From my time growing up paycheck-to-paycheck raised by my mother to organizing alongside workers organizing for their fair share of the pie to being a proud union worker with IBEW #666 and IATSE #285, I know what it takes to survive hardship and still make a difference for my community. I am not running to be a back-bench rubber stamp to party bosses like others; I am running to draft and sponsor legislation that makes our community more affordable!
Higher Wages
As a proud union stagehand, I experience everyday the power of collective bargaining to ensuring we make a fairer share of the profits we generate. From strengthening labor laws by repealing Jim Crow Era “right-to-work” laws, to raising the minimum wage to over $20/hr, and enshrining the right to collectively bargain in the state constitution, so working families bring home more!
Cheaper Groceries
Spiking grocery prices are the first signs of runaway costs, and though the Trump administration campaigned on lowering costs they continue to fail to address this critical issue. As someone who knows what it’s like to struggle paycheck-to-paycheck, I’ll fight to repeal our regressive grocery tax while empowering our Attorney General’s office to take on corporate cartels that illegally conspire raise the costs of groceries so we spend less!
Lower Rents
As someone who lives in and benefits from rent stabilized housing, I understand how unaffordable all other options can be for our families already struggling to make rent. We must continue to protect and expand rent stabilized housing, while ensuring that truly affordable housing is constructed across Hampton Roads with access to the communities that need relief now!
Who Is Blaizen?
Blaizen is a native of Chesapeake and Suffolk, a community advocate and organizer, and union stagehand with IATSE local #285. Click below to find our more.
Why You Should be Excited to Live and Vote in HD89
Control of the Virginia Assembly may well be determined by our rich and beautiful swing district: a microcosm of our state itself. Click here to read more about our unique and consequential community, a place where we pride ourselves on differences of opinion.
Watch Me Talk
While I hate watching myself speak, I am honored to have been invited to speak in various forums and podcasts. If you have a bit of time, below are videos from these occasions. Thank you to everyone who has given me these opportunities to communicate. Please feel free to watch me at 1.5x speed. I will not be offended. You can even watch me at 2x.
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