Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton
Q: Why are you the best candidate for the seat? A:
I’ve had the privilege of representing our region for the past 11 1 ⁄2 years. I know the people and the issues that are important to our community. I care deeply about my district and my constituents, and I am committed to serving them. That means focusing on job creation, improving benefits for our veterans and current service members, and protecting the health and future of the Delta.
Q:
What issues set you apart from your opponents? A:
I have a long record that highlights my commitment to our region and to the issues that most concern our community. I’ve advocated for and introduced legislation to improve water security, provide relief for struggling homeowners, promote domestic job growth, and support our veterans as well as local law enforcement.
Q:
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your first 90 days in office? A:
I look forward to continuing to work on issues import to my constituents, including water sustainability, energy efficiency and security, and promoting job creation in our region. What are your thoughts on: Immigration
Our country is in need of comprehensive immigration reform that is both humane and protects our national security. We must focus on finding a comprehensive solution that is firm, fair and practical and does not undermine American values or tear families apart.
Economic policy
I’m a former small business owner. They are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I introduced the Small Business Relief and Job Creation Act, which would create a tax credit to incentivize small businesses to combat unemployment by hiring previously unemployed workers. Additionally, I’m working to curb outsourcing. My bill, the Stop Outsourcing and Create American Jobs Act, would penalize businesses that take advantage of overseas tax havens and crack down on federally contracted companies that exploit corporate tax loopholes.
I also believe we must support the efforts of veteran entrepreneurs. I introduced the STARTUP Vets Act to connect veteran entrepreneurs with technical and financial resources.
Gun control
I am a gun owner and I believe we must protect Americans’ Second Amendment right. We must also work to promote the safety of the public by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. We must examine ways to improve our current system, including strengthening background checks, reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons, and banning high-capacity magazines.
Health care
The Affordable Care Act has expanded access to health care to millions of Americans. Unfortunately, there are some who are trying to roll back this progress instead of working to ensure all Americans have access to health care coverage. We must continue fighting to preserve and improve the Affordable Care Act and work to expand coverage and affordability for all Americans.
Consumer privacy
Last month, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before the committee I serve on, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and I asked questions about their practices relating to the collection and storage of consumers’ data. I’m still pressing for more information about these practices. It’s clear that Americans want more control over their online privacy and security. That’s why I introduced the MY DATA Act, which would give the Federal Trade Commission the rulemaking authority it needs to give consumers the strong online privacy and data security protections that they deserve.
Education To attract new businesses to our area, we must have a skilled workforce that meets the needs of these companies. That’s why I support efforts to make higher education and training programs more affordable, including co-sponsoring the Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) Act, which would help of ease the burden of replaying educational loans by increasing tax deductions for interest paid on student loan debt. I’ve also introduced legislation to promote and expand opportunities for young women to pursue careers in STEM. Investing in innovation also means investing in the people who drive these endeavors.
Free trade
I have opposed trade agreements that do not protect American workers. I will support trade agreements that enable business expansion while investing in domestic growth.
Religious freedom/ civil liberties
Our country was founded on the principles of religious liberty, free speech, and a separation of church and state. I have and will continue to oppose all forms of discrimination, and I will continue to fight to uphold our founding principles and advocate for evidence-based policies.
Balanced budgets/U.S. debt
The national debt is a serious problem. We can work towards reducing the deficit by promoting growth and identifying wasteful spending within federal agencies. I’ve supported legislation that would require a direct, upor-down vote to eliminate redundant
programs. Unfortunately, the Republican rewrite of our tax system will add an additional $1.9 trillion to our national debt.
Climate change
Climate change has been labeled one of the greatest challenges of our time and it affects everything from our air quality to agriculture and even national security. The most important thing we can do to combat this change is to reduce carbon pollution. We must also explore all other possible options to fight against the impending effects of climate change. Large areas of our district are below sea level, and Californians are already seeing the devastating impact of climate change. Addressing this problem is critical for the future of our nation and planet.
Affordable housing
Our district was hard hit during the foreclosure crisis and we’re still on the road to recovery. One initiative I introduced to help with the housing recovery is the Fast Help for Homeowners Act, which would help struggling homeowners who may be facing foreclosure by requiring lenders to fast-track the short sale process.
Foreign diplomacy/ intervention
I firmly believe in a diplomatic strategy that engages both our foreign allies and adversaries. Our country has played and should continue to play a vital role in the stabilization of the global community and the global economy.