2004 DEMOCRATIC STATE

PLATFORM

INDEX

•  Promotion of Democratic Values as codified in our

U.S. Constitution

•  Politics of public service, not self-service

•  Investment in quality education from pre-school

through higher education

•  Support for quality, affordable healthcare accessible

to every Connecticut citizen

•  Protection of the environment

•  Honoring and Supporting Veterans and members of

our Armed Services

•  Promotion of Sustainable Communities and Economic

Stability

•  Supporting Strong Urban Centers

•  Transportation is Vital to our Quality of Life

Democratic Party Core Values

We commit ourselves to better the quality of life here in Connecticut and pledge that we will achieve the promise of opportunity for today and the years ahead.  

We will strive to uphold individual dignity, while working to preserve and promote the sense of community which makes us one.   We will work to establish a government that speaks directly and honestly to its constituents.   We hold that the ethic of public service must rise above that of self service.   We believe that the role of government is to provide a safety net for all citizens while also maintaining fiscal accountability to the public at large.   

We Believe:

• That we must hold our elected officials to the highest ethical and moral standards.

• That Pre-K though 12 public education and higher education stand as a pillar of growth and progress for our youth and the health and economy of our State.

• That quality, affordable health care should be available to every citizen.

• That responsible stewardship of the environment is a public trust that we must ensure for future generations of Connecticut residents.

• That those citizens who have fought for and served our country deserve the medical and financial help they so justifiably merit; that our current troops be provided with appropriate equipment to ensure their safety.

• That the State should be a partner in encouraging sustainable, vibrant communities, and in the promotion of creating economic stability for the families of Connecticut.

• That every man and woman has an undeniable right to retain their civil liberties provided by the Constitution, as they are the fundamental foundation of our freedom. The Democratic Party believes equal opportunity should be provided to all individuals regardless of their age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

• Connecticut has a duty to support and promote the economic growth and advancement of our inner cities which are crucial to the stability and vitality of our state. We encourage Federal, State and regional solutions to support Connecticut's inner cities.  

• Transportation is essential to the quality of life of Connecticut's residents.

• T hat choice is a fundamental constitutional liberty, and the Connecticut Democratic Party will fight to ensure that every woman retains this right.   We are proud to be the only state to codify Roe v. Wade within our State statutes.  

•   That the Connecticut Democratic Party strongly opposes any Constitutional amendment that promotes discrimination in any manor.

The Connecticut Democratic State Platform--2004

“The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate objective of good government.”

                                                        ~ Thomas Jefferson.  

We present, on behalf of the members of the Democratic Party of Connecticut, this platform to address the issues facing our state and our fellow citizens.  

As we approach the elections of 2004, there is a growing sense of urgency among our citizens.   We must find real solutions to address problems that are going unacknowledged by the current administration of this state and of this country.   We must rebuild our sense of security which is being threatened by skyrocketing health care costs, mounting property tax bills, increasing difficulty in funding public schools and a war that has many of our young citizens fighting overseas.   We must reverse the abuse of the environment, which is the established policy of the present administration, despite overwhelming public sentiment in opposition.   We must eliminate the betrayal of the public trust, as witnessed by the current scandal engulfling this Republican administration.   We must also embrace and celebrate the diverse constituencies of ethnic and cultural communities that represent our state.   This diversity is the cornerstone of our Democratic Party and we believe it is our responsibility to create an agenda that deals with the serious issues many of our urban areas face.

These are the values and goals of the Democratic Party of Connecticut

Signed here in Hartford the 8 th of May, 2004

Ethics and Accountability in Government

We must hold our elected officials to the highest ethical and moral standards.

• Elected and appointed officials are to be held to the highest of ethical principles and will be held directly accountable, especially to the constituents whom they represent.

• Campaign finance reform is paramount in removing the influence and corruption of special interest money within our political system.   The limiting of campaign funding and the restructuring of our process to publicly finance campaigns is critical in creating a fair and honest system.

