Amy McGrath in 2020 KY Senatorial race
On Budget & Economy:
Against rolling back Dodd-Frank banking regulations
Q: Tighten or loosen regulation of banks and credit card companies?Amy McGrath: Tighten. Criticized attempts to roll back Dodd-Frank banking regulations. Noted payday lenders are "preying on anyone who is low-income."
Mitch McConnell: Loosen. Opposed creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Voted to roll back Dodd-Frank banking regulations, which he called "heavy-handed."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Civil Rights:
No discrimination over sexual orientation
Q: Support gay marriage and LGBTQ Rights?Amy McGrath: Yes. Supports the "freedom to marry who you want to marry." "No Kentuckian should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation."
Mitch McConnell: No. "I've always felt that marriage was between one man and one woman." But sees 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage as "the law of the land."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Immigration:
Give DREAMers a chance to become full citizens
Q: Create path to citizenship for "DACA" participants brought to the U.S. as children?Amy McGrath: Yes. "Congress needs to extend DACA or enact legislation that will give DREAMers a chance to become full citizens."
Mitch McConnell: Mixed. Supported some protections for DACA recipients in exchange for strongly restricting legal immigration. Rejected House bill offering a path to citizenship, though might consider in broader deal.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Jobs:
Pro-union, supports gradual rise of minimum wage to $15/hour
Q: Support "right to work" laws? Raise federal minimum wage above $7.25?Amy McGrath: "Unions have protected Kentucky workers for generations." Celebrates "the progress of organized labor in this country." Supports a gradual rise to $15 an hour.
Mitch McConnell: Has "continually supported legislation at the federal level to enact right-to-work nationwide." A minimum wage hike would "kill jobs and depress the economy."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Crime:
Police reform: ban chokeholds, guarantee body cameras
Citizens have to be able to trust that the response to police violence will be handled fairly and independently. I support Senator Tammy Duckworth's bill that would incentivize states to require an independent investigation each and every time a police
officer uses force that results in serious harm or death.
All officers must be trained to recognize and counteract racial bias. The federal government should also incentivize de-escalation tactics and use of force guidelines. Among the police officers I know, no one
thinks they need to be using chokeholds or strangleholds, so we should look at banning them nationally. I want to see the federal government do all it can to guarantee that every officer has a functioning body camera that's actually turned on.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Drugs:
Will work for real investments in tackling opioid crisis
Our friends, family and community members are dying at alarming rates across the nation from the opioid crisis. Lawmakers need to start being honest about investments that will be needed to tackle this drug crisis in areas of research, prevention,
treatment, and recovery. Experts believe we need to invest at least $45 billion over 10 years to actually improve outcomes. I will work to make sure Congress starts making real investments at the federal and state level to end this crisis.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Drugs:
For medical cannabis; research full legalization
Many veterans suffering from chronic pain and PTSD report improved health outcomes from medical cannabis. I stand with the American Legion in calling for the removal of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug and permit its use to treat
ailments that veterans, and others, face. It may also alleviate dependence on opioids for pain relief and that alone is a meaningful reason to consider moving in that direction. Our government should permit research on the issue of full legalization.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Education:
We need a well-funded public education system
To mend the education-to-workforce pipeline, we need high-quality early education programs and a well-funded public education system. We need to coordinate education and training with organizations and individuals on the ground in our communities
who know what works. We should explore subsidizing employers to provide internships for young adults from underserved communities for real, hands-on experience, to help ensure that students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Education:
National service program practical solution for college debt
Higher education costs have increased eight times faster than wages, making it impossible for many Americans to get the education they need to succeed without taking on massive high-interest loans. A national service program is a practical solution
for college debt that allows young people to give back to their communities in exchange for a debt-free higher education. A national service program is an investment in our youth, our economy and our country as a whole.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Climate change: wars will fought over water, resources
We are seeing hurricanes, floods, and fires in ways we've never seen before. Large parts of the world (the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia) are experiencing dramatic desertification at an alarming rate. This means less food will be produced and
large migrations of people will be forced out of the lands they occupy today. In the 20th century, we fought wars over values or economic clashes. In the 21st century, it will be over water and resources. We need leaders that get it.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Families & Children:
Help working class families with checks during pandemic
During this public health crisis, anyone who gets sick should be able to take time off without financial injury, and anyone whose kids are either sick or sent home from school without child care should get help. Some economists, including
Republicans, have advocated cutting checks to low-income and working-class families in areas afflicted by the coronavirus, whether the individuals themselves are sick or not. That deserves serious consideration. Think of it as a tax rebate for unusual ti
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
We need strong military, but also strong diplomatic corps
Our foreign policy must be directly linked not only to our national security but also to our interests, which are defined by our American values--those enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution. Our role in the world is unique
and we must strive to be the champion of democratic movements, human rights (including women's rights), justice, equality, opportunity, and the freedoms of speech, religion and the press.
