Political Profile: Linda Ujifusa, Candidate for State Senate, District 11

Political Profile: Linda Ujifusa, Candidate for State Senate, District 11

Linda Ujifusa is running for State Senate in District 11. Here's what she has to say. 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island? 

I’ve knocked on a lot of doors and people are telling me their biggest political issues are the economy and environment.  They are concerned about inflation, unaffordable housing and the high cost of healthcare. Even people who are themselves economically secure are concerned as they watch their friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren struggle to afford what was previously well within reach of the middle class.  

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2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy? 

Our state's approach to economic development must stop focusing on a corporate welfare model that just gives large companies cash or tax breaks without proof that Rhode Islanders are reaping any benefit.  We need to follow what has worked in other states and invest in public infrastructure, create an educated workforce, and pass legislation that does more than benefit narrow special interests and the wealthy.  
We should also stop assuming that privatizing government functions benefits Rhode Islanders.  We must audit private for-profit health insurance companies that are running our state Medicaid program (“Managed Care Organizations,” MCOs) and acting as “Pharmacy Benefit Managers” (PBMs). Other states have found MCOs and PBMs were unjustifiably costing taxpayers and patients hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

In addition, the state should reverse the disastrous 2006 tax cuts for the wealthiest Rhode Islanders (today, those making over $450,000/year).  Instead of creating the intended “trickle down” benefit, this policy simply reduced state income, reduced state aid to municipalities, and resulted in increased property taxes - shifting the tax burden to the middle class. 

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state? 

The greatest challenge to Rhode Island is climate change. Climate change is causing the excessive heat, droughts and floods that threaten all our communities. Our coastal communities face the existential threat of rising sea levels that will submerge parts or all of these cities and towns unless we act. While climate change is a global problem, there are steps we can and must take in Rhode Island, such as minimizing our carbon footprint and making emergency preparedness and resiliency our top priorities. 

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

I’ve served three terms on the Portsmouth Town Council, am past board chair of the Aquidneck Land Trust, current chair of a non-profit advocating for universal affordable healthcare, and Executive Committee member of the RI Democratic Women’s Caucus. Having served my community and the state in these capacities, I have the experience, skills and work ethic needed to best represent District 11 at the State House. 

I have not just listened to constituent concerns, I have acted to address them.  On the town council, I helped ensure that Safety Audits were undertaken on East Main and West Main roads and that our Senior Center would be rebuilt with 50 units of affordable senior housing. We also secured a $339,000 grant from the RI Infrastructure Bank to implement climate change resiliency measures in Common Fence Point and Island Park.  

I moved to Rhode Island almost 30 years ago to raise a family here because I saw the state as rich in beauty, history and cultural traditions. I’ve worked hard since then to ensure that we thrive as a state, and I will continue that work at the State House.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

I was inspired to get into politics because of Senator Bernie Sanders.  He is honest.  His values and concerns to protect the 99% were ahead of their time and have not changed over time.  He has courageously and consistently stood up for economic and social justice when it was not easy nor fashionable.  He has achieved important goals. And whether they agree with his policies or not, people across the political spectrum respect him.  

I am also inspired by my husband, J. Mark Ryan, MD.  We met in college and I’ve always looked up to him as someone who could have picked any career, but always chose to help others and work for the common good.  In addition to spending long days and weekends taking care of patients and dealing with mountains of insurance company paperwork unrelated to actual healthcare, he devotes time and energy to advocating for affordable comprehensive healthcare for all and also serves on the Portsmouth Town Council.

Read more about her campaign here.