Issues
The people of Indianapolis deserve a new generation of bold leadership that will step up and take responsibility to change America. I am ready, willing and uniquely qualified to serve my community. Below are some of my priorities:
Bring our Troops Home, Safely:
I oppose to the War in Iraq, and believe it is time to bring our troops home safely. I support an immediate change to a responsible redeployment plan that will end the war in Iraq and bring our brave men and women home with honor. It is time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for their security, with benchmarks for Iraqi military and political success along with a responsible time line to bring our troops home.
Stand Up For Our Seniors:
Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard, providing for their families and saving for their retirement, and they deserve respect and piece of mind. I would never privatize Social Security and will fight to ensure it is managed responsibly to remain solvent for current retirees and future generations. Along with Social Security, Medicare is a promise we have made to our seniors, and it is essential to a dignified and financially sound retirement. I would fight any cuts to Medicare and will work to pass a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that really works -- providing quality, affordable prescription drugs to our seniors, not one that benefits the big drug companies and leaves too many seniors confused, limited and without coverage.
Create Jobs and Protect Indiana's Workers:
Our economy is broken. Hoosiers can't afford to pay their mortgages, send their kids to college, and afford their health care. We are worried about our children's future. I think we need to reward companies that keep good jobs here in Indianapolis and stop giving tax breaks to companies who send our jobs overseas. We need real tax relief for middle-class, working families and someone who will be a voice for them.
Assure Access to Quality Healthcare for All:
We are the wealthiest country in the world, and yet our citizens do not have universal heath care. I will push for health care reform that provides access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. We can do this by strengthening children health insurance programs so that all our kids have the heath care they deserve and giving our seniors a prescription drug plan that works. I will also fight to fully fund and strengthen Medicaid, our nation's health safety net, and help providers who care for large numbers of poor and uninsured patients. Finally, I bring leadership on the issue, build on what's already working at the state level, and make sure everyone has health care.
Invest in Education:
Our education system is broken and our schools are failing our students. The best down payment we can make in Indiana's economic future is by investing in education today. Education is very personal to me. My wife, Mariama, is local educator and she sees everyday the challenges teachers are students are facing. I will fight to reform No Child Left Behind, with more funding and increased flexibility. I will also make sure our kids are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century, by giving them the classrooms of the 21st century.
Fix Our Immigration System:
I understand Hoosier's frustration about illegal immigration. Our country's immigration system is broken and nothing has been done in Washington to fix it. In Congress, I will fight to secure our borders and make sure the laws on the books are enforced. Employers who break the law must be held accountable. I am against amnesty and believe that consideration of how undocumented immigrants can earn the opportunity to become citizens must include paying a fine, paying all back taxes, and go to the back of line so they do not have an advantage over those who have entered this country legally.
Achieve Energy Independence:
It is time to spend our energy dollars right here in the Midwest, not keep sending them over to the Middle East. Here in Indiana, we have so many reasons we can take advantage of the new energy economy. We have the fields and farmers to produce soy and corn. We have the top-tier universities and ingenuity to develop new energy alternatives. And we have the manufacturing base and the great workers of Indiana for the jobs to develop these products.