Keith Salkowski

Keith Salkowski earned a high school diploma from John Carroll School, a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1979, and a graduate degree from the American Film Institute in 1997. Salkowski's career experience includes working in communications.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Baltimore. My parents were hard-working Polish-Americans, both of whom graduated from the University of Maryland. They were happily married for 58 years. I have nine siblings. I also have a son, who is a literal rocket scientist and of whom, I am understandably very proud. I also have a wonderful daughter-in-law and two lively, beautiful young granddaughters.

Coming from a large extended family, I’ve seen up-close how family is often our first and best support system. But to ensure strong, stable families throughout our nation, we need government policies and programs that offer robust support to those very same families.

As a life-long student of history, I’m keenly aware that this great country of ours has perhaps the most noble founding principles of any nation ever, and that as fallible humans, we have not always lived up to those noble ideals. That is not something to be ashamed of, but to help lead us to be better.

I believe deeply in our founding principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We were founded on the notion that the best form of government is self-government. It greatly disturbs me that we are moving toward a government by and for the very richest and most powerful... but it doesn’t have to be that way. With your help, I’ll start moving us back to the basic American principles of government that made us the richest and greatest country on.

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?

The American Healthcare system is fundamentally broken. Compared to all other developed countries, we spend twice per person and get worse outcomes. Some 20-40% of every dollar spent on private health insurance premiums goes to executive salaries, overhead, advertising and corporate profits.

This is not just inefficient, it’s unsustainable. We need to think big... and act big.

Over 90% of Medicare enrollees are happy with it. Medicare is universal (if you’re 65 or older), and inexpensive (2026 premiums are about $220 per month). It’s far more efficient than private insurance, with roughly one-fifth the administrative cost and none of the corporate profits or multi-million-dollar CEO salaries.

Medicare for every American. Period.We must pass the Social Security Expansion Act. This vital legislation increases benefits for most recipients, ensures the cost-of-living adjustment better reflects how seniors actually spend, and improves other aspects of this fundamental American social safety net program. Most important, it keeps Social Security solvent through this century. It is paid within the bill, by subjecting all income to social security taxes for those earning more than $250,000 per year.There is nothing more basic to supporting strong families than ensuring that no child goes without the basic necessities of life.

The 2021 expansion of the child tax credit cut the child poverty rate by nearly half. It was as simple as that.

We need a 2027 expansion that aims to eliminate child poverty in America, the richest country in the history of the planet.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A strong labor movement and thriving unions lift ALL workers. Higher levels of union membership are strongly correlated to less income inequality, higher family incomes, better health and retirement benefits, and greater life satisfaction... for ALL families, union or otherwise.

As a former, and proud, union member, I know first-hand the significant benefits that union membership bestows. I have also seen first-hand how a strong union presence in an industry forces non-union employers to treat their employees better.

We need to enshrine in federal law the right of every American worker, whether in the private or public sector, to collectively bargain; discourage anti-union activities by corporations; and support the labor movement.

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

I admire FDR. Despite his wealth and privileged upbringing, he fought for and achieved a great deal for everyday working Americans.

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

Integrity, honesty, commitment to public service, keeping an open mind, being a good listener.

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

To serve my constituents, to communicate honestly and often to my constituents, to keep the promises I make to my constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as someone who was a dedicated father, grandfather, friend and co-worker. Someone who was honest, hard-working, generous and loving.

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

I started helping my father, who among other things was a CPA, do simple bookkeeping tasks when I was 12-years-old. I made $0.25/hour. I did that for 2 years.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I'm naturally introverted, so approaching strangers and engaging them in conversation is something I always have to push myself to do.

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

It brings together representatives from every corner of the country to (hopefully) address the big challenges facing America and Americans.

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

Reducing the influence of big money in politics. This will make Congress and the President more responsive to the interests and needs of average Americans, help us address income inequality, and allow us to implement bold progressive policies to help every American achieve their dream.

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

Compromise is absolutely necessary in policymaking.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The assassination of JFK.