Michael Bloomberg Last Update: 10/15/07 Biography

independent Party Michael Bloomberg 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Death Penalty Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Gun Control Health Care Immigration Iraq Plan Kyoto Protocol Medical Marijuana National Deficit No Child Left Behind Act Nuclear Power Same-Sex Marriage Stem Cell Research The Patriot Act Unemployment Welfare

	Michael Bloomberg on Abortion
	Stance: Pro-Choice Description: Michael Bloomberg supports a woman's right to choose. Citations: 1. Mayor Takes Hard Line On Abortion (7/19/07) Michael Bloomberg criticizes politicians who take a middle ground on abortion and commits himself to "woman's rights"

	Michael Bloomberg on Death Penalty
	Stance: Opposes the death penalty Description: Bloomberg thinks the state should not be in a position where it could mistakingly kill someone. Citations: 1. Mike Bloomberg on the Death Penalty (7/23/07) his stance on the death penalty

	Michael Bloomberg on Energy Plan
	Stance: Produce more power, more cleanly; using it more efficiently; and creating new, sustainable sources. Description: Bloomberg wants to accomplish this by using wind farms and nuclear power plants, raising automobile fuel standards and creating market-driven incentives to produce cleaner energy. "We need to inject some old-fashioned American values and common-sense, practical thinking into our energy policy," Mr. Bloomberg said. "That means a willingness to face up to our responsibilities and hold ourselves accountable for making incremental progress." Citations: 1. Bloomberg Calls for National Energy Reforms (8/7/07) Outlines his energy plan at a luncheon in Houston. 2. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Earth Day Speech: 'A Greener, Greater New York' (10/22/07) "It is the vision of a city that produces more energy - more cleanly, more reliably, and more cheaply and that offers New Yorkers more choices to get around town, more quickly." - Bloomberg

	Michael Bloomberg on Free Trade
	Stance: Supports Description: Bloomberg is an advocate of free trade and is opposed to protectionism stating, "The things that we have to worry about is this protectionist movement that has reared its head again in this country...." He worries about the growth of China and fears the lessening gap between the United States and other countries, "The rest of the world is catching up, and, there are people that say, surpassing us. I hope they are wrong. I hope those who think we are still in good shape are right. But nevertheless, the time to address these issues is right now." Citations: 1. Bloomberg, in Washington, Warns of Economic Inequality (8/15/07) The mayor also staunchly defended open immigration and free trade. "The things that we have to worry about is this protectionist movement that has reared its head again in this country and the anti-immigration movement, which will destroy our children's future if we let it go unchecked," the mayor said.

	Michael Bloomberg on Global Warming
	Stance: Believes global warming is a problem and wants to stop it by cutting greenhouse emissions. Description: Bloomberg has a plan to cut greenhouse emissions by 30 percent by 2030. He also has suggested expanding profit incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bloomberg also wants to build wind farms, nuclear power plants, raise automobile fuel standards, and create market-driven incentives to produce cleaner energy. Citations: 1. Bloomberg Calls for National Energy Reforms (8/7/07) Bloomberg talks about his energy plan which includes thwarting global warming. 2. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Earth Day Speech: 'A Greener, Greater New York' (10/22/07) "And climate change that is real and worrisome. As a coastal city, we're on the leading edge of one of the most dramatic effects of global warming: rising sea levels and intensifying storms." - Michael Bloomberg