The major concern for the security of our nation remains the threat of a nuclear device in the hands of a violent non-state actor--we must be relentless when it comes to seeking nuclear nonproliferation. Many serious threats--information warfare,
pandemic disease, violent extremist ideology, climate change--cannot be resolved with more fighter jets and aircraft carriers. Not only do we need a strong military, but we must invest in a strong diplomatic corps and in international development.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Free Trade:
Pulling out of Trans-Pacific Partnership cost us influence
I support current efforts at trade agreements, not trade wars, because these agreements give us leverage and a common goal and can foster stable relations. When the U.S. pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we lost strategic and economic
influence in the Pacific and created a vacuum that China is all too eager to fill. It is critical that we work with our allies and partners in the region to counter China's advances and ensure the region remains democratic and focused on human rights.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Government Reform:
Implement term limits, require release of tax returns
TO CLEAN UP WASHINGTON, WE NEED TO:- Limit unrestricted dark money and increase transparency by requiring the disclosure of donors to any organization that spends money in elections.
- Work to end Citizens United.
- Implement term limits.
-
Stop the "revolving door" between elected office and lobbying.
- Fight to end "Cadillac benefits."
- Require release of complete federal tax returns by members of Congress, the president, the Cabinet, and the Supreme Court.
I have received donations from all 120 Kentucky counties--and the average donation is $36. That's democracy speaking and that kind of movement can inspire real leaders to run. Our country needs to get back to that. I pledge to work for you, not
for corporations, lobbyists, or other special interests. I pledge to run a campaign that is financially transparent. And I pledge never to use my office for personal gain or to obtain special privileges not available to other Americans.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Government Reform:
We must protect election process from foreign interference
Additionally, we know that Russia tried to undermine one of our greatest treasures, our democratic process. As an American, I'm disappointed that Congress has failed to address this national security threat and deeply concerned given what is at stake.
I will support legislation to protect our election process from foreign interference, legislation that Sen. McConnell single-handedly blocked for months.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Gun Control:
Supports background checks, honest conversation about guns
I am a gun owner and pro-Second Amendment. There are some commonsense things that most gun owners and most non-gun owners actually agree on, and we haven't been able to get it done. Why? The gun lobby.
Beyond common sense measures Congress should have enacted long ago, like background checks, we need an honest conversation about what we are willing to tolerate as a nation
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Health Care:
For bipartisan plan to fix ObamaCare's problems
I believe health care should be affordable and accessible to all Americans. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is far from perfect, but it enabled many Kentuckians--especially those with pre-existing conditions--to get affordable health insurance for the
first time. I remain committed to working for a bipartisan plan to fix the ACA's problems. A single-payer system would require a sweeping overhaul of our health care system. I do not currently support such an approach.
A public option would give all Americans the opportunity to buy a publicly run insurance plan instead of a private insurance plan. We must increase competition among existing carriers. A public option would lower premiums--since the goal would not
be to make a profit. This also gives people more choices: no one would be forced to go with a government-run plan, but it would be there if Americans wished to choose it. I support a Medicare buy-in option for those over the age of 55.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Fully fund the VA so veterans get quality health care
I will make sure the VA delivers the health care and education benefits that veterans have earned through their service. I'm an avid proponent of initiatives like the Post-9/11 GI Bill (I used it!) and the VA home loan (I used that, too!)--programs
that help veterans transition from the military into productive civilian lives and careers. The skills and talents that veterans develop during their service are incredibly valuable.
I will make sure the VA remains the best place for veterans to receive care for their injuries. America should not outsource its responsibility to our veterans so that
private insurance companies can profit from our injured and ill veterans. We must fully fund the VA so that veterans receive the quality health care they deserve--for life.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Immigration:
For secure borders & meaningful immigration reform
The current immigration crisis is the product of a growing number of migrants who have come to the border without papers fleeing violence by the drug cartels. Border patrol performs an essential function in keeping our borders secure.
We need leaders with the courage to stand for secure borders, but also who will enforce it in a humane way in accordance with our American values. We will only solve this problem if Congress is willing to act on meaningful immigration reform.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Technology:
Invest in infrastructure, broadband, electricity grid
From the crumbling Brent Spence Bridge in Kenton County, to the ailing water system in Martin County, to the lack of broadband internet access in rural Kentucky, our state badly needs new investments in infrastructure to grow a strong economy of the
future. The electricity grid is the backbone of our economy, our national security, and our way of life. But our grid is aging rapidly. We must upgrade our grid infrastructure.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On War & Peace:
Support NATO alliance; support two-state Israel solution
We need strong alliances to face the global challenges ahead, and NATO is the most capable alliance in world history. The alliance includes members that together account for more than half of all global military spending, and it's critical because it's
values-based. At the same time, we must think practically about the benefits and drawbacks to an eastern expansion of NATO. Given Russian actions, we must make clear-eyed assessments about how NATO expansion could reshape the geopolitical map.
