Michael Zumbluskas

Environment / Energy We are in a bind. Retiring nuclear plants too quickly is ill-advised. Germany did it, and now they are in a terrible predicament, relying upon dirty oil from the filthy Russian government. We must learn a lesson from Germany’s experience. People justifiably are concerned about a nuclear meltdown, but the reality is the industry has a remarkably safe record. We need to continue using nuclear energy, relieving us of oil, until safer and cleaner energy sources become available. Let’s not panic. Give a 25 year window. I’m confident great options will emerge by then. Meantime, let nuclear plants provide clean energy. Environment / Energy Geothermal energy from boiling heat deep inside the earth and ocean tides also provide important opportunities. Deep down in the earth the temperature is nearly 10,000°, about the same as the surface of the sun. Tapping into this energy is an obvious way to get clean and endless energy. Housing Many Nycha buildings and schools are troubled. From mold to aging roofs and boilers, much work has to be done to ensure students and residents have obvious basics like hot water, heat and walls that are not filled with lead paint or mold. I will do everything I can as your congressman to bring federal funding so that essential repairs are made. Infrastructure / Transportation Too often we endure the consequences of bursting pipes, sinkholes, flooding and other problems resulting from the aging infrastructure beneath our streets. I propose a comprehensive program dealing with pipes, electrical and sewage systems. All must be modernized. It is senseless for us to wait for things to break The federal government can help. As your congressman I will passionately work to bring necessary funding. Education Critical race theory (CRT) and cancel culture interfere with academic standards. Obviously we want to end prejudice and teach youth to respect people of all skin colors and ethnic background. But biased teachers broadcasting extremist or personal agendas is not the right path. Books should not have an agenda outside of its intended topic. Teachers should not use classrooms as a forum to project personal opinions. if you teach English, focus and grammar and quality wrting. If you teach math, only teach math. Education Over $39 billion was spent on NYC education in 2023-24 - $38,000/student. The average nationwide is $15,600. We have shameful results despite paying over double the national average. Schools are meant to teach math, science, English… not sexual preferences, which also is an issue. I will work to restore quality education and end generations of failed (and costly!) education. Economy Products from stoves to microchips to long-lost basics (like medical supplies) must be made here. Covid showed how vulnerable we are when products are made abroad. Our country is also vulnerable to rare earths coming from China - ores important to technologies like batteries and cell phones. We must restore Rare Earth mines as a matter of national security. We must be in the cutting edge in technologies of the future like car batteries, solar panels and clean energy products. Make sure they are produced by American workers “Made in America” must be permanent policy. Underlying causes for millions of Americans watching their quality of life decline requires restoration of U.S. Manufacturing. This must be a priority. Foreign Policy I will confront crazed American flag-burning protesters who support Hamas, which plots to destroy Israel and kill millions of Israelis, murdered 1200 civilians, savagely raped women, dismembered bodies of dead women and children, and took 251 hostages. Immigration Businesses (or parents) have labor needs, from farms to poultry factories to nannies. Ensure everyone works legally with a work visa. It involves: 1) massively increasing DOL staff, 2) punish and fine employers who hire workers without a work visa, 3) eliminate the visa lottery where only 1/4 of H1B applicants are accepted and satisfy reasonable employer needs to encourage legal hiring, 4) deny visas to anyone not granted asylum or here illegally, 5) only grant visas to those enrolled in a college or who apply in country of origin, and 6) revise DOL procedures so that visa applications are decided in 3 weeks. Document forgers must be prosecuted and deported. Many employers have legitimate labor needs. Fill those needs, but do it correctly. Everyone who works must have a work visa. All employers violating laws must be heavily fined and punished. News reports note it could take up to 100 years to address violators given current staff. Triple DOL staff annd let local law enforcement assist.