	Michael Bloomberg on Gun Control
	Stance: Supports Gun Control Description: Michael Bloomberg co-founded a bipartisan national coalition of mayors committed to cracking down on those who sell or use illegal guns known as 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns'. Bloomberg stated, "the fact is that most crimes are committed with illegal weapons and that is where the new gun debate is, or at least should be, centered. In New York, we aggressively go after these guns, but no city can stop the flow of illegal firearms alone, just like no city can stop the flow of illegal drugs alone. These are national problems that require national leadership. . .This isn't about gun control. It's about crime control.The question is, can't we protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners while also doing more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals? Of course. It's not an either-or; a middle ground exists." Bloomberg strongly opposes the Tiahrt Amendment, saying that it limits law enforcements' access to ATF trace data, which he believes is critical to combating the growing black market of illegal guns. Citations: 1. The Changing Gun Debate (8/7/07) Article written by Michael Bloomberg addressing the gun control debate. 2. Mayor Michael Bloomberg Urges Attorney General Gonzales To Share Gun Trace Data And Support Repeal Of Tiahrt Amendment (8/7/07) Letter written by Michael Bloomberg to Attorney General Gonzales urging him to repeal the Tiahrt Amendment and allow law enforcement to share ATF trace data in order to deal with the growing illegal gun black market 3. Coalition Principles (8/7/07) Founding principles of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition. These are strategies designed to stop the flow of illegal guns into America's cities.

	Michael Bloomberg on Health Care
	Stance: Use electronic health record systems, reduce smoking, obesity, focus on prevention Description: Bloomberg has said that universal health insurance alone won't automatically lead to the health improvements unless we start paying for prevention as well as treatment, saying that, "We're paying for a disease care system, not a health care system. We must fundamentally reorder our priorities, and start rewarding the primary and preventive care that keeps people out of hospitals in the first place." Bloomberg also supports information technology in health care and the role it can play in preventive care, detailing the successes that the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs have had implementing Electronic Health Records systems. To speed the pace of change, the Mayor called for a new national goal: five years from today, every doctor's office, clinic, and hospital in America that accepts Medicaid and Medicare must be using prevention-oriented Electronic Health Records. Electronic Health Records, the Mayor noted, will allow private insurers and Medicare and Medicaid to make meaningful measurements of physicians' performance, help them improve it, and recognize and reward them when they do. Citations: 1. Public Health (8/15/07) Mike Bloomberg's passion for public health shows in his work both in the public sector and the world of philanthropy. As Mayor of New York, his groundbreaking initiatives to reduce smoking addiction, tackle obesity, and encourage preventive medical care have been praised and, in many cases, replicated in cities, states, and countries around the globe. Mike Bloomberg also helped build the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University into one of the world's premiere institutions of public health research and training.

	Michael Bloomberg on Immigration
	Stance: Amnesty and open borders Description: Bloomberg is a supporter of immigration reform to secure the rights of illegal immigrants, who comprise a large part of the population of New York City. He argues that deportation breaks up families and scares illegal immigrants away from cooperating with law enforcement or accessing vital social services; as such, he supports proposals like those put forth by U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain, which would normalize the status of otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants already present. Bloomberg also believes that border enforcement is somewhat futile. He told the US Senate Judiciary Committee Field Hearing on Federal Immigration Legislation on 5 July 2006: "It is as if we expect border control agents to do what a century of communism could not: Defeat the natural forces of supply and demand and defeat the natural human instinct for freedom and opportunity. You might as well sit on the beach and tell the tide not to come in." Citations: 1. Bloomberg Testifies on Immigration Legislation (7/24/07) Bloomberg talks about what must be done for immigration. 2. Policy and Amendment Concerining Immigrant Access to City Services (7/24/07) A new policy sent out by Bloomberg's office about what can and cannot be done to Immigrants. 3. Bloomberg's Executive Order 41 Protects All New Yorkers (7/24/07) A summary of how Mayor Bloomberg's order affects Immigrants and what they can and cannot do.

	Michael Bloomberg on Iraq Plan
	Stance: Supports war and rationale for entering Description: Bloomberg supports the war in Iraq and the rationale for going in. He stated, "Don't forget that the war started not very many blocks from here" alluding to Ground Zero. In regards to the global War on Terrorism including Iraq he said, "It's not only to protect Americans. It's America's responsibility to protect people around the world who want to be free." Bloomberg expresses criticism about Democrats in Congress who want to set a timetable for withdraw from Iraq calling them, "irresponsible." Citations: 1. Mayor Mute (8/15/07) Bloomberg expresses criticism about Democrats in Congress who want to set a timetable for withdraw from Iraq calling them, "irresponsible." 2. How Rare Terrorist Activities are (7/24/07) A video where Bloomberg says its more likely to get hit by lightning than a terrorist.

