A Harris-Hegar Duo Will California-Our-Texas

Radical Left-Coaster Kamala Harris is barnstorming Texas today in a last ditch effort to do damage control after Joe Biden’s “transition from the oil industry” threat. While we don’t expect Harris’ apology tour to win over many voters, one Texan is all in with her radical agenda: MJ Hegar.

“Kamala Harris is the most liberal senator in DC. She co-sponsored Bernie Sanders’ Medicare-for-All plan and wants to tear apart ICE, and seems to have found a radical equal in MJ Hegar,” said Krista Piferrer, press secretary. “While their big government goals might resonate on Kamala’s Left-Coast turf, Texans aren’t interested in becoming California.” 

Below is a dire warning of what Texas would look like with a Harris-Hegar Duo…

On energy, the two would impose cap and trade and a carbon tax, pursue the “intent” of the Green New Deal, and ban fracking as rapidly as possible — killing hundreds of thousands of jobs, increasing electricity and gas prices on households throughout the state, and undercutting America’s energy independence.

Employer health coverage? Gone. As MJ said, “single payer is the future” — music to the ears of Medicare for All’s co-sponsor, Harris. 

Both candidates are comfortable standing by while cities defund and “reimagine” the police. And a Harris-Hegar duo would raise taxes significantly by rolling back the 2017 tax cuts and raising the payroll tax — creating even greater financial hardship for families and our economy as we work to dig out of a recession.

ENERGY

ANTI-OIL ATTACKS

Hegar And Harris Agree: They Both Attack The Oil Industry

Speaking To Reporters This Week, Hegar Refused To Criticize Or Condemn Vice President Biden’s Comments That Pledged To Transition Away From The Oil Industry. QUESTION: “MJ, Lizzie Fletcher said those Biden comments failed to address the complexity of the situation in Texas. Do you agree with that – even if you agree with the sentiment he was expressing, he was maybe a little too flippant with those comments?” HEGAR: “I gotta be honest with you, I’m not really paying attention that closely to the national stage. I’m talking to energy workers, I’m paying attention to my –” QUESTION: “Well, Lizzie Fletcher represents Houston.” HEGAR: “Year, I understand that. But, you know, maybe she was, I don’t know. I can’t speak for Lizzie and I can’t speak for Biden. I can just pseak for me and my, you know, business acumen. My executive MBA tells me we need to lean in to disruptive innovative technology when an industry is dominating and then technology comes along that transitions that energy into the next chapter. You’ve got to get onboard or you’re gonna get left behind.” (Patrick Svitek, Twitter, 10/27/20)

• Hegar Previously Criticized Texas’ History Of “Leading In All The Wrong Places,” Naming The Oil Industry And Likening It To “Gun Violence” And “Lack Of Health Care.” HEGAR: “I don’t know about y’all—and I keep saying this—I feel like the whole world is watching what’s happening in Texas right now. And they’re paying attention, and we are the biggest battleground state in the country. And, you know, they look at us and for so long they’ve seen a low voter turnout state, they’ve seen we’re leading in all the wrong places, in lack of health care, and gun violence, and the oil industry. And now they see people, they see the results of what we’ve been working so hard for and the momentum and the excitement across the state.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks At Virtual Northeast Tarrant County Democrats Brunch, 8/29/20; 16:13-16:47)

As A Presidential Candidate, Harris Pledged To “Convene A Meeting Of Major Emitters” To Engage In The “First-Ever Global Negotiation Of The Cooperative Managed Decline Of Fossil Fuel Production.” “As a follow up to the G7 meeting being hosted by the Trump Administration in 2020, and the G20 meeting to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in that same year, Kamala will propose and convene a meeting of major emitters in early 2021, focusing on climate change and the global economy. The meeting will focus on renewed commitments to fossil-fuel subsidy phase out and the first-ever global negotiation of the cooperative managed decline of fossil fuel production.” (“A Climate Plan For The People,” Kamala Harris For The People, Archived 4/17/20)

