Ed Perlmutter

Representative Ed Perlmutter's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Full Name:	Ed Perlmutter
Office:	U.S. House (CO) - District 7, Democratic
First Elected:	11/07/2006
Last Elected:	11/06/2012
Next Election:	2014

Gender:	Male
Family:	Wife: Nancy; 3 Children: Alexis, Abby, Zoe
Birth Date:	05/01/1953
Birth Place:	Denver, CO
Home City:	Golden, CO

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Ed Perlmutter refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public ecords to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2012, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-choice		Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Vote Smart's Research Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Ed Perlmutter in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org) Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Colorado State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be legally available." Ed Perlmutter. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Colorado State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Abortions should always be illegal." Ed Perlmutter. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org) National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Ed Perlmutter a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org) NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Ed Perlmutter Disappointed With Gov. Owens Decision To Veto Emergency Contraception Bill. 20 April 2006. "Today, Ed Perlmutter, Democratic candidate for the 7th Congressional District, expressed his disappointment with Gov. Owens' decision to veto HB 06-1212, concerning the authorization of pharmacies to prescribe emergency contraception. I am disappointed that Gov. Owens chose to pander to his political base at the expense of a woman's right to make her own basic healthcare choices," said Perlmutter. "I believe that we must work to reduce abortions in this country and the sad irony is that this bill had the potential to safely reduce the number of abortions that do take place." (votesmart.org) National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter: Women Should Make Their Own Medical. 29 August 2012. "Government should not be involved in a woman's reproductive health decisions. We have real work we need to do to build our economy and put people back to work here in this country. These medical decisions should be between a woman and her doctor." (votesmart.org)
No		Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Afghanistan & Iraq. 3 October 2011. "In Afghanistan, I believe we lost valuable time and momentum by invading Iraq in 2003 before the Afghanistan mission was complete. We cannot correct the mistakes of the past, but we must move forward. Over the past three years, various factions of the Taliban are resurgent throughout Afghanistan. This is a security and political threat to the US and Afghanistan. Sadly, to defeat them, we need more troops. To do this we must reengage our NATO friends and other allies to bring more nations to the table. Then we must better train and develop the Afghan National Army and police forces, including the identification and removal of Taliban infiltrators. Once we have sufficient numbers and confidence in our Afghan security partners, allied troops can better clear, hold, and build the Taliban safe havens--in both cities and the countryside. Lastly, the US and our partners must attack political corruption and ineffective governance head on. By developing the Afghan economy and restoring faith in the government, the hope is the Taliban will lose its primary recruitment tool. We must do this quickly and responsibly. Only then will we be able to discuss the future of our troops there." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Statement on Afghanistan Withdrawal. 22 June 2011. "I believe it's time to begin to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. I have consistently said we took our eye off the ball by going into Iraq when we should have been focused on Afghanistan. Since 2009, the President has made the effort in Afghanistan a priority and we are seeing real results of this refocus including the death of Osama Bin Laden and many key Al Qaeda operatives. Ultimately, the future of Afghanistan lies in the hands of the Afghan people. I strongly support transferring responsibility for the safety and security of the country to the Afghanistan security forces. I would like more of our troops to come home sooner, but the drawdown must be responsible and provide for the security of our troops and the gains we have made." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. What about Jobs?. 9 March 2011. "Now, it is pretty well known, certainly in my district, and I'd like anybody else to know, that I think this war in Afghanistan ought to end right away. That's $120 billion. Let's just say we leave behind in Afghanistan for social and economic development, to deal like a laser on al Qaeda, the real terrorists that may be there and in Pakistan and in other places, let's just say we can take back $100 billion. That happens to be $40 billion more than the continuing resolution that was put forth here. I don't want to get too far off track, but that's a lot of money. And ultimately, we're going to leave, and they're going to go about doing what they need to do over there. But we need to focus on the terrorism and focus significantly like a laser on that." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Veterans and Military Issues. 24 July 2012. "Now, it is time to responsibly and strategically bring our troops home from Afghanistan. As long as US troops are in Afghanistan, they will be targets. We must continue to build the Afghan Security Forces, develop strong civil society, and gradually hand over full autonomy to Afghans by 2014." (perlmutter.house.gov) Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Peace Action 50 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of Peace Action West 50 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
Yes		Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Votes To Cut Waste, Fraud And Abuse. 28 April 2010. "Today, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to save U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs. The bipartisan IMPROVE Acquisition Act will reform the defense acquisition system to save American taxpayers $135 billion over the next five years and make sure the men and women risking their lives to defend our country get the proper equipment they need to do their jobs and protect themselves on the battlefield. 'Our service men and women stand up for us, and it is our duty to stand up for them. Today we made sure they get the equipment they need when they need it. At the same time, we are eliminating wasteful and inefficient spending to save taxpayer dollars," said Perlmutter. "Our brave soldiers risk their lives to protect our country, and we owe it to them to have an efficient and honest process for acquiring the equipment they need to defend themselves.' The IMPROVE Acquisition Act cleans up waste, fraud, and abuse in the defense acquisition system by creating a better accountability system by establishing an auditable financial management system at DOD. It also expands and strengthens the industrial base. A second measure, the bipartisan Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act, targets nearly $100 billion a year in improper government payments resulting from poor oversight on the part of federal agencies. This legislation improves transparency in government agencies, prevents improper payments, requires agencies to recover overpayments, and holds top managers at agencies accountable for improper payments or overpayments. 'Both of these bills will cut wasteful spending, saving taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars," said Perlmutter. 'This Congress inherited massive deficits. Now, we are taking the necessary steps to cut irresponsible spending and make sure we don't pass this debt on to our children and grandchildren.' " (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter: Republicans Give 800,000 Americans Pink Slip While they Sleep. 