• Administration appointments at all levels must be based on merit, not on personal ties or industry connections.  

• Truth and openness are the stalwarts of good government, principally in the face of troubling charges or accusations.   Democrats understand that good government relies on honesty and integrity.

• Accountability is the principal tool in ensuring the efficient delivery of service in state, local and federal government.

Public and Higher Education

Pre-K though 12 Public education and higher education stand as a pillar of growth and progress for our youth and the health and economy of our State.

• The Party seeks high standards, appropriate assessments, sound accountability measures and highly qualified teachers for PreK-12 education. The Party supports significant changes to and promised funding for the deeply flawed No Child Left Behind Act and pledges to work with parents, educators and community organizations to amend and fund the Act.

•  Higher education should be made accessible to every student in Connecticut, either through national programs or state sponsored grants, loans, scholarships, or paid higher education earned through community service.

•  The current mechanism for school funding constrains our commitment to making necessary investments in our schools.   The over-reliance on property taxes is unfair to Connecticut's children and is unsustainable for all towns, leading to poor development decisions and untenable tax rates.   The State must pay its fair share and allow for property tax relief.  

•  Supporting and funding Connecticut's magnet schools are important in promoting innovative educational methods, working to ease over crowded classrooms, and integrating our schools.

• Safe, healthy, modern school buildings are central to a good education.   The State should insure that excessive capital costs are not borne by municipalities.

• Recent cuts in vocational school funding is detrimental to those students who wish to enter service and trade industry positions, many of which are in need of qualified workers.  

• Quality early childhood education is critical to the success of our children.   Pre-school and school readiness programs should be implemented for all children.

• Investment in education is essential to the future growth of the Connecticut economy and the well being of its citizens.

Healthcare

Quality, affordable health care should be available to every citizen.

• Health care coverage for all citizens should be a right, not a privilege.   Enacting legislation and policies to provide our citizens with the care they deserve is a fundamental priority.

• Mental health and addiction services should be managed and supported through our health care system.

•       Government must take a role in keeping healthcare and prescription drug costs affordable.   To reduce the cost of prescription drugs, Democrats must use the state's authority to become a purchasing agent, and support enrolling the self-employed and small businesses in the CT purchasing pool.
• Quality health care must be ensured by strengthening the Patient's Bill of Rights and improving nursing home care.   Patients and medical professionals, not insurance companies, should make decisions about patient care.   All patients should have the right to choose doctors and seek second opinions.

• Lack of health and dental coverage is a mounting problem that must be addressed by looking at the expansion of HUSKY, SAGA and ConnPACE to meet the needs of more of Connecticut's needy citizens.

• The rising cost of health care should be reduced by encouraging healthy life style choices and educating Connecticut citizens on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating.

• Affordable health care coverage must be available for our small businesses for the benefit of their employees and families.

The Environment

Responsible stewardship of the environment is a public trust that we must ensure for future generations of Connecticut residents.

• It is imperative that regulatory agencies enforce and oversee environmental legislation.   The implementation of these laws is essential to the health of our environment and the health of our citizens who breathe our air and drink our water.   

• Utility decisions should be made to serve the best interest of Connecticut residents, with environmental ramifications placed before the profits of corporations.

• The first and foremost concern of the Department of Environmental Protection should be the protection of Connecticut's environment, independent of any political influence.

• Connecticut must continue its efforts in promoting alternative energies, also focusing on recycling efficiency and the developing of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies

• Farming and agriculture must continue to play a vital role in our rural communities. We must encourage this industry to diversify into other areas such as organic farming, making sure our legislature assists in making this a sustainable industry.

• The sprawl that threatens the economy of our cities, the livability of our suburbs and the existence of our farms must be prevented.   Brownfield development incentives, property tax relief and open-space and farmland protection are critical in our efforts to assist in these efforts.   Open-space acquisition is essential in ensuring the natural beauty of Connecticut's landscape and making certain our environment is protected for years to come.   Municipalities must play a crucial role and be given the tools to make this a reality.