The Biden-Harris Ticket Has Promised To “Transition From The Oil Industry.” WELKER: “OK, I have one final question—” TRUMP: “Would you close down the– Would you close down the oil industry?” BIDEN: “I would transition from the oil industry. Yes.” TRUMP: “Oh, transition.” BIDEN: “It is a big statement because I would stop—” WELKER: “Why would you do that?” BIDEN: “Because the oil industry significantly — but here’s the deal —” TRUMP: “That’s a big statement.” BIDEN: “Well, if you let me finish the statement, because it has to be replaced by renewable energy over time. Over time. And I’d stop giving to the oil industry– I’d stop giving them federal subsidies. You won’t give federal subsidies to the gas and, excuse me, to solar and wind.  Why are we giving it to the oil industry?” (Vice President Joe Biden, Remarks At Presidential Debate, 10/22/20; 1:53:04-1:54:05)

CARBON TAX

Hegar And Harris Agree: They Both Want A Job-Destroying Carbon Tax

Hegar In August 2020: “I Stand With The League Of Conservation Voters And The Sierra Club, Who Support A Carbon Tax…” “If Biden wins, and if you’re in the Senate, it’s pretty likely that there’s going to be climate legislation. I think it’s widely agreed among economists and others that meaningful climate legislation will mean, in some form or another, a carbon tax. Will you support that? You know, I stand with the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club, who support a carbon tax but also understand that it needs to be done in a way that doesn’t just pass the burden on to the middle class and to economically disadvantaged areas that are going to have to pay more for gasoline and for milk and for transportation and things like that.” (Jeff Goodell, “Is Texas Ready For A Democratic Senator? MJ Hegar Thinks So,” Rolling Stone, 8/14/20)

Sen. Kamala Harris Has Supported A Carbon Tax. “Other candidates who say they would support a carbon tax include Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren; former Vice President Joe Biden; Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; former housing secretary Julian Castro; and California Sen. Kamala Harris.” (Emma Newburger, “‘Hit Them Where It Hurts’: Several 2020 Democrats Want A Carbon Tax On Corporations,” CNBC, 9/20/19)

• Harris’s Climate Plan: “A Climate Pollution Fee Can Play An Important Role As One Of Several Interrelated Policies To Reduce Emissions And Hold Polluters Accountable.” “Harris is no longer running for president. ‘A climate pollution fee can play an important role as one of several interrelated policies to reduce emissions and hold polluters accountable,’ Harris’s climate plan said. ‘As Governor Inslee noted, a price on pollution is not a silver bullet, but by placing a progressively increasing fee as far upstream as possible, we can drive down pollution while raising government revenues that can be used to address the harms of greenhouse gas emissions. However, history shows us that reliance on market mechanisms alone can often leave communities behind. That’s why [Harris] will involve frontline communities in the fee development process, and would ensure that the fee revenues are invested back into those communities to improve environmental conditions and local economic development.’” (The Washington Post Website, Accessed 10/27/20)

CAP & TRADE

Hegar And Harris Agree: They Both Have Defended A Cap And Trade System

On A February 2020 Questionnaire, Hegar Said She Supported A Cap And Trade System For Carbon. QUESTION: “Would you support a cap-and-trade plan in an effort to reduce carbon emissions?” ANSWER: “Yes. Climate change is the greatest threat to the health and safety of our communities, the world we are leaving for the next generation and our national security. We must set aggressive goals for the expansion of clean, renewable energy, and invest in clean energy manufacturing and sustainable transportation. Texas has the opportunity to be America’s leader in wind and solar energy, and we should use our natural, renewable resources to create jobs in our state.” (Matthew Watkins, Darla Cameron And Anna Novak, “How Are The Top Democratic U.S. Senate Candidates In Texas Different? We Asked Them 11 Questions To Find Out.,” Texas Tribune, 2/12/20)

As California AG, Harris Defended The State’s Cap-And-Trade Program And The EPA’s Clean Power Plan. “Kamala Harris has dedicated her career to public service and fighting for justice. As California attorney general, Harris has defended key environmental laws, including California’s cap and trade program and the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. During her tenure, California led the nation in developing innovative measures to fight climate change. Harris was elected attorney general in 2010 and previously served as district attorney of San Francisco. Harris will work to bring California’s ambitious environmental leadership to the U.S. Senate. She will make it a priority to pass comprehensive legislation to address climate change and continue to grow California’s clean energy economy. Harris will also work to develop solutions to mitigate the effects of the drought in California and protect California’s majestic public lands and natural treasures.” (League Of Conservation Voters Website, Accessed 10/27/20)

