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EDUCATION
EDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT AND IS CRITICAL IN CREATING A THRIVING AND EQUITABLE SOCIETY. AS WISCONSINITES, WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION REGARDLESS OF THEIR FAMILY'S INCOME, ZIP CODE, OR IMMIGRATION STATUS.
To ensure that our education system emphasizes a strong foundation in literacy, math, and science, we advocate for increased funding for public schools, as well as equitable distribution of those funds among all schools, so that schools with fewer resources are not left behind. Additionally, we believe that teachers should be given the resources and support they need to succeed, including professional development opportunities and fair compensation.
WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM SHOULD GO BEYOND TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC SUBJECTS AND PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION THAT INCLUDES THE ARTS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING.
We advocate for increased funding for these programs and for schools to prioritize them as an essential part of the curriculum.
FURTHERMORE, WE RECOGNIZE THAT STUDENTS COME FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND FACE DIFFERENT CHALLENGES.
To address this, we advocate for policies that support English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families so that they too can have every opportunity to thrive in this great State. This includes funding for special education programs, English language learners programs, and programs that provide extra support to schools serving low-income communities such as free student breakfast and lunches, because nobody in this country of such great wealth should ever be forced to learn while hungry.
FINALLY, WE BELIEVE THAT HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR FAMILY'S INCOME.
We advocate for increased funding for public colleges and universities, as well as for policies that make it easier for students to pay for and reduce their student loan debt.
Overall, Wisconsin’s stance on education should be to prioritize equity, accessibility, and well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
HEALTHCARE
AS A FIRST RESPONDER, I WAS USUALLY THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE YOU ON ONE OF YOUR WORST DAYS.
Watching my fellow Wisconsinites base their healthcare decisions on whether or not they had enough savings to cover an ambulance ride, emergency department visit, or hospital stay is so heartbreaking it is difficult to try to put into words.
My stance on healthcare focuses on establishing a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare system that covers every American. Health care is considered a basic human right, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that every individual has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their income or background.
TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, PROGRESSIVE WISCONSINITES SHOULD BE ADVOCATING FOR A SINGLE-PAYER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, COMMONLY CALLED "MEDICARE FOR ALL".
This system would allow every American to receive comprehensive healthcare benefits without having to worry about high premiums, deductibles, or copays, not just those over 65. We all pay into this system, so why should we also be paying into a corporate FOR PROFIT system whose profits increase year over year while we as Wisconsinites have to fight these companies just so they cover the minimum they promised they would.
In addition to expanding access to healthcare, progressive Wisconsinites should also support measures that would address the underlying issues that drive up healthcare costs. This includes policies to lower the cost of prescription drugs, policies to reduce the corporate hoarding of our insurance payments, funding to help improve community health infrastructure, and increase access to preventative services.
TO ENSURE THAT HEALTHCARE REMAINS AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL AMERICANS, WE SHOULD ALSO BELIEVE IN STRENGTHENING MEDICAID AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO MEDICARE.
This includes expanding the Medicaid program to cover more low-income individuals and families, and lowering the age of eligibility for Medicare so that more Americans can access this vital healthcare benefit. A system much like the elected officials in Washington D.C. receive.
Ultimately, Wisconsin’s stance on healthcare should be based on the belief that healthcare is a basic human right, and that every individual should have access to quality healthcare services without fear of financial ruin. By taking bold actions to expand and improve healthcare for all Americans, we can build a healthier, more equitable society for future generations.
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION
“FISCAL CONSERVATIVES” THAT HAVE LONG RUN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN HAVE RUN ON THE IDEA THAT WISCONSIN NEEDS TO HAVE A WELL-BALANCED BUDGET. HOWEVER, WHAT WE’VE SEEN IS LARGE AMOUNTS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS GO TO CORPORATIONS AND TAX CUTS.
