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Rebecca Parson's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Democrats need to abolish the filibuster and codify Roe v. Wade into law." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Women’s rights are human rights. As your representative, I will fight for: Reproductive justice for people of all genders, including trans women. Safe, legal, affordable abortion, birth control, and family planning services as part of Medicare for All." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Here are some ways to pay for the programs I support: a tax on Wall Street speculation that will raise trillions of dollars. scrap the Social Security income cap, so the wealthy pay their fair share into Social Security. a wealth tax on the top 0.1%, estimated to raise $4.35 trillion. ending corporate tax loopholes. restoring the top corporate income tax rate to 35%. a vacancy tax on empty homes. the same way Congress paid to bail out corporations to the tune of trillions of dollars: passing legislation that prioritizes federal spending on urgent needs. I propose to prioritize regular people like you and me over corporations and billionaires." (www.facebook.com)
  • "24% of Washington's 6th Congressional District is on Social Security. That's 175,920 people — the highest of any congressional district in Washington state. Social Security Works says, “The 2020 report shows that Social Security is fully funded until 2035, 91 percent funded for the next 25 years, 85 percent funded over the next 50 years, and 82 percent funded over the next 75 years.” In other words, Social Security is not running out of money. In fact, we need to expand it. In Congress, I will fight for: Scrapping the cap, so the wealthy pay their fair share into Social Security. Why should a billionaire put the same amount of money into Social Security as someone making $137,700? That's just not fair. Passing the Social Security Expansion Act as a step toward scrapping the cap. Increasing monthly benefits by $1,300 a year for seniors with low incomes. Social Security caregiver credits, so unpaid caregivers have a financially secure retirement after putting in work caring for loved ones. The use of a consumer price index (CPI) for the elderly, or CPI-E, so Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated more fairly for the expenses that seniors face. Increasing the minimum benefits that low-income workers receive when they retire, so everyone has a secure retirement, no matter how much they made while working. Increasing cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), so seniors can afford to keep up with rising prices. Ensuring that Medicare for All includes long-term care, so that seniors can live at home with comfort and dignity. Protecting and expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so no senior goes hungry." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Almost a quarter of my district is on Social Security. As a member of Congress, I will fight to protect, improve, and expand both Social Security and Medicare." (www.facebook.com)
  • "I am the only Democrat in this race who opposes the privatization of Medicare. Over one-fifth of WA-06 is 65+ years old, and we cannot afford to jeopardize their healthcare. Continuing Trump’s program to sell off Medicare to private insurance corporations would be a disaster. Privatization worsens health outcomes for Seniors, because it takes away their medical choice. Seniors’ health is more important to me than lining the pockets of private equity firms and Wall Street CEOs. Seniors don’t need corporate middlemen getting between them and their doctor. I stand with Physicians for a National Health Program and Rep Pramila Jayapal in opposing the enrichment of healthcare CEOs at the expense of Seniors. I stand with Medicare. I stand with our Seniors." (www.facebook.com)
  • "The underlying problem is that our healthcare system is driven by profit, instead of what’s best for people. Health insurance companies decide who lives and who dies. In Congress, I will fight to: Reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals by allowing for the importation of drugs from Canada and for Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices on behalf of American workers. Include dental and vision in Medicare for All. Include mental health treatment in Medicare for All. Include drug and alcohol treatment in Medicare for All, so alcoholics and addicts get the help they need, when they need it. Make sure that those who can afford it may pay for supplemental coverage, such as cosmetic surgery, not covered under Medicare for All." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "I refuse all corporate PAC money and all lobbyist money: so I answer to YOU, not billionaires, lobbyists, and corporations. In Congress, I will fight for the overturning of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, and I will sign on to the American Anti-Corruption Act, which will: Make it illegal for politicians to take money from lobbyists. Ban lobbyist bundling. Ban members of Congress and their senior staff from becoming lobbyists for several years after they leave Congress. Close the revolving door of corruption. Ban politicians from fundraising during working hours, so they serve their constituents instead. You work during YOUR workday. Why shouldn’t your member of Congress? Immediately disclose donations online, so we don’t have to wait months to see who’s funding a politician. Stop donors from hiding behind super PACs. End gerrymandering and stop the creation of absurd district boundaries that politicians create solely to ensure their own reelection and give their political party an unfair advantage. Let all voters participate in open primaries, so independent, people-funded candidates have a fair chance. Let voters rank their top candidates (ranked-choice voting), so independent candidates have a real shot at winning instead of being “spoilers.” Automatic voter registration nationwide, as was recently enacted in Washington. Nationwide mail-in ballots, so everyone in the country can enjoy the same convenient voting we have in our state. Democracy vouchers (as in Seattle) for every citizen in the country to make political donations with no out-of-pocket expense. Only candidates who fundraise solely from small donors will be eligible to receive these vouchers. Crack down on super PACs, so the 1% can’t illegally help their bought-and-sold candidates to win. Eliminate lobbyist loopholes, so lobbyists can’t get away with giving politicians big money “under the radar” anymore. Strengthen enforcement of anti-corruption laws and empower prosecutors to go after the white-collar criminals who have bought and sold our democracy." