Where Paul Stands on the Issues

Fiscal Policy
We must not enact more government programs than we can pay for. I support individuals and families spending their own money in a capital and free-market enterprise system. A market driven system fosters competition, which ensures the availability of many goods and services at the best possible price.

Taxes
I will not support a tax increase. We expect our federal government to protect our borders and to protect our individual freedoms as Americans. And beyond that, we want it out of our pockets and away from our families and businesses. We ask everyone else to live within their means, government must do the same. We must ease the tax burden on all taxpaying citizens, we can only do this by cutting government waste and eliminating unnecessary programs.

Government
Private industry is far more efficient and effective in use of money than the government. Money is best spent by the citizens who earned it. I believe that if government has less money, it becomes more efficient and cost-effective.

Jobs
First of all, we need to lower taxes on Minnesota businesses so they have a greater opportunity to be successful, which in turn will spur on job growth. According to Minnesota’s Taxpayers League, Minnesota has the 3rd highest corporate tax rate in the world. Minnesota businesses can’t afford to pay higher taxes and hire more workers. Every dollar they pay in taxes is a dollar they can’t invest in their businesses—either for more employees or more goods and services. In addition, we have too many regulations, permits, licenses, moratoriums, and endless forms for businesses to fill out. We need a comprehensive restructuring of taxes, and required forms. Government agencies need to have a much friendlier attitude towards businesses with the goal of helping those businesses succeed, rather than driving them out of the state.

Health Care
We must drive down the cost of health insurance and resist the temptation to let the government decide what options we must take. We have the best health care in the world. If it was my mom or daughter that needed care, I would want the decision to be between us and the doctor, not the government. I am opposed to any expansion of government run health care. In the end, it is more costly with less personal care and less coverage. We can improve our present system. One example of where we could lower medical costs is related to liability (tort) reform. Reforming medical malpractice laws can save doctors and hospitals in insurance costs which would result in lower costs to us. Trial attorneys can’t continue to write their own checks for the amount they get when suing doctors.

Energy and Environment
I support an energy and environmental policy that recognizes the importance of energy independence for our national security. I support more drilling for oil in our own country and using more of all of our own energy resources. Market-driven incentives from the government for research and development of cleaner alternative fuels should be broad-based and not favor a particular solution, but be based on what is best and most cost-effective.

Education
Education is a foundational tool to a literate well-run society. We need a K-12 education policy that respects parent’s choice, is funded fairly and insists on local control. Core curriculum with an emphasis on math, reading, writing and genuine American History should be a priority in every setting.

Immigration
The U.S. does and always has welcomed immigrants while at the same time encouraged assimilation. Everyone should be free to practice the customs and language of their native land and should also be actively encouraged to learn the most common things that binds our country together such as English. I support upholding immigration laws. If you commit an illegal act, there should be consequences whether it is to the employer hiring illegal aliens or the illegal alien being sent back to their country of origin. Sanctuary laws that tie the hands of law enforcement officers and protect illegal aliens should be repealed.

Transportation
A primary role of government is to provide infrastructure for transportation. Roads and bridges serve the greatest number of citizens. Transportation tax dollars should be used for the provision of a safe and efficient highway system. When considering alternative methods of transportation, they should serve a large population, be efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Pro-life
I believe that life begins at conception and ends at natural death. Adoption should always be the choice over abortion. When a young woman chooses to keep the child, we need to participate in helping the new family succeed.

Strong Families
We know that children are best raised with mom and dad, living together in a happy, healthy, life-long marriage. We must help families become more successful at reaching this goal. At the same time, we must help single parents, foster parents, and grandparents, succeed in their desire to raise healthy children.

Stem-Cell Research
I support adult stem-cell research which is the best ethical and scientific solution to help cure diseases.