Keith Ellison MyOcracy topics and responses

Criminal Justice

Use of treatment centers for violators of criminal laws targeting drug-use

• 07/15/2011: Expunge records for first drug offenders after probation
• 01/29/2008: Allow rehabilitated drug convicts get student loans

  Increase the number of police officers working in high-crime communities

• 01/23/2007: Increase funding for "COPS ON THE BEAT" program

Civil Rights

Prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation

• 03/03/2010: Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays
• 06/24/2009: ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays
• 04/02/2009: Voted YES on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes
• 11/13/2007: Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation

  Abortion rights: Women should choose

• 11/13/2013: Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services
• 05/04/2011: Voted NO on banning federal health coverage that includes abortion
• 01/06/2009: Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception
• 11/07/2006: I am pro choice

  Support for gun control measures

• 07/25/2013: Repeal "stand-your-ground" laws
• 01/03/2013: Ban large-capacity ammunition
• 01/03/2013: Ban "fire sale" of firearms after delicensing closure
• 05/07/2009: Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales

Economic Issues

Taxes for wealthier tax payers: More

• 04/16/2012: Minimum tax rate of 30% for those earning over $1 million
• 11/11/1999: Reduce the concentration of wealth & wage inequality

  Taxes for large corporations: Increase

• 04/15/2013: Sponsored enforcing against corporate offshore tax haven banking

  Invest money in more public projects to improve infrastructure

• 03/13/2013: Sponsored investing $1 billion in transportation projects

  Taxes for wealthier tax payers: Less

• 12/31/2006: by the CTJ, indicating opposition to progressive taxation

  Reduce taxes for middle class tax payers

• 02/08/2001: American People's Dividend: Give $300 to every person

Education Issues

Increase per pupil funding

• 04/11/2013: Sponsored extending subsidized federal student loan rates until 2015
• 03/21/2013: Sponsored 10/10 Loan Forgiveness: cancel college loans after 10 years
• 09/15/2011: $25B to renovate or repair elementary schools

  Oppose school vouchers

• 03/30/2011: Voted NO on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program
• 11/07/2006: Strong and comprehensive public education policy

Environmental Issues

Oppose off-shore drilling to tap new oil sources

• 05/12/2011: Voted NO on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling
• 01/18/2007: Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies

  Support cap-and-trade programs to address industrial emissions

• 06/26/2009: Voted YES on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution
• 01/16/2007: Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

  Use tax incentives to promote efficient energy production and conservation

• 05/21/2008: Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation

  Use tax incentives for wind energy development and use

• 09/26/2008: Voted YES on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets

  Eliminate tax incentives and/or subsidies to the fossil fuel industry

• 11/07/2006: Energy independence through renewable energy

  Increase tax incentives for solar energy development and use

• 02/12/2008: Voted YES on tax incentives for renewable energy

Healthcare Issues

Increase amount of children covered by Medicaid reimbursements for health costs

• 01/14/2009: Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program
• 01/23/2008: Voted YES on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids
• 10/25/2007: Voted YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility

  Lower eligibility age for Medicare to increase coverage of older taxpayers

• 07/15/2008: Voted YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare
• 01/31/2001: MEDS Plan: Cover senior Rx under Medicare

  Require all taxpayers to obtain full-coverage health insurance

• 11/07/2006: Time for universal single payer health care

  Establish government-assisted non-profit organizations from which all taxpayers would obtain health insurance

• 01/05/2011: Establish a public insurance option via healthcare Exchanges

  Provide single-payer health insurance coverage to all taxpayers direct from government

• 11/11/1999: Make health care a right, not a privilege