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "I’ve taken Move To Amend’s Pledge to Amend to declare my support for the 28th amendment to the US Constitution. The Constitution says “We the People”, not “We the Corporations.” We all know that the Citizens United ruling was disastrous for our democracy but it goes even deeper than that! We need to get big corporations out of our government, and money out of our political system! Check out MoveToAmend.org to learn more about the movement to pass the 28th amendment. #WeThePeopleAmendment #LeglaizeDemcoracy" (www.facebook.com)
  • "Police killings of Black people have to stop. And empty words and platitudes from Democrats aren't enough anymore, and they never were. We don't need more Democrats like Representative Derek Kilmer, who in 2014 voted against demilitarizing the police. We need to end qualified immunity for police. End cash bail. Increase funding to Black communities across this country, and enact reparations. I’m Rebecca Parson, and that’s what I stand for. Black Lives Matter." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Police need to stop killing Black people, not finding new excuses to do so. Manuel Ellis died of police violence, not "excited delirium." We need to end qualified immunity." (www.facebook.com)
  • "The time for commissions and half-measures is over. I agree with many of the proposals put forward by Sen. Bernie Sanders: Reform federal laws to allow for more effective prosecution of police by changing the standard from willfulness to recklessness. End qualified immunity for police so they can be held civilly liable for abuses. Strip federal funding from departments that violate civil rights. Provide grants to cities and states to create civilian corps of unarmed first responders, including social workers, EMTs, and trained mental health professionals. Require all police misconduct records be made publicly available. Ban chokeholds, neck restraints, and ban the use of chemical weapons against peaceful protests. Require states to create powerful independent civilian watchdog agencies, under the supervision of Attorneys General, to proactively monitor for abuses, investigate complaints by the public, and investigate killings by police officers." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "37,000 veterans are homeless this Fourth of July. And that’s a policy choice by the establishment. It would cost $10 billion a year to end all homelessness in the U.S. 1.4% of our annual military spending." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Reduce our bloated Pentagon budget, in which we spend more on the military than the next 10 nations combined, and end the abandonment of Black communities by the government and invest in healthcare (including mental healthcare and drug treatment), housing, education, clean water, healthy food in food deserts, and a clean environment." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Instead of subsidizing fossil fuels and lining Big Oil execs’ pockets, we should subsidize renewable energy and make it publicly owned." (www.facebook.com)
  • "In the richest country on Earth, no one should be hungry, homeless, without healthcare, or in poverty — while billionaires take vanity rides into space. That's why I do direct action, and that's why I'm running for Congress." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Raise the minimum wage to $30. Cancel student debt. Create millions of jobs building green infrastructure." (www.facebook.com)
  • "We don’t have to accept the status quo. $10B a year would end homelessness in the U.S. $25B: world hunger. $175B a year for 20 years: world poverty" (www.facebook.com)
  • "Corporations must pay their fair share." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Here are some ways to pay for the programs I support: a tax on Wall Street speculation that will raise trillions of dollars. scrap the Social Security income cap, so the wealthy pay their fair share into Social Security. a wealth tax on the top 0.1%, estimated to raise $4.35 trillion. ending corporate tax loopholes. restoring the top corporate income tax rate to 35%. a vacancy tax on empty homes. the same way Congress paid to bail out corporations to the tune of trillions of dollars: passing legislation that prioritizes federal spending on urgent needs. I propose to prioritize regular people like you and me over corporations and billionaires." (www.facebook.com)
  • "The federal government must send more aid to the states and distribute it more evenly. WA received the 4th lowest amount of aid per unemployment claim. Our state will likely face a $7 billion deficit. 3% pay raises for many state employees have been canceled, and 40,000+ state employees will have to take one furlough day per week until July 25, followed by monthly furlough days through the fall. Congress needs to stop twiddling its thumbs and act." (www.facebook.com)
  • "There should be more federal CARES Act funding for schools and none for DC lobbyists." (www.facebook.com)
