Gary Trauner in 2018 WY Senate race
On Energy & Oil:
Diversify into renewables from coal and natural gas
Trauner says the state needs to diversify its economy and energy production by embracing new technology and pursuing renewable energy alongside coal and natural gas production. He also mentioned investment in high quality, stable broadband internet as a
way to encourage new business and manufacturing in the state."People are fed up with blind partisanship," continued Trauner. "They just want to see things get done."
"It takes building bridges, it takes listening and talking to people you
disagree with on a lot of things but may agree with on specific things you can find common ground on," said Trauner.
Trauner says he is "country before party" and believes Sen. Barrasso is more interested in party. "I get comments from people
all the time from all over the political spectrum saying 'I'm kinda tired of seeing him stand behind (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell'" said Trauner. "We need to get back to doing what is good for everybody, not just good for your party."
Source: Oil City News on 2018 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 12, 2018
On Health Care:
Politicians have failed young people on healthcare
Healthcare is a major issue where Trauner feels politicians have failed younger people. "I was surprised how much young people were worried about it, I hadn't thought about it when I was 18-years old," said Trauner.
The national debt as well as student load debt are issues Trauner says concern young people he talks to. "That's a system where kids are coming out
$30,000 in debt--that doesn't work."
In this campaign, Trauner has used social media to interact with supporters and non-supporters alike.
He does a weekly Facebook Live event where he says every question is answered, even those that may be negative or unfavorable.
Source: Oil City News on 2018 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 12, 2018
On Education:
Vibrant and comprehensive public school system
Education is the key that unlocks the door to a better life for all Americans. It is foundational for achieving the American Dream. Instead of making higher education more expensive, I will:- Ensure a vibrant and comprehensive public
Pre-K through 12 school system.
- Work to expand federal grants and loans, especially for public 4-year colleges.
- Work to make Community College, trade schools and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programs more affordable.
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Provide federal grants and incentives to states to implement vocational trade programs for those who desire them and for whom a 4-year college degree might not be appropriate or affordable.
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Expand federal workforce training programs to retrain workers with the skills they will need in a rapidly changing marketplace for the industries/jobs of tomorrow.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Mar 31, 2018
On Immigration:
Protect DREAMers; allow refugees; continue existing vetting
Any country must have the ability to determine who can legally enter its borders and stay to become citizens or temporary permanent residents. I will support a common-sense immigration policy that:- Provides for border security, including patrol
agents, technology and barriers where appropriate (for example, urban areas).
- Continues the strong and fair vetting process already in place.
- Allows for a humane number of refugees from countries torn by war, discrimination and violence--it is
a moral obligation.
- Allows for a reasonable number of economic immigrants to help staff jobs in industries where it is difficult to find American workers.
- Encourage companies to pay living wages and benefits that will entice
American workers into taking challenging jobs.
- Protects DACA "Dreamers"--those who came here through no choice of their own and who only know America as their home country.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Mar 31, 2018
On Immigration:
America was built by immigrants, who were once unwelcome
We tend to forget that America was built on immigration, and that nearly every early immigrant group--Poles, Italians, Germans, Irish, Scandinavians, etc.--were considered illiterate and inferior, and were not initially welcome on our shores.
We also tend to forget that people don't generally immigrate from countries where the economy is good and there is no discrimination--they come to America looking for freedom and opportunity.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Mar 31, 2018
On Principles & Values:
We don't need government telling us where to worship
We simply cannot afford a country overseen by those who express disdain for the very institutions our Founding Fathers put in place to serve and protect the citizens of the US.We don't need government prying into our everyday lives,
telling us what to think or who to love, where to worship, how to act or with whom we should associate. I will fight to ensure that government does what it should and keeps its nose out of our lives where it shouldn't.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Mar 31, 2018
On Education:
Make education more viable and less expensive
Education is the key that unlocks the door to a better life for all Americans. It is foundational for achieving the American Dream. Instead of making higher education more expensive, I will: - Ensure a vibrant & comprehensive public Pre-K through
12 school system.
