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Platform Planks

Values

What makes the Democratic Party a robust and egalitarian institution is the fact that so many Americans from different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs can come together animated by shared ideals and values. These values are the core of who we are as Democrats. They transcend momentary political and policy disagreements, uniting us as Democrats. Justice: …

Economic Justice, Small Business, and Fair Business Practices

A robust economy is essential to stimulate job creation and ensure a thriving and inclusive business climate. Strong job creation across industries is essential to the economic security of our local communities. At the same time, we must be careful to preserve economic opportunities for all workers and small business owners, prevent irresponsible and predatory …

Labor and Employment Rights

A good, well-paying, and secure job is the dream of every American. The Santa Clara County Democrats recognizes that safe and secure employments is essential to human dignity, economic security, and access to the American Dream. Every American should have the opportunity to compete for a good paying job in a fair marketplace, and to …

Housing

The State of California is in the midst of a housing crisis. By many metrics, Santa Clara County is being hit hardest. Median home prices in Santa Clara County are more than double that of California, and almost 6 times that of the United States as a whole, making the American dream of homeownership unattainable …

Education

In order to ensure and maintain a competitive edge nationally and globally, all students in Santa Clara County must have access to free, world-class public education. Further, a balanced curriculum that includes opportunities to study science, technology, engineering, math, music, and the arts is essential to developing a well-rounded and inquisitive civically-engaged workforce prepared for …

Health Care

Access to quality, affordable, and inclusive health care is crucial to the wellbeing of our community. Lack of access to affordable care can have damaging effects across the community, including economic instability, lost productivity, poor public health, lower education outcomes for children, and even increased crime rates. Lack of access to any one group, such …

Democracy, Governance, and Political Reform

In the past 5 years, forces both foreign and domestic have undermined our democratic institutions. Foreign actors have attacked our election infrastructure, hacked Democratic party servers, and flooded our elections with misinformation, propaganda, and untraceable money. At home, the Republican party and their leaders have instituted a sustained campaign of voter suppression, and the GOP …

Addressing the Climate Crisis

Our planet is in crisis. While estimates vary as to the precise date when climate change will become a direct threat to the continuation of human life on this planet, it is clear that we have only a small window of opportunity to reverse it. And the same pollution and global warming that is creating …

LGBTQ Rights

Despite gains in recent years, LGBTQ Americans still face discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public accommodation. This discrimination is often disguised behind claims of religious freedom or conscience, but that does not change the toxic and socially destructive impact of this discrimination on our entire community. The Santa Clara County Democratic Party believes that we …

Women

Women make up half the population and half the workforce in Santa Clara County. Yet, women represent only 31 percent of councilmembers in Santa Clara County’s 15 cities. A woman’s ability to advance and move to greater economic prosperity is compromised whenever women experience discrimination, inequity, or lack of opportunity. These effects are damaging, not …

Racial, Ethnic, and Immigrant Communities

Discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities remains a serious problem in the United States. Under the Presidency of Donald Trump, white supremacy has surged back to life, white nationalists have sparked violence around the country, and hate crimes have spiked, with the largest increases occurring in cities where Trump holds rallies. Yet, even before Trump …

Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform

The cornerstone of a modern state is trusted law enforcement and a fair and equitable justice system. Without a fair and equitable system to enforce our laws and administer justice, all of our other rights are endangered. Unfortunately, our current system of justice in this country is broken and in desperate need of repair. The …

Transportation

Transportation policy impacts all manner of American life, from economic inequality to racial justice, and environmental protection to housing affordability. Quality, affordable public transportation takes millions of vehicles off the road each year, while also allowing low-income communities access to quality jobs in other areas of the city. Transportation hubs become community centers, popular locations …