A Plan to Fix Washington
Michael has been in Washington for just over a year, but it didn’t take him that long to realize the place is broken, and badly in need of repair. It’s no longer listening to what people want, and it isn’t delivering the results we need. More »
- Fix Congress. Michael has introduced measures to freeze congressional member pay and budgets until our economy gets back on track, reform the filibuster so that congress does its job instead of playing partisan games, and he would end the “hold” rule where a single senator can anonymously stop bills with no accountability.
- Lobbying Reform. Michael’s plan creates stricter rules for lobbyist registration and harsher penalties for failing to do so, bans Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, and bans staff from lobbying their former bosses for six years.
- Earmark Accountability. Michael has introduced measures requiring Members of Congress to disclose all earmark requests online, hold public hearings for earmarks over $1 million, ban earmarks for for-profit companies, and require random auditing of earmark projects.
Securing Our Fiscal Future
In the last decade, Washington racked up nearly $8 trillion in debt -- debt that will fall squarely on the shoulders of our children. Michael knows it’s time to change how Washington does business and secure our fiscal future. More »
- A Blueprint to Reduce the Debt and Put Our Fiscal House Back In Order. Michael’s Deficit Reduction Act would legally cap the deficit, limiting how much money Congress can spend and triggering automatic budget cuts.
- Stopping Congress From Digging Deeper into Debt. Michael cosponsored a new law to institute pay-as-you-go spending, making Congress pay for all new entitlement spending or tax cuts, instead of running up the deficit.
- Dealing With the Deficit Instead of Playing Politics. Michael pushed for the creation of a deficit reduction task force to propose cost-saving reforms that would be guaranteed an up or down vote.
- Stopping Wasteful Spending. Michael is voting against wasteful, unnecessary government spending – like a $2 billion fighter jet that military doesn’t want or need, or a tax credit for Hollywood movie companies.
Protecting Jobs and Creating Opportunities for Working Families
In his first year in office, Michael has worked hard to promote policies that will jumpstart job creation and lay a new foundation for a stronger, more secure American economy for generations to come. More »
- Reinvesting in America’s Promise: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With our economy edging towards the brink and with economists from both sides of the aisle calling for an economic recovery package to help stave off a second Great Depression, Michael supported swift, bold action to stabilize the economy and turn it around. The Recovery Act has saved thousands of Colorado jobs, while funding critical reinvestments in local infrastructure, education, health care, transportation, clean energy and more.
- Sustainable Jobs For Colorado. Michael introduced the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act, providing incentives for American companies to manufacturer sustainable solar technologies and create jobs with Colorado companies like Ascent Solar and Namaste Solar.
- Keeping Families Afloat. Michael co-sponsored legislation extending unemployment benefits by an extra three and a half months, and expanding eligibility. And when it looked like benefits might be limited, Michael fought to make sure that Colorado workers got the same extension other states did.
- Keeping Colorado’s Timber Industry Alive. Michael fought for critically needed emergency aid to the Colorado timber industry, helping keep local timber companies afloat and protecting hundreds of jobs.
Solutions for Small Business
It’s a choice between bureaucracies and people: if we don’t support our small businesses -- if they don’t have access to the credit they need and are burdened by taxes -- then they can’t expand, create jobs, and get people back to work. Colorado’s small businesses are enormously important and it’s enormously important that we help them. More »
- Tax Relief for Small Business. With small businesses struggling to stay afloat, Michael voted to allow small businesses to deduct more for investments made and write off losses more quickly to provide immediate relief.
- Cutting Taxes to Create Jobs. Michael helped pass a bi-partisan jobs bill providing tax cuts for employers who hire new workers. Businesses that hire unemployed workers are exempt from social security taxes for them (6.2% of wages) and if they keep the worker for a whole year, they’ll receive another tax credit worth up to $1,000.
- Guaranteeing Access to Credit. Michael voted to free up lending for small businesses so they can make payroll, expand, and create jobs. Now he’s pushing to make Small Business Administration (SBA) loans more accessible, waive unnecessary restrictions on SBA microloans, and cut red tape that hampers entrepreneurs. And he’s challenged the Treasury and Fed to use leftover bailout funds to jumpstart small business lending.
Affordable, Quality Health Care for Coloradans
Each day, Coloradans are denied insurance coverage for treatment their doctor recommends. Families and individuals are being charged higher premiums, losing benefits, and going bankrupt because of medical bills. That’s why Michael fought so hard to pass health care reform that lowers costs, increases coverage, and makes insurance industry practices like denials based on pre-existing conditions a thing of the past -- without adding a dime to the deficit. And he’s secured key wins to improve health care reform and make it work better for Colorado. More »
- Fighting to Pass a Final Bill that Reforms our Broken System. Michael said he would vote for this bill even if it meant losing his job – and he meant it. The final bill eliminates insurance company abuses, expands coverage to 32 million more Americans, closes the prescription drug donut hole, eliminates the backroom deals that were in earlier versions of the legislation, and cuts the federal deficit by more than $143 billion over the next ten years.
