Statement of Values and Principles.

The Cedar County Democrats support and defend democracy for all people, no matter where they live, their race or gender. We believe the role of government is to assure the ‘unalienable rights of life, liberty and happiness’ as described in both the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions. To ensure those rights, we support childcare and public education for all, access to affordable health care, adequate housing, and nutrition among other basic human needs with equal access and inclusion for all.

Platform Resolutions

Child Care and Education

Whereas: Investments in quality childcare and education yields long-term benefits to our economy and society keeping us competitive in the world.

Therefore, we advocate: For subsidized childcare for working-class families so they can remain in the workforce. Universal, free public education Pre-K through 2yr Community College. Public school funding as needed to retain and attract high quality teachers. Zero interest college loans for public college students. Return local control of PreK-12 education to elected local school boards..

Environment

Whereas: Changes in our environment directly affect the basic human right to life, the homes we live in, and our economic and military security.

Therefore, we advocate: For reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by promoting and subsidizing renewable sources of energy including but not limited to; solar, wind, and biofuels. Tax credits and other incentives to encourage personal, business, corporate and agricultural responsibility for reducing pollution of our water, air, and land. We support the replanting of trees, replenishing the wetlands damaged by climate change and other human caused actions. We support comprehensive enforcement of all laws pertaining to environmental pollution and the application of appropriate penalties.

Health Care and Women’s Rights

Whereas: Affordable health care and pharmaceuticals are basic human rights to maintain a healthy society and productive workforce, and as Iowa’s rural areas have insufficient access including mental health and dental services.

Therefore, we advocate: For women’s health care and that reproductive freedom be protected. That Medicare be authorized to negotiate drug prices for all Medicare and Medicaid participants and further, that caps be placed on out-of-pocket costs of health and life sustaining drugs for all persons. That access to the Affordable Care Act be expanded for all individuals and families living below the median income level and not covered by employer insurance. That tax credits be extended to businesses and corporations that encourage and support certified wellness programs. We affirm the need to provide public support for child and adult mental health services, addiction services, dental health treatment and medical care. We support working toward universal healthcare for all Iowans.

Human Services

Whereas: Affordable housing, health services, and childcare are necessary to maintain vibrant rural communities and retain local businesses.

Therefore, we advocate: For incentives to increase the supply of quality affordable rental and owner-occupied housing in our rural communities through tax credits and other means. We recognize our Public Health Departments as an essential service to our communities.  We call for increased financial support for childcare and the wages paid to childcare workers while ensuring the quality and accountability of providers..

Government

Whereas: Ensuring public safety, securing voting rights, and eliminating corruption are essential to holding government accountable.

Therefore, we advocate: For adoption of the Equal Rights Ammendment. Adequate, equitable and necessary funding for all essential public services while holding them accountable for their actions. We oppose any actions taken to restrict or limit access to the ballot for all citizens of the U.S. We support full disclosure of all campaign contributions and money spent on behalf of a candidate. We support campaign finance reform.

Agriculture

Whereas: The survival of our rural culture, our small towns and businesses depends on the economic success of our local farmers.

Therefore, we advocate: Steps be taken to decrease the monopolistic practices of giant agri-businesses which have too much control on farmers prices and costs of production. We support tax credits and incentives for farmers to protect our environment and reduce the use of fossil fuels and chemicals.

Labor and immigration

Whereas: Wages for many Americans fall short of providing a decent standard of living, let alone moving them out of poverty.

Therefore, we advocate: For support of the bi-partisan bill passed by the Senate to strengthen border security and expedite processing of undocumented immigrants to assure an adequate legal; labor force. For a livable wage and an annual adjustment so no person working full time falls below the poverty line. We support the right of workers to collectively bargain for health, safety, and fair compensation. We call upon OSHA to protect the safety and health rights of all workers including migrant and meat packing employees.

Veterans and Military

Whereas: Our veterans and active military sacrifice their lives to protect and defend our democracy, our security, and our lives.

Therefore, we advocate: For improved mental health care to reduce the homelessness and suicides among veterans. For follow up services upon discharge to assure veterans receive the health care, education, jo training and other benefits they earned. We call for respect for active military and veterans by all Americans.

International Affairs:

Whereas: Violations of basic human rights and crimes against humanity continue unabated.

Therefore, we advocate: Cancel all weapons sales to countries that violate human rights and who do not oppose aggression against independent democracies. That we call for the prosecution of all war crimes and to hold the offending government, entities and individuals accountable..The U.S. continue to help build a stronger NATO and work with our allies to protect and defend democracies around the world as they stand against aggression while we work to strengthen our own democracy at home. We find it essential that military and humanitarian aid be passed immediately.