Both of the candidates running in the March 5, 2024, Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 130 — Henry Arturo (D) and Brett Robinson (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Arturo:
- “Public education is essential to the well-being of our country and its people. It serves as the foundation for an informed and engaged citizenry, vital for the survival of democracy. We must ensure that teachers are appropriately paid and that their long-term careers are worth the investment by safeguarding retirement pay from political and economic pressures. The founding fathers of our nation understood that public education is an investment in the future of a well-organized society. It is important to fight back against school voucher schemes, underfunding and budget cuts. Restrictions on curriculum and academic freedom aim to censor educators and stifle critical thinking.
- Expanding Medicaid is a critical step in bridging the healthcare gap for tax-paying citizens. In Texas, where Medicaid currently covers over 5.8 million people out of a population of 30.5 million, there remains a significant number of gainfully employed individuals who lack coverage due to prohibitable high costs. However, if Texas were to adopt Medicaid expansion, approximately 1.4 million low-income adults between the ages of 19 and 65 could become eligible for this essential program. Moreover, expanding Medicaid provides financial security for families, leading to lower rates of evictions and overall economic stability. By investing in healthcare, we not only ensure a healthy workforce but also contribute to a stronger economy.
- As our district expands, it is crucial to ensure that our infrastructure aligns with the needs of our citizens while mindfully considering the environmental impact on our local ecosystems. Safeguarding the investment funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all Texans have access to reliable, clean drinking water, high-speed broadband, improved roads and bridges, and an enhanced public transportation system. Furthermore, as we invest in infrastructure, we must integrate renewable technologies to achieve our long-term goals of job creation and reducing our environmental footprint.”
Robinson:
- “My first priority is to restore reproductive freedom. We just recently had a fifty year precedent overturned with the Dobbs decision, and we are seeing states all over the nation attacking women’s autonomy. My opponent is the author of the Heartbeat Act, which bans abortion after 6 weeks and provides no exception for rape or incest. Kate Cox’s story, and many more like hers, have shown us how extreme the law truly is. Women wanting families are afraid to get pregnant in Texas, as they know they will likely be denied care if they have a miscarriage. My opponent is directly responsible for the loss of this basic human right, and he needs to be held accountable. I decided to run when I saw he went unchallenged in the last election cycle.
- My second priority is to create an economy that works for everyone. We can start by recognizing growing income inequality is leaving the working class behind. In a research project where I conducted a data analysis across all fifty states, I found that high sales taxes and the lack of rural broadband are both correlated with higher levels of income inequality. In addition to reform in these areas, I would also protect unions and public education. If we want economic opportunity for all, then we need to adequately fund our public schools and allow workers to collectively bargain for good wages and benefits.
- My third priority is reasonable gun reform. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., and the 2nd Amendment clearly allows for regulation. My philosophy is that we should be regulating firearms like we do with the automobile industry. Before you can get a license to drive, you need to prove that you have competent and sufficient driving skills. Likewise, we ought to require licenses for gun ownership that prove competency in the use, safety, and storage of firearms. No lawmaker in their right mind would get rid of driver’s licenses, nor would anyone suggest that they ‘take away our cars.’ So why do we tolerate permitless carry? It is insulting to the victims of gun violence demanding change.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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