- Using Colorado Common Sense to Cut Costs, Improve Care. Michael’s Medicare Transitions Act is included in the final bill. Based on a successful program in Grand Junction, it will help cut costs due to hospital readmissions.
- Less Time on Paperwork, More Time With Patients. Michael secured an amendment that will put an end to multiple forms, confusing codes and the unnecessary paperwork that burdens providers.
- Bringing Transparency. Michael secured an amendment requiring insurers and health care providers to report their performance to the public – including pricing -- empowering patients to make the best decisions.
- New Ideas To Reduce Malpractice Costs. Michael helped secure an amendment providing state demonstration grants to develop and expand alternatives to litigation, reducing malpractice costs and encouraging new ideas to make the system more reliable, reduce medical errors, and promote more efficient resolution of disputes.
- Securing Savings in Health Reform. Michael introduced an amendment ensuring any reform reduces the deficit.
Improving Access to Quality Health Care in Rural Areas
Our current health care system disadvantages rural areas. Six counties in Colorado don’t have a full-time physician; fourteen counties don’t even have a hospital. This needs to change, and Michael is fighting to get it done. More »
- Bringing Equal Payments for Rural Care. Michael created a deficit-neutral reserve fund to address inequalities in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and improve access to quality health care in rural areas.
- High-Quality Care for Rural Colorado. Michael introduced new legislation that would make health care more accessible and affordable for rural Coloradans by increasing funding and resources for community hospitals and pharmacies to ensure they have the up-to-date information and technology they need.
Fighting for Wall Street Reform
Congress needs to finish the job when it comes to cleaning up the way Wall Street does business. Though we fought and won the battle against unfair practices by credit card companies, there is still more to do. More »
- Stronger Consumer protections. Michael has fought to ensure the Wall Street reform bill creates an independent consumer protection agency, so that consumers have enough information and adequate protections -- whether they're purchasing a home or paying with a debit card -- from hidden fees and deceptive practices.
- End “Too Big to Fail.” Michael is fighting for a final bill that ends the possibility that taxpayers will be forced to prop up companies that are "too big to fail.”
- Reform Derivatives. Michael is working to clean up the derivates trading that helped get us into this mess.
- Amendments to make Wall Street Reform Stronger. Michael introduced amendments to the bill in committee, requiring brokers to disclose clear and understandable details on investment objectives, fees and risk, and strengthening oversight over credit rating agencies.
Protecting Colorado's Resources
Colorado is blessed with a natural heritage unlike any other state in the nation. We are not owners of the lands but stewards tasked with the responsibility to protect and preserve this heritage for future generations to enjoy. With three young daughters and a wife who has devoted her life to protecting Colorado’s land and water, it’s a responsibility Michael takes very seriously and works hard every day to fulfill. More »
- Protecting Colorado’s Wilderness. Michael voted to designate 250,000 acres in Rocky Mountain National Park as wilderness, 66,000 in the Dominguez Canyon, and to create the Sangre De Cristo and South Park National Heritage Areas, preserving the unique character of Colorado. And he’s working to protect 61,000 acres in the San Juan Mountains.
- Protecting Colorado’s Forest Health. Michael co-sponsored the FLAME act, ensuring dedicated funding for wildfire suppression activities. And he introduced a bipartisan bill facilitating cooperation between the U.S. Forest Service and the state in restoring forests, rangelands, and watersheds – including treating insect infested trees.
- A Legacy Colorado Can Be Proud Of. Michael secured resources to build a water treatment plant and clean up the Summitville Mine, funding to clean up the Clear Creek watershed -- which supplies water to Denver-area residents -- and he’s backing “Good Samaritan” legislation to help local communities and others clean up old mines.
- Bringing Clean Water to Southeastern Colorado. After years of inaction, Michael Bennet fought to start the Arkansas Valley Conduit – and won. Working with Rep. John Salazar, Michael got this vital project moving, bringing clean drinking water to approximately 40 cities, towns and water providers in the lower Arkansas River Valley.
- Maintaining Southwest Colorado’s Water Infrastructure. Michael passed the Jackson Gulch Rehabilitation Act, repairing the Jackson Gulch Reservoir. And he’s fighting to repair the Pine River Indian irrigation project.
- Fighting the Tamarisk. Michael is fighting for projects to remove salt cedar and other invasive species from Colorado’s rivers, protecting our critical local water resources and reducing the risk of wildfires.
