On November 5, 2024, Alaskans will vote for their next representative to Congress
by georgina arias avila
Beginning with our June edition, we will present one candidate per month. In this edition, Nick Begich, answers our questions.
Nick Begich, small business owner and family man, is once again competing in the political arena and aspires to represent Alaska in the United States House of Representatives.In this edition, you will know his proposals for our State and, especially, for the Latino community.
1. Why do you want to become a US Congressman? With only one member in a body of 435 in the U.S. House, Alaskans need a strong voice in Washington, D.C. Our state has unique challenges and tremendous opportunities, and we need representation that understands our local issues, values, and aspirations. I believe in fostering economic growth, improving our infrastructure, and ensuring our resources benefit Alaskans. My goal is to bring practical solutions and effective leadership to Congress, focusing on policies that improve the lives of all Alaskans.
2. There are 56,000 Hispanics living in Alaska, according to the last census. How would you represent the core values of hard work, family, and love of God that the Hispanic community holds dear? I was raised by my maternal grandparents. Both were hard-working small businesspeople. I recall my grandfather painting houses and doing roofing jobs often on his own. Many weekends I’d be there helping pressure wash a house or carrying shingles up scaffolding as he worked a nail gun. He provided a good life for our family because he was willing to work a 12-hour day, often 6 days a week. As a Congressman, I will promote policies that help small businesses, keep taxes low, support access to affordable healthcare, ensure our enduring freedom to worship, and protect the innocence of our children. I will work to create opportunities for all Alaskans, regardless of their background, to thrive and contribute to our nation’s success. I recognize the importance of these values and am committed to representing them in Congress.
3. In Alaska, there are nearly 3,000 businesses owned by Hispanics which employ thousands of workers and contribute millions of dollars to local economies. What would you do to support them? Supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners is crucial for a vibrant economy. I have spent my entire career in the private sector as a small business owner and later as a small business investor. We can grow Alaska and have amazing outcomes for entrepreneurs here in the state if we can reduce red tape, provide easier access to investment capital (Alaska ranks LAST in the nation in venture capital investment), and offer higher quality resources to support business growth. Additionally, I will work to ensure fair tax policies and promote initiatives that encourage more entrepreneurship and innovation. By creating a business-friendly environment, we can help entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to Alaska’s economic diversity and strength. 4. The lack of affordable health insurance affects us all; however, minority groups are affected disproportionately. What do you think are possible solutions to lower the high healthcare costs in Alaska? Lowering healthcare costs in Alaska requires a multi-faceted approach but is extremely important. Many Alaskan families pay insurance premiums that are even more than their rent or their monthly mortgage payment. In many cases, because the cost is so high, families simply go uninsured and pray there are no major medical emergencies. I support increasing competition in the healthcare market, which has the effect of driving down prices. Expanding telemedicine services can improve access to care, especially in remote areas. Additionally, we need to address prescription drug costs, particularly for our seniors. So often, our healthcare system reacts to problems that could have been prevented through a healthier lifestyle, and we must recognize the importance of ensuring that preventative care is covered by our healthcare plans and made available to more Alaskans. Working to ensure that healthcare providers are quickly and properly reimbursed by insurance companies is also vital. By tackling these issues, we can make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Alaskans, including Alaska’s minority communities.
5. Would you support tougher enforcement of the Southern border? If so, in what way? Yes, I support strong enforcement of the Southern border. Securing our borders is essential for national security, protecting taxpayers, limiting crime, and combating drug trafficking. I advocate for a combination of physical barriers, advanced technology, and increased personnel to effectively manage and monitor the border. Additionally, we need comprehensive immigration reform that includes a better pathway to citizenship for those who contribute to our nation and will uphold its laws, while ensuring that our immigration laws are respected and enforced.
Nick lives in Chugiak with his wife Dharna, and their son Nicholas.
