Rebecca Schneider for Congress

The Issues

Jobs

The economy tops the list of issues most people are concerned about, and jobs are what drive the economy. Three years ago, the unemployment rate was about 4.5%. Today it is more than twice that. It is imperative that we bring new jobs to District 6. But remember, Congress doesn’t “create” jobs – businesses do. I will work to increase funding for the Small Business Administration, reduce the interest rates for SBA loans, and develop a cooperative health insurance program through the SBA.

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I also believe that innovation is an important part of what helped build this country. I will do everything I can to attract alternative energy pioneers to Arizona. With sunlight being one of our most abundant resources, Arizona should be leading the country in the solar power industry. Bringing green energy companies to District 6 will improve our environment and create many new jobs.

Unemployment

For those who are unemployed, I will fight for a tax credit for companies hiring displaced workers. This idea is just good common sense. When people go back to work, they can once again pay taxes and purchase the goods and services that make our economy function.

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I know many people who are actively looking for work. They knock on doors, go to networking meetings and submit applications and resumes every day. These are people who want to work, but can’t find a job. Many have already lost their homes and are struggling to get by. My opponent voted against extending unemployment benefits. I would have voted for it. It’s not your fault the economy is in bad condition. P.S. If you are unemployed - Hang in there and keep searching. You will find a job. When I get to Congress, I will help you however I can.

Veterans

First of all – Thank you to those who serve, and to their families. We have the greatest military in the world, so why are we outsourcing so many tasks to contractors? Did you know that in June 2009, military contractors
outnumbered our own troops in Iraq? Right now, almost 30% of the armed forces in Afghanistan are “contractors”!

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I believe in our military and will fight to get rid of hired mercenaries receiving $75 per day - for meals alone - while our own troops have to wear body armor sent from home by their families. Once again, let’s use some common sense here. I will fight to take better care of our service members and veterans instead of making lucrative no bid deals with private contractors.

Seniors

A big problem many seniors face is the rising cost of medication. I want to attack this problem on two fronts. Providing rebates for seniors who have reached the “donut hole” is a good start, but not enough. I will work to close the donut hole entirely, before the six-year deadline currently scheduled. It doesn’t take too long to reach the $2830 threshold with drug prices so high, and some people simply cannot wait that long for relief. In my own neighborhood, I know of seniors who get together for “drug runs” to Mexico to get their prescriptions filled. Right now, our seniors have two choices: go to another country - or go without.

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I will also fight for legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate drug pricing. Currently, any negotiation that takes place is between pharmaceutical companies and the insurance companies that administer the Medicare prescription drug program. If we were able to get drug prices down and close the donut hole faster, maybe my neighbors could spend the day with their grandkids instead of carpooling to Mexico.

Immigration

There is a lot of controversy about Arizona’s new immigration law – and for good reason. I oppose racial profiling, and this law tends to encourage it because of the term “reasonable suspicion.” This language should be eliminated. I also believe that we need to fix the problems with the E-verify system.

Every single candidate says the same thing about immigration – Secure the borders and improve the system for legal immigration. The fact is, we are never going to build a “Berlin Wall” between us and Mexico & Canada, and we will never deploy 200,000 troops to guard every mile of our borders. We have to fight this problem from another angle.

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It is fairly easy to fly under the E-verify radar. I will work to get the E-verify system tied into the FICA and social security systems to create checks and balances. We will deter illegal immigration by ensuring that every worker in America is legally entitled to do so.

Environment and Animals

In the past ten years, Jeff Flake has repeatedly voted against funding for renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, regulations for greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing fuel economy standards. I will fight for progress in these areas. Our children deserve it.

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The fact that BP was allowed to continue drilling despite the fact that the company had 760 “Egregious willful citations” from OSHA in the past three years is horrifying. Enforcing environmental regulations has made a significant impact in our waterways and air quality. I will vote for stricter sanctions for irresponsible companies like BP and legislation to help preserve and protect our environment. I will also continue to be a voice for Arizona's animals - http://www.voicesforazanimals.org

Renewable Energy

Our national security, our nation's economy, our people and our planet are all depending on a fast move to green energy. This needs to be the new "New Deal" if America is to continue to thrive and grow without destroying the Earth. A strong investment in renewable energy, green building and truly sustainable agriculture is the best legacy we can leave for future generations. It will also enable our economy to grow and will provide the good paying jobs we desperately need. It is up to US to demand this move...for all our sakes.

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