PLATFORM of the Kentucky Democratic Party
Democrats are united in our belief that America is a better place when everyone gets a fair shot at a good life, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules. Kentucky Democrats are organizing in every district, going precinct-by-precinct and door-to-door to elect leaders with the vision and values we share.
LIST OF ISSUES
Education
At the Top of every list of any Democratic Party issues page will be our commitment to Education, both Public and Private. We are passionate about educating our next generation in Science, Math, Government, and the Arts. We want ALL children to have access to a high quality education and safe and health environment at school. We are equally committed to the most important resource in our school systems, the Teachers.
Diversity
America is a melting pot of immigrants and even our Native American ancestors came from somewhere else at one point. We are people of all color, creed, nationalities, gender and ideals. We are all children of God and brothers and sisters living on a solitary planet in a vast universe. Humanity is caring for everyone and hate has no place in our hearts, minds and our country, state, city or county government.
Taxes
We want to pay the lowest possible tax that we can bear and we want to provide the most services possible that we can bear. Is that possible? Who should bear the burden of paying the most in taxes and who should be allowed to be provided exemptions and loopholes to pay less or no taxes? Democrats opt for those in the Middle Class or living below the Poverty line to have these breaks and for those who can afford to pay and have benefitted the most from the American dream to fund the government and social programs the most. After all, the wealth and corporate America benefits the most when everyone else does well and they have a healthy, happy workforce at their disposal.
Health Care
Health Care should be a right in America, not a privilege. Every American deserves the peace of mind that quality, affordable coverage brings. Democrats believe that quality, affordable health care should be available in every corner of America. The residents of Nelson County deserve affordable healthcare!
In 2010, Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act, which provides Americans with health insurance, guaranteeing protections for 100 million people with preexisting conditions, and protecting nearly 180 million people from lifetime coverage limits. Trump and his Republican allies have attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act over 50 times. Trump is once again promising to “terminate” the landmark law, gutting coverage for the 45 million Americans who rely on it for care.
President Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat, with Democratic support in the Senate and the House of Representatives, signed Medicare and Medicaid into law in 1965. This legislation provided seniors, low-income citizens and special needs individuals health care coverage in America. Democrats continue to support both programs, to all who qualify. Trump and his MAGA allies are threatening to cut or reduce each program.
Big Pharmaceutical companies have ripped off Americans for many years, charging two and three times more in the US. than in other countries for the exact same medications. Nearly three in ten Americans can’t afford their prescriptions as a result. Democratic leadership, took on Big Pharma and won. Democrats capped the price of insulin at $35 a month, down from as much as $400, for nearly 4 million seniors on Medicare. Trump and his Republican allies gave drugmakers massive tax breaks that lead to them shifting production overseas. Republicans are threatening cuts or elimination of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
Democrats believe all U.S. citizens deserve affordable healthcare. Democrats support healthcare for all Nelson County residents.
The War on Poverty
Housing the Homeless, Feeding the Hungry, Helping Heal the Sick and doing our best to help raise the standard of living for everyone is a lofty goal but one we do not shy away from. We support the humane use of our tax dollar to serve the people most in need and to make sure we all share in the American Dream. We support a decent wage for workers, we support equal pay for women and we support decent work conditions and a safe and fair work environment for everyone. We will fight against discrimination and glass ceilings of any sort in every way we can.
Healthcare
Despite how much money you make, how much you have in the bank or how much you owe in bills, every American should be given the dignity and respect to affordable, quality healthcare. Where private insurance falls short of providing this service, we have a moral obligation to step in and help. Rural America as well as Urban America deserves equal attention and care. We are all Americans and playing for the same team.
Environment
We all live on Planet Earth. There is not Plan(et) B. We either preserve the natural resources we have in a sanitary way or we all perish. It is that simple. We want clean, pure Air to breathe. We want clean, pure Water to drink. We want clean, pure soil to Grow crops and feed our livestock. We choose not to live in filth with litter and garbage haphazardly discarded in places where we have to live. It may called by many names, but planet husbandry and simply preserving our basics of life is indisputable. Leaving an uninhabitable and dirty planet for our children and grandchildren is not only irresponsible, it is morally criminal.
Housing, Minimum Wage and Standard of Living
Owning a home is part of the American Dream. Good jobs that pay a livable wage make owning a home possible. Democrats support a livable hourly wage that will make that possible. The Federal and Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. It has been that way since 2009. Republican opposition both at the Federal and State level refuse to raise the minimum hourly wage. The working poor cannot afford housing, health care or a retirement on minimum wage.
