Zac Schultz:
If elected governor, there's a decent chance you could have a Democratic Legislature behind you. What's your AB 1? What's the first bill you want to sign into law?

Francesca Hong:
Red flag laws and background checks and safe storage — I think gun safety is a universal issue and we have to meet, we have to ensure that we're protecting our kids. And then public education and universal child care. I think when we put our kids first, working class families all win.

Zac Schultz:
There's also a chance you could have Republicans in control of one or both houses. What's your record of working across the aisle?

Francesca Hong:
I'm incredibly proud to have passed the Asian American education legislation that was Republican led where we had stakeholders from all across the state, a coalition that was multi-generational and multi-ethnic where Republicans and I came together to make sure we delivered for working class families and what they were demanding.

Zac Schultz:
The Public Service Commission is reviewing large rate increases for all people across the state. Data centers are being proposed in all corners. What is your stance on data centers and those issues and what do you wanna do about it as governor?

Francesca Hong:
There shouldn't be any corporations that are coming in and jacking up prices for rate payers. And I'm not interested in the state providing subsidies and handouts for large corporations that are coming in who are really going to impact our clean lakes, our air. And so the subsidies that folks might be proposing and support are really concerning to me. I think right now we are seeing democracy at its core strength with people who are speaking out, and defending their communities, and talking about why they do or do not support data centers. It's important for our campaign to meet those folks in their communities as they're voicing concern and better understand what the issue is, what they're concerned about, and how we can support the work that they're doing to make sure their communities aren't harmed.

Zac Schultz:
When it comes to supporting public education, is it just a matter of more money or is there reform that needs to happen as well?

Francesca Hong:
The reform is in our inequitable school funding formula that pits communities against one another, that raises property taxes, but also makes it so that the disparities among students, especially those who are lower income, are not being addressed — and so, increasing special education for 90% reimbursement at some sufficient levels, and making sure that we're increasing general aid. Our schools have been defunded for over a decade now, and if we do not prioritize public education, which is one of our last remaining democratic institutions, we as a state will not succeed.

Zac Schultz:
What's your position on vouchers, and what would you like to see happen to that system?

Francesca Hong:
I am very concerned about public dollar is going to private schools and a system that is unaccountable and not transparent, and how they may or may not be serving our kids. And so it's critical that we look at a program that seems more and more to be like a scam.

Zac Schultz:
What's your number one tax reform that you'd like to see happen?

Francesca Hong:
I am very tired of our state providing subsidies for the wealthiest few and the largest corporations. I think tax fairness is one that is going to help us generate revenue to fund investments where we need, but also looking at closing these loopholes and ensuring that the working class people pay, you know, the same, that the wealthiest aren't paying a lower percentage of taxes than what working class people are paying now.

Zac Schultz:
Over the last year, the Supreme Court has overhauled and reduced legislative oversight of agency rulemaking and oversight over the fiscal process. Would you like to see a compromise to restore some legislative oversight or are you happy with where it stands now?

Francesca Hong:
I think we can always improve on the checks and balances of the different branches of government. I think that there has been undermining of executive power due to the fact that the Republican-led Legislature wants to hoard that power away from a potential Democratic governor. And so it's imperative that we have checks and balances on who retains power, and who is a voice for the people, and where we can ensure that the rulemaking, and the legislative process is one that is fair.

Zac Schultz:
We've seen a large increase in the number of referenda for local governments. What needs to happen there in terms of the state's relationship to local communities?

Francesca Hong:
The state has been starving our local municipalities, and for over a decade now. It's imperative that we have a more equitable shared revenue formula to make sure that our local municipalities have the resources they need. They say the government that's closest to your door is the government that's going to pass policies that impact you quickest. So it's, for our communities, it's necessary for our communities to have municipalities that have the resources to provide the services that people need.

Zac Schultz:
Right now there are a number of exploratory drilling projects throughout northern Wisconsin looking at potential mines. What is your position on the current mining regulations and do you think they need to be adjusted?

Francesca Hong:
I am staunchly opposed to the type of mining, as well as drilling when it comes to Line 5 — I have been vocal about my opposition there. I think the dangers that this is presenting to communities who have already seen services be cut, their schools closing. I think that having these types of harmful groups coming in to impact local environments and the quality of life, it's really unfortunate and I think it's very important that we look at how to hold these corporations accountable.

Zac Schultz:
Do you have concerns about your own personal safety while campaigning in this modern political environment?

Francesca Hong:
It's disappointing that political violence has become such a frequent occurrence, and I'm fortunate to have a campaign team, and a community and volunteers across the state that I think are going to remain supportive. I do not have concerns for my personal safety.

Zac Schultz:
When it comes to affordable housing, what needs to happen to increase it? Regulation? Is it subsidies? Is it density?

Francesca Hong:
We have to have a multi-pronged approach, and we have to make it easier to build housing, and look at different avenues and innovative ways to ensure that we have permanent affordability when it comes to housing. I'm interested in looking at community land trust, about how we can provide better zoning regulations and the ability to build ADUs, and ensure that we have spaces for some folks who may no longer need to be in their homes, where there can be starter homes for folks who are moving into communities, and looking at diversifying our housing stock for folks who are moving or maybe downsizing. There are a lot of different avenues that we have to explore, but overall, we have to make it easier to build.

Zac Schultz:
Gov. Evers has proposed a pretty ambitious corrections overhaul. Would you continue that plan as governor?

Francesca Hong:
I think it's important to look at reducing our prison population while also ensuring that those who are at the Department of Corrections have opportunities to be able to transition and be safe in their work environments. And so I will certainly look at some of the plans that the governor has now. But overall, it's important that we look at transition programs and ways that we can keep those who are incarcerated and those who are working in our prisons safe.

Zac Schultz:
Would you like to see any changes to Wisconsin's abortions law?

Francesca Hong:
We have to repeal the 1849 abortion ban and I think abortion freedom and, is about health care and democracy as well. And so I think it's important that we keep in mind that abortion is health care and that access to that health care has to be equitable.