Candidate for House of Delegates: Joseline Peña-Melnyk

Name: Joseline Peña-Melnyk

Age: 51

Family status: Married with three children

Occupation: Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates

Education: Bachelor of science, criminal justice, SUNY College at Buffalo; Juris Doctor, SUNY at Buffalo School of Law

Office being sought: House of Delegates, District 21

Party affiliation: Democrat

First-time candidate? No

Contact for voters: 301-213-3604

Campaign website:www.joselinepenamelnyk.com

What is the biggest issue facing your constituents?

The rising cost of health care and health insurance is threatening the budgets of many Maryland families and businesses. If health care becomes unaffordable, it will expose us all to the high cost of ignoring medical problems and publicly provided emergency care.

How would you address/fix that issue?

On the Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Commission that I co-chair, we recommended hiring an actuary to help us design a state reinsurance program that would lower insurance premiums in the individual insurance market. The General Assembly did that. We are also focusing on reducing prescription costs by giving the state the power to negotiate reimbursement rates for medicines.

We also are exploring a way that Marylanders can buy into Medicaid, creating a basic health insurance plan, and whether to require individuals to have health insurance (if a person doesn't have health insurance and is subject to a penalty they could use the penalty money as a down payment for a health care policy). Lastly, I introduced a bill that would authorize Maryland to seek a Section 1332 waiver from the federal government. This would allow Maryland more flexibility to implement the Affordable Care Act.

Why are you the best candidate?

I have a record of getting things done - not just talk. I've demonstrated that over many years with great constituent service and legislative accomplishments. My bills (over 60 adopted into law) have in some cases been the first in the nation and have made Maryland a leader. I care about our communities and fight hard to make Maryland better each day.

If elected, what legislation would be your priority? What would it do?

Health care would continue to be my priority. We need to find a permanent way to stabilize the individual health insurance market and make premiums affordable.

If you have any previous political experience, what was it and how will it help your campaign?

I have been a delegate since 2007 and have worked the Health and Government Operations Committee of the Maryland General Assembly. I also ran for Congress in 2015-2016 and I know the needs of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties well. Before my election to the Maryland General Assembly I was a member of the College Park City Council.

Candidate snapshots are based on information submitted by the candidates. If you're running for office in 2018, fill out a survey and submit it today. For more information or a copy of the survey, email [email protected].

Credit: - Candidate snapshots are based on information submitted by the candidates. If you're running for office in 2018, fill out a survey and submit it today. For more information or a copy of the survey, email [email protected].

Caption: Peña-Melnyk