- Battling the Bark Beetle. Working with the rest of Colorado’s congressional delegation, Michael helped secure $40 million to begin a real investment in fighting the scourge of the bark beetle and protecting Colorado forests.
- Cleaning Up the Pueblo Depot Toxins. Michael Bennet helped secure nearly $250 million to pay for destruction of the toxic chemical weapons stored at Pueblo Chemical Depot, keeping the project on track to finish on time.
New Energy for Colorado
America and Colorado need a comprehensive energy policy that establishes aggressive targets for clean energy and energy efficiency, and includes responsible development of our traditional energy resources. More »
- 25% by 2025. Michael is working to create a 25% Renewable Electricity Standard by 2025, requiring that producers of electricity get 25% of their energy from renewable energy resources or efficiency.
- End “Too Big to Fail.” Michael is fighting or a final bill that ends the possibility that taxpayers will be forced to prop up companies that are "too big to fail.”
- Reinvesting in a New Energy Future. Michael supported the recovery act, providing the resources to modernize our nation’s electrical grid and expand critical tax incentives supporting renewable energy development.
- Increasing Energy Efficiency. Michael introduced legislation to incentivize more efficient energy use in federally assisted housing, estimated to save taxpayers over a billion dollars and create hundreds of jobs.
- Reasonable, Responsible Use of Colorado’s Resources. Michael supports natural gas -- which is twice as clean as coal and abundant in Colorado -- and is an advocate for responsible and environmentally sensitive development.
- Helping Colorado Cope With Climate Change. Michael is supporting the Climate Adaptation Act to help local communities -- including those dependent on tourism or agriculture -- deal with the effects of climate change.
- Efficient Transportation Alternatives. Michael is co-sponsoring the Clean, Low-Emission, Affordable, New Transportation Efficiency Act, which would support efficient low-carbon transportation alternatives and he secured $94.5 million in funding for the FasTracks project, expanding transportation choices and connecting the region.
Renewing our Commitment to America's Heroes
We need to honor our military men and women with the best treatment and benefits we, as a nation, can provide. Michael has worked to meet our obligations to our veterans, ensuring they and their families have our full support. More »
- Fighting for Veteran’s Families. Michael introduced a new law ensuring military families are eligible for benefits like the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplementary program, even if the family is receiving combat pay.
- Ensuring High Quality Care for Veterans. Working with Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Michael helped secure the funding to finally begin construction of a state-of-the-art VA Hospital at Fitzsimmons to replace the aging Denver facility.
- Helping Veterans Continue to Serve. Michael Bennet is working to expand the successful Troops-to-Teachers program, supporting returning veterans as they transition to careers as teachers in the nation’s neediest schools.
- Expanding GI Bill Benefits. Michael is pushing to update the GI-Bill to provide educational benefits to members of the National Guard who do not currently receive full benefits despite having served in active duty.
- Strengthening Colorado’s Military Installations. Michael helped secure millions of dollars for Colorado’s military installations through the Defense Appropriations Conference Report and Recovery Act reinvestments.
- A Veterans’ Cemetery for Southern Colorado. For years, Southern Colorado has been fighting for a national veterans cemetery to call their own. Michael Bennet has taken the lead on this issue and is pushing hard for the respect southern Colorado’s veterans -- and their families -- deserve.
Protecting Colorado Consumers
In his short time as a Senator Michael has fought hard for Colorado families, working to protect them from abuses by credit card companies, giving hardworking families the benefit of a fair shake in these difficult economic times. More »
- Standing Up Against Unfair Credit Card Company Practices. Michael helped pass the Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights, leveling the playing field for Colorado consumers. The bill reigns in credit card company abuses and forces them to treat customers fairly. After the bill passed, credit card companies engaged in a last-ditch effort to jack-up rates before the law went into effect, so Michael fought to freeze rates until the bill could be implemented.
- Ending Abusive Interest Rates. Michael fought for reasonable caps on soaring credit card rates, voting to combat excessive interest rates by capping them at 15%.
- Stronger Consumer protections. Michael has fought to ensure the wall street reform bill creates an independent consumer protection agency, so that consumers have enough information and adequate protections -- whether they're purchasing a home or paying with a debit card -- from hidden fees and deceptive practices.
- Stronger Consumer Protections On Tobacco Products. Michael helped pass the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, giving the FDA the authority to regulate health impacts of tobacco products.
Stabilizing Housing and Helping Families Keep Their Homes
Michael supported efforts to help keep more Americans in their homes, while stabilizing home prices and keeping the dream of owning a home within reach for Americans that want to buy their own home and raise a family. More »
- Keeping the American Dream Within Reach. Michael helped create and extend a temporary $8,000 new homebuyers tax credit to stabilize the housing market and help more Americans own their own homes.
