2020 Election Profile: Miguel Torres, House District 38
GoLocalProv Political Team
2020 Election Profile: Miguel Torres, House District 38
Read what he has to say about why he is running for office.
This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of our essential workers who are often working minimum wage jobs. Not only are these workers putting their health at risk, they are also working multiple jobs to make ends meet and are not receiving the pay they deserve. No one who works 40 hours each week should be struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head. Increasing the minimum wage to $15 would ensure a living wage and benefit our economy tremendously. Our communities also would benefit greatly from proper funding through fair taxation. We need to ensure quality public education, a livable future, and universal healthcare.
2. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
The future of Rhode Island depends on our response to the climate crisis. If we want to avoid climate chaos and disasters, we need to act now. Much of our economy is dependent on coastal tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and our residents who choose to live on the shores of Rhode Island. These are all under threat due to climate change. Rising sea levels have the potential to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of Rhode Islanders, as well as our economy. A Green New Deal for Rhode Island will not only tackle the climate crisis, but also address the housing crisis, environmental racism, and benefit our economy greatly. We can secure hundreds of good jobs, while protecting the future of our state.
3. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
We need to create an economy that works for all Rhode Islanders. This includes fair taxation by creating a new tax bracket for the top 1% and raising the marginal tax rate on this group. Raising the minimum wage to $15 would also help stimulate our economy because it redistributes money towards the working class, who most reliably spend their earnings in RI. One of the best things we can do for the economy is to embrace a Green New Deal for Rhode Island. We can create thousands of good jobs while saving our coastal communities and leading as an example for the rest of the country.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for office to create real change and a better future for Rhode Islanders. Through implementing a Green New Deal, we will not only ensure that our planet is livable, but that it is more equitable and just. I know that the majority of Rhode Islanders want a livable future in which they have access to healthcare, education, livable wages, and affordable housing. Yet, instead of prioritizing justice and the wellbeing of all Rhode Islanders, the current statehouse works for the elite. As a young person, my future is at stake and I know that I need to stand up to fossil fuel executives for the good of humanity. My entire generation isn’t even sure that we will live on a planet hospitable enough for our children. The window to take effective action is closing rapidly. In the General Assembly, I will represent the people in my community and pass legislation that supports their wellbeing, not corporations, and a wealthy few.
5. Who is your inspiration?
Politically, I’m most inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She ran an insurgent grassroots campaign and represents her constituents with bravery and authenticity. As the co-author of the Green New Deal, she advances visionary policy and denounces injustices. Personally, I’m inspired by my parents. My father immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. in the 90s because he had a dream of giving his children better opportunities. Both of my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, showing me the importance of hard work, but also inspiring me to fight for a living wage, immigration justice, and fair taxation.
Biography:
Miguel Torres is running for State Representative out of Rhode Island’s 38th House District. He is the son of an immigrant and was raised by middle-class parents. He has lived in Rhode Island his entire life and is working hard to put himself through school at the University of Rhode Island. Miguel is an organizer with the Sunrise Movement, a group of young people fighting to stop climate change and ensure a just transition for frontline communities. While working with Sunrise in South County, he has seen how our government consistently puts the profits of big corporations before the people and places we hold dear. As a member of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, Miguel will fight for a platform that includes a $15 minimum wage, the Green New Deal, single-payer healthcare, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, quality public education, immigrant rights, and getting money out of politics.
Campaign Contact Info
Website: torresforri.com
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @torresforri