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Kenneth King – Puyallup, WA

Will you support funding to expand access to free school meals to all grades?

Yes.

Will you support increasing funding for senior nutrition programs?

Yes.

If elected, in what areas would you support making investments to overcome structural racism and racial inequities?

All. For example, one of my primary campaign points is “Youth Rights” which includes state participation in the federal JJDP Act. The fourth pillar of which, is to recognize the over representation of BIPOC youth in juvenile detention. It also includes the underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals enrolled in survivor services here in Pierce county. Race, is interwoven with our existing system. All areas need to evaluated.

TAX POLICY Question: What measures will you support that promote equity and fairness in Washington’s tax code and create more opportunity for community investment? 

The capital gains tax, is only about 4.7% raise from the year prior. But the community equity received have already proven to make great changes. Such as the new policies that school lunches in many districts are no longer at-time payment. We should never, go back to slapping food out of children’s hands for not having as low as 75c in their pocket. That being said, at the same time, homes in my own district are listed as non-transit taxable. And yet those families have to pay regardless of how their house is listed, even though my districts people currently experience public transportation based food, health care, and employment deserts of 2 to 5 miles, and as we lose more routes, we see our community members and the regional community of central and east Pierce, experiencing similar deserts of up to 30 miles. My goal, is that the top 1% pays their fair share, and that the taxes that the majority pays, actually go to support our needs. As someone who works “boots on the ground” survival services, I am also more aware than other candidates, how our system is failing, along with its strengths. We have the ability to make our programs more affordable through consistent and efficient services.

If Washington voters maintain the state’s Climate Commitment Act, will you support increasing CCA funding for programs that encourage and support food donation?

Yes.

Do you support increasing EFAP funding?

Yes.

Will you support policies and funding that improve access to land and resources for individuals and communities to develop urban agriculture and community gardens in Washington?

Yes.

Will you advocate for initiatives that ensure fair compensation and support for small farmers and community food producers, enhancing individual and community food sovereignty in Washington?  

Yes. Please remember that in our district (and in the connecting south and east Pierce county) we are currently experiencing loss of rural lands to over development. Specifically farm land and areas that are historically self reliant through home farming. Not only do we need to support our urban agriculture, community gardens, and local farming initiatives, We need to make sure our people have access to direct representation and supports. Right now that is not happening.