Jonathan De Barros
IndependentQ1 PUBLIC HEALTH: Many constituents are concerned by news of recent Hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks, compounded by recent changes to public health policy at the national level. What policies, if any, do you support that would address the constituent’s concerns? What policies and other strategies would you implement to protect and advance public health?
Protecting public health requires preparedness, transparency, personal responsibility, and policies grounded in reliable scientific evidence. I support strong monitoring of infectious diseases, rapid testing, secure medical-supply stockpiles, and close coordination among federal, state, and local health authorities.
For threats such as Hantavirus and Ebola, we must strengthen screening and surveillance at ports of entry, provide clear guidance to healthcare professionals, and ensure hospitals have the training, protective equipment, isolation capacity, and emergency plans needed to respond quickly. Current outbreaks should be addressed without creating unnecessary panic or imposing ineffective, one-size-fits-all mandates.
I also support protecting individual medical freedom, improving public access to accurate information, and demanding accountability from public health agencies. Beyond emergencies, we must confront chronic disease by promoting healthier food, exercise, prevention, environmental safety, and better health education, especially for children and vulnerable communities.
Our goal must be a public health system that responds quickly, respects constitutional rights, earns public trust, and keeps American families safe.
Q2 RESEARCH FUNDING: Recent funding cuts are impacting Connecticut research universities’ and government-funded research programs’ goals of advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. What policies, if any, would you support regarding funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would those policies achieve?
I support federal investment in research that strengthens America’s economy, national security, energy independence, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and public health. Taxpayer-funded research should produce measurable results, foster innovation, and help the United States remain a global leader in science and technology.
Federal research funding should include strong oversight, financial transparency, regular audits, and performance-based evaluations to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. I believe funding decisions should prioritize merit, scientific excellence, and projects with clear public benefits.
Connecticut’s research universities are vital to training the next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and skilled workers. I support partnerships between universities, government, and private industry that accelerate innovation, create high-quality jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and move new discoveries into the marketplace.
My goal is to support a research system that rewards excellence, protects academic freedom, promotes accountability, and delivers meaningful benefits for Connecticut families, businesses, and taxpayers while ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation.
Q3 ENERGY: Connecticut residents and businesses pay some of the highest energy costs in the country, costs that are determined by our energy landscape. What policies, if any, would you implement regarding energy distribution and/or diversification of our energy sources?
Connecticut families and businesses deserve affordable, reliable energy. I support an America First, all-of-the-above strategy that expands domestic natural gas production, protects nuclear power, modernizes the electric grid, and invests in new technologies without sacrificing reliability.
Our region’s limited pipeline capacity contributes to high energy costs. Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to block a natural gas pipeline carrying Canadian gas through New York into Connecticut has restricted access to a dependable energy supply. I believe state actions that obstruct federally approved interstate energy infrastructure conflict with federal authority and should be challenged under federal law.
I would support faster permitting for pipelines, transmission lines, and other critical infrastructure, while maintaining reasonable safety and environmental standards. I would also work to eliminate unnecessary regulations, strengthen domestic energy production, and increase competition among energy suppliers.
The goal is clear: lower utility bills, create good-paying American jobs, strengthen energy independence, protect our national security, and ensure Connecticut families and businesses have dependable power at an affordable price.
Q4 ENVIRONMENT: Connecticut faces environmental challenges including coastal flooding, legacy industrial pollution, and air quality impacts from regional sources. What are your policy priorities, if any, for protecting the environment and the health of Connecticut residents?
I believe we can protect our environment while growing our economy through responsible conservation, clean water, and accountable government. My priorities are protecting drinking water, cleaning up legacy industrial pollution, improving flood resilience, and preserving Connecticut’s natural resources without placing unnecessary burdens on families, farmers, or small businesses.
I also believe government must be transparent about the chemicals it introduces into our environment. I personally stood at the Connecticut State Capitol to protest the state’s use of Diquat to control hydrilla in our waterways because I was concerned about its potential environmental and public health impacts. Given that Diquat has been prohibited in the United Kingdom, I believe Connecticut should continually review the latest scientific evidence and pursue the safest, most effective methods available to manage invasive species.
I support clean air, clean water, responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and environmental policies based on sound science, transparency, and accountability. My goal is to protect Connecticut’s environment and public health while ensuring government decisions are practical, evidence-driven, and respectful of taxpayers.
Q5 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Artificial intelligence is being rapidly adopted across many sectors of the economy and society, raising questions about workforce impacts, data privacy, equity of access, and economic competitiveness. What are your policy priorities, if any, for addressing the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for Connecticut residents?
Artificial intelligence will transform our economy, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and national security. My priority is ensuring the United States leads the world in AI innovation while protecting the privacy, freedoms, and economic opportunities of the American people.
I support policies that encourage investment in AI research, workforce development, and partnerships between universities and private industry without unnecessary regulations that slow innovation or send jobs overseas. At the same time, we must strengthen cybersecurity, protect sensitive personal data, and prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting AI to threaten our national security or intellectual property.
As AI changes the workforce, we should expand apprenticeships, technical education, and job training so Connecticut workers have the skills to succeed in high-demand industries. I also support using AI to improve government efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver better services to taxpayers while ensuring appropriate human oversight for decisions that affect people’s rights and livelihoods.
America should lead the future of AI by promoting innovation, protecting constitutional freedoms, strengthening our economy, and ensuring this technology benefits American workers, businesses, and families.