All of this while lowering the amount of tax dollars seen to help improve our own communities and help establish a solid base for those of us not receiving tax breaks. Last year alone the state of Illinois brought in $445 million in taxes from marijuana alone, millions of that coming from the pockets of hard-working Wisconsinites. If these “fiscal conservatives” really wanted to balance the budget and improve funding for their constituents then they’ll need some progressive policies to help them do that.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
Legalizing marijuana can create new sources of revenue for the government through taxation, licensing, and sales. According to a report by New Frontier Data, legalizing marijuana on a national level in the U.S. could generate $105.6 billion in federal tax revenue and create 1.1 million new jobs by 2029.
Legalizing marijuana would also help reduce the number of non-violent drug offenders in prison.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, marijuana arrests account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States. Legalizing marijuana would reduce the number of people incarcerated for low-level drug crimes, freeing up resources to target more serious offenses.
LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD ALLOW FOR MORE RESEARCH INTO ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.
Currently, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have no medicinal value. This classification makes it difficult for researchers to study the plant and its potential benefits.
Legalizing marijuana would allow for improved research and understanding of its full range of medical applications.
IN CONCLUSION, LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD HAVE NUMEROUS BENEFITS FOR BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
It would reduce crime rates, generate tax revenue, create jobs, decrease overcrowding in prisons, and allow for improved research into its medicinal properties. With legalization becoming more and more common throughout the United States, it is time for our government to recognize the potential benefits and take steps towards national legalization.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Today, as states across the country are attempting to gut the healthcare rights of women I stand before you as a staunch advocate for women's reproductive rights, a fundamental cornerstone of gender equality and individual autonomy. In our society, the right to make decisions about our own bodies is not just a privilege but an inherent human right—one that must be fiercely protected and upheld.
I understand that reproductive freedom is not just about abortion—it's about comprehensive healthcare, access to contraception, access to in vitro fertilization, the ability to plan for a family, and the ability to make informed choices about our bodies and our futures. It's about recognizing that every woman deserves access to safe and affordable reproductive healthcare, regardless of her socioeconomic status or geographic location.
Out of the 11 wealthiest nations the U.S ranks last in access to prenatal care, access to postpartum care, maternal care workforce composition, and paid time off for either parent. All other comparable nations guarantee a minimum of 14 weeks off paid leave from work, while several provide over a year of maternal leave. We spend more on healthcare in this country than any other nation on earth yet we lead all wealthy countries in infant and maternal mortality rates. Since 2000 maternal death rates in the U.S have been increasing and every year roughly 700 pregnancy related deaths occur of which two-thirds are considered preventable. This is beyond unacceptable and if elected I will fight every day in Washington to ensure no more mothers die needlessly by the hands of law makers apathy.
I refuse to allow politicians, special interest groups, or for profit insurance companies to dictate what a woman can or cannot do with her body. I reject the erosion of reproductive rights through harmful legislation and attacks on reproductive healthcare providers. I stand with women who face barriers to accessing the care they need and deserve, whether it's due to financial constraints, restrictive laws, or stigma.
My vision for a just society includes a world where women are empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies, their health, and their lives. I envision a healthcare system that prioritizes preventive care, education, and compassionate support for all individuals. I believe in comprehensive sexuality education that empowers people with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices and protect their health.
But our fight is not over. We must continue to push back against attempts to roll back reproductive rights, to defund essential healthcare services, and to perpetuate harmful myths and misinformation. We all must advocate for policies that expand access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, and dismantle systemic barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
Together, we can build a future where every person has the freedom to control their own reproductive destiny, where reproductive justice is a reality for all, and where every woman can live with dignity, autonomy, and respect. Let us stand united in defense of women's reproductive rights, for they are not just women's rights—they are human rights, and they are fundamental to the pursuit of equality and justice for all.