22 February 2011. "I am serious about paying down our deficit, and that's why I voted to make additional cuts in wasteful and fraudulent spending. But to move our country forward toward long-term economic stability, security and sustained job growth here in our country, we have to both cut our spending and reduce our debt, as well as make critical, necessary investments in education for our children and rebuild our aging transportation and energy infrastructure. 'I will continue to fight for the hardworking people in the 7th CD to make sure we are building good jobs in our state, stabilizing our economy, and helping transition to new ways to power our country.' Perlmutter voted to cut the following wasteful spending: $450 million from the F-35 alternate engine (Rooney Amendment) $500 million from the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund (Walter Jones Amendment), $34 million from the National Drug Intelligence Center (Flake Amendment 368), $19 million from Defense Department independent commissions (Flake Amendment #370), $415 million from V-22 Osprey procurement (Gutierrez amendment)." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. What about Jobs?. 9 March 2011. "We need to have a wise policy. We need to make cuts. To be sure, we need to make cuts. And I want to put one example on the table here before we go any further and people think that we're not supporting cuts. We asked last year the Congressional Research Office, a nonpartisan group, to take a look at governmental programs and to tell us where the duplication is, where the unnecessary programs are in governmental programs. That report just came out yesterday. And I was thumbing through it quickly. I don't have it in front of me, but I was going through it. And what struck me was that most of the duplication, most of the unnecessary programs and the waste turned out to be in one Department of this government. It happens to be the Department of Defense. No surprise. No surprise. Duplication, unnecessary expenditures and line after line after line came up that that's where we should be focusing. There are other programs, to be sure, but the big bucks, the big dollars were in the Department of Defense. Now, it is pretty well known, certainly in my district, and I'd like anybody else to know, that I think this war in Afghanistan ought to end right away. That's $120 billion. Let's just say we leave behind in Afghanistan for social and economic development, to deal like a laser on al Qaeda, the real terrorists that may be there and in Pakistan and in other places, let's just say we can take back $100 billion. That happens to be $40 billion more than the continuing resolution that was put forth here. I don't want to get too far off track, but that's a lot of money. And ultimately, we're going to leave, and they're going to go about doing what they need to do over there. But we need to focus on the terrorism and focus significantly like a laser on that. Maybe I got a little bit off track with it, but if you want to save $100 billion, there's $100 billion." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ed Perlmutter voted Did Not Vote on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
Yes		Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Votes for $1.5 Trillion in Tax Relief for Hardworking People in the Middle. 2 December 2010. "Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter voted to give $1.5 trillion in important tax relief for 98% of all Americans including the hardworking people and businesses in the 7th Congressional District. 'I am going to continue fighting hard to make sure there are tax cuts for everyone up to the first $250,000 in income for those filing jointly. It is important for our middle income earners, families and small businesses to have the certainty that they are protected and will have this tax relief. This tax relief will ensure we can focus on adding good jobs here in our country and get people back to work so we can have a strong and stable economy again. "I urge the Senate to reject a Republican plan to give a $700 billion, deficit busting gift to millionaires and billionaires and leave our kids the bill. The Senate needs to act quickly to provide critical tax relief needed by individuals, families and small businesses throughout the country.' " (votesmart.org) National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 4 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org) Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 5 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Votes No On Tax Package. 17 December 2010. "Thursday evening the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4853 -- Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010. Perlmutter stated, 'I appreciate the President's work to ensure tax relief for the hardworking people in the middle. There were many good things in the bill, but I voted against this bill because our country cannot afford more unfunded giveaways to millionaires and billionaires. The bill negotiated between President Obama and Senate Republicans extends expiring unfunded Bush-era tax cuts for the top two percent of income earners in order to also extend much needed tax relief to middle income earners, small businesses and provide critical unemployment benefits for thousands of Coloradans looking for work. I support and voted repeatedly to extend tax relief for middle income earners, families and small businesses, as well as to extend unemployment benefits and extend estate tax relief. I simply believed extending tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires was too expensive for our country.' " (votesmart.org)
Yes		Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org) The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Ed Perlmutter a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Fiscal Issues Affecting The Country. 29 April 2009. "The Obama administration has inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit; that's where they start. That is where this administration starts. And it starts with a banking crisis, a $1.3 trillion deficit, loss of jobs, and a housing crisis. What we are doing is to provide some funding so that people can buy homes at an interest rate that is reasonable. We are trying to stop the foreclosures that are occurring. So we are trying to stabilize the housing market and we are trying to stabilize the financial market. Now, much of what we did to try and stop the crisis or the fall of the financial markets was done last fall, really under a bipartisan effort of the Democratic Congress and the Bush administration, but it was in free fall. So the Obama administration is trying to get the financial markets on the right path again. It appears that that is going on. And then we really, this Congress and that administration, also under the leadership of BARNEY FRANK, we came up with a stimulus bill, which is going to spur more jobs, creation of jobs, as well as a new energy economy, revamping education, and dealing with health care costs." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Calls for Swift Passage of Economic Stimulus Package. 24 January 2008. "Today, bipartisan Congressional leadership announced an agreement with the White House to push forward an economic stimulus package to jumpstart the slowing economy. Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter concerning the terms of the agreement. Two nights ago, I heard first hand from people in my district about the tough economic times many of them are facing. From foreclosures and credit issues to the value of the dollar and outsourcing of jobs, people across the board are feeling the squeeze. It is time we provide real, timely, temporary and targeted relief to the hardworking people of this country. I urge my colleagues to swiftly approve this stimulus package. I believe it is a good step in the right direction. I still think we need to provide more relief to lower income Americans as well as invest in critical infrastructure. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate toward these goals in a timely manner. The American people can't afford to wait any longer." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. The State of the Economy. 16 January 2008. "It's great to be standing on the floor with gentlemen who have been elected by the people in 2006 to change the way this Nation is being run, and to provide the hope that we need to deal with the problems you've outlined. And we can do this, we know we can do this. This is a time where we change the focus from the wealthiest 1 percent to the hardworking people of middle America. This is the time for hardworking Americans. And we're going to provide, based on this stimulus package, a package of different approaches to help middle Americans, hardworking Americans, we're going to provide them with refunds so that there will be some money in their pocket, not just in the pocket of the wealthiest 1 percent, but in the pockets of everyone across America. Ronald Reagan used to talk about trickle down. Well, that's not how the economy works, it works trickle up. It's a flood up. If people in the middle have money, they spend it, and that will generate all sorts of new business in America." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. The Colorado Independant - Polis, Bennet and Perlmutter Weigh in on Obama Budget. 14 February 2011. "President Obama today released his proposed budget, calling for investment in infrastructure and education but also pledging spending cuts and tax increases over the next decade [¦] U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter released the following statement: [¦] 'The President's blueprint maintains some important investments which will help the 7th Congressional District and the state of Colorado maintain and create jobs. However, it also reminds us we got into this budget mess because we prosecuted two wars without paying for them and gave budget-busting tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires [¦] Some of the priorities that are maintained which will help put people in the 7th CD back to work are: [¦] Continued support for research and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden. As we recover from the recession and oil prices continue to rise, this is a critical investment we have to make for job growth here in the United States and for our energy security and independence [¦] To move our country forward and ensure long-term economic stability, security and sustained job growth here in our country, we have to both cut our spending and reduce our debt, as well as make the critical necessary investments in education for our children and rebuilding our aging transportation and energy infrastructure.'" (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org) Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
Yes		Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. House Passes Small Business Jobs Act. 23 September 2010. "Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to support and the House passed H.R. 5297 -- the Small Business Jobs Act by a vote of 237 to 187. H.R. 5297 will expand much needed lending to millions of small businesses and offer tax incentives to help small businesses grow, hire new employees, and move our economy forward. This legislation is fully paid for over 10 years, will not add to the deficit and is estimated to help small businesses create 500,000 new jobs. 'Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. Lately, there has been a lot of talk from both sides of the aisle about helping small businesses by reducing their taxes and providing them more access to credit to allow them to hire new employees, buy inventory and expand. This bill today does all of that and more. It is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit. It cuts taxes on small businesses by $12 billion dollars. Again, it cuts taxes for small businesses by $12 billion which will allow them to hire new employees and increase their investment in equipment and facilities. Unfortunately, last week when the Senate passed this bill they did not include my amortization amendment which would enable community banks to write down real estate losses over a six to ten year period, which would free up more capital for small businesses. My amendment would have an immediate positive impact and would not cost a dime. This would allow Main Street more access to credit so small businesses could grow and hire new employees. In the 1980's this policy helped Colorado farmers and it can help now. I will continue to work hard to push common sense solutions to help Colorado's hard working small business owners and employees." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Highlights Importance of Balanced Approach to Budget. 29 August 2012. "Get the facts: Ed Perlmutter [¦] Supports Extending the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit that is critical to supporting private sector jobs in Colorado and furthering our energy independence." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Encourages Coloradans to Take Advantage of Available Tax Cuts, Credits & Exemptions. 14 April 2010. "'These tax cuts will benefit individuals and small businesses. Small businesses employ the most people, and they are the engine driving our economy. I'll continue to fight for policies to strengthen small businesses and the middle-class,' stated Perlmutter. Business Tax Incentives to Create Jobs ($10 billion over 10 years): Bonus Depreciation: Helps businesses quickly recover costs of new capital investments by extending the increased bonus depreciation for businesses making investments in new plants and equipment in 2009. Small Business Expensing: Spurs small business investment by extending small business expensing, doubling the amount small businesses can immediately write off their taxes for capital investments and purchases of new equipment made in 2009 ($125,000 to $250,000). This write-off phases out completely for investments over $800,000 (up from $500,000). Buying Back Debt: Provides assistance to companies looking to reduce their debt burdens by delaying the tax on businesses that have discharged indebtedness, which will help these companies strengthen their balance sheets so they can invest in job creation. Small Business Loss Carrybacks: Increases cash flow for small businesses by providing a 5-year carry-back of net operating losses (NOLs). This would allow many small businesses to write off losses incurred in 2008 against taxes assessed over the previous 5 years (current law limits NOL carry-back to the previous 2 years), thereby reducing their taxes this spring. Small Business Investment: Spurs investments in small businesses by cutting the capital gains tax on investors in small businesses who buy stock (in the next two years) and hold it for more than 5 years. Jobs for Recently Discharged Unemployed Veterans and Disconnected Youth: Creates jobs with business tax credits for hiring recently discharged unemployed veterans who have been out of work or youth who have been out of school for 6 months prior to hire. 'Tax incentives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency are good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs. Promoting energy efficiency in the buildings we live and work in is good for the bottom line and is the low hanging fruit when it comes to saving money.' " (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. House Passes Small Business Jobs Act. 23 September 2010. "Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to support and the House passed H.R. 5297 -- the Small Business Jobs Act by a vote of 237 to 187. H.R. 5297 will expand much needed lending to millions of small businesses and offer tax incentives to help small businesses grow, hire new employees, and move our economy forward. This legislation is fully paid for over 10 years, will not add to the deficit and is estimated to help small businesses create 500,000 new jobs. "Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. Lately, there has been a lot of talk from both sides of the aisle about helping small businesses by reducing their taxes and providing them more access to credit to allow them to hire new employees, buy inventory and expand. This bill today does all of that and more. It is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit. It cuts taxes on small businesses by $12 billion dollars. Again, it cuts taxes for small businesses by $12 billion which will allow them to hire new employees and increase their investment in equipment and facilities. "Unfortunately, last week when the Senate passed this bill they did not include my amortization amendment which would enable community banks to write down real estate losses over a six to ten year period, which would free up more capital for small businesses. My amendment would have an immediate positive impact and would not cost a dime. This would allow Main Street more access to credit so small businesses could grow and hire new employees. In the 1980's this policy helped Colorado farmers and it can help now. I will continue to work hard to push common sense solutions to help Colorado's hard working small business owners and employees." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Economy, Small Business and Jobs. 7 October 2010. "While I want to focus on finding ways to save the jobs we have, I also want to help spur job creation. Since February 2009, in the 7th Congressional District, more than 1,600 jobs were saved or created. Most of the jobs were construction jobs, teacher's jobs, law enforcement and many research and energy jobs in our expanding alternative and renewable energy field. We have to invest in small businesses. I will continue to work to help small businesses hire new workers and get the loans they need to expand their businesses -- like Big Papa's BBQ. Through tax cuts and credits and small business loans, we have to make sure to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that makes this district the best place in America to live, work and raise a family. While investing in jobs must continue to be our first priority to get the economy moving again, we also face a national debt that is unsustainable. Years of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires and prosecuting two wars, all without paying for any of it and failing to police Wall Street has gotten us here and it will take time to recover. But in the absence of extraordinary circumstances we should continue to work with a pay-as-you-go policy just like we all do to manage our family budgets. We cannot continue with the status quo. No is not an option. I will continue supporting policies to ensure good paying jobs stay and are created right here in this district so individuals, families and small businesses can flourish and prosper." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Encourages Coloradans to Take Advantage of Available Tax Cuts, Credits & Exemptions. 14 April 2010. "One of my biggest priorities since taking office is to change the focus of our tax policy from the wealthiest 1% to the hard working people in the middle. These tax cuts will benefit individuals and small businesses. Small businesses employ the most people, and they are the engine driving our economy. I'll continue to fight for policies to strengthen small businesses and the middle-class," stated Perlmutter. Business Tax Incentives to Create Jobs ($10 billion over 10 years): Bonus Depreciation: Helps businesses quickly recover costs of new capital investments by extending the increased bonus depreciation for businesses making investments in new plants and equipment in 2009. Small Business Expensing: Spurs small business investment by extending small business expensing, doubling the amount small businesses can immediately write off their taxes for capital investments and purchases of new equipment made in 2009 ($125,000 to $250,000). This write-off phases out completely for investments over $800,000 (up from $500,000). Buying Back Debt: Provides assistance to companies looking to reduce their debt burdens by delaying the tax on businesses that have discharged indebtedness, which will help these companies strengthen their balance sheets so they can invest in job creation. Small Business Loss Carrybacks: Increases cash flow for small businesses by providing a 5-year carry-back of net operating losses (NOLs). This would allow many small businesses to write off losses incurred in 2008 against taxes assessed over the previous 5 years (current law limits NOL carry-back to the previous 2 years), thereby reducing their taxes this spring. Small Business Investment: Spurs investments in small businesses by cutting the capital gains tax on investors in small businesses who buy stock (in the next two years) and hold it for more than 5 years. Jobs for Recently Discharged Unemployed Veterans and Disconnected Youth: Creates jobs with business tax credits for hiring recently discharged unemployed veterans who have been out of work or youth who have been out of school for 6 months prior to hire. 'Tax incentives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency are good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs. Promoting energy efficiency in the buildings we live and work in is good for the bottom line and is the low hanging fruit when it comes to saving money.' " (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Votes No On Tax Package. 17 December 2010. "Thursday evening the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4853 -- Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010. 'I appreciate the President's work to ensure tax relief for the hardworking people in the middle. There were many good things in the bill, but I voted against this bill because our country cannot afford more unfunded giveaways to millionaires and billionaires. The bill negotiated between President Obama and Senate Republicans extends expiring unfunded Bush-era tax cuts for the top two percent of income earners in order to also extend much needed tax relief to middle income earners, small businesses and provide critical unemployment benefits for thousands of Coloradans looking for work. I support and voted repeatedly to extend tax relief for middle income earners, families and small businesses, as well as to extend unemployment benefits and extend estate tax relief. I simply believed extending tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires was too expensive for our country." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position		Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Education. "For our schools, this funding is critical to ensure our children receive the highest quality education and to keep dedicated and hard working teachers and staff employed. Our nation's primary source of federal aid to K-12 education is the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The ESEA was most recently amended and reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. As Congress works on the reauthorization of ESEA, our nation's educational system and schools continue to undergo changes. With the input of of a number of state and educational leaders across America, the U.S. Department of Education agreed to give waivers from NCLB to qualified states as we await the reauthorization of ESEA. Colorado, among other states was chosen for this waiver. This gives our state the flexibility it needs to move education reform forward. Colorado schools can provide the resources our students need to meet ever growing educational standards." (perlmutter.house.gov)