Under the leadership of Democrat President Franklin Roosevelt, a federal minimum wage was passed into law in 1938. Currently Kentucky has the third lowest state minimum wage in the country. Working full time with a minimum wage job of $7.25 amounts to $15,080. A living wage in Kentucky is $20 per hour. Kentucky minimum wage is $26,000 below the need for a livable wage. The Kentucky Republican party/legislature does not support raising the minimum wage.
Democrats know that Wall Street didn’t build America. The middle class built America and unions built the middle class. Democrats support a minimum wage of $15 per hour. The average home in Nelson County sells for $250,000. Many Nelson County residents cannot afford to own a home based on their current salary. They are the working poor.
The American Rescue Plan passed by Democrats in 2021, supported more than 4300 state and local-government workforce development programs, apprenticeships in traditional trades and cutting edge industries. Trump and his Republican allies are now cutting those programs and making middle class jobs unreachable for many Americans. Eliminating the American Dream of owning a home and a quality standard of living.
Democrats support a livable wage! A livable wage makes the American Dream possible.
Fair and Equitable Taxation
There are a thousand billionaires in America, and they pay an average of 8 percent in taxes on their income. Elon Musk's company “Tesla” paid no taxes in 2024! Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon paid 1.1% in income taxes on his income in 2024. Teachers, firefighters or distiller workers pay a far higher rate.
In 2020, 55 of the largest companies in America made 40 billion in profit but paid zero in federal income taxes. Democrats oppose unfair loopholes and wasteful subsidies that benefit special interests and billionaires at everyone else’s expense. Corporate and private jets have been given tax breaks by Trump and his Republican allies.
Trump’s executive “emergency” actions, that his Republican allies support, now number over 100. The executive actions include cuts to Education, the Environment, Parks, and Veterans. These cuts are to provide more tax breaks for Trump’s billionaire buddies. These actions are wrong, unfair and damaging the quality of life for the average American.
Democrats believe the wealthy and big corporations must pay their fair share. This would include eliminating the many loopholes that allow corporations to pay nothing and force wealthy Americans earning more than $400,000 a year to pay more. It would not include the teachers, firefighters, factory/distillery workers. Americans and Nelson Countians should not pay a higher percentage in taxes than the billionaires of this country.
In 2017, Trump and his Republican allies lowered taxes on the wealthy and corporations and now want to do it again. This will add billions to the deficit that our children and grandchildren will have to pay. Tax cuts today will add $37 trillion to our nation's debt by 2054.
Fair and Equitable taxation will allow for more Americans to obtain the American dream. More Nelson Countians will be able to afford a home, childcare and higher education for their children.
Democrats support a fair and equitable tax system that makes the wealthy and large corporations pay their share!
LBGTQ+
Democrats are committed to equality of rights to all U.S. citizens. Democrats believe all American citizens have the right to life, liberty and happiness. “Love is Love” and each American has the right to seek a life true to who they are and who they want to be.
In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court decision “Loving vs Virginia”, interracial marriage was made the law of our land. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court decision “Obergefell vs Hodges”, same sex marriage was made the law of the land. These decisions were made into law by open minded progressive justices, appointed by Democratic presidents.
What American family does not have loved ones in the LGBTQ community? “Modern” American families consist of LGBTQ members! In a 2024 Gallup poll, 69% of Americans supported same sex marriage. Democrats support strengthening civil rights protections in housing, employment, health care, education and the justice system for our LGBTQ family members.
Trump and his Republican allies are working to roll back the rights of the LGBTQ communty. Trump has appointed many judges who oppose same-sex marriages and LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws. Many Republicans that oppose LGBTQ rights use religion as their reason. The U.S. Constitution endorses no religion in our country. However, it does guarantee rights to all of its U.S. citizens.
Currently, the Supreme Court Justices makeup a 6-3 conservative majority. These conservative justices were appointed by Republican presidents. Democratic presidents will select moderate/progressive justices to the Supreme Court and protect the rights of all Americans.
Our Nelson County LGBTQ neighbors and family members are supported by the Democratic Party in their struggles for equal rights and protections under the laws of the United States.