The survival and security of Israel is in the United States' interest and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamental to Israel's security.
Additionally, I'm in full support of maintaining Israel's QME (Qualitative Military Edge) and strengthening our nation's special relationship based on shared values.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On War & Peace:
No nukes in North Korea; nuke deal with Iran
Iran is now moving toward further enrichment of uranium which should never have happened. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the "Iran deal," was implemented to prevent this scenario from happening. The goal now should be to
bring back the kind of limitations on Iran's nuclear program that existed in the last administration's "Iran deal" but to extend them indefinitely, in exchange for a lifting of the relevant sanctions on Iran.
China certainly does not wish to see a war on the Korean peninsula, either. It is critical that the approach to North Korean nuclear progress should be a rest of the world vs. North Korea, not just a US vs. North Korea. We need a multi-national approach
and should be developing such an option today.
I support the U.S. providing defensive arms to Ukraine and exerting more pressure on Moscow using economic sanctions. We need leaders willing to patiently but consistently stand up to Russian aggression.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On War & Peace:
All major military actions must be approved by Congress
Article I of our Constitution grants Congress (not the president) the sole power to authorize the use of force. We need leaders who will take this oversight responsibility seriously, regardless of political party and regardless of who sits in the
Oval Office. As someone who has fought in these wars, I will demand that Congress do its job. All major military actions overseas (not defensive in nature) must be explicitly approved by Congress--and therefore, the American public.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
On Health Care:
Will fight to lower prescription drug costs
We can't fix our health care system without addressing prescription drug prices. There are six bipartisan bills on Mitch McConnell's desk to reduce prescription prices, including legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower costs, and he won't even
let them be considered on the Senate floor. The average Kentuckian spends over $2,000 annually on prescription medications. One of the first things I will do when I get into office is fight for legislation to lower prescription drug costs.
Source: The Northern Kentucky Tribune on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Jun 14, 2020
On Government Reform:
I served in the military for 24 years; I voted by mail
On voting: "Every Kentuckian needs to have a voice, and you should not have to put your health in danger to vote," McGrath said. "That's why we need more funding for mail-in voting. The federal government needs to help states now to be able to do this.
We need to make sure we're supporting the United States Postal Service. The bottom line is that I served in the military for 24 years. I voted by mail for 24 years. It worked just fine for me. We can do this and it's the right thing to do right now."
Source: The Advocate-Messenger on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
May 10, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Established food bank relief fund in Kentucky
Days after launching Commonwealth, Common Health - an initiative that matches volunteers with Kentuckians who need assistance - McGrath established a food bank relief fund to support food banks across the state. "As our daily lives change,
so do the challenges each and every one of us face, and for many people that's being able to purchase or have access to food," McGrath said. "We are trying to close that gap by having neighbors help neighbors through our work with food banks."
Source: Kentucky Publishing on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Apr 16, 2020
On Education:
Perform national service to get college aid
McGrath is against "Medicare for All" and free college tuition in a new TV pitch. "We need a senator who fights for things like affordable health care, college and technical school, not tax cuts for wealthy donors," McGrath says. "That doesn't mean free
college or Medicare for All, I'm against that." Instead improve the Affordable Care Act without getting rid of private health insurance. McGrath also calls for students to perform unspecified "national service" to pay for higher education.
Source: Courier Journal AdWatch on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Feb 11, 2020
On Health Care:
Improve ACA; don't get rid of private insurance
McGrath is against "Medicare for All" and free college tuition in a new TV pitch. "We need a senator who fights for things like affordable health care, college and technical school, not tax cuts for wealthy donors," McGrath says. "That doesn't mean free
college or Medicare for All, I'm against that." Instead improve the Affordable Care Act without getting rid of private health insurance. McGrath also calls for students to perform unspecified "national service" to pay for higher education.
When McGrath ran for Congress two years ago, she said how she favored a single-payer plan but didn't believe it could pass. In four separate interviews during the course of that campaign, McGrath indicated she liked the idea of a government-run health
care system but thought it wasn't feasible. "If we were to start over and have to start over from scratch, say this was 10 years ago -- I think we now know that single-payer would be the way to go," McGrath told NPR in an August 2018 interview.
Source: Courier Journal AdWatch on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Feb 11, 2020
Page last updated: Nov 30, 2020