FIRST RESPONDER REFORM
FOR OVER 10 YEARS I HAVE SERVED THE COMMUNITIES I'VE LIVED IN AS A FIRST RESPONDER AND FIREFIGHTER. I'VE SEEN FIRSTHAND THE IMPORTANCE OF POLICE, FIRE, AND EMS TO EVERYONE IN THOSE COMMUNITIES REGARDLESS OF THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION. HELPING MY NEIGHBORS HAS ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT, WHICH IS WHY I SOUGHT OUT A CAREER WHERE I COULD DO THAT ON A DAILY BASIS. AS I MOVED ALONG IN MY CAREER, I SAW LITTLE CRACKS IN OUR SYSTEM GET BIGGER AND BIGGER UNTIL THEY ULTIMATELY BROKE, AND OUR COMMUNITIES WERE THE ONES WHO SUFFERED. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EXPOSED A LOT OF THESE WEAKNESSES BUT OUR FAILURE TO ACT UPON THOSE WEAKNESSES HAS LED US TO WHERE WE ARE NOW.
- Rural EMS may be the most crucial link in the 911 systems chain, but it is the weakest. Under funding and over working volunteers has forced multiple rural agencies to close their doors and contract with private EMS companies who can charge rates as high as they want, and that money comes directly out of YOUR pocket when you're at your most vulnerable. Not to mention these contracted EMS providers may be providing coverage for much more than just your local area which can lead to large delays in treatment at a time in your life when every second counts.
- There are many things I aim to improve when I'm elected to Congress, but this is an absolute MUST!
- So, how can we achieve this goal together?
- Here are some key steps that will help fix the issues within our 911 system:
- Funding and Resources:
- Increased funding and resources are essential to upgrade technology, enhance training for dispatchers, and improve response times. Government investment and grants can help modernize the system and ensure its sustainability.
- Standardization and Integration:
- Establishing national standards and protocols for 911 systems can help improve coordination between different agencies and ensure a seamless response to emergencies. Integration with public safety agencies, hospitals, and other support services can also enhance the effectiveness of the system.
- Technology Upgrades:
- Implementing advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), text-to-911, and real-time data sharing can enhance location accuracy and response times. Enhanced data management systems can also improve the tracking of emergency calls and response units.
- Training and Accreditation:
- Providing continuous training for 911 dispatchers and establishing accreditation programs can enhance professionalism and efficiency in emergency response. Ongoing education on handling different types of emergencies and communication techniques is crucial to ensuring effective support for callers.
- Community Education and Awareness:
- Increasing public awareness about the proper use of 911 services and educating communities on when to call 911 can help reduce unnecessary calls and improve the prioritization of emergencies. Public campaigns and school programs can help promote responsible use of the system.
- Decentralization and Redundancy:
- Implementing decentralized call centers and backup systems can help distribute call load more effectively during peak times and emergencies. Redundant infrastructure and failover systems can ensure uninterrupted service in case of system failures or natural disasters.
- Mental Health Support:
- Providing specialized training for dispatchers to handle calls related to mental health crises can help ensure appropriate responses and referrals to support services. Collaborating with mental health professionals and support organizations can enhance the overall quality of care for callers in distress.
- Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
- Establishing mechanisms for receiving feedback from callers, first responders, and dispatchers can help identify areas for improvement within the system. Regular reviews, audits, and performance evaluations can drive continuous enhancements and ensure the system meets evolving needs.
- Research and Innovation:
- Investing in research and development to explore new technologies, best practices, and innovations in emergency response can help drive future improvements in the 911 system. Collaboration with industry experts and academic institutions can bring fresh perspectives and insights to the field.
- Collaboration and Partnerships:
- Building strong partnerships between government agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, EMS services, healthcare providers, and technology vendors can foster collaboration and mutual support in enhancing the 911 system. Working together towards common goals can lead to more effective emergency response operations.
- By implementing these strategies and reforms, the 911 system in America can be strengthened and modernized to better serve communities, improve emergency response outcomes, and ultimately save more lives!
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