Issues

Joe On Job Creations:
To put our region back on the right track, we need to create good jobs so that hard working people can support their families. I will create jobs by investing in education, job training, and by providing the infrastructure that will attract high tech, medical, and advanced manufacturing jobs to the region. I will provide our local companies with the help they need to keep jobs here – and not ship them overseas.

Joe On Fiscal Responsibility:
My parents taught me about the importance of being responsible, balancing the books, and being frugal to save for the future. Today, the burden of debt threatens our economy and future generations of Americans. Deficits hurt our economy, jeopardize our national security, and slow economic growth and job creation. That’s why I will promote fiscal responsibility in Washington to eliminate the deficit.

Joe On The Mortgage Crisis:
We must work collaboratively to solve this problem and protect our neighborhoods. We need to provide homeowners with information, counseling, and other resources to prevent foreclosures. Homeowners and lenders should be encouraged to work together and modify loans to avoid spikes in rate hikes that lead to foreclosure. We must enact national legislation to combat predatory lending, provide education and counseling for homebuyers, and work to increase homeownership by providing affordable housing options to families.

Joe On Education
Education is key to improving our economy. A quality education must be available to children across all demographics, preparing them to be responsible citizens and active members of the community. Improvements must be made to narrow the knowledge gap and to graduate the skilled workforce needed for northeast Ohio to compete globally. As a Congressman, I will reform the No Child Left Behind Act; fund early childhood programs like Head Start, pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten; recruit and prepare high quality teachers – making science and math top priorities while supporting arts integration; increase funding for after school programs, and support programs that create safe learning environments.

A top priority in Congress will be making college education more affordable and accessible. I favor increasing Pell Grants, lowering interest rates made on college loans, and providing tax deduction on higher education expenses for middle class families to make college affordable.

Joe On Iraq:
I strongly support our brave troops, but I oppose the war in Iraq. We must bring our troops home as soon as possible. I call for a responsible and phased withdrawal that will allow for the Iraqi government to assume greater responsibility for security. This approach must be backed by an international diplomatic attempt to foster nation-building efforts to stabilize the country.

Joe On National Security:
Protecting the American people should be our government's top priority. I support a strong military to keep America safe. I support policies that protect the homeland from terrorism by adequately funding intelligences gathering and working with allies to stop rogue nations from obtaining weapons of mass destruction. I support policies that secure our borders and protect U.S. ports. I support a sound foreign policy that utilizes diplomacy to restore American's reputation, moral authority, and global leadership.

Joe On National Security
Protecting the American people should be our government’s top priority. I support a strong military to keep America safe. I support policies that protect the homeland from terrorism by adequately funding intelligence gathering and working with allies to stop rogue nations from obtaining weapons of mass destruction. I support policies that secure our borders and protect U.S. ports. I support a sound foreign policy that utilizes diplomacy to restore America’s reputation, moral authority, and global leadership.

Joe On Israel & Middle East:
I support a two-state solution to bring stability and peace to the region. This road to peace can only be possible if the Palestine Authority, and other Middle Eastern nations, fully commit to denouncing and dismantling the terrorist networks that jeopardize the survival of Israel.

Neither the United States nor Israel can broker a peace with organizations or governments that are controlled or infiltrated by terrorists. I will strongly support legislation that would hold nations accountable for harboring, supporting, or sponsoring terrorists. I support comprehensive legislation that will stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. The United States must work closely with the international community to strengthen sanctions aimed at stopping Iran’s quest of nuclear weapons.

Joe On Our Troops & Veterans:
I strongly support our men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world that safeguard our way of life. We must honor those that fought and sacrificed for freedom, liberty, and security at home and abroad. That’s why I support providing the finest medical care and disability benefits for our troops and veterans. One of my top priorities will be to adequately fund programs to improve quality of life for our veterans.

Joe On Health Care:
The number of uninsured Americans is staggering. Nearly 47 million Americans are without health insurance – and the numbers are rising. Amazingly, 80% of them are from working families. I will dedicate myself to finding solutions that will make health care more affordable and accessible and protect Medicare from privatization.

Joe On Labor & Trade:
My father was a union machinist. I know the cause of labor has brought social and economic justice that has strengthened the fabric of our country. That’s why I support policies that ensure that American workers can fairly and effectively compete in the global economy. I support trade agreements that protect labor and set environmental standards. For those whose jobs are affected by outsourcing, workforce training and other services should be provided so they can get the skills they need to work in the knowledge based economy. I am also committed to expanding fair trade – because it bolsters the economy by opening foreign markets for U.S. products, which in return creates jobs and economic growth.

Joe On The Environment:
Growing up in Northeast Ohio, I see the importance of protecting our natural resources like Lake Erie. I am committed to protecting our environment for our and future generations. I will promote conservation and sustainable living. I will champion research on wind, solar, and other alternative energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because we need urgent action on global warming, I will support strengthening international treaties to fight global warming.

Joe On Reproductive Choice:
I am for choice. I firmly believe that reproductive choice is a very private matter where the choice is left to the woman and her doctor, family or person of her choice. I believe politicians should stay out of the decision making process. I support educational, family planning, and outreach programs that reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. Abortion should legal, safe, and rare.

Joe On Human Rights
I recognize and appreciate the diversity of our society and believe everyone should be treated fairly and equally. I favor amending federal anti-discrimination laws to include language that would prohibit employment, housing, and other discrimination based on sexual orientation. I support legislation that would extend benefits, such as health care, adoption, and tax breaks to same-gender couples. I support increasing funding to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic nationally and globally.

Joe On Gun Control
I am in favor safe and responsible gun ownership. I support common sense gun laws that prevent felons, fugitives, and other criminals from purchasing firearms. I support the ban on military-style assault weapons. I also support mandatory child safety locks, effective background checks, and enforcement of laws to stop gun-related violence. I am a strong supporter in the rights of hunters and sportsmen to have firearms.