Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives - New York 17th Congressional District in 2020 New York Regular and Presidential Primary Election.
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Get StartedAsha strongly and unequivocally supports a woman’s right to choose. As a member of Congress, Asha will stand up to any attempt to weaken the reproductive health protections outlined in Roe V. Wade. Learn more
Numerous studies have documented the disproportionate representation of people of color in the criminal justice system. In addition to figures from experts, we know the human toll of mass incarceration: It fractures families and communities, blunts the incarcerated individual’s chances of achieving the American dream, and sets many on a perpetual path to re-incarceration. This must end. As a member of Congress, Asha will support measures to end mass incarceration, in addition to standards that provide funding for re-entry, job training, and mental health programs. Learn more
Asha supports stronger Congressional oversight of military conflict, including targeted Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which include delineated sunsets, target groups, and engagement operations. Learn more
As a veteran herself, Asha believes that veterans should have better benefits for transition, disabled, and homeless vets. She vehemently advocates modernizing the VA due to the inadequate number of resources in personnel. Asha is also concerned about the growing suicidal rate and advocates for better access to the VA. Learn more
Asha also supports additional funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to ensure that returning servicemen and women are properly supported through their transition to civilian life. Learn more
As a veteran herself, Asha believes that veterans should have better benefits for transition, disabled, and homeless vets. She vehemently advocates modernizing the VA due to the inadequate number of resources in personnel. Asha is also concerned about the growing suicidal rate and advocates for better access to the VA. Learn more
Access to quality education is not only requisite for participating in most sectors of our increasingly competitive global economy, and it is a human right. As a member of Congress, Asha will support legislation to strengthen our education system: Asha will support measures to increase teacher pay, invest in K-12 education, and provide additional funding for STEM programs and study abroad opportunities. Learn more
Currently, student loan repayment options are limited. Asha supports the creation of new repayment schemes that allow student loan services to consider the borrower’s cost of living based on the geographic region when calculating monthly repayment. She also proposes loans for active and former service members of our armed forces, a program that provides student loan repayment options based on the number of years of service. Learn more
Climate change is the most significant and consequential issue of our time. Experts have warned that within the next decade, this crisis will only become more catastrophic in magnitude: Rising temperatures will increase the frequency of extreme weather events and exacerbate issues of resource scarcity and mass migration. We cannot afford to wait to confront this global challenge. Bold, comprehensive action is needed now. Asha emphatically supports the Green New Deal. We must move away from fossil fuels to optimize our energy resources and economy for the 21st century. Learn more
Gun violence in the U.S. is an epidemic that threatens the safety and wellbeing of our communities. According to estimates by every town, firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. Additionally, the Pew Research Center estimates that nearly 40,000 people die of gun-related injuries each year. As a survivor of gun violence, Asha understands: Enough is enough. Congress must address the scourge of gun violence. Asha supports bold, comprehensive, and evidence-based measures to blunt the scourge of gun violence, including universal background checks, a renewal of the assault weapons ban, and federal investment in community-based gun violence prevention and intervention programs. Learn more
Access to affordable healthcare is a human right. Asha supports a public health insurance option as a pathway to Medicare for All. Learn more
An assessment from Westchester County recently indicated that over 41% of households in Westchester pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. These figures demonstrate so clearly what Asha hears from district residents: Housing has become too costly, mainly as salaries have not kept pace. Asha supports holding HUD accountable for predatory rent increases. Learn more
Asha knows firsthand that immigrants enrich the cultural life of our communities while strengthening our economy. Asha’s connection to a pathway to citizenship is personal: Outdated immigration policies have impacted her immediate relatives. Asha strongly supports the reinstatement of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), as well as measures to mend and accelerate our broken pathway to citizenship. Finally, Asha strongly supports the 17th district’s sanctuary status. Learn more
Far too often, senior citizens are left to fend for themselves against predatory health insurance policies and pharmaceutical companies. These challenges, coupled with increasing housing costs, make it difficult for many seniors to achieve a reasonable standard of living. As a member of Congress, Asha Castleberry-Hernandez will fight for measures to lower costs of living for senior citizens, including rent control measures and lower prescription drug prices. Finally, Asha will fight to maintain Social Security. Learn more
As part of a working class, Asha understands the impacts of inadequate Tax proposals. She supports reversal of Trump's tax policy as it exacerbates wealth and equality. Restoring the S A L T deduction. Creation of a fair tax code. Removal of the loopholes that benefit only the 1%. Asha wants to foster better relationships between financial institutions and the federal government regarding postsecondary education for students that need assistance while encourage all students to be successful. She supports Small Businesses that have a need for federal intervention. Learn more
Asha believes that all people should earn a living wage for full-time work. Asha supports the Raise the Wage Act, which will propel the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024. As a member of Congress, Asha will continue fighting to ensure that incomes continue to keep pace with inflation and rising costs of living. Learn more
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