Issues

 

Moving America Forward

The world is changing. We need clear vision and the united will to move forward as a nation without forsaking the core values that have always made America great. I am running for Congress because I believe the moment is right to bring new energy to the American story, with the faith that we can together establish a more just, compassionate, and healthy world.  With the right leadership and a collective effort, we can create:

 

  • A Health Care system that provides compassionate and essential coverage.  The new health care law is an important first step in increasing access to basic medical coverage. However, it is just a step and we must continue fighting the insurance companies to truly reduce costs.
  • An Education system that provides creative, nurturing and safe environments for our youth, from early education through high school and college.  In order to prepare our kids to compete in the global economy and win the good-paying jobs of tomorrow, we have to continue investing in education.
  • An Economy that encourages competition and innovation.  We need a vibrant economy that preserves the jobs we have while creating new ones through job training, especially in clean energy technologies. We can build on the strengths of our local communities by helping small businesses grow and rewarding companies that create good jobs here.
  • A “Smart” and “Green” relationship with the earth and to the natural resources that power our communities; that is both environmentally and economically wise and sustainable; and that recognizes the crucial intersection of environmental reform, job creation, and national security.
  • A society in which Families and Communities can develop and flourish free from the social and economic conditions that threaten stability and make us unsafe; where parents and community leaders can return their focus to building solid foundations for healthy homes and vibrant, growing neighborhoods; and where individuals, irrespective of race, gender, orientation, or physical ability, can find the support and resources required to build a rich and meaningful life.
  • A Social Security system that continues to protect millions of Americans, of every age, from poverty. We must do more to protect this vital program – which is why I’ve signed a pledge to protect Social Security, and fight all efforts to privatize this program and gamble with our future in the stock market. Protecting Social Security also means keeping government’s hands off of the Social Security Trust Fund – instead of borrowing against our children, we can reduce our deficit by closing tax loopholes for corporations and the rich and streamlining government.
  • Supporting Equal Pay for Equal Work. I support the Lilly-Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 and the Paycheck Fairness Act to protect employers from gender-based wage-discrimination. Supporting equal pay for equal work and protecting employees from wage discrimination isn’t just the right thing to do – it also provides vital support to working families who are struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times.  In contrast, Dan Lungren has voted against the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and opposed equal pay for equal work (S 181, Vote #37, 1/27/09).
  • Supporting and strengthening paid family leave for medical emergencies. As a doctor, I know how important it is to provide paid family leave in the event of a medical emergency. At these critical moments, no family member should be forced to choose between a paycheck and a loved one.

Please join with me to move America forward and reclaim the dream and promise of a more whole and prosperous future for us all.