Issues

During a time of record-breaking income inequality and runaway corporate greed, restoring the balance of power in favor of the American worker is imperative. America's workforce is one of the best, most productive labor forces in the world. As both a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a former small business owner, Congressman DeSaulnier has seen firsthand that unfortunately workers are being taken advantage of by big business. Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to promoting policies that advance all workers and prepare them for the jobs of the future, support small businesses, and improve our economy.

Education is the single-most important investment a nation can make in its future. Throughout his career in public service, from his time as a local Head Start Commissioner to his current seat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier has been an advocate for quality education for every student. From preschool to higher education and beyond, Congressman DeSaulnier values a public education, programs to support the "whole child," accessible and affordable college opportunities for any students that wishes to attend, and ensuring that all students gain the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

Congressman DeSaulnier recognizes climate change for the existential threat that it is and, beginning with his time as a member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), he has been a proud champion of policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. He is a firm believer that the challenges of climate change also present enormous opportunity and strong, forward-looking energy and environmental policy will be a key driver of growth, innovation, and competitiveness. While fueling economic growth, rigorous environmental protections will protect the health of all Californians.

The United States is the gun violence capital of the world. Every day, there are more than 30 gun-related deaths. The common sense reforms we have made in California are working, and Congressman DeSaulnier is leading the way to bring them to the national level to make our families, schools, and communities safer while adhering to the Second Amendment.

In the wealthiest country in the world, no American should go without access to quality, affordable health insurance and health care. Unfortunately, our broken system leaves around 27 million Americans uninsured. To address the inadequacy of our health care system, Congressman DeSaulnier has been an ardent supporter of protecting, strengthening, and expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition to fighting for a more equitable health care system that prioritizes people over profits, Congressman DeSaulnier strongly supports investing in research and innovation in new treatments and cures, addressing prescription drug affordability and health disparities, and improving the availability of and access to mental health care for all Americans.

Despite the tremendous progress made in the struggle for gender equality, women still face violence, discrimination, and institutional barriers to equal participation in society. Even one hundred years after women's suffrage, the United States has not yet guaranteed equal constitutional rights to women. Women continue to face the impacts of gender discrimination in many areas including pay, workplace protections, social stresses, health care and reproductive rights, education, and others. In Congress, Congressman DeSaulnier is a vocal advocate for women's economic, social, and reproductive rights.

Social Security and Medicare represent our promise to seniors of a secure retirement. As all 73 million baby boomers approach retirement age by 2030, Congressman DeSaulnier is focused on making sure we provide every retiree with the financial security they deserve. He has been a strong advocate for the protection of safety net programs throughout his time in government service and continues to be a champion for seniors in Congress.

Our national security is among Congressman DeSaulnier’s top priorities and he believes that the men and women who bravely and selflessly sign up to keep our country safe deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, which should include quality health care and a VA that works for them, education and job training, transition programs, and mental health services.