THE ISSUES FROM MATT SAWICKI

ENERGY
“Drill here, Drill now, Pay less.”  This isn’t just a motto, but it is what I believe should be our country’s energy policy.  We need to open up drilling in Alaska, along both east and west coasts and along the entire Gulf of Mexico.  Additionally, oil resources in our western states need to be tapped.  Our country can not afford to be beholden to environmentalist extremists.  Nuclear, as well as other alternative forms of energy should be explored.  This issue is a matter of national security, and needs to be acted upon quickly.

LIFE
Life is beautiful and each child deserves a chance at life.  I am unconditionally pro-life and a member of the Michigan Right to Life.  I support the Michigan Personhood Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to define life as beginning at conception.  I strongly support nominating Justices to the Supreme Court that share a pro-life view.

 SECOND AMENDMENT
I believe in the second amendment and support it 100% and am a member of the NRA.  Banning guns because criminals use them is telling the law-abiding citizens that their rights and liberties do not depend on their own conduct, but on that of the behavior of the lawless.  This would tell citizens that they have only the rights that criminals would allow.

 Violent crimes in the United States have declined over the past 12 consecutive years (35% overall), and murder rates are the lowest since 1960!  Meanwhile, the number of privately owned firearms has risen by 5 million!

 JOBS & ECONOMY
We need to build a climate in Michigan where business’ want to build and expand here. The tax burden on business must be reduced.

 I oppose C.A.F.E standards. The markets should determine the demand for products, not the government.  We aren’t losing as many jobs to foreign competition, as we are to surrounding states because of Michigan’s unfriendly tax/business climate.

 We need to help American companies become more competitive, especially the “Big Three,” auto makers and protect good paying jobs. We must insist that foreign competition open up their markets and insist that they compete on an even playing field.  I want to help make Michigan a place where people want to raise their families and can afford to do so.

 I am for making the Bush tax cuts permanent!  We can not tax our way to prosperity.  The belief that the government knows best how to spend your money, the belief that if we just trust the government and give them even more of our money and they’ll take care of everything  is wrong.

EDUCATION
Because children are the future of our country, a solid education founded on core Democratic principles is crucial.  Children not only need to know how to read, write, do math, and think critically, they need to know what their special and unique responsibilities are as American citizens. What makes the United States the greatest country on earth needs to be taught to students through the public schools in order for them to be able to function in our society as productive adults.

I believe in the value of the "No Child Left Behind” legislation, but believe it needs to be fully funded and adjusted to reflect the realities of the classroom. All children deserve each of the following:

1. A highly-qualified teacher in each classroom

2. Full-funding to provide for all of our students

3. Clear expectations and solid curriculum

IMMIGRATION REFORM
Illegal immigration is a threat to our national sovereignty and the rule of law. The pace at which the fence is being built on the southern border is appalling. The fence must be built immediately as it drastically reduced crime in San Diego where it has been built and will have the same effect along the rest of the border cities where it is built.

 I support:
Mandatory verification of an employee’s legal status

Increased penalties for alien smuggling

Authorizing of expanded cooperation between federal, state and local agencies

Cutting federal funds to cities who run “Sanctuary Cities”

 I do not support:
Extending immigration residency rules

More immigrant worker visas for skilled workers

Amnesty of any sort

Immigrants who are here illegally should leave immediately to protect American jobs.

HOMELAND SECURITY
The #1 issue of our day is Homeland Security!  I am for modernizing the military and keeping our troops safe and prepared.  Included in this must be reauthorization of the Patriot Act as well as the continued operation of Guantanimo Bay for terrorist suspects.  We must also keep the troops in Iraq until the job is finished.  We don’t need the terrorists following us home!

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