  • "In Congress, I will fight for: Free tuition at public colleges and universities throughout the country, just like the University of California system had until the 1980s. A one-time cancellation of all student debt. A starting salary of $60,000 for all public school teachers. Free, universal preschool for children between ages three and five—similar to what is already provided in Oklahoma. Free, universal childcare, so we can create new jobs, have earlier intervention for kids who need it, and increase opportunity for mothers, who disproportionately quit or stall their careers to care for their children. Greater regulation of childcare centers, so all children enjoy the same high levels of enrichment and safety. Free school breakfast and lunch for all children in public pre-K, public kindergarten, and public K-12 schools. Ending “teaching to the test,” so we treat our teachers with the respect they deserve and allow children to enjoy school again. All teachers’ right to collectively bargain and earn a decent wage with acceptable class sizes and resources, so they can do the best job possible teaching our kids. Protecting parents’ right to homeschool their kids." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "In Congress, I will fight for: The Student Non-Discrimination Act, so public K-12 schools can’t discriminate against students on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity. This will let students focus on what school is for: learning and making friends." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "I am joining with Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal to oppose the Line 3 Pipeline. Trump approved the pipeline. Biden needs to cancel it. Local tribes oppose the pipeline, a UN climate panel said we’re in “code red for humanity,” and the pipeline would emit 193 million tons of CO2 a year. The pipeline is an affront to human life and to indigenous sovereignty, and it must be stopped. Cancel the pipeline. End the fossil fuel industry. Transition to life-giving renewable energy now. Create millions of jobs in the process." (www.facebook.com)
  • "In Congress, I will fight for: The Green New Deal to transition our economy to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Millions of good, $15+ per hour, union jobs to ensure prosperity and economic security for everyone in the United States in the new green economy. Ensuring workers in the fossil fuel industry have a job waiting for them in the new clean economy by increasing funding for clean-job training programs. Investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, infrastructure, and industry, so the United States is a leader in new green technology." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Instead of subsidizing fossil fuels and lining Big Oil execs’ pockets, we should subsidize renewable energy and make it publicly owned." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Over 1,000 people and 1 billion sea animals died in last summer’s PNW heat wave. When are we going to take climate change seriously and transition to 100% renewable energy?" (www.facebook.com)
  • "For warming to stay below 1.5 degrees, according to the IPCC report, global greenhouse gas emissions need to peak by 2025 and decrease 43% by 2030. That means stopping drilling and ending the fossil fuel industry — or facing an unlivable Earth." (www.facebook.com)
  • "In Congress, I will fight for: The Green New Deal to transition our economy to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through a fair and just transition for all communities and workers. Ensuring workers in the fossil fuel industry have a job waiting for them in the new clean economy by increasing funding for clean-job training programs. Funding for clean air, clean water, healthy and affordable food, and access to nature for all. Holding giant polluters criminally accountable for the willful destruction of our environment." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Children should not be afraid to go to school, and their parents shouldn't worry every time they put their kids on the school bus. We need to end this era of mass shootings. In Congress, I will fight for: Banning bump stocks and eliminating hellfire switches from all federal firearms permits. Requiring free safety training and continuing education for all licensed firearm owners. Empowering judicial removal of firearms possession rights from convicted domestic violence offenders. (Due to a strong correlation between past domestic violence and mass shootings.) Enacting nationwide waiting periods for purchase of all firearms. Mandatory and universal background checks, including at gun shows. Full federal funding to modernize and optimize existing background check systems, and make them compatible across all 50 states. Banning high-capacity magazines. Requiring de-escalation training for all law enforcement professionals. Discouraging the release of the names of mass shooters, so their hate-based communities don’t glorify them and use their fame as inspiration. Increasing funding for mental health services as part of Medicare for All, since 60% of gun deaths are by suicide." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "#elpaso How many more have to die before we act? Both gun owners and non-gun owners want reform, and it's the gun lobby's straglehold on our politics-- and their bought politicians-- who are stopping us." (www.facebook.com)
  • "It should be easier to get housing, healthcare, and an education than a gun." (www.facebook.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Abolish ICE, which has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted to act humanely. Make DACA permanent with legislation such as the American Dream and Promise Act. Repeal federal laws prohibiting “unlawful entry” and “unlawful re-entry,” which are the grounds under which children are separated from their parents. Repeal Zero Tolerance, the excuse to imprison migrants. Repeal 8 U.S.C. § 1325 and 8 U.S.C. § 1326, the laws that criminalize migration and punish immigrant families. End Operation Streamline, the litigation system that allows mass hearings of multiple courtrooms of migrants at a time and convicts them all at once. Ban contracts between private sector and governmental agencies involved in immigration enforcement. Ban the use of the military for immigration control. Stop funding and training the Mexican government to arrest, detain, and deport Central American migrants on their way to the U.S. border. Prosecute human rights violations committed by ICE and CBP agents. Expand refugee programs that would improve housing conditions and mental health services during resettlement." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "How would I vote/have voted differently from Derek Kilmer if I were in office? See below: Vote to approve funding for Trump’s border wall, Kilmer: Yes. Me: No. Vote to fund ICE without sufficient migrant protections, Kilmer: Yes. Me: No." (www.facebook.com)
