Wisconsin State Journal Editorial - Never Stop Dreaming Big Dreams
Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin)
October 31, 2004 Sunday
ALL EDITION
SECTION: OPINION; GUEST COLUMN; Pg. B2
HEADLINE: BALDWIN: NEVER STOP DREAMING BIG DREAMS
BYLINE: Tammy Baldwin
BODY:
It's been my privilege to represent the people of south-central Wisconsin in Congress for the past six years.
I'm proud of the work I've done to bring more than $64 million in federal funds back to this area to support rural hospitals and community health centers, economic development, law enforcement and conservation programs.
I represent a diverse district, encompassing all or part of seven counties, each with different challenges: urban, rural, and suburban; young people, growing families, aging seniors, with varying needs and interests. I listen to all of you and make your concerns my priorities.
I hear heartbreaking stories daily about the heavy toll illness is taking on individuals and their families throughout our area. These same tragedies are occurring throughout America. That is why I will continue to fight for a prescription drug plan under Medicare that not only truly helps seniors afford the medications they need, but allows Medicare to bargain with the drug companies for lower drug prices, as other governments do.
And that is why I'm leading efforts in Congress to lift the restrictions President Bush placed on embryonic stem cell research. I'm very proud that many of the breakthrough scientific discoveries have occurred here, on our UW-Madison campus, and know they offer hope to millions of individuals and families coping with serious illness.
I hear from people in southern Wisconsin concerned about layoffs and job loss. That is why I'm helping small businesses and local governments work more effectively to secure competitive federal grants and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities. It's why I'm so proud of the millions of dollars I've brought back to south-central Wisconsin to support economic development initiatives, affordable housing, and improve our transportation systems and infrastructure. And it's why I work so hard for trade policies and tax policies that reward those businesses that create jobs in America rather than moving them overseas.
I hear concerns that the American people are being misled. If I'm re-elected to Congress, I will continue to ask the tough questions of our leadership; just as I did in the lead-up to our war in Iraq when I posed very tough questions to President Bush and as I continue to pose tough questions to Attorney General John Ashcroft on the Patriot Act.
Our nation has always aspired to greatness, and we have achieved great things: a public education for all our children; women's suffrage; civil rights, to name just a few. We must never stop dreaming big dreams. Health care for all Americans is my goal. It is the challenge that drew me to public life and keeps me there. But health care for all will never happen unless we create the national will to make it so. In Congress, I'm leading a bipartisan effort to break the stalemate and move us closer to that goal. You can join me in this effort. I ask for your vote on Tuesday.
NOTES: Baldwin represents the 2nd Congressional District including Madison.