Suzanne Bonamici

Arts / Culture

The nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes significantly to the economy, adding more than 1.2 trillion, which is more than 4 percent of the nation’s GDP. Music and arts venues bolster local economies, bring jobs, and support existing and new businesses like restaurants and shops. I’m working with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont on legislation to support non-profit theaters and arts venues as an economic development tool. Learn more

Civil Rights

I strongly support the Equality Act, and I recently introduced legislation to help LGBTQIA Americans age and retire with dignity and security, free from discrimination. Learn more

I have consistently supported legislation to restore voting protections, expand voter participation, and incentivize more states to implement Oregon’s well-established and safe system of vote by mail. Learn more

Economy

By protecting consumers, raising the federal minimum wage, supporting small businesses, ending chaotic and nonsensical trade policies, and enforcing antitrust laws, we can help make life more affordable for everyone. Learn more

Education

We have more children in need of care than slots available, driving the prices even higher. I have secured significant additional funding for child care providers in the past, and I am fighting for continued federal funding to make child care and early childhood education affordable and accessible. Learn more

Expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities so every child, regardless of background, family income level, or ability, can start kindergarten ready to learn. Learn more

Addressing resource inequities in K-12 education so states and school districts can provide safe facilities, counseling services, advanced courses, technology, extended learning opportunities, world language learning, rigorous career and technical education programs, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts. Learn more

Making college more affordable by protecting and expanding existing federal student aid programs like Pell Grants and Federal Work Study. In the short term, we must follow through on the promise of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by forgiving loan balances after ten years of public service. We should keep student loan interest rates low and help borrowers better manage student loan debt through easier access to income driven repayment plans. I support making higher education debt free. I worked my way through community college, college, and law school, and understand the importance of access and affordability. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Congress should be taking meaningful action to confront the climate crisis, but we are now in defense and trying to save whatever programs we can to help with a just transition to renewable energy. Learn more

By retrofitting buildings and increasing energy efficiency, we can create good jobs and save energy and money while helping to address the climate crisis. Learn more

Investing in a clean energy economy will continue to support good jobs, build more resilient communities, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Learn more

The climate crisis is an existential threat and a national emergency, and I will continue to fight for meaningful and effective policies to reduce emissions and protect our planet for generations to come. Learn more

Guns

I support responsible gun ownership, but I also support common sense gun violence prevention measures. Oregon has been a national leader in enacting meaningful gun violence prevention laws, and those measures have saved lives. It is past time for the federal government to enact similar laws to protect people across the country. Learn more

Healthcare

Health care is a human right. Our health care system is too complicated, too expensive, and leaves too many people out. With the current system, many families are burdened by medical debt or can’t afford the care they need. We need affordable, accessible health care for everyone, and all proposals to achieve that, including Medicare for All, must be on the table. No one should have to choose between putting groceries on the table and paying for medicine, which is why I’m working to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Learn more

I am also a strong supporter of medical research and support investments in the National Institutes of Health so our country can lead new, innovative treatments and cures for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s, mental illness, substance-use disorders, and more. Learn more

Housing

To solve our housing crisis, we must immediately increase the supply of affordable housing. I’ve secured more than 6.25 million in funding to build hundreds of affordable housing units in NW Oregon. I’m also working to increase funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to incentivize the construction of more affordable housing. Access to a living wage job, job training opportunities, and universal health care will also help people who are unhoused. Learn more

And Congress must increase funding for behavioral health services and addiction treatment, as well as other social safety net programs that support those on the brink of homelessness. Learn more

Immigration

This administration wants broad powers to detain, abduct, and deport without following due process of law. That's illegal, unconstitutional, and inhumane. I will keep fighting for Oregon values, including humane immigration reform, and for fundamental due process rights under the Constitution. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

We must fix our broken tax system so everyone has a chance to get ahead. Learn more

We must repeal Trump’s tax cuts and implement progressive rather than regressive tax policy so those at the very top pay their fair share. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I am working to pass legislation that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a newborn or adopted child or a sick family member, and at least seven job-protected paid sick or safe days. Learn more

We are seeing constant attacks on the rights of workers to earn fair and prevailing wages, organize, collectively bargain, stay safe on the job, and avoid discrimination. The labor movement created and grew the middle class and gave workers a voice on the job. I support the rights of labor unions and I’m helping to lead the fight to protect the right of workers to organize. Learn more