Issues

The 2006 California Democratic Party Platform  

Preamble: Our Blueprint for the Golden State

California Democrats believe it is time to return to our country's founding principles. At our core, Democrats believe in people: poor and wealthy, old and young, woman and man, immigrant and American-born. We believe that this is America's strength: different people uniting, working together for the good of each and for the good of all. We believe that government's role is to protect the people and ensure justice, freedom and equal opportunity. We believe that by standing firm on these values, California and America can reclaim our vision as a land of optimism and unity.

Our nation was built on the belief that hard-working Americans will be rewarded with economic prosperity. The people of California deserve a government that supports their hard work and shares their hopes for the future.  California Democrats are committed to programs that will reinvigorate the economy and reinvest in our communities to provide for the common good.

Our Platform represents the Democratic vision for our State, embracing and implementing the dreams of Californians. We stand behind these principles, and we expect our elected representatives to stand by them as well. California Democrats firmly defend our American beliefs, values, and traditions and preserve our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Among our long-cherished and most important commitments are:

  • Government that invests in peace, real security and the rule of law, nationally and internationally, and that respects the human rights of all peoples; 
  • The fundamental right of quality public education; 
  • Universal comprehensive health care for all Californians;
  • Smart, sustainable, safe, environmentally sound and caring communities;
  • Senior services and protections;
  • Social Security and Medicare for future generations;
  • Public support for the arts;
  • Protection -- now more than ever -- of a woman's right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time;
  • Access and equality in employment, educational and economic opportunities;
  • Fiscal common sense and responsibility on the part of our elected leaders.

To learn more about the issues affecting San Mateo County and California, and the practical, common sense solutions that Democrats are offering, please read the remainder of the 2006 California Democratic Party Platform (pdf format or html).