- Work to expand federal grants and loans.
- Provide federal grants and incentives to states to implement vocational trade programs.
- Expand federal workforce training programs to retrain workers with the skills they will need.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Develop clean energy sources as an essential goal
I believe the search for sustainable energy independence is the issue of our time. It affects our national security, jobs, our economy and our environment, and it must be a cornerstone of our government's policy.
The federal government should actively work with private industry to encourage conservation, efficiency and continued development of a wide-variety of stable and clean energy sources for the future.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Environment:
Find balance between protecting environment & developing it
America is a vast land with more than enough room for both responsible development and protecting our special places. I will: - Fight to ensure that federal public lands have the funding to be well maintained & well-managed.
- Ensure clean water
and clean air so our wild game herds and native fish populations can thrive.
- Ensure all parties: hunters, fishermen, hikers, bikers, snowmobilers and those just seeking solitude have access to special places to enjoy their specific activities.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Free Trade:
Negotiate fair trade deals for everyone
- Make sure no company or industry is "too big to fail" by strengthening and enforcing anti-trust laws anywhere industries become anti-competitive.
- Negotiate Fair Trade deals that open markets and raise the standard of living for everyone.
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No government contracts to companies that move their headquarters overseas for tax purposes.
- Incentivize the engine of our economy--entrepreneurs and small businesses -so they can thrive and keep the American economy vibrant.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Government Reform:
Stop the harmful lobbying games with government
Instead of the DC Playbook of being beholden to lobbyists and narrow corporate interests, I will: - Work to close the revolving door in DC between government officials and lobbying firms/industry associations.
- Promote a tax system that truly
benefits the middle class and is simpler, but more progressive.
- Incentivize companies to invest in labor (through training & hiring) instead of prioritizing capital.
- Promote a competitive market environment while also promoting a living wage.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Government Reform:
Work hard to take the stink out of bad policies & laws
I will:- Work to close the revolving door in DC between government officials and lobbying firms.
- Make sure that the same rules and laws that apply to the public apply to Congress.
- Work to remove corporate money from politics and
political campaigns
- Work to end the Citizens United decision that allowed corporations to spend money to influence our electoral process
- Refuse to consider any bill that does not follow regular order and receive open debate.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Gun Control:
Defends gun ownership but wants logical background checks
I will fight to protect our Constitutional rights. Second Amendment. The right to bear arms. I support the right to bear arms--for protection, self-defense, recreational shooting and sport/hunting.
We must also find common sense ways to reduce gun violence, including background checks and limiting felonious lawbreakers, including domestic violence abusers, criminals and terrorists, from possessing firearms.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Health Care:
Everyday citizens deserve same health care as Congress gets
Every American should have access to basic, quality health care, not just those who are wealthy or who receive health care coverage through their employer. ˙Every American should have the type of excellent health care insurance options available today
to Congress. ˙In addition, our employers should not be making business decisions based on the spiraling cost of providing health care to employees. The current state of health care policy in America is immoral, unacceptable and unsustainable. ˙
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Homeland Security:
We don't need government prying into our everyday lives
We need a well-run and effective government. We simply cannot afford a country overseen by those who don't believe in the mission of the very organization they run and who express disdain for the very institutions our Founding Fathers put in place.
We don't need government prying into our everyday lives, telling us what to think or who to love, where to worship. I will fight to ensure that government does what it should and keeps its nose out of our lives where it shouldn't.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Fight to remove the political manipulations on veterans
- I WILL never forget America's solemn commitment with America's veterans--to ensure that they are treated with the dignity & respect they deserve
- I WILL fight for a dedicated funding stream, free from political manipulation
- I WILL fight to
improve access and reduce backlogs for all veterans
- I WILL never forget that the best way to ensure the health & safety of our armed service members is to ensure that armed conflict is a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Immigration:
We must be able to determine who legally enter our borders
Any country must have the ability to determine who can legally enter its borders and stay to become citizens or temporary permanent residents.
