Adam Follmer

My view on inflation is directly connected to our ability to afford basic necessities. If the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be nearly double what it is today. With rent averaging around $1,500 a month, a minimum wage worker would need to work more than 52 hours a week just to cover housing—and that’s before taxes. I see the rise of the common class movement as an effort to redistribute resources more fairly, helping to soften the blow of inflation and make everyday life more sustainable for working people.

There are many people in government – local, state, and federal – that are doing the hard work of supporting their constituents. However, these people have become less and less and so often we see our elected officials side with corporate interests over citizen livelihood. My response to this question is to change the equation. If the democrats or republicans cannot serve the US citizens, then bring in people who will.

Profiting from healthcare is ultimately a losing model for patients. I fully support transitioning to a single-payer system that guarantees access for all. While this shift will be a major undertaking requiring careful planning, I believe the healthcare community is ready for the challenge.

I spent seven years working as a medical speech-language pathologist, and I saw firsthand how the current system fails both patients and providers. When therapists are required to maintain over 90% productivity—measured strictly by billable, direct patient care—it devalues the many indirect ways we support patient outcomes. This example shows profits over people.

My view on education is simple: we must invest in our future. Public schools have been so underfunded that, in my district, building improvement and repairs often depend on passing local referendums—placing the burden on taxpayers. Our children will be the ones solving the problems of tomorrow, and we owe it to them to provide the tools they need to succeed. That means not only funding our schools adequately but also listening to educators and understanding what they need to be effective in the classroom.

Climate change is a crisis we can no longer afford to ignore. Its implications are vast and urgent—entire regions may soon become uninhabitable due to extreme conditions. This is no longer just about slowing climate change; it’s about preparing for the impacts that are already arriving. We must develop clear, forward-thinking strategies to support affected communities, while fully committing to the development and expansion of green technologies. I am a strong advocate for a Green New Deal and believe bold action is essential for a livable future.