GREEN NEW DEAL

The Hegar-Harris Position On The Green New Deal: It’s Complicated

In 2020, Hegar Has Said She Supports “The Intent” Of The Green New Deal, Noting The Need For “A Course Of Action On Climate Change.” “Hegar said she is not on board with the Green New Deal and never mentioned it during a recent 45-minute online environmental town hall with supporters. ‘I support the intent. I think we need a course of action on climate change; I don’t support the Green New Deal specifically,’ she said. ‘It politicizes the most important issue facing our kids, which is climate changes, and I would like to sever the politics away from it as much as possible and build a broad bipartisan coalition.’ Hegar, who prefers talking about clean energy investments rather than climate regulations, concedes she is not an expert on environmental issues and said she would work on proposals with groups like LCV and the Sierra Club.” (George Cahlink, “Texas Senate Fight Offers Dueling Visions Of Energy’s Future,” E&E News, 9/30/20)

“Ms. Harris Was An Original Co-Sponsor Of The Green New Deal, A Plan To Curb Planet-Warming Greenhouse Gas Emissions While Also Addressing Economic Inequality.” “But in other ways she has been leading. Ms. Harris was an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, a plan to curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions while also addressing economic inequality. She has called for abolishing the filibuster if Republicans stand in the way of passing climate change legislation. She also favors a ban on fracking, a position that could put her at odds with Mr. Biden, who has called for a ban on new leases on federal lands but stopped short of calling for a comprehensive ban. President Trump’s campaign on Tuesday criticized Ms. Harris’ position on fracking as well as her support for the Green New Deal, saying both positions will lead to ‘economic catastrophe in natural gas states like Pennsylvania.’” (Lisa Friedman, “With The Biden-Harris Ticket, Environmental Justice Is A Focus,” The New York Times, 8/12/20)

HEALTH CARE

MEDICARE FOR ALL

Hegar And Harris Agree: Single-Payer Would Be “Great”

Hegar In 2018: “I Think A ‘Medicare For All’ Model Could Be Great…” EVAN SMITH: “This year ‘Medicare for All’ is a bit of a bauble on the charm bracelet for Democratic candidates. It is a test of your progressiveness as a candidate running for office. Are you for ‘Medicare for All’ or not?” HEGAR: “So, I have been the recipient of multiple single-player models.” SMITH: “You know government health care, right?” HEGAR: “I certainly do.” SMITH: “You have been the recipient of government health care.” HEGAR: “I have been the recipient of one called TRICARE, which is actually very similar to Medicare, and my mom is on Medicare now and I think it’s a great program. I think a ‘Medicare for All’ model could be great, but I’m also pragmatic and I’m fiscally responsible. I want to know how we’re going to pay for it. I also do think, we’re actually already paying for it, just not with taxes but with high health care costs and with people who are getting primary care in emergency rooms.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks At Texas Tribune CD-31 Conversation, 9/13/18; 49:20)

• Hegar: “I Think That Single-Payer Is The Future Of Our Health Care System…” MODERATOR: “Would you support a single payer health system in the United States. Yes or no? This is from someone named Joseph.” HEGAR: “The answer is yes. I think that single-payer is the future of our health care system, like it is in most industrialized countries. However, I think we need to focus on the right single-payer model. I myself have been the recipient of two single-payer models: One that worked really well and one that did not work. So I am committed to – I think we need to hold our candidates to a higher standard than just asking yes-or-no.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks To Texas Tribune, 3/21/18, 8:26–10:00)

Sen. Kamala Harris Was A Cosponsor On Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Medicare For All Plan And Offered Her Own Version Of A Medicare For All Plan While Running For President.  “California Sen. Kamala Harris has released a health care plan just in time for the second Democratic debate, offering a role for private insurance in a ‘Medicare for All’ system and outlining new taxes to pay for it. The plan comes after months of questions about whether she supports scrapping private insurance — and as former Vice President Joe Biden appears to be gearing up to attack her at the upcoming debate on her support for Medicare for All. To review, Bernie Sanders’ single-payer health plan is called ‘Medicare for All,’ and Kamala Harris is a co-sponsor on that plan (along with several other presidential candidates, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren). His plan would cover all Americans with a government-administered health care plan.” (Danielle Kurtzleben, “Kamala Harris Releases ‘Medicare For All’ Plan With A Role For Private Insurers,” NPR, 7/29/19)