I will support a common-sense policy that: Provides for border security, including patrol agents, technology and barriers where appropriate (for example, urban areas). Continues the strong and fair vetting process already in place.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Immigration:
Remember our immigrant roots and have compassion
We tend to forget that America was built on immigration. We also tend to forget that people don't generally immigrate from countries where the economy is good and there is no discrimination. I will support a common-sense immigration policy that:-
Allows for a humane number of refugees from countries torn by war, discrimination & violence--it is a moral obligation.
- Allows for a reasonable number of economic immigrants in industries where it is difficult to find American workers.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Jobs:
Work to level the playing field for regular workers
The free market is a great tool for job creation. However, it isn't a perfect system. Instead of giving unfair advantages to corporations and other countries, I will: Support a living wage for workers who work full-time. Make sure regular workers can
band together to level the playing field with large corporations and management. Provide incentives to companies that are developing the economy of tomorrow to benefit workers today. Focus on developing the foundation of our entire economy - energy.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Constitution about granting rights, not about discriminating
Many of those among us profess to be Patriots while what the Constitution actually creates and protects. It is important to remember that the Constitution is about granting rights, not taking them away or discriminating against a select few.
I will fight to protect our Constitutional rights. Here is a sampling: First Amendment. "Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and freedom to peacefully assemble" to protest against the government.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Social Security:
Social Security is not an entitlement but an earned benefit
Social Security, Medicare and other Safety Net programs are more critical than ever as wages stagnate, more workers become part of the "Gig Economy" without the benefits given to regular employees, and employers continue to cut-off their funding
for traditional source of pensions, retirement programs and benefits for most working Americans. Social Security and Medicare are not "entitlements". They are earned, deferred benefits paid for by Americans over their working lives.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Wealthy need to pay their fair share; no more tax dodging
No one should ever have to pay a penny more in taxes than necessary to responsibly fund our government. However, pitching in paying a fair share of taxes to support our country is our Patriotic Duty.
When billionaires and corporations hire expensive accountants and lawyers to "move" money to tax they ensure that the rest of us pay more in taxes or that our government must borrow more to pay for services. Frankly, this is Un-Patriotic and Un-American.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Technology:
Strong proponent to keep "Net Neutrality" in place
The ideal of an Internet that is "neutral"--that allows anyone, rich or poor, large company, small business or private individual, to present their products, services, views and interests on an equal footing - must be preserved. The internet is the
most democratic of all forms of communication and information in today's world. ˙More than perhaps any other medium, the internet provides an open and free marketplace of ideas and speech, as our founding fathers intended in the First Amendment.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
On Health Care:
Allow importation of lower cost drugs
Trauner stated that the current political system is broken, favoring rich and business interests at the expense of the average individual citizen, that the politics of division is counterproductive and that he is
stepping up to make a difference.On Prescription Drugs--favors importation of lower cost drugs and allowing Medicare/Medicaid to negotiate drug costs.
Source: County10.com on 2018 Wyoming Senate race
Jan 26, 2018
On Abortion:
Strong advocate for women's abortion rights
Trauner has cast himself as a moderate Democrat, touting his career in business, his support for gun rights and advocacy for an energy plan that incorporates conventional sources like coal and sustainable sources like wind.
He also says government should stay out of Americans' personal lives and health decisions; he's for abortion rights.
Source: Billings Gazette on 2018 Wyoming Senate race
Oct 20, 2008
On Budget & Economy:
Federal bailout with stake in bailed-out company
Unlike Cynthia Lummis, who opposed the federal bailout, Trauner has expressed reserved support for the idea."In return for any purchase of bad assets, we get a share in the company," he continued. "If the federal government buys the bad debt off
of a company, and sells the product off later for profit, the federal government should keep that money. However, if it sells the debt a lesser price, the federal government should receive a stake in the company in order to make up the difference."
Source: NewWest.com on 2018 Wyoming Senatorial race
Oct 16, 2008
Page last updated: Dec 12, 2018