House District 14 race brings challenge to longstanding Cranston Democrat

U.S. Navy veteran Giona Picheco wants an assault weapons ban

Name: Giona Picheco

Party: Democrat

Race: House District 14

Age: 35

Residence: Cranston

Job: Sociology teacher

Years lived in Rhode Island: 6

Political bio: Ran for State Representative of District 14 in 2022

What are your top three legislative priorities if elected? 

My background informs what my legislative priorities would be: improving education, increasing access to healthcare, and making housing more affordable and stable. Access to quality education changed my life, but I couldn’t afford it initially. 

Joining the U.S. Navy, in addition to serving our country, helped me cover the costs of pursuing a college degree. I want every single person to have that chance, so let’s keep investing in our schools and public colleges and universities — and let’s make sure the millionaires, not struggling Rhode Islanders, carry the bulk of that weight.

I also know firsthand how much quality and accessible healthcare matters, and I hear it from neighbors every day when I’m out talking to voters, especially for seniors and veterans. As a veteran myself, I know how much those services matter. We have to improve our staffing for veterans support programs, and we have to hold accountable these corporate nursing homes that make huge profits by understaffing our nursing homes and putting residents in danger. 

I know all too well how rent increases, rising costs of living, and low wages can make it difficult to maintain a stable home and I want to see more action taken to address the housing crisis we are facing by creating more affordable housing, capping rent increases, and enforcing fair protections for tenants.

Do you support a millionaire’s tax in Rhode Island? Please explain. 

I’ve consistently pushed to tax the rich in Rhode Island and to reduce the burden on the working and middle class folks, including advocating for change by testifying and rallying at the State House. Governing is about making choices — deciding who benefits and who loses out. When Rhode Island cut taxes on the wealthy in 2006 and 2010, leaders promised prosperity would “trickle down.” Instead, the rich hoarded their savings, while the state lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. 

This led to harmful budget cuts: DCYF staffing was slashed, resulting in tragic outcomes for children; our infrastructure (like the Washington Bridge) deteriorated; and pensions that hardworking Rhode Islanders were promised were cut. 

Decisions have consequences, and we need leaders who prioritize the well-being of all constituents, not just the wealthiest. If elected to the State House, I will fight for a fair tax system where those earning over $1 million contribute their fair share. Polls show that over 70% of Rhode Islanders agree: we should add a tax bracket that pushes for the wealthiest in our state to give back. Making sure the richest, and not the middle class, carry that burden is a great way to invest in our shared future.

Should Rhode Island have an assault weapons ban? Why, or why not? 

Yes. I am a veteran. I know firsthand that assault weapons are not toys — they are dangerous. I have been clear about the need for an assault weapons ban in Rhode Island. I have gone to the State House repeatedly to testify and to rally on this issue. Our children’s lives are at stake.