• Harris Raised Her Hand At A 2019 Debate In Favor Of Eliminating Private Insurance And Said At A CNN Town Hall She Would Support Eliminating All Private Health Insurance. “On the debate stage Thursday, Senator Kamala Harris raised her hand, seemingly in support of a government insurance proposal that would eliminate employer insurance. On Friday, she said she had misunderstood the question. The wording of the question left room for confusion, but Ms. Harris also has a history of making conflicting statements on the issue. In a CNN town hall in January, she said she’d favor eliminating all private health insurance. The next day, her campaign walked it back. A single-payer health plan requires people with other forms of comprehensive health insurance to switch. That is a politically risky position. Some Democrats have hedged by backing more gradual, optional expansions of public coverage. Others have decided that they can persuade voters that the advantages outweigh the disruption. Ms. Harris, so far, hasn’t chosen either one.” (Margot Sanger-Katz, “Where Is Kamala Harris On Medicare For All Vs. Private Insurance?,” The New York Times, 6/28/19)

POLICE

FUNDING

Hegar And Harris Agree: Funding Should Be Examined To Secure Police Reforms

When Asked About The Movement To Defund Police Departments, Hegar Said She Would Consider Using Funding As A Means Of Securing Policing Reforms. HOST: “Sen. Bernie Sanders last week tweeted that every police department that violates the civil rights of an individual should be stripped of federal funding. If you’re in the Senate, you may have to consider such legislation. Do you agree with Sen. Sanders?” … HEGAR: “Funding is definitely one of the tools we should be considering using. However, as someone who has been granted the authority to use deadly force when I was in the military as a combat-search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, as you know Gromer, when we were shot down and surrounded by 150 enemy fighters, we got everybody out alive and I was very cognizant of the fact that we had the authority to use deadly force. So I sympathize. But at the same time, the standards are so high for when we can pull the trigger in the military. I would like to see a similar standard in our police force. And I am dedicated to supporting the leaders within the law enforcement community who want to see that same transparency and accountability.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks At Democratic Senate Runoff Debate, 6/6/20; 10:30-12:05)

Hegar Has Said She Supports Police Reform “Proposals That Are Outlined In Places Like Campaign Zero.”“The conversation about climate is also a conversation about racial justice, environmental justice. And that leads into the other big thing that happened since you declared your candidacy, which is the Black Lives Matter movement and the killing of George Floyd, who was from Houston. How has this changed your candidacy and your politics? I’ve been talking about the need for reforms in policing [and] criminal-justice reform for years, like so many people have. And I think what’s different now is that our calls for reform will finally not fall on deaf ears. I think that this election is really our opportunity to be heard loud and clear. Every day, I am profoundly and deeply aware that I’m asking to represent folks across Texas who have been let down and sold out by a system, and by the people, by the way, who have been holding up that system, that refuses to enact the reforms that will make a difference in our communities. I support proposals that are outlined in places like Campaign Zero, that include ending for-profit policing practices and ensuring that police departments are a part of and representative of their communities. But I also think that we need to support leaders in the criminal justice system and in the police who want transparency and reform.” (Jeff Goodell, “Is Texas Ready For A Democratic Senator? MJ Hegar Thinks So,” Rolling Stone, 8/14/20)

• Campaign Zero Has Called For De-Prioritizing Of “Minor” Offenses, Including Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing, And Prostitution. “End Policing of Minor ‘Broken Windows’ Offenses The following activities do not threaten public safety and are often used to police black communities. Decriminalize these activities or de-prioritize their enforcement: Consumption of Alcohol on Streets Marijuana Possession Disorderly Conduct Trespassing Loitering Disturbing the Peace (including Loud Music) Spitting Jaywalking Bicycling on the Sidewalk Prostitution” (Campaign Zero Website, Accessed 7/21/20)
• Campaign Zero’s “8 Can’t Wait” Website Has Listed Among Its Goals: “Divest From Police” And “Fully Defund Police.” (8 Can’t Wait Website, Archived 7/21/20)

During An Appearance On “The View,” Sen. Kamala Harris Spoke Of “Reimagining How We Do Public Safety In America.” “During this summer of tear gas and turmoil, Kamala Harris has not been quiet. On ‘The View,’ the California senator spoke about ‘reimagining how we do public safety in America.’ On the Senate floor, she sparred with Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican blocked a bill to make lynching a federal crime, and she is among the Democrats sponsoring policing legislation that would ban choke holds, racial profiling and no-knock warrants.” (Danny Hakim, Stephanie Saul and Richard A. Oppel Jr., “‘Top Cop’ Kamala Harris’s Record Of Policing The Police,” The New York Times, 8/9/20)