Unknown Position		Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Motion To Instruct Conferees On S. 2062, Native America Housing Assistance And Self-Determination Reauthorization Act Of 2007. 17 July 2008. "Two other things we're proposing can bring relief in the relatively short term. First, we have 68 million acres onshore and offshore already under lease to oil companies. They can drill virtually immediately. They don't need to do exploration. They don't need to clear environmental hurdles as they would in these other areas they want to drill. They can drill tomorrow. We have a proposal. We call it 'use it or lose it.' It's part of our 'free America's oil' proposal that if we pressure the oil companies by threatening to take those leases away if they don't make a good-faith effort to produce on them, we can encourage them, again, to use the resources we already have to get oil onto the market, increase the supply and bring the price down. Finally, we have in Alaska, west of the area that they want us to drill in, the wildlife refuge, 23 million acres that are already available for drilling. It's called, ironically enough, the National Petroleum Reserve area because there is petroleum there, estimates up to 10.6 billion barrels of oil, more than would ever be in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We want them to drill there, not in a pristine area where we don't know how much oil exists. So again, we have options. We have oil on American soil. We have oil we own that we can use to bring prices down in the very short term. And we ought to be embracing that policy." (votesmart.org) David O. Williams. The Colorado Independent. Perlmutter backs Gardner offshore drilling bill for sake of 'energy independence'. 23 June 2011. "Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter today defended his decision to go against the Colorado Democratic Party and vote with the state's GOP majority in supporting Republican Cory Gardner's controversial Jobs and Energy Permitting Act (H.R. 2021). The bill, passed last night by the House by a 253-166 margin, would streamline the federal permitting process for offshore oil and gas drilling in Alaska. Perlmutter was the lone Colorado Democrat backing the bill, bucking Reps. Diana DeGette and Jared Polis. Republicans Mike Coffman, Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton and Gardner all voted in favor. 'Energy independence is of vital importance,' Perlmutter told the Colorado Independent. 'Just today, the president released 60 million barrels of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve onto the world market to offset the disruption in the oil supply caused by unrest in the Middle East. While not a perfect bill, HR 2021 is a practical and immediate step towards greater domestic energy production. We have to streamline the federal bureaucratic processes in all sectors of government, and this bill helps streamline the permitting process and gives the same voice to communities and organizations petitioning against a permit. The process will ensure each permit application is judged on its individual merits." (coloradoindependent.com) David O. Williams. The Colorado Independent. Perlmutter backs Gardner offshore drilling bill for sake of energy independence'. 23 June 2011. "Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter today defended his decision to go against the Colorado Democratic Party and vote with the state's GOP majority in supporting Republican Cory Gardner's controversial Jobs and Energy Permitting Act (H.R. 2021). The bill, passed last night by the House by a 253-166 margin, would streamline the federal permitting process for offshore oil and gas drilling in Alaska. Perlmutter was the lone Colorado Democrat backing the bill, bucking Reps. Diana DeGette and Jared Polis. Republicans Mike Coffman, Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton and Gardner all voted in favor. "Energy independence is of vital importance," Perlmutter told the Colorado Independent. "Just today, the president released 60 million barrels of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve onto the world market to offset the disruption in the oil supply caused by unrest in the Middle East. While not a perfect bill, HR 2021 is a practical and immediate step towards greater domestic energy production. "We have to streamline the federal bureaucratic processes in all sectors of government, and this bill helps streamline the permitting process and gives the same voice to communities and organizations petitioning against a permit. The process will ensure each permit application is judged on its individual merits." (coloradoindependent.com) Ed Perlmutter. Rep. Perlmutter Statement About President's Lifting of Ban on Offshore Drilling. 17 July 2008. "This is classic bait and switch Republican rhetoric. The reality is we can't drill our way out of this problem. Before opening up new offshore drilling, we need to Produce, Punish and Promote. Produce drilling on the 68 million acres currently under lease to the oil companies today (35 million acres which are offshore). Punish those who are gouging, hoarding and speculating on oil commodities, which is increasing the price of oil per barrel by $60 to $70 per barrel. Promote alternative and renewable energy sources. We can no longer afford to be hooked on just one commodity. We have to look for other ways to power this nation, or we are going to have to learn this lesson over and over and over again. Once we have taken these steps, we can then move to the next part of the conversation." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Ed Perlmutter voted Did Not Vote on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org) Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Ed Perlmutter voted Did Not Vote on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Calls On BP To Take More Responsibility For Dangerous Actions. 23 June 2010. "More than two months after the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon offshore drill is still gushing. Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter continued his call for BP to take responsibility for their dangerous, irresponsible and destructive actions by voting to give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling (HR 5481) [¦] Additionally, Perlmutter is a co-sponsor of the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act (HR 5214) to raise the liability caps on oil companies from $75 million to $10 billion per catastrophe to cover the full costs of clean up and economic damages to the small businesses, tax payers, natural resources, and property, during or after a spill. 'The buck stops with the oil companies. Taxpayers cannot and should not be responsible for footing the bill for this reckless behavior. All energy companies must develop and implement secure, reliable safety plans to prevent the kind of catastrophe we are experiencing right now in the Gulf,' said Perlmutter." (perlmutter.house.gov)
Yes		Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. EPA Gives Initial Approval to Colorado's Plan -- Backed by Delegation -- to Reduce Regional Haze Pollution. 9 March 2012. "The Colorado Congressional delegation today applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) preliminary approval of Colorado's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reduce regional haze pollution in Colorado's national parks and wilderness areas. The EPA's proposal to adopt the plan would approve the Colorado strategy through 2018. The SIP is designed to significantly reduce harmful emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other pollutants in Class I areas in Colorado, which are national parks and wilderness areas protected under the Regional Haze Program. The SIP was reviewed and endorsed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of stakeholder groups and elected officials in Colorado before Governor John Hickenlooper submitted it to the EPA [¦] 'Every year pollution costs Coloradans millions of dollars in healthcare costs," said Representative Ed Perlmutter. "I am pleased to work with the EPA to find innovative ways to reduce pollution in our state.'" (votesmart.org) Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Ed Perlmutter in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org) League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 60 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Environment. 24 July 2012. "I am concerned about the potential effects on our climate resulting from global warming. Additionally, Americans recognize that one of our greatest threats to national security is dependency on foreign energy. The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act in June of 2009, which contained key provisions toward curbing greenhouse emissions, promoting clean domestic energy production, and providing key environmental protection to our communities. This historic legislation represents a comprehensive strategy benefiting our economy, our environment, and our national security. I was a proud supporter of this legislation." (perlmutter.house.gov)
