Campus, Local, and State Platform
The following are issues that our organization is advocating for to the Purdue Administration, the City of West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, and the State of Indiana.
Increasing Student Access to Voting
We encourage the Tippecanoe County Board of Elections and the Purdue Administration to provide sufficient voting locations and early voting dates. PCD believes that every student who lives at Purdue should be able to freely participate local elections and that state regulation should not make this right difficult to exercize.
Tuition Relief and Textbook Reform
We will strongly fight all efforts to reduce the higher education funding that Indiana's colleges and universities sorely need. PCD joins Purdue Student Government and many other student groups in support of a state sales tax holiday on textbooks.
Extending Medical Amnesty for Emergency Services
In an effort to save lives on college campuses, we encourage Indiana state government to adopt a medical amnesty provision that would exempt students from prosecution for minor consumption when they are attempting to find help for themselves or another intoxicated student. No student should fear calling emergency services in a time of desperate need.
Federal Platform
Our national platform reflects that of the College Democrats of America, but also includes issues of special interest to our chapter.
Building a Strong Economy
The economy has declined since we entered college, creating a difficult environment for new graduates. The Democratic Party believes that every American who wants a job ought to have one and that government policies can grow our economy in ways that benefit everyone. When market forces run out of control, it is the appropriate role of government to protect its citizens by way of sensible regulation.
Health Care Reform
In the wealthiest, most powerful nation on Earth, no one should have to go without health care. More than 44,000 people die every year in the United States from lack of coverage and young people represent the largest part of the 47 million Americans who are uninsured. We support reform that (1) ends denial of coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions, (2) protects consumers from rapid rate increases, (3) maximizes the use of new technologies -- like the implementation of electronic medical records -- and (4) brings down the cost of health insurance by creating a more competitive marketplace.
Reparing America's Image Abroad
The Democratic Party believes the rest of the world does matter, and that we ought to work hard to promote a positive image of Americans abroad. Democrats have a long and strong record of reaching out to the rest of the world and showing that we not only welcome our membership in the international community, but that we can help lead it responsibly.
Protecting Our Environment, Promoting Energy Independence
We need to do all that we can to protect our environment for ourselves and for future generations. Students across the country and at Purdue are committed to energy independence. The Democratic Party believes that every American ought to be able to breathe healthy air, eat safe food, and drink clean water. We applaud President Obama for his investments in green energy infrastructure under the Recovery Act.