	Michael Bloomberg on Kyoto Protocol
	Stance: Supports Kyoto Protocol. Description: Mayor Bloomberg has pledged to bring New York City into agreement with the Kyoto Protocol. Mayor Bloomberg has not stated whether he believes the United States as a whole should follow the Kyoto Protocol. Citations: 1. Cities Take Lead On Environment As Debate Drags At Federal Level (7/23/07) Mayor Michael Bloomberg has agreed to have New York City meet the Kyoto Standards.

	Michael Bloomberg on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Supports Description: Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York, has been featured in an advertising campaign promoting the legalization of marijuana. The ads carry a quote from Bloomberg, who, asked if he had ever smoked marijuana, said: "You bet I did. And I enjoyed it." Citations: 1. Medical Marijuana Causes Cancer (8/15/07) talks about Bloomberg's ad for medical marijuana.

	Michael Bloomberg on National Deficit
	Stance: Keep taxes low, give tax breaks to businesses to support economy Description: Economically, Bloomberg tends to be conservative, expressing a distaste of taxes stating, "Taxes are not good things, but if you want services, somebody's got to pay for them so they're a necessary evil." As mayor he did raise property taxes to fund budget projects, however in January 2007 he proposed cuts in property taxes by 5% and cuts in sales taxes including the elimination of taxes on clothing and footware. Bloomberg pointed to the Wall Street profits, and real estate market as evidence that the city's economy is booming and could handle a tax break. These policies reflect the perception of Bloomberg as a fiscal conservative. This fiscal conservativism also led him to eliminate the previous $6 Billion deficit when he assumed office. He balanced the budget of New York City by raising property taxes and making cuts to city agencies excluding the Police and Fire Departments. As a businessman, Bloomberg governs with a pro-business platform. He is in favor of providing tax breaks to big corporations for the good of the whole community. As mayor Bloomberg lobbied to the CEO of Goldman Sachs to establish their headquarters across from Ground zero by promising $1.65 billion in tax breaks. In regards to the deal Bloomberg stated, "This [New York City] is where the best want to live and work. So I told him [CEO of Goldman Sachs], 'We can help with minimizing taxes. Minimizing your rent. Improving security. But in the end, this is about people.'" Citations: 1. Bloomberg's Smart Spending (10/8/07) A new analysis of spending under Mayor Michael Bloomberg shows he's been on a stunning spending spree since taking office, with the city budget growing faster than under any other mayor for the past three decades. Good for him. 2. The Mayor's Prudent Budget (10/8/07) The first look at New York City budgets almost always reveals horrifying, multi-billion-dollar gaps that by law have to be closed. During his first four years in office, Mayor Michael Bloomberg became very adept at telling New Yorkers why and how the city would do more with less. This year he faces a new dilemma. The city is floating in black ink, a surprise surplus of some $3.3 billion. 3. Bloomberg's Smart Spending (10/8/07) A new analysis of spending under Mayor Michael Bloomberg shows he's been on a stunning spending spree since taking office, with the city budget growing faster than under any other mayor for the past three decades. Good for him. 4. Mike Does Right (10/8/07) January 17, 2007 -- Mayor Mike will give New Yorkers a break today: a $1 billion tax cut. 5. Mayor Plans Cut in Property Tax And End to Sales Tax on Clothes (10/15/07) As mayor he did raise property taxes to fund budget projects, however in January 2007 he proposed cuts in property taxes by 5% and cuts in sales taxes including the elimination of taxes on clothing and footware. Bloomberg pointed to the Wall Street profits, and real estate market as evidence that the city's economy is booming and could handle a tax break. These policies reflect the perception of Bloomberg as a fiscal conservative

	Michael Bloomberg on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: Generally Supports Description: Bloomberg supports No Child Left Behind but says it requires changes. "If you set high standards, empower school leaders and hold them accountable, you will make significant gains in student performance and begin to narrow the intolerable achievement gap. This is the spirit embodied in No Child Left Behind. Governor Bush and I will work together to persuade Congress to make a good law even better, so that we truly leave no child behind." - Micheal Bloomberg He wants to strengthen No Child Left Behind by making standards meaningful by using the National Assessment of Educational Progress, encouraging progress by all students, recognizing improvements among schools, and attracting and retain high quality teachers with more incentives. Citations: 1. Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Bush Announce Effort to Lobby Congress for Reauthorization of NCLB (7/26/07) Bloomberg wants to change NCLB and here is how.

