45th District Democrats Platform

Agriculture

We are committed to programs that recognize and support farmers as the stewards of this nation's precious agricultural lands. Such programs must preserve family farms, strengthen rural communities, ensure the availability of high-quality food, and maintain the viability of the land. Sustainable agriculture that includes crop diversity and conservation, and environmental efforts that preserve agricultural land and natural resources, are critical to the viability of food, fuel, and forest production into the future.

Corporate Power

The undue influence of corporations is detrimental to good government. The notion of corporate personhood is an oxymoron that cannot stand.

Economic Justice and Development

We seek economic policies that are just, sustainable, and responsible to the community. Fair trade and keeping good jobs in our community is our goal.

Education

We believe a free, universal public school system is the backbone of our democratic society. We support excellent-quality public education, from preschool through university, with equal access for all.

Energy and the Environment

We believe our wellbeing and very survival depend on clean air, clean water, safe food and sustainable ecosystems. Environmental protections strengthen our economy. We must respect the web of life, of which we are a part, and preserve it for future generations. Government and individuals must take aggressive action now to preserve and protect our environment.

Foreign Policy

We seek security for America and for our community through diplomacy and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Government & Political Reform

We are committed to a democracy that encourages maximum participation, a voting process that is fair, transparent and open to all citizens, and a strong sense of requiring responsibility in both voters and those they elect.

We strive to limit the influence of money on our political processes. Campaigns should be publicly financed so that qualified citizens have an opportunity to run for office regardless of their income level or resources.

Health Care

We believe health care is a basic human right, and our government should recognize its responsibility to assure accessible and affordable quality health care for all.

Human Rights

We believe the rights guaranteed by our Constitution and by international human rights law are at the heart of the American identity and should not be compromised for any reason. Their preservation requires our vigorous defense.

Human Services

We believe a caring community provides social services to meet the needs of all its members, so they can attain their full potential.

Immigration

Immigrants strengthen America. Immigrants should be afforded full human rights and a fair, safe, and timely path to legal status and citizenship. INS is the agency we rely on to enforce immigration law, not local police agency nor vigilante or private militia groups.

Indian Tribes and Treaties

American Indian Tribal Governments make up a part of our national identity and community. We recognize them as self-determining, self-governing, and separate governments. We recognize our responsibility to work with tribal governments to: protect and restore salmon runs and shellfish resources; preserve and protect sites of historic, cultural and religious significance; improve the social, economic, and health status of American Indian people and tribes to a level equivalent to that of other Americans.

Labor

We believe in the dignity of work and the right to fair wages and benefits in return. We insist on the right of all workers to join labor unions, to bargain collectively and to take part in setting their wages and working conditions.

Law and Justice

We seek a judiciary free from political influence and based upon law and constitutional rights.

Media

An informed citizenry and a free press are essential for democracy to flourish.

Military

All service members are entitled to equal treatment regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Full funding of VA budget to ensure treatment for service related mental and physical injury is an integral part of our responsibility to provide health care for all. Military recruitment in schools should take the same uniform rules as applied to all employers.

Transportation

We support transportation and land use policies that ensure equal opportunity and a greater quality of life for all. Decisions regarding transportation and land use should support the principles of sustainability, affordability, and safety.