Jeff Merkley MyOcracy topics and responses

Civil Rights

Abortion rights: Women should choose

• 11/13/2013: Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services
• 07/12/2008: 100 percent ratings from NARAL and Planned Parenthood
• 11/01/1998: Abortions should always be legally available

  Support for gun control measures

• 04/17/2013: Voted YES on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets
• 04/02/2009: Voted NO on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains
• 11/01/1998: Maintain restrictions on purchase & possession of firearms

  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: Sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

  Support marriage rights between a man and a woman only

• 06/17/2008: Ok to define marriage against polygamy or same-sex

  Support marriage rights between same-sex individuals

• 09/18/2008: Co-sponsored Equality & Family Fairness Act for gay equality
• 12/31/2007: Oregon Equality Act: sexual orientation is a civil right

Economic Issues

Taxes for wealthier tax payers: More

• 03/22/2012: Minimum tax rate of 30% for those earning over $1 million
• 10/09/2008: Supports raising taxes on earnings over $250,000 per year
• 07/12/2008: Repeal $18 billion in tax breaks given to big oil companies
• 06/03/2008: Tax credits to families to make child care affordable

  Implement national sales tax instead of income-based tax code

• 11/01/1998: No state sales tax

Education Issues

Increase per pupil funding

• 04/11/2013: Sponsored extending subsidized federal student loan rates until 2015
• 09/21/2011: $25B to renovate or repair elementary schools
• 06/03/2008: History making efforts that improved education in Oregon

  Oppose school vouchers

• 06/03/2008: Fully fund public schools

Environmental Issues

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

• 09/09/2008: Cap greenhouse gases with international collaboration
• 06/03/2008: Set a 25 percent renewable energy national standard by 2025
• 06/03/2008: Supports 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050
• 06/03/2008: Incentives to cities for the reduction of emissions
• 03/02/2008: Sustainable, renewable energy to combat global warming

  Support cap-and-trade programs to address industrial emissions

• 04/01/2009: Voted NO on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade

  Increase tax incentives for solar energy development and use

• 03/15/2011: $5 billion in tax credits for alternative energy projects

Healthcare Issues

Require all taxpayers to obtain full-coverage health insurance

• 06/03/2008: Support Healthy Americans Act: universal comprehensive 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

Oppose amnesty for undocumented individuals

• 01/01/2003: Rated 90% by Oregonians for Immigration Reform