What are the most pressing challenges facing New Jersey in 2025, and how do you propose to address them?
In 2025, New Jersey faces significant challenges: the rising cost of living, the climate crisis, and underfunded public transportation. We must reform zoning laws to expand affordable housing, implement universal school meals, and invest in universal Pre-K. To make healthcare more affordable, I support site-neutral payments, reference-based pricing, and enforceable cost growth benchmarks. As energy costs climb, families receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF should be automatically enrolled in utility assistance, and punitive reconnection fees must end. Addressing climate change requires rejecting dirty energy investments and advancing smart land use reform. Finally, creating a dedicated funding source and expanding public transit infrastructure is essential to meet the needs of our growing and diverse communities.
What reforms do you support to improve New Jersey’s democracy?
I proudly cosponsor the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act and legislation for same-day voter registration—key steps to expanding access and protecting every voter’s voice. I also support lowering the voting age to 16 for school board elections, empowering young people to shape the future of their schools and communities. Our democracy is strongest when more people participate, not fewer. I believe we should explore civic education partnerships between schools and local election boards to engage new voters early. Additionally, we must increase language access at polling places and expand vote-by-mail statewide. These reforms will make our elections more inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all New Jerseyans.
How do you plan to strengthen and support New Jersey’s economy?
To strengthen New Jersey’s economy, we must invest in people and policies that promote long-term stability and fairness. That starts with fully funding our school funding formula and meeting our pension obligations—both of which are essential to a strong workforce and fiscal health. I support lowering property taxes through programs like StayNJ, Senior Freeze, and the ANCHOR rebate to help families and seniors stay in their homes. At the same time, we must pursue progressive tax policies that ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share, including increased realty transfer fees on high-end home sales. These strategies ensure we can fund essential services, support working families, and build an economy that works for everyone—not just the few.
What steps, if any, will you take to ensure equitable funding and support for public education?
I’m committed to ensuring every student in New Jersey has access to a high-quality public education, regardless of zip code. That starts with fully funding our school funding formula and continuing to make responsible pension payments to support the educators who serve our communities. As a legislator, I have consistently advocated for robust public school funding throughout the budget process. We must also address the teacher shortage by encouraging more people—especially those from underrepresented communities—to enter the profession. Representation matters, and students benefit when they see themselves reflected in their educators. Equity in education means investing in our schools, supporting our teachers, and expanding opportunity for every child.
What immigration policies do you support?
As an immigrant from Pakistan, I know firsthand the value immigrants bring to our communities. New Jersey’s strength lies in its diversity, and in LD-37, our legislators proudly reflect that. I’m a proud cosponsor of the Immigrant Trust Act, which limits collaboration with ICE and protects the rights and safety of immigrant families. I also support maintaining state laws that ensure immigrants can access public benefits and integrate fully into our society. I've backed legislation to expand translation of government documents and believe in inclusive education policies like the Amistad and AAPI curriculum to foster cultural understanding and acceptance. Immigrants are essential to our economy, schools, and neighborhoods. We must ensure they are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.