Austin Winkelman

Criminal Justice / Public Safety Rather than merely punishing individuals, we should aim to address the underlying issues related to substance abuse by providing access to effective treatment and support systems. By shifting our focus from punishment to rehabilitation, we can strive towards a society that not only promotes justice but also prioritizes the recovery and well-being of those struggling with addiction. Drug Policy Should marijuana become legal on a federal level, the potential benefits to the economy could be truly outstanding. According to a report from cannabis analytics company New Frontier, the impact of federally legal pot could result in an astounding 105.6 billion in added federal tax revenue by the year 2025 alone. Drug Policy Legalizing marijuana has several economic advantages that extend beyond the immediate benefits of saving money currently spent on enforcing federal marijuana laws, which tallies up to around 3.6 billion per year. By embracing the legalization of this substance, we can revitalize our approach to resource allocation, allowing for a more efficient use of our limited funds. These redirected funds could then be channeled towards pressing societal priorities, such as education and healthcare, so enabling a significant bolstering of these vital sectors. Environment / Energy By harnessing the power of geothermal energy, we can take decisive action towards a sustainable future, ensuring that our planet thrives for generations to come. Environment / Energy I believe in the potential of underground farming. I am committed to advocating for this cause in Congress and securing funding for family farmers who are using this innovative approach. My goal is to empower them with the resources they need to improve their family farms, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future. By implementing strategic policies and providing adequate support, we can not only preserve but also enhance the vital role of family farms in our economy for generations to come. Economy By addressing poverty and implementing measures to combat unfair control of the economy, we can foster a society that not only thrives but also cherishes the well-being of all its citizens. Let us stand united in our commitment to creating an equitable and prosperous future for everyone. Government Reform Government corruption threatens our democracy. It infects our systems and destroys trust. To combat this, we must act. One crucial step is to give more money to watchdog groups that monitor officials' actions and expose any illegal activities. These groups hold those in power accountable and can be more effective in fighting corruption with more resources. We should also strengthen enforcement at the Department of Justice and local levels. Healthcare Medical care should be free and accessible to all, which is why the United States National Health Care Act is something that is near and dear to my heart. This act seeks to establish a universal single-payer national health insurance system in the United States, similar to Canada's Medicare and Taiwan's Bureau of National Health Insurance. Under this system, the federal government would cover most medical expenses, eliminating the need for private health insurance and premiums. Private insurers would then only provide supplementary coverage for non-essential care. Education I advocate for guaranteeing tuition and debt-free access to public colleges, universities, HBCUs, Minority Serving Institutions, and trade schools for all individuals. This includes the ambitious move to cancel all student loan debt, which burdens around 45 million Americans and amounts to a staggering 1.6 trillion. In addition, I aim to implement a cap on student loan interest rates at a minimal 1.88 percent. Furthermore, I propose a yearly investment of 1.3 billion in private, non-profit historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions. Guns I strongly believe in protecting the second amendment rights of American citizens, as it is a fundamental aspect of our democracy. However, it is essential to keep in mind that rights also come with responsibilities. While I firmly support individuals' freedom to own handguns, shot guns and hunting rifles, it is crucial to establish some limits that prioritize public safety. Guns By upholding responsible gun ownership and extending certain privileges to those who have undergone rigorous training, we can strike a balance between protecting our constitutional rights and prioritizing public safety. It is through this approach that we can foster a safer environment for all citizens while respecting the rights and responsibilities that come with the ownership of firearms. Civil Rights Secure rights and equality for LGBTQ people. Housing By creating these temporary housing solutions, we can help facilitate individuals' journey towards permanent housing while also addressing the immediate need for shelter. This approach recognizes the importance of stable housing in restoring a person's confidence and enabling them to focus on other areas of their life, such as finding employment or accessing necessary healthcare services. Offering these tiny houses in areas with high homeless populations ensures that those who need it most have access to this vital support system, helping them to build a foundation for a brighter future. Abortion / Contraception We must protect women's reproductive rights across the country. The 28th constitutional amendment would let women decide what happens to their own bodies and make sure they can access safe and affordable healthcare. Immigration Austin firmly believes that tackling border security requires a holistic, collaborative effort from all branches of government, rather than relying solely on one branch to make a difference. By adopting this comprehensive, whole-of-government approach, we can ensure the safety and security of our borders while upholding the values that make our nation strong. Immigration To ensure the safety of our nation, Austin believes that the Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in creating a strong plan to protect our borders. Austin wants to involve the Army Corps of Engineers in making a detailed blueprint that keeps our nation safe and secure. This plan would not only improve border protection but also tackle the different challenges we face. Social Services Public showers can be a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness, as they face one of the biggest challenges in getting off the street: maintaining basic hygiene. By incorporating public showers into rest stops, we not only provide a convenient location for individuals to access clean showers, but we also address the need to spread such facilities around large population centers.