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
Social Security was established in 1935 by Democrats and President Franklin Roosevelt. Before Social Security, half of American seniors lived in poverty. Even those who had spent a lifetime working didn’t always have enough money to put food on the table, pay for health care and afford housing in their retirement years. By creating Social Security, Democrats gave America’s working class the ability to retire with dignity and security.
In 1965, Democrats established Medicare and Medicaid. Under Pres. Lyndon Johnson’s leadership, these two programs gave working class Americans and those with disabilities an assurance of medical care. Former President Harry Truman(Democrat), worked diligently during his administration to establish Medicare and Medicaid. President Truman and his wife were the first seniors to receive a Medicare card.
Under the many “Executive” actions by Trump, (these actions are being challenged in court) cuts are being made in Veteran Affairs, Housing, Education, FDA (Food and Drug Administration). All of these actions threaten American citizens' welfare and safety. As President, in his first term, Trump attempted to slash Social Security and Medicare. Trump and Elon Musk called it a “Ponzi Scheme”. They stated “there’s a lot you can do in terms of cutting Social Security”. Republicans would like to privatize your Social Security funds and place them in the Stock Market. Do you want to trust Trump and his billionaire friends with your retirement funds?
Nelson County residents deserve Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid. What family does not have grandparents, or disabled members who count on these programs. Will Trump and his Republican allies return us to pre-1935 conditions, when 50% of retirees lived in poverty? Democrats created these programs and they will fight to keep them! All Americans and your Nelson County family can count on Democrats to fully support Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Women's Rights
The original version of the United States Constitution gave only white men who owned land the right to vote. Women, and other minority populations were banned from representation. In 1920, under Democrat President Woodrow Wilson, women finally gained the right to vote. Democrats have been the party for women’s rights ever since.
The Civil Rights Act of 1963, requiring equal pay for women, was signed into law by Democrat President John F. Kennedy. The Civil Rights Act of 1965, passed by a Democratic Congress and Democrat President Lyndon Johnson prohibited employment discrimination based on sex, race, religion or national origin.
Women also gained equality of education and in sports programs, when Title IX was passed in 1972. This legislation brought about equality in college and high school school sports programs for women. It was supported overwhelmingly by Democrats. Democrats support women through equal pay, equal education opportunities and sports programs.
Democrats today support funding for Head Start programs, child care centers, and parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Democrats care about the real needs of Nelson County families. Under Trump and his Republican supporters, education programs, child care assistance and affordable health insurance are being cut from American families in need.
Democrats believe American and Nelson County families deserve support from our government to provide quality of life and equity in our education, housing and sports programs.
Democrats believe Nelson County women have the right to reproductive freedom. Trump and his Republican allies are taking away the rights of women. The Trump appointed justices on the Supreme Court believe the government should make reproductive decisions for women. Democrats support and know that women should have the right to make reproductive decisions, based on their health, family factors and their doctor’s recommendations.
Reproductive rights and freedoms are not for Republicans to decide.
Public Education
Democrats have always supported public school education! Nelson County families deserve to have public schools they can count on. Families and educators can count on Democrats to support their public education system in the following ways:
We know that education starts well before kids go to kindergarten. Studies show that children who attend preschool are nearly 50 percent more likely to finish high school and go on to earn a two- or four-year degree, no matter their background. That’s why Democrats support free, universal preschool for four-year olds, saving the families of 5 million families approximately $13,000 a year on childcare. Many Nelson County families need and deserve this type of support!
Funding for public schools must remain for only public schools! Trump and his Kentucky state Republican allies want to take public school funding and give it to private schools. Kentuckians voted no to public funds for private schools in the fall 2024 elections. Democrats support using education tax dollars only for public schools.
A majority of college students graduate with student debt. It can cause overwhelming stress. Democrats support funding for higher education. Students who are overwhelmed with debt, cannot fully function in the economy. Those students cannot afford housing, healthcare and a quality of life. Trump and his Republican supporters are cutting federal funds for higher education and providing less financial assistance to students.
Democrats in 2024, secured the largest increase in Pell Grants in a decade. Pell Grants support low income families with financial assistance to obtain a college or vocational education. Trump and his Republican allies want to eliminate this funding to education. Nelson County families will have larger tuition payments for their children. Trump’s goal is to eliminate the Department of Education! The same organization that awards financial assistance for college/vocational students, special needs funding for K-12 public schools and lunch programs.
