John Larson

John Barry Larson is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Connecticut's 1st Congressional District since 1999. Born and raised in public housing in East Hartford, Connecticut, he earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Central Connecticut State University in 1971. Before entering public service, Larson worked as a high school history teacher and football coach at George J. Penney High School and co-owned a local insurance agency. His political career began on the East Hartford Board of Education and the Town Council, followed by twelve years in the Connecticut State Senate, where he served as President Pro Tempore from 1987 to 1995. During his state tenure, he authored the nation's first Family and Medical Leave Act, which later served as a model for federal legislation. Since his election to Congress in 1998, Larson has held significant leadership roles, including serving as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 2009 to 2013. He currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he is a prominent advocate for social safety net programs and domestic manufacturing. His work has focused on securing federal support for Connecticut's aerospace industry and leading efforts to modernize the nation's infrastructure.

Larson's legislative platform is primarily defined by his advocacy for Social Security reform. He is the lead author of the 'Social Security 2100 Act,' which proposes expanding benefits for the first time in over 50 years and ensuring the program's long-term solvency by raising the payroll tax cap on high earners. In healthcare, he supports the Affordable Care Act and advocates for a public option and lower prescription drug costs, viewing healthcare as a human right. On the economy, he emphasizes strengthening the middle class through tax credits for working families and significant investments in infrastructure and manufacturing. Regarding the environment, Larson is an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal and has proposed carbon tax legislation to combat climate change. He also supports stricter gun control measures, having led a 2016 House floor sit-in to demand action on universal background checks, and advocates for voting rights protections through legislation like the For the People Act.