Mark Begich MyOcracy topics and responses

Civil Rights

Support for gun rights

• 09/25/2013: Oppose the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty
• 04/17/2013: Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets
• 10/12/2011: Sponsored loosening restrictions on interstate gun purchases
• 04/12/2011: Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad
• 04/02/2009: Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains
• 02/03/2009: Apply concealed carry permit to all other states where legal
• 08/19/2008: Strongly supports Constitutional right to bear arms
• 04/04/2008: Lifetime member of NRA

  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
• 11/18/2008: Added sexual orientation to Anchorage non-discrimination law

  Abortion rights: Women should choose

• 11/13/2013: Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services
• 12/15/2003: Mayor`s Charity Ball donated $25K to Planned Parenthood

Economic Issues

Taxes for wealthier tax payers: More

• 03/22/2012: Minimum tax rate of 30% for those earning over $1 million

Education Issues

Increase per pupil funding

• 09/21/2011: $25B to renovate or repair elementary schools
• 07/27/2010: Professional development grants for elementary principals
• 08/19/2008: Local control and accountability of America`s schools

Environmental Issues

Support domestic continental drilling to tap new oil sources

• 02/27/2009: Allow horizontal drilling into Alaska's Coastal Plain
• 11/20/2008: Advocate for opening up ANWR to drilling
• 09/09/2008: Long term: develop ANWR; build renewable energy plants

  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

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

• 05/21/2008: Alaska is ground zero for global warming

  Invest in the creation and further development of mass transit systems

• 07/28/2008: Invest in Port of Anchorage & pedestrian-friendly downtown

Healthcare Issues

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

• 01/07/2014: AdWatch: Promised we could keep our plans under ObamaCare
• 12/12/2013: AdWatch: Begich supports ObamaCare for Alaskans

  Lower eligibility age for Medicare to increase coverage of older taxpayers

• 05/21/2008: Increase Medicare reimbursements and affordable health care

  Increase amount of children covered by Medicaid reimbursements for health costs

• 01/29/2009: Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program

Immigration

Provide amnesty for undocumented individuals

• 10/10/2008: Reservations about denying illegals` retirement benefits