Washington has made a mess out of our finances. Reckless spending, runaway deficits, a growing trade imbalance with China, all add up to a dire fiscal picture impacting every Missourian. Claire knows that working Americans made this country great, yet hardworking Missourians and their children are now footing the bill for our leaders' fiscal irresponsibility. Claire is working to bring change to Washington and making sure our economy works for ALL Missouri's citizens, not just the special interests.
Reduce Government Waste and Spending. As Missouri's state auditor, Claire won high praise for her tough approach to wasteful spending. She cracked down on government waste and spending by targeting no-bid contracts, frivolous spending, and bureaucratic incompetence. Her audits repeatedly pointed out ways to save taxpayers millions of dollars. Just like she did in Missouri, Claire is taking on the sacred cows in D.C., forcing them to take deficit reduction seriously. Our national debt is now at a staggering $9 trillion. Claire is fighting to restore pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) funding so that Washington is forced to put its fiscal house in order.
Block the Outsourcing of Missouri Jobs. Claire is fighting for Missouri jobs by cracking down on corporate loopholes, which reward companies that ship American jobs overseas.
Promote Educational and Job Training Opportunities for All Missourians. Claire believes we must invest more in scientific research, training and higher education. Without making these investments, America will find itself falling behind in the global economy.
Support Fair Trade Policies. Claire believes trade policies must raise living standards for both workers here and abroad. Basic standards of fairness and decency to working people must be incorporated into all our trade policies.
Raise the Minimum Wage. Claire believes workers deserve a long and overdue raise and supports increasing the minimum wage. It is a shame Congress has not raised the minimum wage in 10 years.
Support Renewable Energy and Alternative Fuels. Claire supports an innovative project utilizing all forms of renewable energy and alternative fuels, including ethanol, wind, solar and biomass. Such a project could create thousands of jobs in Missouri and begin to wean ourselves off foreign oil. Claire will fight to make sure that instead of giving billions in tax breaks to oil companies making record profits, we have a policy that strives for energy independence.
Support Small Businesses. Small businesses generate most of the new jobs and are vital engines to economic growth. We need to fully support the Small Business Administration and preserve its budget.
