On the Issues
I voted against the Iraq War, and I believe we owe it to our military personnel to be hard-nosed and realistic in what our country asks them to do when it comes to both Afghanistan and Iraq. In line with that, we need to have a renewed sense of shared sacrifice so that military families aren't the only ones bearing the burden. I believe that a progressive war surtax -- exempting military members who have served since 9/11 and their families -- would be the most even-handed way to do this.
Most people know Wisconsin has been a leader in the dairy industry for many years. We continue that strong tradition today, but in addition, we've also taken on leadership roles in producing livestock as well as cranberries, potatoes, soybeans, and a number of other crops. Agriculture isn't just a driver of our economy, though; it's our history and heritage. That's why I have been such a strong supporter of our farmers over the years.
I believe our country's economic policies should be aimed at growing and strengthening our middle class. That means we need to target tax breaks to the middle class, not millionaires and large corporations, and hold Wall Street accountable. We should also be making health care more affordable for individuals and families as well as the companies they work for. That's why I voted for health reform, reforming Wall Street, and included middle class tax cuts in the Recovery Act.
In the 21st Century, it's getting harder and harder to have a good future without a quality education. That's why it should be one of our country's top priorities, including making sure we have a strong K-12 system with well-trained teachers and less crowded classrooms. We also need to make sure that if you're willing to work hard and have a good head on your shoulders, you aren't denied the opportunity to take advantage of higher education just because your parents aren't wealthy.
One of our country's greatest conservationists and environmentalists, former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, was born right here in the 7th Congressional District in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. He founded Earth Day, and it should be no surprise to anyone that someone from our beautiful state would care so deeply about preserving it for future generations. Gaylord was my mentor, and I try each and every day to continue his work.
I support health care reform because I don't believe human beings should have to beg for the health care we need. We have too many people who are uninsured, too many who are under-insured, too many who are denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, too many whose insurance companies drop them when they get sick, and too many times when doctors' recommendations are interfered with by insurance company bureaucrats.
I believe strongly in the social compact our country committed to when we passed Social Security and Medicare into law. Our seniors deserve the security and peace of mind that come with making sure these programs remain strong. I will continue to fight against "privatization" and other efforts designed to undermine these programs that serve as foundations for our seniors.
Our veterans and their families deserve the utmost respect for the sacrifice they have made and are continuing to make for our nation. Support for our veterans shouldn't just be words, though. That's why I have worked so hard to help fulfill our country's promise to them, including helping to increase funding for veterans' health care by the largest amount in the VA's history.
