Economics

Whereas both economics and history show that a fiscal policy of shrinkage and austerity worsens and prolongs recessions, and whereas the U.S. continues to suffer from weak economic growth and unacceptably high unemployment, resolved therefore that the federal government immediately enact economic stimulation legislation, including direct aid to states and municipalities, until such time as meaningful economic recovery and full employment are restored. (63)


Whereas the absence of effective regulation and oversight allowed financial institutions to incur unsustainable amounts of leveraged debt during the period 2000 to 2008 and impair the global economy for years to come, therefore be it resolved that the federal government enact further meaningful and enforceable legislation that limits debt leverage, assures financial market transparency, limits the power, size and impact of financial institutions and protects the consumer. (68)


Whereas Wisconsin and the U.S. struggle to retain both blue collar and professional jobs, which jobs are the heart of the American economic system and whereas American businesses continue to outsource jobs whenever possible and whereas the inertia of free trade agreements continues these adverse trends, resolved therefore that all current free trade agreements be renegotiated so as to protect the American worker. (63)

War

Whereas the U.S. War in Afghanistan is costing taxpayers $1.3 billion per week and the national debt stands at $13 trillion and every citizen should have access to health care, resolved therefore that the Administration work for the speediest possible end to the war in Afghanistan in order to provide money for universal health care. (55)


Whereas private militias pay salaries far in excess of those received by members of the U.S. Military and whereas those militias are not meaningfully accountable to the Department of Defense or the American people and whereas the U.S. Government cannot currently fund adequate universal health care, resolved therefore that the Department of Defense cease use of private militias in all military campaigns. (62)

Campaigns

Whereas political campaigns are diverting ever increasing monies to campaign advertisements, many of which promulgate lies about opponents, resolved therefore that publicly funded election campaigns represent the best option for fair and open elections. (34)


Whereas unregulated and undisclosed campaign donations by corporations and special interests taint and distort elections to the detriment of a properly functioning democracy, and whereas the Citizens United decision has increased the spending and influence of corporations and special interests in elections, resolved therefore that all appropriate means be used (including Constitutional amendment) to prohibit or limit the unlimited and undisclosed money now influencing our elections. (68)

County board size

Whereas the current size of the Columbia County Board is of a size (31 members) that seats remain vacant for extended periods, that accountability is diffused and that innovation and leadership are quashed, resolved therefore that the Columbia County Board be reduced to a membership of no more than twenty members. (51)

Trains

Whereas a modernized rail system must be part of upgrading Wisconsin's industrial infrastructure and whereas the direct and indirect costs of automobile use are likely to rise significantly in the near future and whereas a modernized infrastructure is essential if Wisconsin is to remain globally competitive, resolved therefore that the Milwaukee-Madison high speed rail be completed as planned. (58)

Mass transit

Whereas several thousand people commute from Columbia County to Dane County every day, and whereas the costs of daily commuting will be significantly affected by imminent rises in the price of oil, and whereas the reliance on auto travel hastens global warming and has other negative environmental impacts, and whereas the economic health of Columbia County relies on access to jobs in Dane County, resolved therefore that public and private sector entities begin collaboration on creating a mass transit system to serve the citizens of Columbia County. (87)

School funding

Whereas Wisconsin requires world class schools to remain globally competitive and whereas Wisconsin has failed to fund its schools in an equitable or adequate manner for many years, and whereas Wisconsin has failed to develop a long term strategy to address education funding in the face of significant population shifts, resolved therefore that Wisconsin develop a new school funding formula that provides adequate funding to all school districts and addresses the specific, unique needs of rural and urban school districts. (80)