Larson discusses taxes, budget deficit, Ukraine, Court, defense $$$

Patch.com recently submitted questions to U.S. Rep. John Larson's re-election campaign office for an e-mail interview. Larson (D-1) of East Hartford was initially elected in 1998 and if he captures a 13th term on November 8 against Republican challenger Larry Lazor of West Hartford, he would become the Connecticut's second longest ever tenured member of the U.S. House of Representatives after U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3) of New Haven, who was initially elected in 1990. He is a member of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee. The transcript of the questions and Larson's answers has been presented in its entirety.

By Scott Benjamin

1. Washington Post economics columnist Catherine Rampell has quoted Steven M. Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, as saying, “If you’re not a tax cheat, hedge fund manager or a corporation making over $1 billion, you’re not affected” by the tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Do you agree, and why?

Absolutely. In crafting the legislation, we were committed to ensuring that it lowered costs without increasing taxes on everyday Americans or small businesses. We certainly achieved that. We are helping ease global inflation driven by the pandemic, while taking historic steps to combat climate change, cut prescription drug and healthcare costs for millions of seniors, and reduce the deficit! Simply put, this is another historic piece of legislation passed by Democrats.

2. How will the federal infrastructure program approved in 2021 improve life in the First Congressional District?

The federal infrastructure program is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Greater Hartford. With this funding, we can begin to address critical issues in the region, including fixing the infamous I-84/I-91 interchange, the #1 traffic chokehold in Connecticut. In addition to reducing commutes for all driving on this interchange, this project will also end the racial and economic isolation of East Hartford Meadow’s and the North End of Hartford, the poorest ZIP code in our state. And it’s only one of hundreds of critical projects taking place in towns across Connecticut. Because of this funding, Greater Hartford residents will have better access to broadband, cleaner drinking water, more economic opportunity, and they’ll even be safer from climate related disasters, as we begin to repair our often overlooked and dangerously old levee systems in Hartford and East Hartford.

3. The annual federal budget deficit has been above $1 trillion over the recent years and there hasn’t been a balanced federal budget in 21 years. What steps should be taken to reduce the deficit beyond the Inflation Reduction Act?

I worked closely with President Obama to bring down the deficit following the financial crisis. Unfortunately, President Trump’s tax cuts for the rich massively ballooned the deficit. Then the pandemic required urgent response. The Inflation Reduction Act is a great step in combating the deficit. Further steps should include making sure that America’s billionaires are paying their fair share and targeted investment to grow our economy and bring in additional revenue.

4. Your Republican opponent, Larry Lazor, has criticized you for being too reliant on special interest money. What is your response?

Over my career, I have raised or given more than $8 million to help elect Democratic candidates in tough races, many of whom were instrumental in retaining our razor-thin majority this cycle. It takes resources to win these fights, and it takes winning for us to tackle climate change, pass Social Security reform, and act on dozens of other priorities.

I grew up in a Federal Housing project, went to public schools, and entered public service because I learned from my mom the importance in helping your community however you can. I fight every day for my community and for the values I learned growing up - my record and my agenda reflects that. When anyone chooses to support my campaign, they are buying into my agenda, not the other way around.

5. U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) of Greenwich has endorsed 18-year terms for the members of the U.S. Supreme Court. Do you support his proposal?

I believe in America’s Democracy and that we must fight to defend it. The Justices of the Supreme Court who were untruthful during their confirmation process have damaged faith and trust. As a result, we have to consider proposals like this from my esteemed colleague. At the same time, our system is one of checks and balances, which means that one branch of government must step in when the other oversteps. Major Supreme Court decisions that have harmed our nation, including weakening campaign finance laws, stripping Voting Rights Act protections, taking away a woman’s right to choose, and dismantling environmental protections, can all be addressed through legislative action. The House has done so, and now the Senate filibuster is what is standing in the way of protecting our rights and our environment. It’s long past time to end the filibuster.

6. Do you foresee employment remaining stable or increasing in the coming years at Raytheon’s Francis Pratt and Amos Whitney facility in East Hartford?

We certainly hope so. We work every day to ensure that Connecticut has the skilled workforce that firms like Pratt and Whitney need to power their business. We have led the fight to ensure that Connecticut is THE source for engines that power America’s defense, as well as that of our allies. This is more important than ever in light of recent global events. While it is tough to predict the actual numbers because the airline industry is still recovering from the pandemic, I am confident we will see growth return to the industry soon.

7. Additionally, former Washington Post economics columnist Robert Samuelson wrote in 2018 that in 1960 defense spending was 52 percent of the budget and that by 2018 it had fallen to 16 percent. Should a larger slice of the federal budget be devoted to defense spending?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasing threats towards its neighbors reminds us there are “bad guys” out there and America must be prepared. We must spend wisely and as necessary to continue innovating and developing systems that keep America and our allies safe. We are the wealthiest nation on earth, and we can both invest in our defense and in critical domestic priorities at home.

8. Your evaluation of President Biden’s response to the crisis in the Ukraine?

The President has done a masterful job of responding to this complex situation. He has balanced the need to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves from this unjust invasion while avoiding dangerous escalation in the face of Putin’s threats of nuclear escalation. We must continue to support Ukraine and look to bring peace to the region as soon as possible.