The Issues

Thomas Witkop's Stance on Issues from A-Z

Reproductive Rights

I stand firmly in support of women’s access to contraception, IVF, and medical procedures including abortion. These interventions are crucial for women who may lose their life to pregnancy as well as women who wish to expand their family. The decision to undergo pregnancy belongs to women, not politicians.

WATERWAYS

Florida’s waterways, reefs, and woods are like no other. I pledge to preserve our natural resources and address harmful discharges into our waterways.

Brian Mast voted against protecting Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary. He also gave billions of dollars in corporate welfare to big sugar. I will uphold our environmental laws and clean up our waterways.

Insurance Crisis

The most worrying issue I hear from my neighbors is the overwhelming costs of home insurance hikes after each hurricane and flood. We must solve our home insurance crisis with short-term relief and long-term solutions. No one should be driven from their home because insurance is too expensive.

Since Brian Mast took office, home insurance costs have increased by 300%. He has no plan to bring down costs. Read my full plan below.

Money out of politics

Representatives should stand for the PEOPLE, not big money. I pledge to refuse any money from Super PACs. I will vote based on my values and community rather than elite preferences.

Brian Mast has taken over two million dollars from developers, insurance companies, and big sugar. He works for them, not you.  

fema and first responders

FEMA provides relief before, during, and after hurricanes and other natural disasters. I worked alongside FEMA to distribute food and supplies after Hurricane Milton. While Brian Mast voted to defund FEMA, I will always support our first responders.

medicare/Social security

Brian Mast has endorsed a plan to defund Medicare and Social Security. I will protect our seniors who have worked their entire lives to earn their retirement. Brian Mast’s plan would increase the number of seniors in poverty by 40%. Protecting Social Security and expanding access to Medicare are two of my highest priorities in the U.S. Congress. Too many Floridians rely on these services to let extremist Republicans like Brian Mast gut them.

j.d. state park

I rallied along with much of our community to oppose development at J.D. State Park. I believe our state parks belong to all of us and must be protected.

Brian Mast voted to remove protections for the Florida Scrub Jay and J.D. State Park. Do not let him obscure an awful environmental record with a few good photos before election day. He works for the developers who fund his campaign.

Veterans

Every year, hundreds of veterans return home with trauma, brain injuries, and exposure to toxic chemicals. We have a responsibility to protect and serve those who protect and serve. I support comprehensive healthcare reform for veterans, ensuring all receive high-quality access to healthcare including dental, vision, and mental health care. I will also work tirelessly to connect veterans with a stable pension and affordable housing, so they can retire in peace.

Climate change

Our Treasure Coast is uniquely vulnerable to ongoing climate change. Increased floods, heat waves, and major hurricanes threaten our security and way of life. By funding clean energy, we will prevent countless catastrophes and make our nation energy independent. Above all, my vote will protect essential Sunshine State workers in the transition to clean energy.

healthcare

The price of basic healthcare is out of control.  I will reduce the cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with all drug-makers.

tax cuts

I will cut taxes on middle class families and expand the child tax credit. I will fund these critical tax cuts by raising taxes on the wealthiest 1% and closing loopholes that only benefit the ultra-wealthy.

Democracy

I’m running to strengthen our institutions and restore trust in democracy. While my opponent attempted to overturn a free and fair election, I believe in the radical idea of working together to solve the problems we face.

Israel/gaza conflict

Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, is a date that will forever be etched in the collective memory of the Jewish people. On this day, Hamas terrorists murdered over 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages. Over 100 hostages remain in captivity. These were not just numbers; they were entire families torn apart by unspeakable violence. This tragedy was not just an attack on the Jewish people, it was an assault on the very essence of humanity.

 
Israel has the right to defend itself, and it must do so in a way that supports a long term trajectory of peace and security. The current war and massive death toll in Gaza- many of whom are children- has devastated the perception of Israel globally. Israel, as the only democracy in the region and a critical ally, should do everything in its power to decrease the number of civilian casualties, bring about peace, and win back the hearts and minds of younger generations. 

Education

As a former teacher, I understand the value of a good education. So when students tell me they are uncertain about their future, I am strengthened in my belief that all schools should be fully funded, regardless of zip code. I will vote to increase resources for our school districts, train more qualified teachers, and provide vocational training in all high schools.

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