Compare the two parties on education and you will clearly see that Democrats support the working families of Nelson County. Republicans will cut education programs and Nelson county families will suffer financial hardships.
Workers' and Union Rights
Democrats have a very long history of supporting workers and unions. A hundred years ago, most workers in the United States had very few rights and working conditions were dangerous and unhealthy. Through the formation of Unions, working conditions improved for workers both union and non-union. Factories once forced employees(children and adults) to work twelve hour days for very little pay. In 1916, under Democrat President Woodrow Wilson, the eight hour work day was passed into law. Then in 1935, under Democrat President Franklin Roosevelt, the National Labor Relations Act was passed. This act made it legal for any work force to create a Union.
Democrats know that Wall Street didn’t build America. The middle class built America – and unions built the middle class. Democrats always fight to protect the right of workers to organize for better pay, benefits, and working conditions, and to hold abusive bosses/companies accountable for violating workers’ rights. Democrats oppose state right-to-work laws, which drive down wages and leave workers unsafe; and we support penalizing employers who engage in union busting.
Democrats believe that every federally funded infrastructure project should be built with American-made steel, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other products, by American workers. And the Administration has taken historic steps to ensure that these workers are paid prevailing wages, with the free and fair choice to join a union; and to incentivize project labor agreements.
Trump and his Republican allies want to take the American worker back a hundred years, to the days of having no voice on their working conditions. Trump, through his executive orders, is attempting to strip more than one million federal workers of their union rights.
During a live conversation on X with Elon Musk on August 12, 2024 Donald Trump said legally striking workers should be fired! Trump and his Republican allies are packing the courts with anti-labor judges who have made the entire public sector “right to work for less” in an attempt to financially weaken unions by increasing the number of freeloaders.
Trump has stacked the National Labor Relations Board with anti-union appointees who side with employers in contract disputes and support companies who delay and stall union elections, misclassify workers to take away their freedom to join a union, and silence workers.
Democrats will fight Trump's actions and continue to support workers and their union rights! Nelson Countians deserve their workers’ rights! Democrats will defend them. Trump and Republicans will not.
Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by
human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This releases greenhouse
gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), into the atmosphere, trapping heat and
causing global temperatures to rise. The effects include more extreme weather, rising sea levels,
wildfires, droughts, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.
Democratic Policies to Address Climate Change:
The Democratic Party has generally prioritized environmental protection and climate action. Key policies
and actions include:
1. The Inflation Reduction Act (2022)
o The most significant climate legislation in U.S. history.
o Invests $369 billion in clean energy, electric vehicles, and reducing emissions.
o Offers tax credits for renewable energy projects, energy-efficient homes, and EV
purchases.
2. Rejoining the Paris Agreement (2021)
o President Joe Biden restored U.S. commitment to the international climate accord after
it was withdrawn under the previous administration.
o Reaffirmed the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C.
3. Clean Energy Goals
o The Biden administration set a goal for 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero
emissions by 2050.
o Promotes wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects.
4. Environmental Justice Initiatives
o Focus on reducing pollution in low-income and marginalized communities that are
disproportionately affected by climate change.
o The “Justice40” initiative directs 40% of federal climate and clean energy investments to
disadvantaged communities.
5. Vehicle Emissions and EV Support
o Tighter fuel efficiency standards.
o Federal investment in a national EV charging network.
o Incentives to boost electric vehicle production and adoption
Racial Justice and Equity
Democrats are building a strong economy from the bottom up and the middle out. Americans and Nelson Countians want and deserve a fair chance in the world to make a living, buy a home and see that their children obtain a good education. For blacks and other minorities a fair chance to thrive and prosper in the United States has been a road full of roadblocks. Jim Crow laws in the south, segregated schools and limited access to loans has kept many black families and other racial groups from obtaining the American dream.
A progressive Supreme Court ruled in Brown vs Board of Education(1954) that public schools must integrate. Schools could not discriminate based on race. This court decision put an end to unequal public schools which were separated along racial lines.
Redlining refers to the discriminatory practice of denying or limiting access to financial services, like mortgages and loans, based on the racial or ethnic composition of a neighborhood, rather than individual creditworthiness. It was a common practice in the United States until outlawed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, passed by Democrats.
A Democratic Congress and president passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the United States. It outlawed segregation in public places, banned discriminatory practices in employment, and established the Equal Employment Opportunity for all. Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court Justice was appointed by Democrat President Lyndon Johnson, in 1967 to that position.
