[Meet the Candidates: Michelle Steel]
The challenge for Korean-American candidates continues in 2024. Rep. Michelle Steel, the first Korean American to serve on the California State Board of Equalization and to serve as an OC Supervisor, hopes to win a third term this year. Rep. Steel aims to continue her work for Korean Americans and her constituents.
Below is an excerpt from an interview with Rep. Steel discussing the past three years and this year’s election.
-It’s an election year. Do you have any words for Korea Daily readers?
“I wish all Korea Daily readers happiness. I hope you all register to vote and vote.”
-How would you characterize your work in the House of Representatives over the past year?
“We passed legislation to clearly distinguish and disclose different charges for the same hospital services. I co-sponsored a bill with my colleagues to raise $80 billion in additional taxes, which passed the House and is now pending in the Senate. At the same time, I’m pushing for an extension of a law that reduces tax burdens on low-income people and streamlined the reporting process under the Trump administration. We are also working on legislation requiring reporting of donations to U.S. colleges and universities from foreign entities, including China, Russia, and Hamas. Last year, I introduced legislation to crack down on car theft and illegal racing.”
-Korean seniors and businesses are left unprotected and vulnerable to crime. What do you think is the problem?
“In California, police officers are often sued for arresting suspects, and the law states they can’t be prosecuted for damages under $950. We’ve taken our concerns to the governor, and we’re working with several other states, but it’s not working. We’re hearing that the damage is only getting worse.”
-Democratic Party talking on the topic of an end to the Korean War.
“The end of the war is necessary, but there is a trust issue with the North Korean regime after the war ends. Republicans and conservatives think it’s too early to call an end to the war.”
-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently visited the United States, and several assessments have been made.”
President Yoon’s leadership in diplomacy, particularly in dealings with North Korea and China and including his trip to the United States, has been notable. Given China’s expansionary ambitions that pose threats to South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, it is commendable that he has established a defense network by improving relations with Japan. Ultimately, this demonstrates that a robust U.S. national defense is essential in maintaining peace.”
-Bill on the reunion of Korean separated families in the United States.
“It’s a bipartisan bill introduced by four Korean-American members of Congress. It’s not that there is opposition, it’s just that they haven’t had a chance to explain it to their fellow members yet. Now that the House leadership is in place, we will be working on this soon.”
-Your strategies against competitors, what are they?
“There are four candidates in the race. Our campaign has already been meeting with voters on foot since March of last year. We are cautiously optimistic about our chances in the general election and believe that if we do our best in the given environment, we will have a good result. We ask for your prayers and participation.”
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