• Smart growth is important in both urban and suburban areas.   Spatial planning and residential and industrial development must be managed with an eye to the long-term protection of our environment to preserve a healthy life style for our current citizens and future generations.

Honor and Support for Veterans and Members of Our Armed Services

Those citizens who have fought for and served our country deserve the medical and financial help that they so justifiably merit; our troops must be provided with appropriate equipment to ensure their safety.

•  We must do more to fully fund the Veteran's Administration in our state to ensure our Veterans have the much needed health and mental health care they deserve.   Too often this system lacks the resources to provide Connecticut's veterans with efficient and adequate care.    

•  In many cases, members of our armed services, notably the National Guard, are without the equipment they need to keep our young troops safe.   This equipment, including body armor, is essential to the security of the men and women who are risking their lives for our country and should be fully funded.

•  So often, the men and women who are sent to war leave behind family members.   These military families suffer under the financial weight of losing their normal non-military income and should be provided with financial assistance and pay equity.  

Promotion of Democratic Values

Every man and woman has an undeniable right to retain their civil liberties afforded by the Constitution, as they are the fundamental foundation of our freedom.   The Democratic Party believes equal opportunity should be provided to all individuals regardless of their age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.

•  Maintaining the safety of our citizens is critical, but our need to have a secure nation must be tempered with the ideals set forth in our Constitution, which maintains that all Americans are afforded certain civil liberties.   We must take a compelling look at the rules and regulations put forth in the US Patriot Act and question those that undermine our fundamental liberties.

•  C hoice is a fundamental constitutional liberty, and the Connecticut Democratic Party will fight to ensure that every woman retains this right.  

•  As Federal and State election laws encourage and mandate new voting technology, it is increasingly important that voters be educated on the workings of this new voting equipment.    We must promote legislation to ensure the veracity of electronic votes by requiring paper verification of each electronic vote to eliminate voting fraud through programming manipulation, thus allowing for a means of recount when needed to ensure that each vote counts.

•  Same-sex couples deserve legal recognition and equal rights and responsibilities under Connecticut law.

•  Understanding government and the political process should begin at an early age within our public school systems.   Youth involvement in government, and their ability to become participating members in our Democracy, begins with civics in our schools.

•  Reaching out to Connecticut's growing immigrant population, who in many cases share our same Democratic values, is crucial in encouraging greater participation and promoting greater diversity within our party and our state.

•  Prison reform around the state must be addressed as a serious issue.   We must find alternatives to incarceration and provide real support services to those transitioning out of prison, including voter education.

Sustainable Communities and

Building Economic Stability

The State should be a partner in encouraging sustainable, vibrant communities, and in the promotion of creating economic stability for the families of Connecticut.

•  Connecticut and its municipalities should not be responsible for the unfunded mandates passed down from the State and Federal Government.

•  Small businesses are particularly critical to the overall strength of our workforce and business community.   When imposing legislation within the business community, we must remain sensitive to the needs of those smaller businesses and support policies that allow healthy and sustainable growth.

•  In recognition of the changing economic and employment environment brought on by globalization, outsourcing and NAFTA, the Democratic Party is committed to developing and expanding jobs in Connecticut.

•  As many of today's companies are moving their facilities outside of the United States, the state is in danger of being crippled by the drain of good jobs to other countries.   We must pass legislation that will encourage our state businesses to retain and grow jobs in Connecticut, especially in the manufacturing and technology fields that have been particularly hard hit in recent years.

•  In an effort to build on Connecticut's proud history of world class leadership in such industries as aviation, aerospace, biotech, pharmaceuticals, defense and manufacturing, the Democratic Party proposes a campaign to “Grow Connecticut Jobs.”   This initiative will focus on bringing together community, labor, business, religious and civic leaders in an effort to develop and support the necessary political and legislative initiatives to ensure that good jobs increase in Connecticut.   

