2020 POSITIONS ON THE ISSUES

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Navajo County Democrats support universal access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality health care through Single-Payer National Health Insurance known as Medicare for All as well as single-payer legislation at the level of the states. NCDs believe you should not have to choose between groceries and prescriptions, so support lowering the cost of prescription drugs.  

Navajo County Democrats support preserving the historical openness of our society. Our federal

government must develop comprehensive immigration reform that reflects humane practices and

fairness to families while valuing the economic and cultural contributions immigrants have made and

will continue to make to our communities. Immigration reform must include a pathway to

citizenship.

NCDs are strongly committed to enacting comprehensive immigration reform that supports our

economic goals and reflects our values as both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. We  support the DREAM Act where students can become legal residents and eventually citizens. 

Further, we are committed to protecting the rights of asylum applicants and providing in

the least a basic standard of care for children in their custody. NCDs will work to help resolve the border detention crisis in a manner that comports with the Democratic values of solidarity, due

process, and equal protection.

A well-educated citizenry is the foundation of democracy and critical to the state’s economic security.

Our children and young adults are among our greatest resources. As Navajo County Democrats, we serve as stewards to invest in their education, from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary opportunities, and to provide equal access to quality public education at all levels and to all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status or ability.

We believe in accountability in education: that government retains its obligation to equitably and

adequately fund quality public education, and that public schools and universities must be held

accountable for results. NCDs support the Arizona Constitution: that public higher education should be “as free as possible” to students. We strongly support our children and their abilities to achieve by providing access to vital pre- and post-natal care, quality preschool programs, comprehensive and rigorous public schools, and after-school programs.

We face an urgent need to make smart changes in the ways we develop land, use water, and generate and consume energy. Democrats are committed to making responsible decisions, using sustainable practices to protect our dwindling natural resources, and promoting the health of Arizonans with improved air and water quality.

Climate change is one of the biggest threats of this generation as an economic, environmental, and

national security catastrophe in the making. Navajo County Democrats affirm the science of climate change, and commit to significantly reducing the pollution that causes unnaturally rapidly changing climates. We have to meet this challenge by driving smart policies that lead to ever-increasing clean and renewable energy generation with a range of economic and social benefits.

NCDs recognize the urgency of acting quickly and aggressively to address climate change; and support the Green New Deal (cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030) in order to

combat the climate crisis and work toward a more equitable society.

Navajo County Democrats believe in effective enforcement of existing laws, strengthening background

check systems, and working together to enact commonsense gun safety improvements. NCDs support gun control legislation that includes registration/background checks for every person who purchases a firearm in any venue, including online and at gun shows. We support a ban on assault weapons and denial of gun purchases to those with a history of mental illness, domestic violence, or criminal acts.

Reproductive Rights

Navajo County Democrats believe that human rights are women's rights and women's rights are human rights. Furthermore, that reproductive rights are women's rights. We strongly and

unequivocally support Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy,

including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. We also recognize that health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. 

Equal Rights Amendment

Navajo County Democrats support passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing women's equality under United States law.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

Navajo County Democrats support the elimination of pay discrimination, a practice that shortchanges

women and their families during their work years and throughout retirement. We support laws and

their enforcement that require men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal

work in all forms of pay including salary, overtime pay, bonuses, vacation and holiday pay, and other

benefits.

Civil Rights and Voting Rights

Navajo County Democrats believe that equal justice and adherence to law are indisputable rights. An

individual’s civil and voting rights must have complete protection under the laws of Arizona and the United States. People should have the ability to pursue justice without fear or repercussion for any reason, such as religion, race, age, cultural or ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, political party, income level, or social status.

Marriage Equality

Navajo County Democrats support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples in all aspects of living and the law such as livelihood, workplace, commerce, and recreation.

(some content courtesy of the Arizona Democratic Party)