The Mississippi Democratic Party is the party of responsibility. We believe in fulfilling obligations to our public schools, mental health, veterans, law enforcement, and taxpayers first BEFORE giving our treasury to large corporations and special interests.
Education
As Democrats, education is our top priority. In the words of Governor William Winter, we believe “the only road out of poverty runs by the schoolhouse door.” That’s why we support adequate, FULL funding for our public schools to give teachers and students the resources they need to succeed.
Furthermore, we believe in keeping college affordable and support efforts to keep debt from being a barrier to a degree. We support workforce development programs at our community colleges.
Health Care
We believe accessible, affordable, high-quality health care is part of the American promise, that Mississippians should have the security that comes with good health care, and that no one should go broke because he or she gets sick.
Voting Rights
The Mississippi Democratic Party supports the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act and opposes any repeal or expiration of these laws. We believe that voting is the right of all citizens, and that nothing should prohibit the free exercise of the right to vote and the expansion of the right to vote.
Equality
The Mississippi Democratic Party supports equality for all regardless of race, color, class, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, population, national origin, immigrant status, disability, or appearance. The family is the cornerstone of our society, the building block of our civilization. Whatever the form of the family, the Democratic Party realizes the value of human relationships and supports all committed, loving couples. We believe that all Mississippians deserve to be treated equally and fairly and to live free from harassment. That is why we oppose discriminatory laws that divide our communities in any way.
Women’s Rights
We support and promote policies that strengthen women’s economic security, including, but not limited to, support for family caregiving, access to affordable health care and child care, equal wages, stronger protections for domestic violence and sexual assault, affordable housing, and higher education. We support a woman’s right to privacy in making her own health care decisions.
Economic Responsibility
We believe good jobs build a strong economy. We support a fair and reasonable tax structure and incentives that help all businesses, not create graft for political contributors. We support a living wage that will lift Mississippians out of poverty.
Veterans
We thank our veterans for their service to our country and state. Veterans have earned the respect and right of support from the community. Eligible veterans should be provided the best no-cost medical services for life, housing assistance, education for retraining, and preference for hiring. These benefits go towards fulfilling our promises to our veterans.
Seniors
We support efforts to strengthen our state’s retirement system, including the “13th check.” We support the expansion of Social Security benefits, not their reduction or privatization. We support the funding of home- and community-based services that allow seniors to live at home instead of in assisted-living facilities.
Mental Health
We believe our mental health facilities should be funded and staffed appropriately. We support safeguards that protect our most vulnerable citizens from fraud and abuse and will work to make sure resources are available to help people recover and thrive.
Immigration
We are a nation of immigrants, and we will extend the promise of citizenship to those still struggling for freedom. Undocumented immigrants within our borders, who clear a background check, work hard, and pay taxes should have a path to earn full participation in America. Family reunification should continue to be the cornerstone of our legal immigration system, and we should offer more English-language and civic education classes so immigrants can better assume the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Disaster Relief
Disaster relief funds should go to the areas affected by the disaster.
Labor
We support organized labor efforts to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of wage earners, job seekers, and retirees in the State of Mississippi, improve working conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment, and assure work-related benefits and rights, including the right to organize.
Infrastructure
We believe good roads and bridges promote public safety, economic investment, and a better quality of life. That is why we support efforts to build our infrastructure and provide for regular maintenance of existing structures.
Environment
As responsible stewards of the earth, we must work to build a society that has the capacity to endure. This includes reducing the impact of man’s activity upon the earth’s ecosystem, responsible management of resource use, and sustainable agriculture practices. Together, our task is to build a civilization that can stand the test of time. Clean water is a human right, and climate change is real.
Open Government
We believe an open, accessible, and transparent government is the best government. We support common-sense campaign finance reform that includes meaningful reporting requirements and closing loopholes legalizing bribery.