Eric Bruno

Eric Bruno was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2008.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Pennsylvania native that is a compassionate person who cares about people. I only look to do the best good for the most people and especially our most vulnerable.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthcare is a human rightHousing is a human rightEducation will better our society so eliminate student debt

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing, Student Debt, and Universal Health Care

I experience homelessness in college and had to make a choice to perservere and find places to stay temproalriy or drop out. I made it through and gradusted college. I never want anyone to feel the desperation of not having the key to the place they are staying. It is a horrible feeling.

Student loan debt is holding back the American Dream. People are putting off getting married, having children, and buying a home. Eliminate or cancel a portion of it and we can have our next generation prosper

Finally Universal healthcare. We just went through a pandemic that showed universal health care is a necessity to a basic level of societal need. From my platform: Healthcare should not be run for the profit of administrators, executives and stockholders – nor should these faceless strangers have the ability to decide the quality and affordability of your medical care. America has by far the most expensive healthcare in the world, yet we’re not even in the top 30 in healthcare outcomes

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

There are so many historical figures that matter to me. As a progressive, I look up to Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt. As a pro labor candidate I look up to those who fought for rights around the turn of the century, including those who fought literally in the Battle of Blair Mountain. I of course look up to Bernie Sanders as he is the modern icon of the progressive movement. One day I hope to be as influential as him.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty. Integrity. Respect

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the 1991 invasion of Iraq and watching it at age 5 with my family in the living room.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked right out of high school at a small two bay garage in Pottstown PA for which I was an apprentice mechanic. I had this job until he went to college that fall semester but I learned so much from there. I did have high school jobs at local grocers and farms in the area.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The fact that we so many diverse views. Slicing up the country 435 times makes certain areas of the country feel more represented. I would love for Congress to add more representatives.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, our country is made for and powered by regular people. If this was true we would never have good people go to Washington.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate change. Our climate is going to get worse, and we have hit a critical point where we need to protect ourselves against violent weather, rather than prevent it. I support comprehensive legislation that will spend money in the right way to protect ourselves from this devastating climate change effects.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Finance and Banking committees.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Not anymore, should go to three

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We should have term limits for all federal elected offices. If you don't get new blood in there you will never have fresh ideas.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bernie Sanders

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I volunteer at a homeless shelter. There is a guy there who was an executive in a large company. He had a few mental health issues and if he only a good safety net he wouldn't have been in the position he is in.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Of course. But you don't start with the compromised position. I'm tired of being offered half a sandwich and getting a quarter.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

You have to go through committees in most cases. There are a lot of good bills out there that I would instantly sign on to. The ideas are there, they just need more of a push.

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