- Helping Families Save Their Homes. Michael pushed for the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, making it easier for homeowners to work with lenders and modify their loans to prevent foreclosure.
- Affordable Housing for Colorado. When families in Garfield County needed help, Michael stepped up, securing the funding needed to keep 76 low-income families in their homes.
- Improving the Administration’s Foreclosure Prevention Program. Michael has worked to improve the Administration’s foreclosure prevention program, strengthening protections for homeowners.
Tougher, Smarter Crime-Fighting for Colorado
Our law enforcement officials and first responders must have the right tools and resources to keep communities safe. Michael has worked hard to provide law enforcement agencies across the state with the most up-to-date equipment and support to fight crime, keep our streets safe from the drug trade, and protect Colorado communities. More »
- Keeping our Kids and Communities Safe. Michael Bennet secured $298 million for the COPS program to pay for 50,000 police officers, including money to help Haxtun, Denver and Aurora police departments keep city schools safe and funds for Colorado Springs police to protect against sexual predators and child endangerment.
- Funding for a Northern Colorado Crime Lab. Northern Colorado is the largest population center without a full-service crime lab, leaving a backlog of evidence at the crime lab in Denver and delaying justice in Northern Colorado’s courts. Michael secured $300,000 in funds to help build a much needed crime lab to serve the region.
- Combating Meth In Colorado. Michael helped secure funds for the Colorado Meth Project to raise awareness, and for Jefferson County law enforcement to help combat skyrocketing meth use in Colorado.
Fighting for Farmers, Ranchers, and Colorado's Rural Communities
Because of the importance of agriculture and rural communities to Colorado, Michael’s first request as a Senator was to serve on the Agriculture Committee. He’s working hard every day to ensure rural America is not left behind. More »
- Helping Struggling Farmers and Ranchers Weather the Storm. Working with Sen. Mark Udall, Michael was able to secure $7.8 million in additional direct farm operating loans to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced difficulty accessing loans and credit to fund their operations.
- Emergency Credit Relief for Northern Colorado. When New Frontier Bank -- the region’s largest agricultural lender -- failed, Michael went to bat for local farms and small businesses, securing more than $250 million in emergency loans for family farmers. And he’s fighting for greater support for community banks and small business lending to make sure efforts to support Wall Street have a real, positive effect on Main Street’s working families.
- Standing up for Colorado Dairy Farmers. Michael secured $350 million in aid for struggling dairy farmers as well as use of the Dairy Export Incentive Program, helping Colorado’s dairy farmers sell their products abroad.
- Securing Conservation Easements for the Future. Michael is working to make permanent an enhanced tax credit for farmers and ranchers who take part in the conservation easement program.
- Protecting Private Property Rights in Southern Colorado. Working with Colorado’s congressional delegation, Michael Bennet helped extend the moratorium on expanding the Piñon Canyon military base, fighting to preserve the land – and the way of life it supports -- for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
- Addressing the Chronic Shortage of Farm Labor. With farmers and ranchers in Colorado facing shortages of labor, Michael cosponsored the Ag Jobs Act, which addresses worker shortages on Colorado farms.
Equality of Opportunity for Every Coloradan
Everyone in Colorado and across the country should have an equal shot at the American Dream – that’s the American promise. Michael is fighting to ensure that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules has the opportunity to succeed in America, regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. More »
- Equal Pay for Equal Work.On Michael's first day in office, he voted in favor of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, legislation that would restore basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers.
- Supported Sonia Sotomayor. Recognizing her depth of judicial experience, record of fair and accurate application of the law, and inspiring life journey, Michael supported the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
- No Tolerance for Hate. Michael co-sponsored the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, adding attacks based on sexual orientation to the federal hate crimes list and providing resources to help prosecute these crimes.
Standing up for Colorado's Kids
Our children are our future. They deserve to be healthy, well-educated, and ready. Michael and Susan have three young daughters, and he’s committed to making sure Colorado’s children have the support they need to succeed More »
- Affordable Health Care For Our Kids. Michael voted to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides Colorado kids from low-income families with health care they can count on.
- Helping Kids Access Care. Michael introduced the Health Schools Act, which would make it easier for school-based health centers to provide care directly to Colorado’s kids when they need it.
- Boosting School Safety Programs. Michael secured $500,000 to help the University of Colorado - Boulder’s Colorado Schools Safety Program boost its efforts to stem school violence.
- Helping Student Borrowers. Michael is a co-sponsor of the Private Education Loan Ombudsman Act, which would establish an ombudsman to help private student loan borrowers deal with complaints or challenges.
