Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites: on Welfare & Poverty
Thomas Ravenel:
No welfare benefits for illegal immigrants
I adamantly oppose welfare benefits for illegal immigrants for two reasons: It's bad for the American taxpayers and bad for the recipients. The welfare state is not only bankrupting this country, it also leads to widespread dependency and deprives
workers of the opportunity to feel proud of themselves as a result of their labor and ingenuity. Also, worker visa recipients should not have the right to vote as they are not American citizens.
Source: 2014 S.C. Senate campaign website, RavenelForSenate.com
Sep 1, 2014
John Buckley:
Eliminate DOE, HUD, HHS, NPR, FAA, and more
I support balanced budgets--at a grossly reduced level of spending; the elimination of such federal agencies as the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services
(and significant budget cuts in all other federal departments); and the privatization of such unnecessary government services as passenger rail (e.g., Amtrak), National Public Radio, coastal flood insurance, and even air traffic control.
I will not vote for deficit spending, any increase in the debt ceiling, or any increase in federal spending.Cutting back federal spending will enable significant tax reduction and tax reform.
It will unleash the American economy to create jobs and leave money in the pockets of citizens to spend according to their individual needs and priorities.
Source: 2014 West Virginia Senate campaign website JohnBuckley.org
Aug 31, 2014
Heather Johnson:
Regulate but advocate for independent charity
I advocate freedom of choice in government implemented and funded social programs and deregulation of private business and charity in order to boost economic and social community efforts for all citizens.
I advocate choice in business, an end to crony monopolies, an end to regulation and limitation of efforts for alternative forms of fuel, organic living, and sustainable housing practices.
So long as companies and charities whether privately funded or voluntarily publicly funded, do not infringe upon the natural rights of humans to their lives, liberties, and properties, I recognize that regulation is another form of force and coercion.
I advocate for independent charity and small business and recognize that government's only role within business and charity is to mediate and dispense justice in the event that a crime of fraud, force, or coercion occurs.
Source: 2014 Minnesota Senate campaign website, "Platform"
Jul 31, 2014
Bruce Skarin:
Hunger is still a very real problem for our nation's poor
When it comes to food assistance and welfare, it is clear that we need to be developing better prevention and more effective long term solutions. Changing this will require comprehensive and coordinated reforms in education, training, and economic
development. The recent attacks against food assistance and unemployment show a Congress out of touch with the reality of the problems faced by a large number of Americans.
Hunger is still a very real problem for our nation's poor and without a stronger economy and improved access to education and training, we can expect little change.
We need to stop applying solutions to the symptoms and develop programs that provide the right incentives and services so that they become a stepping stone to a better life instead of just a means for surviving.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, bruce2014.org "Social Policy"
Mar 15, 2014
John Walsh:
Support federal & state services for Indian tribes
The Indian Tribes in Montana have a long and rich history in our state, but currently face challenges that need to be addressed. In many of the tribes, unemployment rates are unacceptable--oftentimes more than quadruple the Montana or national averages.
We need to help these communities create good-paying jobs and develop a well-trained workforce.The government shutdown last year that had disastrous consequences for Montana's Indian nations.
Essential services including nutrition assistance, bus service for rural areas and home health care for the elderly were stopped. Supporting the services that the tribes count on is vital. Critical food assistance programs must be preserved, as should
the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. I will support both of these initiatives to help our Indian nations thrive & prosper.
Finally, it is imperative to do everything we can to make sure the Little Shell tribe is recognized by the federal government.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, JohnWalsh2014.com, "Issues"
Feb 10, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Break cycle of generational poverty & government dependency
When T.W. became speaker of the House in Oklahoma, he wanted to help people break the devastating life
consequence of government dependency and move toward self-reliance. He understands that is the key to restoring dignity to individuals and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, www.twshannon.com, "Meet T.W."
Jan 29, 2014
Dan Sullivan:
Dedicate $500M Wall Street restitution to teachers' pensions
Protecting and promoting the fiscal integrity of Alaska and its citizens: Sullivan negotiated a half billion dollar settlement with one of Wall Street's largest financial institutions--the largest actuarial malpractice settlement in the
country's history and one of the biggest restitution amounts to come out of the misconduct by financial firms during the global financial crisis. The record $500 million settlement went to fund the retirement pension for Alaska's teachers.
Sullivan also successfully fought to reverse an erroneous Alaska Supreme Court decision that ultimately saved the state approximately $50 million,
ensuring that that money went to Alaskans, not to out-of-state fishermen. He also oversaw an historic $1 million Medicaid fraud settlement--one of the largest in state history.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website Sullivan2014.com "Accomplish"
Dec 5, 2013
Ben Sasse:
Churches & charities are the lifeblood of society
America is made great by having government establish the legal conditions that enable private citizens to start, build, run, and frequent their own enterprises--not by having government orchestrate life. What does this mean?- Churches, charities,
civil associations--these are the lifeblood of society and the chief protection against the extremes of isolated individualism and all-encompassing statism.
- Government should focus on promoting the conditions in which individuals, families, and local
communities can pursue happiness and thrive, not on creating the communities, guaranteeing happiness, or equalizing outcomes.
- Government does not exist to solve every problem, could not do so if it tried, and often undermines freedom even when it
succeeds--and thus should tread lightly in domestic and economic matters.
- Nothing can match the creativity and responsiveness of the private sector, and products and services do not become more efficient by being more heavily regulated.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, SasseForNebraska.com, "Issues"
Nov 14, 2013
Matthew Whitaker:
Too many people on food stamps breeds culture of dependency
Too many hard working Americans are out of work or have to settle for less than their full potential. Washington breeds a culture of dependency.
Too many Americans, through no fault of their own, are dependent on food stamps and other government benefits.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, MattWhitaker.org, "Story"
Sep 9, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018