Issues | Doug Harrod

Alternative Energy
The old ways of doing things cannot continue to be the future. The use of alternative fuels and energy source technology must become a part of our everyday lives. Your State Government "MUST" become a leader in this endeavor.

The fact that energy prices have dropped should not deter the need to develop alternative energy sources. This happened before in our country's history and we cannot let it occur again. We need to go forward with the development of wind, solar and other alternative technology. Carbon-based energy sources will still be needed but we need to look to the future and move beyond our dependence on coal and oil. If we do this we will become less dependent on foreign oil and improve our overall economic situation.

The recent EcoFair at the County Fairgrounds the weekend of July 16-18 was proof of the feasibility of the application of alternative energy into our daily life.
Education
Revenue caps and the state formula for funding school districts need to be re-evaluated. The passage of legislation abolishing the Qualified Economic Offers (QEO's) is a positive step. LOCAL CONTROL of educational issues and funding needs to be returned. The State needs to establish guidelines for education and the local districts need to have control to implement the decisions at the local level.
Taxes
Everyone needs to provide their fair share and taxes need to be distributed in a fair and equitable manner. "Equitable" needs to be the watch word.
Health Care
Affordable, accessible and quality health care continues to be a problem for residents of Wisconsin. I feel we need to look at the programs we have in place. We need to provide better information to our residents so they can take advantage of programs such as "Badger Care".

Badger Care Core-Plus for low-income/childless adults has proven to be a valuable program for Wisconsin residents in these times of economic distress. The waiting list for this program of 25,000 residents may be solved with the passage of Badger Care Basic by the Senate that will allow these residents affordable health care coverage.

Wisconsin is currently ranked at the top in health-care quality in the United States. Our state is providing high quality care at a lower cost. This ranking does not mean we cannot improve because there are still problems for many people. The economy is still causing problems for many to maintain their coverage.

Employer provided health insurance coverage should not be "health exclusion insurance" , but must provide comprehensive coverage for all medical conditions. The recently enacted legislation regarding the inclusion of autism coverage is one positive step.
Living Wage
We need to attract employers to Wisconsin and the 32nd District that would pay a "living wage". Wisconsin has a long history of hard-working individuals. We need to provide everyone, workers and employers, with the tools to make a better living.
Protecting our Environment
The 32nd District has abundant resources that need to be protected. From our ground water, land, air, lakes and rivers to our industry and infrastructure. "I pledge to be an advocate for the protection of our resources'.
Dignity for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens deserve to live with dignity. Age should not create crisis situations for senior citizens in their daily life. They should not be forced to choose between medications or food. We, as a society, need to value those residents who have worked hard, raised families, created businesses and are integral parts of our communities. They need and deserve security in their golden years!

Added to the problems seniors have been facing we now have more financial instability due to the economic crisis. Pensions and retirement funds have lost significant value which can lead to more stress for our senior age group. We must evaluate all our programs, public and private, to find answers and help for those threatened financially by this crisis. We must do all we can to reduce this problem!
The Family Farmer
I feel a responsibility to support legislation that will have the goal of insuring the heritage of the "Family Farm" in Wisconsin and not just special interests. The role of the family farm needs to be strengthened in our State.
Responsible Growth
All jurisdictions have in place a "Smart Growth Plan" as per Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Law s.66.1001by this time. I will provide a voice for the residents of Wisconsin and the 32nd District that will convey their true concerns and not just those of a particular group. Governmental entities have completed their plan, but not without a certain degree of controversy and acrimony. Common sense should prevail in this process. We all want growth and more opportunity but there must be specific and clear guidelines for growth. The plans developed should benefit all residents, not just special interest groups!
Small Business
We need to provide Small Businesses in Wisconsin with legislation that takes into account the unique problems of this diverse group. One size fits all legislation is not the way to do business. Small business will be the driving force of our economic recovery!