Yes		Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Colorado State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms." Ed Perlmutter. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Colorado State Legislative Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons." Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Ed Perlmutter a grade of 18." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Colo. Rep.: Congress can't avoid gun issue. 22 July 2012. "You know, should we reinstate the assault weapons ban? I think we should, and I think that's where it starts." (www.cbsnews.com) Ed Perlmutter. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org) Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Ed Perlmutter in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
No		Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Statement On Passage Of Health Insurance Reform Bill. 7 November 2009. "Today, the House did what we've been unable to do for several decades by passing responsible health insurance reform that will provide the American people with affordable, quality healthcare for thier families regardless of their health condition and without discrimination. The legislation provides help to seniors by immediately closing the donut hole upon the President signing this bill into law. Additionally it offers better, more affordable primary care options, provides access to affordable group rates to small business owners, and strengthens Medicare for the future without adding to our deficit. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to act now and pass responsible, affordable health insurance reform." (votesmart.org) American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Ed Perlmutter voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Statement on Supreme Court Affordable Care Act. 28 June 2012. "I supported the Affordable Care Act because it guaranteed the Constitutional rights for people with preexisting medical conditions so they cannot be discriminated against and denied health insurance coverage. The Supreme Court's decision upholds these Constitutional rights and provides certainty to folks that they do not have to worry their pre-existing medical condition or age will prevent them from receiving quality, affordable medical care. The ACA also gives new rights to middle class Americans so their insurance company cannot change the rules of the game at their convenience." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Perlmutter Votes to Protect Individual Freedom. "We are here again to begin debate on the repeal of the health care bill passed last year. In that bill Democrats provided freedom. It ensured freedom from discrimination for pre-existing conditions and freedom to move from job to job without losing your insurance. Those freedoms are now the law of the land in America. They're all based on the equal protection laws of the 14th Amendment. The Republicans, in a very radical and extreme move, want to have Americans forfeit these freedoms. [¦] We can't allow this repeal to take place. I urge a no vote." (perlmutter.house.gov) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Healthcare. 7 October 2011. "This year marks a historic time for our country with the passage of H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. We are taking the necessary first steps in making quality, reasonably priced health insurance accessible to more people. I've talked to my constituents in the 7th congressional district in one-on-one meetings, telephone town halls, radio town halls, Government in the Grocery meetings, and meetings with healthcare providers. More and more families and businesses can no longer bear the burden of a broken health care system. This doesn't just affect uninsured Americans, but the millions more who are underinsured or face losing their coverage because of the skyrocketing premiums and unfair insurance company practices. This issue touches every person in a unique way, and because of this we must keep moving forward, untangle the knots and try to find cost effective ways for Americans to live healthy lives so our economy can grow and our nation can prosper again. There is still work to be done and I am committed to continuing this work." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Healthcare. 7 October 2011. "Today, too many Americans, especially seniors and children, are either uninsured or underinsured, many lack the essential access to basic healthcare. I believe healthcare must be accessible and affordable for all Americans, which is why one of the first votes I made as your Congressman was to lower the cost of prescription drugs by using the federal buying power to do so. As I travel my district meeting with constituents, healthcare providers, nurses, and doctors, I hear a similar theme: our current healthcare system is not working for anyone. We must increase transparency in the medical billing process and lower the patient to nurse ratio. There is no easy or quick fix, but it is the responsibility of elected officials to find solutions to complicated problems." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Rep. Perlmutter Supports Interstate Portability Provision In Healthcare Bill. 29 October 2009. "Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) announced his support for a provision allowing for interstate portability of healthcare included within H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Yesterday, Rep. Perlmutter, along with 19 other Representatives successfully influenced House Leadership to include the ability for states to create regional healthcare choice compacts to help individuals purchase insurance across state lines. Additionally, the group successfully included a provision to allow private insurance companies to offer new products with uniform benefits and prices to consumers in multiple states, which serves to enhance competition of the private insurance market. 'There has to be real change to the way the system operates -- for those with preexisting conditions, for our seniors, for small businesses, and to the nation as a whole as we continue to see costs go through the roof. We can't allow failure to reign. We must act. These provisions will increase the number of people with healthcare coverage at a lower price. The increased competition will allow insurance companies to offer new products with uniform benefits in multiple states. Additionally, this bill provides security for our seniors and meets the cost guidelines set forth by the President without expanding the deficit.' " (votesmart.org)
No		Immigration: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. "DREAM Act is The Right Thing To Do Both Economically For Our Country and Morally." 9 December 2010. "This allows students who know no other home to pursue the American Dream and contribute to our country's well-being by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or pursuing a higher education [¦] The DREAM Act is the right thing to do -- both economically for our country and morally." (votesmart.org) National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 57 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. "DREAM Act is The Right Thing To Do Both Economically For Our Country and Morally." 9 December 2010. "This allows students who know no other home to pursue the American Dream and contribute to our country's well-being by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or pursuing a higher education. [¦] The DREAM Act is the right thing to do -- both economically for our country and morally." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Immigration Reform. 1 January 2001. "My grandparents emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900's from Eastern Europe. They worked hard, paid taxes and learned English (although even in their 80's their English wasn't great the point is they knew the importance of learning the language). My grandfather built the foundation of success that has helped my family prosper. Times have changed and we must remember how our nation came to be so great, at the same time we must be vigilant at protecting our homeland, securing our borders, cracking down on employers who ignore the law, using our criminal justice system to crack down on forgers and traffickers and create a path to earned citizenship which includes learning English." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Immigration Reform. 3 October 2011. "We must use our criminal justice system to crack down on the organized crime element that forge documents and traffic and exploit people without proper documentation. This too will reduce illegal immigration. Next, for those that are paying taxes, learning English and not committing crimes we should allow them an earned path to eventual legal status and potential citizenship. Critics of this approach call it 'Amnesty' but I am not in favor of a blanket amnesty. I believe strongly that the English language is what binds our Country, it is how we communicate and do business and it should be the official language of the U.S. We must give people the opportunity to learn English so we can continue to prosper as a nation. The reality is there are 8-12 million people in the U.S. without proper documents, many of whom are providing services and paying taxes. In some cases families are here with children who are U.S. born citizens, and in other cases people have immigrated legally but have overstayed their visas and work permits. We must find a fair process for identifying these people and resolving their immigration status--this must be a part of a comprehensive immigration reform package." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Immigration. 3 October 2011. "Our current immigration system is broken. That is why I support comprehensive immigration reform. We can balance enacting tough laws with the need for businesses to hire legal seasonal help. My position on this important issue is straightforward: Secure America's borders -- this includes enhancing barriers on our borders and ports and utilizing technology where appropriate; Enforce existing laws in the workplace -- this requires cracking down on the organized crime element and human trafficking and penalizing employers who break the law by hiring undocumented workers; Streamline and modernize the visa process -- farms and small businesses that need temporary workers should be able to hire seasonal help legally and efficiently; * Establish a path to citizenship -- people who have not committed any crimes, are paying taxes, are learning English and want to become citizens can start at the back of the line but should be allowed a path to legal residency and citizenship." (votesmart.org)
Yes		Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Statement on Civil Union Measures. 13 August 2012. "I support same sex marriage and civil unions, that's why I'm disappointed Colorado Tea Party Republicans are following in the steps of their Washington counterparts and playing partisan political games by not even allowing a vote on the civil union bill. What played out last night in the Colorado House of Representatives is the type of ideological brinkmanship that I along with most Americans and hardworking Coloradans are fed up with." (www.perlmutterforcolorado.com) Ed Perlmutter. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org) Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 88 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Ed Perlmutter voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Civil Rights / Human Rights. 3 October 2011. "It is without reservation that I am proud to endorse the Colorado Domestic Partnership Benefits and Responsibilities Act. My friends in the GLBT community deserve the dignity to be able to make their own decisions concerning matters such as hospital visitation, inheritance, health care decisions, and end-of-life decisions. I commend Senator Joan Fitz-Gerald and Representative Tom Plant for working to give our state's voters an opportunity to remedy the disparities that exist in our laws today. I believe that our state's citizens will embrace the values of fairness and equality that this ballot initiative represents." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position		National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Vote Smart's Research Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
No		Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
Vote Smart's Research Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Social Security. "We need to provide long-term solvency for Social Security, but unlike my opponent, I will never advocate abolishing Social Security as "un-American", nor will I advocate privatizing it. Draining funds out of the Social Security Trust Fund in order to pay for so-called 'private accounts' as President Bush has called for, will only make the long-term solvency problem worse. So what should be done? First of all, we need to restore a sense of fiscal discipline to the federal government because the huge deficits we are running threaten the Social Security Trust Fund. The Bush Administration's reckless fiscal policies have made it impossible to restore what Vice President Gore once proposed as a 'lock box' to keep Social Security off limits for masking the federal deficit, but we can regain some of that lost ground with pay-as-you-go rules for managing federal spending. We should also enact the single-subject rule in Congress like what we have in the Colorado Legislature. This give the Representatives the ability to see exactly what they are voting for or against and helps to create transparency in the legislative process." (votesmart.org) Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Ed Perlmutter supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Social Security. 3 October 2001. "We need to provide long-term solvency for Social Security, but unlike my opponent, I will never advocate abolishing Social Security as "un-American", nor will I advocate privatizing it. Draining funds out of the Social Security Trust Fund in order to pay for so-called 'private accounts' as President Bush has called for, will only make the long-term solvency problem worse. So what should be done? First of all, we need to restore a sense of fiscal discipline to the federal government because the huge deficits we are running threaten the Social Security Trust Fund. The Bush Administration's reckless fiscal policies have made it impossible to restore what Vice President Gore once proposed as a 'lock box' to keep Social Security off limits for masking the federal deficit, but we can regain some of that lost ground with pay-as-you-go rules for managing federal spending. We should also enact the single-subject rule in Congress like what we have in the Colorado Legislature. This give the Representatives the ability to see exactly what they are voting for or against and helps to create transparency in the legislative process." (votesmart.org) Ed Perlmutter. Issue Position: Social Security. 3 October 2011. "There has been much debate about the safety and solvency of Social Security. I strongly believe we need to keep our promise to our senior citizens and to our children to maintain Social Security. I oppose "privatization" or private accounts for Social Security payroll contributions. Social Security is too important to be subjected to the risk and volatility of the stock market. With the aging baby boomer generation the time will come where the fund will pay out more benefits than are coming in. The Social Security Board of Trustees released a report in May 2006 that laid out Social Security trust fund projections. According to the report the Social Security trust fund will have a cash flow deficit in 2017. Additionally, estimates indicate the Social Security Trust Fund will no longer have a surplus in 2040 and will be running a deficit. The question is what to do to preserve America's promise of Social Security for our senior citizens and disabled. Further Congressional oversight and investigation on identifying ways to keep Social Security solvent must be explored. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress in maintaining this important and necessary program for our nation." (votesmart.org)

