Our Platform
The American Muslim Democratic Caucus works to move Florida toward a future where the values of equal opportunity, social and economic justice, consumer and environmental protection, health care as a right, equal access to quality public services, respect for all residents and accountable and transparent government are given top priority. As we do so, we embrace a set of values which guides our thinking and our action on specific policies and bills. Our values address:
Accountability in Government
The American Muslim Democratic Caucus believes in ensuring that government is open, transparent, and responsive to the people.
Voting Rights
One of the most important rights of American citizens is the right to vote, the right to have a say in who our leaders are and how our government works. American Muslim Democratic Caucus will fight attempts to suppress our votes, and will support reform that creates accessible, open, and fair elections; a system that ensures that every eligible person can cast a vote and that every lawfully cast vote is counted.
Violence
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Three women die every single day as a result of domestic violence. And VAWA has helped save countless lives and helped reduce violence by 67%. We support the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Gun violence is prevalent in the United States, and women are more likely to be victims than men. We support President Obama’s gun control plan. We support the re-authorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Women and Families
The American Muslim Democratic Caucus understands that women’s issues are economic issues, and that is why creating jobs that pay well is so important to us. Women currently earn 77% of what a man earns for the same job. That number drops to 68% for African American women and 58% for Latinas. We support the Paycheck Fairness Act that requires employers to disclose salary data to the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission and strengthens the Equal Pay Act of 1963. We support the increase of minimum wage. About two-thirds of women with children under age six are in the labor force. Nationwide, 48.9 million individuals provide care for an adult family member or friend, and more than 70 percent of those care recipients are over the age of 50. We support a consistent policy of family and personal sick leave to provide job protection, especially for women who are more likely to have to take time off to care for children or adults.
Opportunity Commission and strengthens the Equal Pay Act of 1963. We support the increase of minimum wage. About two-thirds of women with children under age six are in the labor force. Nationwide, 48.9 million individuals provide care for an adult family member or friend, and more than 70 percent of those care recipients are over the age of 50. We support a consistent policy of family and personal sick leave to provide job protection, especially for women who are more likely to have to take time off to care for children or adults.
Jobs
American Muslim Democratic Caucus is committed to preserving and expanding the middle class by supporting well-paying jobs, by strengthening demand for all that Florida has to offer, and by advocating for an educated, and skilled workforce.
Immigration
Florida’s vibrant diversity reflects the foundation of American’s strength. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of inclusion and national unity that respect the rules of law and human dignity. The American Muslim Democratic Caucus believes that the American immigration system should be inclusive, fair, and just. Immigration must be consistent with American values of freedom, opportunity, compassion, and respect for humanity.
Civil Rights
The American Muslim Democratic Caucus takes a strong stance on defending civil rights and expanding opportunity for all Americans. From the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. We work aggressively to protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, marital status and disability. These fundamental freedoms remain the foundation on what our democracy was built on. A violation of any individual’s civil rights or personal liberties is a test to our country’s democratic values.
Education
Our children’s future depends on their education, and Florida’s future depends on our children’s success. They need to be educated to compete in a diverse global economy. Improving our schools and creating a skilled and educated workforce is key to our state’s economic health. The American Muslim Democratic Caucus believes that to build the economy of the future and attract lasting jobs that pay well, Florida needs an educated workforce.
Equal Rights
The American Muslim Democratic Caucus supports the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. We support the ratification of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), or the Women’s Treaty. We support parity for women in government jobs. We support parity for women in elected and appointed positions.
Environment
Florida has been known as the Sunshine State for over a century because of our gentle seasons and the natural beauty of our landscape. Millions of people visit Florida every year, and many of them decide that this is the place where they want to raise their families or retire. Our land, our water, and our beaches are our state’s greatest economic assets. The American Muslim Democratic Caucus stands firm against efforts to weaken Florida’s protection of our land and water.
Health Care
Affordable, high quality health care is part of the American promise, everyone should have the security that comes with good health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. The American Muslim Democratic Caucus stands ready to protect the landmark reforms that are already helping millions of Floridians. We support expanding access to health care under the Affordable Care Act to more than one million Floridians who work hard every day, but cannot afford insurance by themselves.
Stand with the American Muslim Democratic Caucus of Florida!
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