like Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island to ensure every Rhode Islander's basic rights are protected during immigration enforcement actions.

Health care

Reimagining Rhode Island Healthcare

Making Quality, Affordable Healthcare Accessible for All Rhode Islanders

Education

What will you do to combat the underlying issues driving the inflation rate such as the rising costs of housing, childcare, energy, and groceries?

Rhode Islanders are getting squeezed by rising costs. My housing plan will create 20,000 new homes and apartments, paid for with a millionaire’s tax. I’m a mom of four and a new grandmother. I meet parents all across the state who are struggling with the cost of childcare. That’s why I’m proposing a Rhode Island employer-matched childcare fund, starting with a $20 million pilot, designed to reduce the cost of care for working parents. Rhode Islanders are feeling the pressure of their utility bills like never before. I will work to lower your electricity bills and meet our climate commitments—and that starts by holding our out-of-state utility company accountable.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

What are the most important challenges facing our state and what do you propose to address them?

The number one issue I hear about is housing. There isn’t a single city or town in our state where someone making less than $100,000 per year can afford the median home. My housing plan uses the millionaire's tax to create 20,000 new homes and apartments that Rhode Islanders can actually afford. As governor, I’ll fight to make sure everyone can afford to live and raise their family here.

Elections, ethics & government

What actions will you take to protect the constitutional rights to assemble and peacefully protest?

Strong Democratic governors are the last line of defense against the chaos and cruelty coming out of the Trump administration. As governor, I’ll protect Rhode Islanders’ right to assemble and peacefully protest safely across our state and ensure every Rhode Islander can exercise their constitutional rights freely.

What actions will you take to uphold the constitutional balance between federal and state authority in the administration of our state‑run elections?

There’s no question that our elections are under attack under the Trump administration. As governor, I will work closely with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and Attorney General to ensure that Rhode Island’s elections remain free and fair and without interference. I also support Secretary Amore’s efforts to move Rhode Island’s primary earlier in the year— we should be doing everything we can to make sure people have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Other priorities

The Rhode Home Program

Increasing Supply and Making Housing Affordable for all Rhode Islanders

You Shouldn’t Have to Know a Guy

Ensuring the State House Works for All Rhode Islanders, Not Just the Insiders