Jon Tester MyOcracy topics and responses

Criminal Justice

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

• 03/23/2007: Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program

Civil Rights

Support for gun rights

• 04/17/2013: Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets
• 04/12/2011: Sponsored veterans registering unlicensed guns from abroad
• 04/02/2009: Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains
• 09/06/2007: Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership
• 10/01/2006: Strongly believes in our Second Amendment rights

  Abortion rights: Women should choose

• 11/13/2013: Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services
• 01/06/2009: Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception
• 03/14/2008: Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP
• 03/13/2008: Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion
• 10/18/2007: Voted NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions

  Prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation

• 03/03/2010: Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays
• 09/03/2006: Opposes gay marriage; but not worth amending Constitution

Economic Issues

Taxes for wealthier tax payers: More

• 03/13/2008: Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset
• 02/13/2008: Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M
• 03/23/2007: Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax
• 03/21/2007: Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million
• 02/08/2006: Bush`s tax cuts are irresponsible

  Taxes for wealthier tax payers: Less

• 10/22/2012: Extend Bush exemption for inheritance tax up to $10M
• 03/13/2008: Voted NO on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million

  Reduce taxes for middle class tax payers

• 09/24/2006: Focus tax cuts on the middle class, not the rich

Education Issues

Increase per pupil funding

• 12/25/2005: Public education is the backbone of our democracy

Environmental Issues

Use tax incentives for wind energy development and use

• 01/17/2007: Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025
• 03/07/2006: Long-term tax credits for wind power development

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

• 10/09/2006: Kyoto Accord needs worldwide communication & US leadership
• 03/07/2006: 4-point plan for getting over America`s oil addiction

  Oppose off-shore drilling to tap new oil sources

• 06/21/2007: Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies

  Support cap-and-trade programs to address industrial emissions

• 01/16/2007: Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

  Oppose cap-and-trade programs to address industrial emissions

• 04/01/2009: Voted YES on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade

Healthcare Issues

Lower eligibility age for Medicare to increase coverage of older taxpayers

• 07/15/2008: Voted YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare
• 04/07/2008: Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn
• 02/03/2006: Extend enrollment period for new Medicare

  Increase amount of children covered by Medicaid reimbursements for health costs

• 01/29/2009: Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program
• 11/01/2007: Voted YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility

Immigration

Oppose amnesty for undocumented individuals

• 06/25/2012: Touts bipartisanship; voted against DREAM Act
• 06/28/2007: Voted NO on comprehensive immigration reform

  Provide amnesty for undocumented individuals

• 03/13/2008: Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities"

  Improve enforcement of existing immigration laws

• 04/19/2006: Secure borders and no amnesty for law breakers

  Increase the number of work visas granted to foreign workers each year

• 05/22/2007: Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program