2020 Election Profile: Maryellen Goodwin, Senate District 1
GoLocalProv Political Team
2020 Election Profile: Maryellen Goodwin, Senate District 1
Read what she has to say about why she is running to return to the State House. She serves as the Senate Majority Whip.
This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.
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1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
How we weather and rebuild from COVID-19 is the biggest issue facing our state. The virus has dealt a blow to our economy and exposed significant deficiencies in our public health system. We must implement safeguards to assist the unemployed, our small businesses, and our seniors and at-risk populations.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
First, we need to support working families as they struggle during this crisis. We can’t have people choosing between their mortgage or rent and their bills. That will only send them into a spiral of indebtedness that will linger with them for years to come. I am hopeful that the federal government will come through with an extension of some benefits to assist displaced workers.
To position Rhode Island to succeed in the long-term, I think we also need to use this opportunity to increase investments in what we know works: early learning, public education, and job retraining. We know that a well-trained, well-educated workforce can be a catalyst for economic development, so I look forward to fighting for increased funding for Providence’s children if I am re-elected to the State Senate.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
COVID-19 has exposed deep divides within our state. Neighboring communities, even neighboring zip codes, have felt dramatically different consequences of this virus. We need to better understand why this occurred and work to remedy it. Every child deserves access to a quality education and quality healthcare, no matter their zip-code.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for re-election to the State Senate because I love fighting for Providence’s working families. Now, more than ever, they need a strong and experienced champion in the State Senate. Over the last two years, I have secured increased education aid, fought to raise wages, and protected our seniors and at-risk populations. We are in the middle of a public health and economic crisis. Now is not the time for an inexperienced leader. I have a tried and tested record that reflects a deep commitment to our capital city and its residents, and I look forward to continuing to work on their behalf if I am re-elected.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My late father Tom and the late Providence City Council President Russell Boyle both instilled in me a profound appreciation for the role of community service. My nieces and nephews also continue to inspire me each and every day.