Our Focus
Making A Difference
Our Vision
The Democratic Party is committed to keeping our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every American. That commitment is reflected in an agenda that emphasizes the security of our nation, strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, honest government, and civil rights.
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Our Plan
We have a bold new direction for a secure America. We seek: 1) Honest Leadership & Open Government, 2) Real Security, 3) Energy Independence, 4) Economic Prosperity & Educational Excellence, 5) A Healthcare System that Works for Everyone, and 6) Retirement Security.
Healthcare
Towns County Democrats support a system that provides affordable and comprehensive health care for all Americans. Such a system cannot exist simply through market forces; it must involve both government regulation and tax-supported subsidies. The Affordable Care Act is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be amended so as to induce all adult members of our society to pay into the system. Comprehensive health care for all Americans should provide affordable access to essential health benefits such as maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse services, access to affordable birth control, and coverage for pre-existing conditions and prescription drugs.
Environment
Towns County Democrats believe that science has proven the impact of human activity on climate change, that humankind must adjust its behavior in order to protect the sustainability of life on our planet for future generations, and that government at the local, state, and national levels must play a role in making those adjustments. Residents of Towns County have immediate and compelling interests in protecting their natural resources maintain both their quality of life and their economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism. Democrats are committed to public policies and voluntary activities that will protect the natural beauty of our county.
Education
Towns County Democrats believe that a strong system of public education is vital to the strength and stability of the United States. At present, disparities in educational attainment are a key factor in the growing inequality of wealth and income throughout the country. These disparities weaken the social fabric and competitiveness of the United States. Despite its resource-rich public schools, Towns County possesses poverty and unemployment rates above the national average. Our public schools must focus on assisting both our youth and adult populations in mastering the academic and technical skills required to secure their own economic well-being as well as the overall quality of life of our community. Democrats also should support the public library and efforts by voluntary organizations such as the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy to supplement the public education system.
Immigration
Towns County Democrats believe that the President and Congress must pass meaningful immigration reform. The majority of undocumented workers in this country are hardworking people who have come to the US in search of a better life for their families. The DREAMERS must be given a path to citizenship. We need both political parties working together to come up with a solution that is both humane and protects American interests. The two goals are not mutually exclusive. We are a country of immigrants. In the past most of our families were also scorned, rejected, and demonized because of their ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. However diversity is what truly makes us a great nation.
Taxes
Towns County Democrats believe in a progressive income tax in which high income earners cannot avoid paying their fair share through excessive deductions and loopholes. The Trump tax cuts of 2017 made our system less progressive than ever. Among other things, they reduced tax rates on corporate profits well beyond what was necessary to make our corporations competitive with those of other countries. These rates must be adjusted upward from 21 to at least 25%. In addition, new legislation needs to be passed to close loopholes and increase rates on investment income, which are currently well below those on earned income. We believe that conservative approaches to tax reform will merely add to the disparity of income and wealth among Americans, the federal budget deficit, and the national debt. The last two of these developments, in turn, will increase pressures to reduce spending on defense, medicare, medicaid, and social security. A strong defense and an adequate safety net are possible to maintain only if the most fortunate among us pay their fair share.
Infrastructure
The decay of American infrastructure is a drag on our economy both because it hurts our competitiveness abroad and leaves many people idle who are anxious and able to work on vital projects. Therefore, an immediate and major commitment by the federal government to new spending on infrastructure will stimulate the economy and provide increased income to many struggling middle class families.
LGBTQ
As Towns County Democrats, we believe that LGBTQ are entitled to the same civil rights and liberties as all other citizens. This includes the freedom to marry the person of one's choosing and, freedom from discrimination in the workplace and housing, regardless sexual orientation or gender identity.
Democracy
Towns County Democrats believe that democracy in America should include majority rule limited by individual and minority rights and checks and balances as provided by the Constitution. At all levels of government, a competitive two party system is a vital check on the abuse of power. The effective functioning of a checks and balances system reinforced by party competition requires an active and informed citizenry willing to respect the views of others and to compromise rather than adhere rigidly to ideology. A free press committed to reporting accurately on events of the day rather than partisan goals is essential to an informed citizenry.
