KY 6th District Democratic candidate Erin Petrey on foreign policy & more
The Herald-Leader posed seven written questions to the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, seeking to be Central Kentucky’s next member of congress.
For Democrats, those questions addressed issues like immigration, the economy, the U.S. military’s relationship with Israel, the state of the party and more. All the issues discussed would be relevant to how they navigate their position as the U.S. representative for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, should they be elected.
Candidates were limited to 150 words in their responses and agreed not to use artificial intelligence in generating their answers.
Below are Democratic contender Erin Petrey’s answers. Other candidate questionnaires can be viewed here.
If you had your way, what health care policy would the U.S. pursue and ultimately enact?
Medicare for All, nothing less is acceptable. Medicare is the most efficient insurance program in the country and I’m not referring to for-profit Medicare Advantage plans. Healthcare is a human right, and should not be a profit engine. Insurance companies shouldn’t have more say in a patient’s treatment than their doctor. As one of the wealthiest countries, we have no excuse not to provide universal healthcare. A public option may sound good but it’s just bad policy. A single-payer system will actually save money; a public option would not; the billing and administrative overhead inherent in the profit maximization of commercial plans ensures this. And no: RFK Jr. would not be in charge of it.
Affordability is a big buzz word in politics. Aside from rolling back actions of the Trump administration and GOP Congress – where all candidates agree – what would you do to make life more affordable for Kentuckians in the 6th Congressional District?
The affordability crisis started long before Trump and comes from systemic problems including trickle-down economics, stagnant wages, lack of labor protections, and Citizens’ United. First, we must ensure full-time work pays a living wage, increase the minimum wage, and peg the minimum wage to inflation to auto-adjust annually. Second, we must address housing affordability by removing private equity from owning single-family homes; targeting short-term rental companies (Airbnb, VRBO) that incentivize outside real estate investment, like in the Red River Gorge, and price out locals; and passing a national tenants bill of rights. Third, we must ensure everyone is paying their fair share. The ultra-rich not only control our political system but also don’t pay their fair share. I’m not funded by the Louisville donor class so I have no problem making them pay.
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel’s military? What factors guide your answer?
Absolutely not. The United States has never been on the correct side of labeling a genocide what it is: from Rwanda to Kosovo to the Holocaust itself, we have been a laggard in calling out severe human rights violations. Israel’s consistent violent actions against the Palestinian people - whether by unfettered settlements to withholding of food and other aid to targeting of hospitals and schools - should be considered severe human rights atrocities that should trigger the Leahy Law. This law stipulates that the U.S. will not provide foreign security aid to any country carrying out severe human rights violations. I know no clearer example of this than what is occurring in Israel. But due to the unchecked foreign money and influence of groups like AIPAC on our elected leaders, they continue to pass. It must stop now.
Democrats are in the wilderness right now. What’s your advice for fellow Democrats when it comes to winning back power in Congress, the White House and other elected offices?
Go Progressive, be a real Democrat. Voters are tired of this stale effort to attract Republican voters by pushing middle-of-the-road centrist, corporate Democrats who are just Republican-lite. We are seeing Progressives beat Republicans across the country and in the South such as Louisiana to Florida. We are on the brink of massive failure of healthcare, education, housing, and labor markets and massive change is required. Establishment Democrats continue to preach incremental change which is no longer acceptable, nor popular. They still kowtow to milquetoast party talking points, are over-consulted, and are just plain out of touch with reality. The DNC must move into the future and stop operating from a decades-old playbook. And that is why I am running as an unapologetic Progressive, because it’s the right thing to do.
Can you describe your ideal U.S. immigration policy? Please provide specifics.
America is a nation of immigrants. First, we must abolish ICE. It is not trusted and has a bloated budget and undertrained, overarmed officers terrorizing communities. The U.S. funds ICE more than any other law enforcement agency. Instead, we should invest in a civil immigration system that provides a path to citizenship, and relies on community-focused enforcement. Second, we must put a stop to 287g programs that turn immigration into a cash-cow for underfunded jails: it hurts our neighbors and law enforcement officers. Third, we must hold companies like big agribusiness accountable for exploiting undocumented workers. They entice them here with promises of good wages, but provide them no protections yet reap profits off their backs. It’s a type of indentured servitude that must stop.
What can be done in Congress to boost Central Kentucky’s economy?
Kentucky sits atop a gold mine: our people. First, we must invest in our people by investing in public schools, teachers, staff, and students by augmenting Title I support and creating federal grant programs to pay teachers and staff a living wage. Charter schools aren’t the answer; they lead to poorer education outcomes and massive budget overruns (see: Ohio). Second, public universities and community college programs must be affordable and accessible, requiring expanding grant programs and reforming federal student aid. Finally, we must attract industries that want to grow with us, not at our expense. As someone who has built companies from the ground up, I will work to attract quality investments into the state that bring good jobs, such as advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, and push out data centers and other exploitative industries.
What committees would you like to join and why?
(1) Appropriations: Congress’ top job is the power of the purse. I’ve managed billions in infrastructure programs, and know how to manage money effectively. I also want to ensure Kentucky gets a fair shake. (2) Energy and Commerce: The energy crisis is here, and we must address it. It impacts job growth, family budgets, and national security. Real energy market and permitting reform can no longer wait, and this includes large investments in renewable energy. (3) Foreign Affairs: I earned my Master’s and Bachelor’s in International Affairs and spent years working on the global stage. This administration has eroded our international reputation, and it will take someone with serious experience and acumen in foreign relations to restore it. I’m the only person in this race who fits that bill.