Democrats will also keep fighting to address disparities in health care and make sure every American has access to quality, affordable health care. Democrats continue to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, which was created in 2010 by Democrats. This law provides health care to millions of Americans and thousands of Nelson Countians. Democrats believe that healthcare is a right that all U.S. citizens deserve. Trump and his Republicans allies have voted many times to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. Today, Elon Musk/DOGE is actively seeking to cut its funding.
Clearly, Democrats believe in Racial Justice and Equity! Trump and his Republican allies want to take Americans and Nelson Countians back in time. Back in time to a place that accepted discrimination and its most destructive practices.
Tariffs and Bourbon
The Kentucky bourbon industry directly employs over 7,000 people in distilleries. Additionally, it generates an estimated 23,100 jobs across the state, including indirect jobs in related fields like tourism and supply chain, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association. This translates to an annual payroll exceeding $1.63 billion and a total economic impact of $9 billion. Nelson County is the heart and soul of the Kentucky Bourbon Industry. Thousands of Nelson Countians are directly or indirectly employed by the industry.
Trump, through executive actions, has proposed a major increase of tariffs on virtually all countries that trade with the United States. European countries reacted to these tariff increases by promising a 50% tariff on products from the United States, which would include Nelson County bourbon. Trump then threatened a 200% tariff on European products.
How can/will such actions affect Nelson County and Kentucky? Will the tariffs reduce the export of bourbon to Europe? Who wins? Who loses?
Democrats do not support Trump’s tariffs, made through an executive action! An executive action is not voted on by Congress! Trump’s Republican supporters in Congress support his tariffs! Republicans in Congress refuse to stop Trump’s executive actions. Democrats see no winners in Trump’s trade world, only losers. Nelson County could lose many jobs because of these actions.
The average annual salary and wages per Kentucky distillery team member is $94,000 compared to the national average of $69,000. Nelson Countians benefit greatly from the bourbon industry. The average weekly salary for a worker in Nelson County is approximately $1100. For the average bourbon industry employee it is $1800.
Can we afford to have Trump and his Republican allies jeopardize the bourbon industry? Republicans think so. Democrats won’t go there! Democrats believe in low tariffs that will continue to allow the bourbon industry to grow and Nelson County to prosper.
Veterans
Let’s review a bit of history. Who created the educational opportunity for veterans to attend school after WW II, known as the GI Bill? What about the Veterans Home Loan? Answer: Democrats and President Franklin Roosevelt!
Keep your eyes on the benefits! While the Trump administration does propose to increase military spending, that money is for weapons. Veterans will actually see a cut in their benefits with fewer medical professionals in the VA hospitals and less funding for cancer research. The same research needed to address the cancer veterans are exposed to from burn pits and chemical weapons.
What is the PACT Act of 2022? The PACT Act enabled veterans exposed to tar pits and chemicals to be tested and receive benefits for the many health issues caused by that exposure. 888,000 veterans and their survivors are currently benefiting from this Act. Which party was instrumental in passing this legislation? President Biden and the Democrats
In February of 2025, Democrats forced a vote on the PACT Act to protect the health benefits of veterans. The amendment would have ensured complete and uninterrupted funding for VA (Veterans Affairs) health care and benefits for veterans. Senate Republicans voted it down.
DOGE(Department of Government Efficiency) wants to cut Veteran benefits, not guarantee or expand them. Elon Musk and DOGE have recommended eliminating 70,000 VA positions. All people who care for veterans. Who will suffer from these cuts with longer wait times and less care? Veterans
Democrats have also taken steps to boost access to affordable and stable housing for all veterans, who often face a high risk of homelessness. In 2024, the VA helped more than 145,000 veterans and their families stay in their homes and permanently housed more than 46,000 veterans. The Biden Administration awarded more than $1 billion in grant funding to help homeless veterans house their families!
Trump called members of the military who died in war “suckers” and “losers.” He disparages the brave men and women who wear our uniform and protect our democracy and national security.
During Vietnam, Captain John McCain was shot down, taken prisoner and tortured. He refused to be a part of a prisoner of war exchange, stating he would not leave his fellow soldiers behind. He was a prisoner of war for six years. Republican Senator John McCain, is universally accepted as a war hero because of his actions. President Trump said, “I like heroes who are not captured.” By the way, President Trump was excused from military service, he had bone spurs.