Kevin Baumlin | 2022 Candidate Questionnaire

    Question 1: What prior experiences, skills and expertise would you bring as a US Senator?

    30+ years of experience as a healthcare professional, leader and educator. Most recently served as the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital and started a non-profit called O.A.K. Street Initiative to advocate for better jobs, better education and better healthcare.

    Question 2: What is your plan to win the election? Please speak to fundraising and field operations.

    Our plan is to talk to voters in any and all forms across the Commonwealth. Our efforts began in July when we began a 67 county listening tour. We have raised over $1 million dollars with over 60% being first time donors. In Philadelphia we’ve been bringing together community leaders from all across the city to discuss the most pressing issues such as gun violence, education, economic development and how to build a better Philadelphia and a better Commonwealth. This kind of grassroots organizing has never been done before in Philadelphia and is transforming electoral organizing.

    Question 3: What endorsements have you received, or are you seeking?

    Thus far the State Party has not endorsed any candidate in this race. Recent polling indicates as many as 44% of Democratic voters are still undecided. Our campaign is focused on the endorsement of Pennsylvania voters.

    Question 4: What would be your three highest priorities in the Senate?

    Better healthcare, better jobs and better education in the Commonwealth and across the country.

    Question 5: Should the filibuster be abolished or modified?

    Abolished.

    Question 6: What policies do you support to make healthcare, including long term care, more affordable and accessible?

    Universal, simple and accessible healthcare are the three fundamentals for improving our healthcare system. I was the first US Senate candidate to advocate for these changes in my healthcare policy.

    1. Universal- eliminate co-pays and deductibles
    2. Simple – eliminate preauthorizations and denials
    3. Accessible – all providers must accept payment from any & all insurance plans
    4. Let’s not forget four hours of home care for all medicare recipients

    Question 7: How will you address the climate crisis as a US Senator?

    1. No new fracking contracts. We must hold companies accountable for polluting our water and destroying our environment.
    2. Fund the climate change components of the Build Back Better plan.
    3. Embracing climate mitigation tactics like feed alternatives for livestock, investing in renewable energy and further subsidies for public transportation.

    Question 8: What policies do you support to protect voting rights and fair and transparent elections?

    I support the following voter protection policies:

    1.  John Lewis Voting Rights Act
    2. No-fault absentee voting
    3. 30 day in-person early voting iv. Freedom The Vote Act
    4. Same day voter registration.

    Question 9: What types of changes to tax policy do you believe are needed with regards to personal income tax, wealth tax, and estate tax, as well as corporate tax policy?

    15% corporate minimum tax as outlined in our President’s Build Back Better plan. Make permanent the childcare tax credit. Tax incentives to encourage manufacturing and job growth in the Commonwealth.

    Question 10: How do you plan to address housing access and affordability?

    I’ve been a strong advocate for housing-first for people with addiction, mental health issues and other comorbidities. Expanding access to first time home buyers. Having an address allows for a person to get the services that they so desperately need in order to succeed in society. We should incorporate a more grant-based program for low income housing applicants, as opposed to loan-based programs.