Families

“Families First” should not be just a slogan, but should be reflected in everything we do.  We can do more in Wisconsin to support freedom, fairness, and families.

Rather than valuing families, current conservative economic policies reward concentrations of wealth and privilege, and stifle the progress of the middle class by shifting the tax burden onto their backs, cutting their wages or moving their jobs overseas, and threatening the retirement benefits for their old age.  We need a progressive agenda that will honor and support families — all families! 

Wisconsin is already ranked very highly as one of the most “livable” places in the country — in fact, Middleton, Wisconsin, won Money Magazine’s “Best Place to Live” for 2007.  The criteria used by Money included job availability, income and cost-of-living data, housing affordability, quality of education, low crime rates, access to health care, racial and cultural diversity, ease of living, sense of community and vibrancy of town center, natural surroundings, arts and leisure opportunities, and other amenities such as access to airports.  Taken generally, Wisconsin overall would rank very highly — but we can make it even better. 

I would suggest services such as broadband access, well-stocked libraries, public parks, and public transit also contribute to a region’s quality of life.  And of course, with my personal background in the arts, the availability of cultural activities must be strongly supported, including art, dance, music, and theater.  I also believe we must honor Wisconsin’s heritage as well as protect our strong outdoor tradition.  We need to defend the family farm (as opposed to corporate farms) and strengthen our commitment to those in our community who are in need.  We need to focus on fairness and equality. 

The ideas outlined in each of the previous sections represent some of the things the best minds in the nation believe will set this country, and our great state, on the right track.  If we implement these programs, we will go a long way toward living up to our state motto:  Forward!

Universal health care, the best education system in the nation, great jobs and a growing economy, a fair tax system, clean air and water, full involvement in the democratic process, and an unparalleled quality of life — what could be better for fostering strong Wisconsin families? 

Paid for by Duman for Assembly                                   Copyright 2007-2008 Duman for Assembly