Deborah Halvorson (Candidate)
1395c Main St.
Crete, IL 60417
Biography
HALVORSON, Debbie, an Illinois State Senator and Majority Leader of the Illinois State Senate; graduated, Governor’s State University, Robert Morris College and Prairie State College; candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois' 11th congressional district in 2008.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Deborah Halvorson to participate by contacting her through her webform today.Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for IL-11.
Login/Register to EditDEBORAH HALVORSON'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Climate Change
See Environment.
Education
Educational Training
Nothing posted to date.
Educational Funding
“I don’t think there is an issue of greater importance for the future of our nation than education. Our Federal government must step up to the challenge the new global economy creates. “No Child Left Behind has been short-sighted and under-funded from the start. Before we consider reauthorization, we must demand key revisions: additional performance measures, smaller classes, and more highly qualified teachers. We also need to fully-fund special education. “After years of being a student, I’ve recently had the opportunity to be in the front of the classroom. I’ve taught several classes at Governor’s State University, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. This experience underscored my commitment to quality education and our need to make college more affordable for all families. “In the State Senate, I fought to increase grants for low-income and middle-class families. But more needs to be done, and slashing college aid, as President Bush did, is not the answer. “I am proud of my record on education - especially my votes for higher standards for high school graduation requirements, better testing for elementary and middle school children, and additional funding for early childhood education – and I will continue to make education a top priority in Congress [1].”
Teaching Evolution/Intelligent Design
Nothing posted to date.
Energy
Clean Coal Technology
Nothing posted to date.
Fuel Economy Standards
Nothing posted to date.
Renewable Energy
See Environment.
Nuclear Energy
Nothing posted to date.
Environment
“Our nation is finally at a tipping point for energy and environmental issues. The effects of global warming and pollution on the environment are indisputable. Our dependence on foreign oil weakens our foreign policy. The high cost of energy prices on our economy has taken a toll and is set to become much worse. “Now is a time for action. We must commit our nation to higher environmental standards and clean and renewable sources of energy. These goals are not only good for our environment, but will improve our economy, generate jobs, and make us more secure. “As an Illinois State Senator, I sponsored and helped to pass energy legislation that utilizes environmentally friendly, Illinois-based resources. This is the type of legislation that will reduce energy costs while creating new jobs for people in the 11th district. “As a former Agriculture and Conservation committee member, I understand the challenges facing family farmers and conservationists alike. I will use my experience in the Illinois Senate to pass practical legislation in Washington that will move America forward while benefiting the 11th district [2].”
Health
Healthcare
“Affordable and accessible health care is out of reach for many American families. Over 47 million Americans have no health insurance, and the cost of coverage continues to rise much faster than inflation. The result is a difficult reality for many Americans. It’s also a struggle I’ve personally witnessed while growing up, when my mother searched for coverage as a breast cancer survivor. “During my service in the State Senate, I created a first-in-the-nation program that offered every senior citizen and disabled person in Illinois cheaper prescription drugs. I also supported legislation to help thousands of Illinois children and low-income families obtain affordable health insurance. We need to build on that progress both in Illinois and nationally so that everyone can have access to quality, affordable health care. “Small businesses should be able to bargain collectively for lower premiums on their employee health benefits. We must strengthen Medicare by allowing the Federal government to negotiate with drug companies for lower prescription drug prices. We also need to make sure insurance companies hold up their end of the bargain. “Through quality care and access to preventative care, we can save significantly, and more importantly, Americans will be healthier [3].”
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Nothing posted to date.
Innovation
Nothing posted to date.
Research and Research Management
Nothing posted to date.
Funding
Nothing posted to date.
Endnotes
- ↑ Debbie Halvorson. Issues. Education. http://www.debbiehalvorson.com/node/37
- ↑ Debbie Halvorson. Issues. Energy, Environment, and Agriculture. http://www.debbiehalvorson.com/node/39
- ↑ Debbie Halvorson. Issues. Health Care. http://www.debbiehalvorson.com/node/33
