Erik Terwey

Erik Terwey was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Terwey's career experience includes working as a manager and public school teacher. He earned a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2005 and 2008, respectively.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud member of Oklahoma's working class. I was born in Minnesota in 1981, moved to Oklahoma in 1986, and as an adult, I have chosen to stay and thrive here.

In 2005, I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. I then accepted an offer to join the graduate program and teach introductory-level French courses while I completed my studies. I completed my M.A. in 2008 and was accepted to Teach for America, AmeriCorps's domestic educational service corps. After training in NYC Public Schools, I was placed in Tulsa Public Schools, joined my local union, TCTA, and taught for 5 wonderful years.

In 2014, I returned to Bartlesville, where I began to manage Jareds' Frozen Custard, a position I continue to hold. Teaching was a very edifying profession; you get to change lives daily. I missed the impact I used to make as a teacher, so I became very involved in volunteer work. I have tutored immigrants who wanted to learn English, served as a court mediator for Oklahoma's Early Settlement Mediation, coached those ready to take their citizenship test, served on boards for the local library and equality groups, contributed to the local political discourse, and more. I pride myself on serving others and take every opportunity to give back as much as possible.

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?

We need an economy that prioritizes the worker-class American. Our economy currently caters to the billionaires and their mega corporations, instead of working for everyone. I believe that the working class, not the billionaire class, is the most important part of the American economy. WE make the products. WE stock the shelves. WE sell the services and goods. WE fire the engines of the American economy. Us, not them!

A free and fair economy can and WILL work for everyone---when we even the playing field and eliminate the unfair, corrupt tax breaks and subsidies we currently give to large corporations. Only then will we meet our budgetary obligations, reduce our deficit, and provide a market where small businesses can compete.Our healthcare system is far too expensive and inefficient. With our deficit ballooning and a population that is aging, our country needs to solve the healthcare cost crisis NOW. If everyone in the country used Medicare instead of the THOUSANDS of restrictive and over-priced plans offered to them by private insurance companies through their employer, we would be saving HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars EACH YEAR!

Add to this my personal conviction that everyone, no matter their income, has a right to seek healthcare. Period. That is why I 100% support an expansion of Medicare to cover every person in America.Several generations ago, our country made a solemn pledge: if you work hard, contribute to our society, pay into our system, and play by the rules, we will NOT let you fall into poverty. With that promise, we created the Social Security Administration and have subsequently saved tens of millions of senior citizens from destitution.

Social Security and Medicaid should NEVER be cut, much less eliminated! I support EXPANDING social security benefits to reflect the actual rise in the cost of living. Entitlement programs like Social Security were EARNED through years of hard work and paying taxes. We should not allow anyone, but especially not our own government, to break its word and take from our country's seniors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a former teacher, I am particularly passionate about education and the impact it has on every facet of American life.

From my work in small business management, I know that too much of our tax burden rests on small businesses. I am interested in working with the Small Business Administration to find ways to ease that burden.

As someone who has experienced our broken healthcare system firsthand, I am passionate about healthcare access and maintaining critical medical services provided through Medicaid and the V.A.

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

Integrity, honesty, and empathy are the most important characteristics an elected official can possess.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Members of the House of Representatives are responsible for crafting our nation's budget, passing our laws, and providing a strong Constitutional check on the two other branches of our federal government through Congressional oversight.

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

The fall of the Berlin Wall. I was 8 at the time.

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?

So much of what needs to be done in this country costs money. Unfortunately, the working class, who make up the vast majority of our country, cannot be squeezed for any more money. The taxes collected from average Americans and small business owners cannot cover the costs of our 21st-century society. That's where progressives like me come in.

Only the House can introduce legislation that raises revenue, meaning that only the House can introduce taxes. I will introduce or co-sponsor legislation that will finally ask large corporations to do what all Americans do: PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Members of the U.S. House are constitutionally required to provide a powerful check on the other branches of government, and doing otherwise would violate the oath of office that all House members take.

What committees interest you?

House Education and Workforce Committee

House Small Business Committee

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

House Ethics Committee

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency is required in order to eliminate and prevent further corruption. Those in positions of power who abuse authority should be held 100% accountable to the American people for their crimes. Public service is a sacred privilege and a deep honor. Only those with integrity should be allowed to lead our government, and those guilty of defrauding the American public should face criminal prosecution.