•  Tax relief for our working families is important in making sure our state's families are repaid by the prudent use of budget surpluses, that as members of our hard working and productive workforce, they have helped to create.   The taxpayers of Connecticut expect their taxes to be judiciously and appropriately used.   Management of the state budget, including the awarding of contracts, the execution of those contracts and the monitoring of expenditures for necessary state business is the core responsibility of our appointed and elected state officials.   Accountability for mismanagement is expected of our state officials.

•  Job Training and investing in Connecticut's workforce is essential in an increasingly    divergent and changing career market.   As our economy changes, so does the need to                     train and re-educate our workers, giving them the critical skills they will need to maintain   and advance in their given fields and, when needed, successfully transfer to new fields with minimal impact on their lifestyle and income.

•  Wrap-around services for welfare to work programs, such as transportation and child care, must be supported and maintained so that participants can effectively utilize the program.   

•  Community activities are vital for a vibrant, diverse community, but most especially for working families, who rely on a variety of these programs to keep their children active.   The better use of schools as community centers to provide for these needs is important for before- and after-school programs for the children, as well as community activities for the general populace.

•  In the aftermath of September 11 th, the vital role of first responders - police, fire, EMT and all emergency personnel, is recognized.   They must be provided full support to perform their jobs promptly and comprehensively.

•  Connecticut, like many other states, suffers from a lack of volunteer assistance within our local communities.   Community boards and commissions are an integral part of all of our local towns and cities.   We must promote legislation that encourages more participation and curb new financial reporting requirements that hinder future volunteer involvement.   

•  The protection of Social Security benefits, now in danger under an administration that promotes tax breaks for wealthy Americans over benefits of the elderly, is a chief priority for the Connecticut Democratic Party.

Supporting Strong Urban Centers

Connecticut has a duty to support and promote the economic growth and advancement of our inner cities which are crucial to the stability and vitality of our state.   We encourage Federal, State and regional solutions to support Connecticut's inner cities.  

• Our urban centers are also our economic and social centers, offering our rural and suburban towns' employment, education, medical care, cultural activities and social services.   The encouragement of regional cooperation between urban and suburban communities is important in building strong relationships and smart planning.  

• Connecticut's current tax structure continues to be a heavy burden on this state's urban citizens.   Property tax reform is needed to relieve the burden on property owners in both urban and rural areas and to support the services mandated by the state, particularly in respect to the cost of education.

• Our public school systems, whether in rural or urban settings, must be truly equal, providing all of Connecticut's children with the opportunities they deserve.  

• The need for affordable housing within our urban centers is a growing concern.   With the high cost of home ownership, safe and fair housing should be a priority for our state and federal legislators.   Long-term residents should also not be priced out of their own neighborhoods, as a sense of community dies when diversity is stifled.

• Economic self sufficiency is the basis of creating strong communities.   Educating our youth and young families on the importance of fiscal responsibility is important in preparing them for future homeownership, retirement savings and overall credit management.

• Economic development and bringing Connecticut businesses back into our cities by supporting tax credit programs and tax base expansions is a priority of the Democratic Party.  

Transportation

Transportation is essential to the quality of life of Connecticut's residents.

• Transportation is the cornerstone in providing sustainable economic growth in our towns and cities, supplying critical access to employment and commercial centers.   The Democratic Party supports initiatives that work toward the reduction of traffic congestion on our roads and highways and encourages alternatives to mitigate traffic congestion other than the expansion of highways.

• Environmental responsibility, including air quality, wetland protection, and the preservation of open space is of critical importance in the creation of responsible transportation planning.

• Connecticut must be at the forefront of establishing new and creative ways of offering its citizens alternative modes of transportation, including light rail, high speed ferry, and bus way systems.

Democratic State Central Committee

179 Allyn Street

Hartford, CT 06103

860-560-1775