	Michael Bloomberg on Nuclear Power
	Stance: Supports nuclear power Description: Bloomberg feels nuclear power is a good way for the U.S. to achieve energy independence. Citations: 1. Bloomberg Calls for National Energy Reforms (8/10/07) Bloomberg's energy policy stating he is pro-nuclear power.

	Michael Bloomberg on Same-Sex Marriage
	Stance: support civil unions with full marriage rights Description: Bloomberg believes same-sex couples deserve the same rights in civil unions that straight couples enjoy in marriage and he does not believe that "government should be in the business of telling people who they can and can't marry." Citations: 1. Marriage Counseling (8/2/07) Bloomberg supports same-sex marriage. However, when New York Supreme Court justice Doris Ling-Cohan ruled that same-sex marriages did not violate the state constitution, Bloomberg did not begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses in New York city. He said, "I think anybody should be allowed to marry anybody." However, he continued, "Our corporation counsel believes that the judge's ruling was incorrect, that the current state constitution does not permit same-sex marriages... [So] we will go and appeal, and we will ask the court to expedite the appeal directly to the highest court so that people will have a right once and for all to know where they stand." 2. NYC mayor favors civil unions, not gay marriage (8/1/07) Article discussing Bloombergs recent announcement of his stance on same-sex marriage. 3. Mike Bloomberg: I'll Perform Gay Marriages (8/1/07) Article discussing Bloomberg's recent announcement of his stance on same-sex marriage.

	Michael Bloomberg on Stem Cell Research
	Stance: Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research Description: Mayor Michael Bloomberg supports embryonic stem cell research. He has donated $100 million to his alma mater, John Hopkins, with some of that money being earmarked for embryonic stem cell research. Citations: 1. Stem Cell Research: Medical Miracle or Moral Morass? (7/24/07) "Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Bloomberg donated $100 million to Johns Hopkins University, with the apparent understanding that much of it would go for embryonic stem cell research." 2. Rich Donors Help Calif. Fund Stem Cell Research (7/24/07) "Early this year, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg quietly donated $100 million to Johns Hopkins University, largely for stem cell research." 3. NY mayor's $100 million for stem cell research (7/24/07) Mayor Michael Bloomberg donates $100 million to John Hopkins to support stem cell research.

	Michael Bloomberg on The Patriot Act
	Stance: Supports Description: Michael Bloomberg supports the patriot act and has used it to screen subway riders. Citations: 1. 4.5 Million Subway Riders 1 Self-Sustaining jihad = Endless war on NYC? (8/15/07) Bloomberg supports the patriot act!

	Michael Bloomberg on Unemployment
	Stance: Encourage work and make work pay Description: "In his second term, while balancing the budget and driving unemployment to a record low, Mayor Bloomberg has taken on a number of new challenges. He launched an innovative program to combat poverty that encourages work and makes work pay." - Bloomberg Webpage Citations: 1. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Inaugural Speech (10/22/07) "We will focus on adding and retaining jobs for all our people. The ability for everyone to have the skills and opportunity to feed one's family is the basis for a free, healthy, democratic society--and we must ensure all have it." - Bloomberg

	Michael Bloomberg on Welfare
	Stance: Increase programs to address welfare recipient employment problems such as child care, training, medical or psychological Description: As mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg has reduced the number of citizens on welfare to a 42 year low of 402,000. He focused on increasing programs to address welfare recipient employment problems such as child care, training, medical or psychological Citations: 1. Up From Poverty (8/15/07) details the fall of people on welfare during Bloomberg's time as mayor.