I support Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono for U.S. Senate because she's a forward-thinking visionary who advocates wise long-term investments, notably in early-childhood education and renewable energy.
This week, she and the President teamed up on some education and energy issues. Please follow me below for some details.
Early-childhood education
Hirono has long urged the Obama Administration to focus on early-childhood education, and two days ago we found out that the President and his team have been listening. Honolulu-based education reporter Katherine Poythress has the story:
President Obama's administration announced Wednesday that it would . . . invest $500 million in early childhood education programs nationwide.
The decision came after Hirono spearheaded a 43-signature letter from Congress requesting federal incentives to improve preschool education across the country. . . .
Decades of research indicate that formal education of toddlers can dramatically increase their chances at success in school and later in life.
Renewable energy
Similarly, Hirono has been a consistent advocate for the federal government to move more aggressively to support sustainable transportation and energy policies. This week, the White House announced an initiative in exactly that direction. News reporter Wendy Osher reports from Maui:
President Barack Obama yesterday issued a directive to all federal agencies and departments instructing them to “lead by example” and contribute to the nation’s reduction in oil dependence.
The national goal is to reduce oil imports by one-third by 2025, and put one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015.
“The record high gas prices we’re facing in Hawaii and across the country underscore a simple truth—the only solution is to break free from our dependence on fossil fuels. I applaud President Obama’s initiative, which is a bold step toward ending that dependence for good,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and advocate for energy independence and renewable fuels.
Much of this seems like common sense to me. But, of course, that's not the strong suit of the Boehner Congress ("Eliminate the Department of Education!"; "Drill, baby, drill!"). And both of these proposals are dramatic policy shifts from the Bush Administration. So, these are important steps. And they give us a glimpse of the type of partnership that a Senator Hirono and President Obama could form, if both campaigns are successful next year. Signing up for a modestly monthly contribution for Hirono's campaign, via my ActBlue page, could help to make that happen.
As always . . .
Aloha & Mahalo!