Raul Ruiz

Small business is the lifeblood of the American economy. As a member of the Small Business Caucus, I continue to foster bipartisan relationships in order to cut bureaucratic red tape, level the playing field, and create economic conditions for business of all sizes to thrive and succeed. I also believe it is vital for our economy and the well being of American families to prioritize women’s economic security. That’s why I have fought for equal pay for equal work, expanding paid family and sick leave, and increasing access to affordable child care.

One of the greatest crises facing this district and Southern California is the dying Salton Sea. It poses a significant threat to the families in our region and I have been working with local, regional, and federal stakeholders since my first day in Congress to secure funding and address this issue head-on. We must work collectively to protect our drinking water and air supply. I am also working hard to shine a light on environmental justice. That’s why I introduced a landmark piece of legislation called the Environmental Justice Act of 2017 along with my friend Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. We must do better at addressing these pressing issues and making progress to address climate change.

As an emergency physician, I understand how critically important it is for every American to have access to quality, affordable healthcare. While some improvements have been made, our system remains imperfect and too expensive. I voted to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and I am working to make out of pocket costs and prescription drugs more affordable while continuing to ensure that insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate against women. Lowering out-of-pocket costs is a top priority for me in Congress, in addition to addressing the opioid epidemic and reforming our system to ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.

I have spent my time in Congress standing up for seniors by fighting to protect and expand Medicare and Social Security. It’s a promise I made when I first ran and it’s a promise I have kept. Seniors have paid for, earned, and been promised these benefits after a lifetime of hard work and I will always stand up for them by working to expand and protect these commitments while opposing any cuts or changes to the retirement age.