• In A “Good Morning America” Interview On Policing Reforms, Harris Said We Have To “Re-Examine What We’re Doing With American Taxpayer Dollars And Ask The Question: Are We Getting The Right Return On Our Investment?” “Though Mayor Eric Garcetti has received significant backlash over his proposal to redirect funds earmarked for Los Angeles’ police force, California Sen. Kamala Harris is speaking out in favor of the idea. Garcetti’s proposal would invest some $250 million into health care, jobs and ‘healing’ aimed largely at the black community. The union representing LAPD officers fired back at the mayor, labeling him ‘unstable’ and accusing him of political pandering after he referred to ‘killers’ in remarks about the proposed spending change. In an interview on ‘Good Morning America,’ Harris voiced her support for investing in communities, noting that many American cities spend over one-third of their entire budget on policing, while defunding public schools. ‘We’ve got to re-examine what we’re doing with American taxpayer dollars and ask the question: are we getting the right return on our investment? Are we actually creating healthy and safe communities?,’ she said. ‘That’s a legitimate conversation and it requires a really critical evaluation. I applaud Eric Garcetti for doing what he’s done.’” (“Sen. Kamala Harris Voices Support Of LA Mayor Garcetti’s Call For Police Reform, Budget Cuts,” ABC 7, 6/9/20)

TAXES

INCOME TAXES

Hegar And Harris Agree: “Walk Back The Tax Reform” And Raise Taxes On Individuals And Job Creators

Hegar In 2020: “We’ve Got To Walk Back The Tax Reform – The Tax Scam.” HEGAR: “You know, we’ve got to walk back the tax reform – the tax scam. It was not a middle-class miracle. I am fighting for the middle class. I believe we’re leaving the lower middle class completely out. We have programs that help people in poverty. The upper middle class is doing okay. We’re leaving out this group of people.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks At A Campaign Event, San Antonio, TX, 2/19/20; 15:40-16:05)

As A Presidential Candidate, Harris Pledged To “Reverse” The GOP Tax Reform And Raise Taxes On Individuals And Job Creators. “But a much higher-profile priority for Harris is the reversal of the GOP-backed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act decreases in tax rates for businesses and rich Americans. ‘Much like Biden, she’s an advocate of higher taxes on businesses and higher-income, wealthy households,’ Zandi said. The platform laid out on Harris’s website promised to ‘reverse President Donald Trump’s trillion-dollar tax cut for big corporations and the top 1 percent.’ Those funds would go toward one of her signature policy initiatives: a refundable tax credit that would effectively function as a big expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.” (Martha C. White, “Kamala Harris’ Economic Policy: Roll Back Tax Cuts, Expand Health Care And Middle-Class Tax Breaks,” NBC News, 8/13/20)

SOCIAL SECURITY

Hegar And Harris Agree: Hike Payroll Taxes

Hegar Has Vowed To “Raise The Income Cap” On The Social Security Payroll Tax. PADILLA: “MJ, MJ, if you get to be the Senator, look about making sure that we raise the cap, spread the cap on Social Security. Some of those that are making enough money can pay the—” HEGAR: “The income cap. I agree with you completely, Tony. Thank you for bringing that up. We should have talked about that. Raise the income cap.” (MJ Hegar, Remarks At Social Security & Medicare Virtual Town Hall, 10/6/20; 37:25-37:45)

In 2019, Harris Co-Sponsored Bernie Sanders’ Bill To Remove Social Security’s Taxable Income Cap For Taxpayers Making More Than $250,000. “Today, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) joined her colleagues to introduce legislation to expand Social Security benefits and strengthen the retirement program for generations to come. The legislation would increase benefits by about $1,342 a year for seniors now making less than $16,000 annually and increase cost-of-living adjustments by more accurately measuring the spending patterns of seniors… The bill would ensure that Social Security could pay every benefit owed to every eligible American for the next 52 years, according to the retirement system’s chief actuary. It would extend the program’s solvency by making the wealthiest 1.8 percent of Americans – those with incomes of more than $250,000 a year – pay the same rate into the retirement system as everyone else already pays. Current law caps the amount of income subject to payroll taxes at $132,900. In addition to Senator Harris, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).” (Sen. Kamala Harris, “Harris Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Expand Social Security,” Press Release, 2/13/19)