  • "If Rep. Kilmer is concerned with opposing Trump’s sexist, racist, authoritarian agenda, he should stop enabling him. The reality is that Rep. Kilmer voted to give DHS $50 billion even as they act as Trump’s secret police; voted to fund Trump’s racist border wall; voted to fund ICE without sufficient protections for children separated from their parents; voted to extend the Patriot Act; and voted to approve Trump’s extreme defense budget." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Abolish ICE, which has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted to act humanely. Make DACA permanent with legislation such as the American Dream and Promise Act. Repeal federal laws prohibiting “unlawful entry” and “unlawful re-entry,” which are the grounds under which children are separated from their parents. Repeal Zero Tolerance, the excuse to imprison migrants. Repeal 8 U.S.C. § 1325 and 8 U.S.C. § 1326, the laws that criminalize migration and punish immigrant families. End Operation Streamline, the litigation system that allows mass hearings of multiple courtrooms of migrants at a time and convicts them all at once. Ban contracts between private sector and governmental agencies involved in immigration enforcement. Ban the use of the military for immigration control. Stop funding and training the Mexican government to arrest, detain, and deport Central American migrants on their way to the U.S. border. Prosecute human rights violations committed by ICE and CBP agents. Expand refugee programs that would improve housing conditions and mental health services during resettlement." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "Congress should do its job and protect DACA and create a path to citizenship." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Powerful event at the NWDC today, by La Resistencia, Strengthening Sanctuary Alliance, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) of WA, WA Immigrant Solidarity Network -Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA , and OneAmerica. Biden, Harris, and Congress, Keep Your Promise: Pass Citizenship for All!" (www.facebook.com)
  • "No war with Iran. Thanks to Tacoma DSA for organizing the rally today." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Washington State is the epicenter of America’s nuclear enterprise — with Bangor Submarine Base being the largest storehouse of nuclear weapons in the U.S., if not the world. Two nuclear powers should not go to war with each other: for the safety of Washingtonians and all the world’s people." (www.facebook.com)
  • "America sees itself as a promoter of democracy, yet we have toppled countless democratically elected governments and introduced instability due to our forever wars. We need to stop invading other countries for resource extraction, the enrichment of the military-industrial complex, and market expansion for American corporations. In Congress, I will fight for: Withdrawal from Iraq, since the Iraqi parliament has voted to expel U.S. troops. The only area we should stay in — if the Kurds request us to — is northern Iraq in order to prevent a further rollback of Kurdish autonomy in Rojava and the KRG. Full withdrawal from Afghanistan, including the “shadowy combination of clandestine Special Operations forces, Pentagon contractors and covert intelligence operatives” that will likely remain under President Biden’s withdrawal order. Ending military assistance and the U.S. sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia — and end our support of the war in Yemen. Prioritizing diplomacy over war. As the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer, I was raised to see the value of diplomacy, and America must use this as its first tool before war. Ending the Presidential Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs), including the Iraq, Gulf War, and Cold War AUMFs. Closing Guantanamo Bay and abolishing torture." (www.rebeccaparson.com)
  • "In honor of Memorial Day, let’s end the endless wars." (www.facebook.com)
  • "It’s Congress’ JOB to rein in the president. Instead the GOP does Trump’s bidding while establishment Democrats wring their hands. These are many of the same Democrats, including my opponent Derek Kilmer, who voted to approve Trump’s recent war budget, the NDAA. This NDAA lacked amendments for 1) preventing funding for war with Iran or 2) repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). A vote for this NDAA was a blank check for Trump to keep bringing us to the brink of war with whichever country is his hate-flavor of the day. Derek Kilmer and the rest of the corporate Democrats offering thoughts and prayers are no match for Trump and his apparently limitless war powers. How can we expect them to be when they’re in the pocket of the military-industrial complex, whose stock prices went up the past few days? Kilmer, after all, took $10,000 from Raytheon in 2014 — and the following year cosponsored a bill authorizing $286 million for the development of a new Israeli missile defense program being developed by Raytheon. Corporate Democrats like him aren’t going to rein in the imperial presidency. Here’s what will: Refusing money from defense contractors and the rest of the military-industrial complex. Fighting to repeal the AUMF. Defunding our endless wars. Invoking the War Powers Resolution. Ending the president’s sole power over deploying nuclear weapons. These are all policies I stand by. I'm fighting for them now, and I will as your representative in Congress, too." (www.facebook.com)
  • "How would I vote/have voted differently from Derek Kilmer if I were in office? See below: Vote for the USMCA (aka NAFTA 2.0), Kilmer: Yes. Me: No." (www.facebook.com)
  • "In Congress, I will fight for: Rejecting trade agreements that don’t protect workers’ rights or address climate change. Ending sanctions that harm everyday people, who should not suffer because of the actions of their government." (www.rebeccaparson.com)

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