Key

: Official Position: Candidate had the Political Courage to address this issue directly.
: Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue directly, but Project Vote Smart inferred this issue position based on the candidate's public statements, voting record, and evaluations from special interest groups.
: Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue.
: Project Vote Smart's Research: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position.

Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as the candidate has submitted it. Project Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Colorado State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test

This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.

The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

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Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.
	a) Abortions should always be legally available.
	b) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
	c) Abortions should be legal only when pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
	d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
	e) Abortions should always be illegal.
	f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and parental notification requirements.
X	g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion.
X	h) Support "buffer zones" by requiring demonstrators to stay at least 15 feet away from abortion clinic doorways and driveways.
X	i) Other
Parental notificatation for girls 15 and under with judicial bypass.
Undecided	j) Should Colorado government funding be provided to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services?

Indicate the principles you support (if any) concerning affirmative action. State government agencies should take race and sex into account in the following sectors:
Yes	a) College and university admissions
No	b) Public employment
No	c) State contracting
	d) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.
	a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
	b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
	c) End parole for repeat violent felons.
X	d) Support the use of the death penalty.
	e) Oppose the death penalty.
X	f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
	g) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X	h) Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
	i) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
	j) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
	k) Strengthen penalties and sentences for sex offenders.
X	l) Support the blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
	m) Prosecute juveniles who commit murder or other serious violent crimes as adults.
	n) Other

Undecided	o) Do you support mandatory HIV testing for accused sex offenders?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning the economy and employment.
X	a) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X	b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X	c) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
X	d) Increase funding for state job-training programs that retrain displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
	e) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.
X	a) Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
X	b) Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
	c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
	d) Favor charter schools where independent groups receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X	e) Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
	f) Support sex education programs which stress safe sexual practices.
X	g) Increase state funds for school construction and facility maintenance.
X	h) Increase state funds for hiring of additional teachers.
	i) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
	j) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.
X	a) Require the use of cleaner burning fuels in order to prevent pollution.
X	b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
X	c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
	d) Require the state to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
	e) Provide funding for recycling programs in Colorado.
X	f) Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
	g) Suspend participation in unfunded, federally mandated environmental protection legislation.
	h) Restructure the electric utility industry to allow consumers to choose their power company.
X	i) Allow certain trucks to use the car pool lane if they have electric or natural gas engines that do not pollute.
	j) Other

No	k) State environmental regulations should not be stricter than federal law.
Yes	l) Do you support Colorado's "Blueprint for Clean Air" program?
Yes	m) Do you support regulating large-scale hog farms in Colorado?
Undecided	n) Do you support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposal to reduce the amount of water diverted from the Colorado River for future use by municipalities?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.
a) Do you support limits on the number of terms of the following Colorado officials?
No	1) State Senators and Representatives
No	2) Governor
No	3) Judges and Justices
b) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?
No	1) Individual
Undecided	2) PAC
Yes	3) Corporate
Yes	c) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
No	d) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
No	e) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
Undecided	f) Would you vote to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring an annual balanced federal budget?
Undecided	g) Do you support Colorado's Amendment 15 as an effective means of limiting corporate contributions to political parties?
	h) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.
X	a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
	b) Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
	c) Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
	d) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
	e) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
	f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
X	g) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
	h) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.
X	a) Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
X	b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care, through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
	c) Provide health care to uninsured children by expanding Medicaid.
	d) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
	e) Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
	f) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
	g) Guaranteeing medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
	h) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.
	a) Increase state funding for programs to prevent teen pregnancy.
X	b) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
	c) Increase state funds to provide child care to children in low-income working families.
X	d) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
	e) Favor banning smoking in public places.
	f) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
	g) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
	h) Support state funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans and job training and placement.
	i) Increase the regulation of paramilitary organizations in Colorado.
	j) Other

Undecided	k) Do you believe that the Colorado government should include sexual orientation in Colorado's anti-discrimination laws?
No	l) Do you believe that the Colorado government should recognize same-sex marriages?
Yes	m) Should unmarried same-sex couples in Colorado have the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples?

Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories. Select one level only.
Greatly Increase	a) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status	b) Education (Higher)
Maintain Status	c) Environment
Slightly Increase	d) Health care
Maintain Status	e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase	f) Transportation infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges)
Maintain Status	g) Welfare
	h) Other

Indicate the tax levels you will support. Select one level only.
Maintain Status	a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status	b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status	c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status	d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status	e) Gas taxes
Slightly Decrease	f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Slightly Decrease	g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Maintain Status	h) Property taxes
Maintain Status	i) Sales taxes
	j) Other
Personal property taxes -- Greatly Decrease
No	k) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?
Yes	l) Should Colorado grant a tax credit to individuals who donate food and to farmers who allow the needy to glean their land?
Undecided	m) Do you support eliminating the state tax on telephone services?
	n) Should public tax funds be used to build a new professional football stadium in Denver?

Indicate options you support regarding Colorado's excess tax revenues.
	a) Provide refund checks only to those who paid state income taxes.
X	b) Support broad-based refunds to all Colorado citizens.
	c) Provide refunds through a reduction in state income tax rates.
	d) Provide refunds through a reduction in sales taxes.
X	e) Allow the state to spend part of the excess revenue.
	f) Allow the state to spend all of the excess revenue.
	Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.
	a) Maintain the five-year limit on welfare benefits.
X	b) Maintain the requirement that able-bodied recipients work within 24 months in order to receive benefits.
X	c) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X	d) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X	e) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X	f) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
	g) Allow welfare recipients to remain eligible for benefits while saving money for education, starting a business, or buying a home.
	h) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
	i) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
	j) Other

	Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

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Ed Perlmutter

Representative Ed Perlmutter's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Issue Positions

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Key

Colorado State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

Indicate the principles you support (if any) concerning affirmative action. State government agencies should take race and sex into account in the following sectors:

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning the economy and employment.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.

a) Do you support limits on the number of terms of the following Colorado officials?

b) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories. Select one level only.

Indicate the tax levels you will support. Select one level only.

Indicate options you support regarding Colorado's excess tax revenues.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

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