Name: Marianna Everson

Town: Montesano

Party: Democratic

Education: Associates in Science in Nursing

Employment or business background: I have struggled in low-wage jobs most of my adulthood, and became a registered nurse in 2011. I participated in a nurse residency program at Grays Harbor Community Hospital, worked in the critical care unit for 6 years. I now work in an evaluation and treatment mental health inpatient program in McCleary.

Endorsements: (Please limit the number of endorsements to 3): Our Revolution (National), Olympia Democratic Socialists of America, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP, AFT)

Questions

1. We’ve had an updated revenue forecast for almost a month and we know more about the financial and social impacts of COVID-19. Is it time for the Legislature to have a special session to address budget and other issues?

Yes, we must address the budget, but not by making cuts like we did in 2009. We must invest our way out of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis.

2. Because of Covid-19, the state will lose billions of dollars in revenue over this biennium and next, much more than is in the current rainy day fund. Balancing the budget will mean cuts and/or raising taxes. What are your thoughts on whether to cut spending or raise revenue?

We must bring in new revenue by going where the money is. We have a mighty opportunity to tax people who can afford to be taxed. Two of the three richest people in the country (and many others) live in our state and we have a very good opportunity to bring in the billions of dollars we need to recover from the COVID-19 shortfalls without cutting needed programs or taxing the 99% of us who were already struggling pre-COVID-19.

3. If the Legislature has to raise taxes to balance the budget, which segments of the economy should see the increases.

The top 1%.

4. Is there a need for policing reform? If so, what are some of the issues that need addressing?

We are expecting too much from enforcement agencies. Not every problem can be solved with a gun and handcuffs, nor should they be. We must get smarter about what our communities need by funding addiction services, mental health services, domestic violence counselors, by getting people jobs, and putting people in homes.

5. What is the most pressing need in your district and what can the Legislature do to address it?

Our people are dying and going bankrupt because they can’t afford proper health care. We can stop this by passing a not-for-profit health care system with Whole Washington Health Trust.