SWMissourian

Senator Clarke Supports Federal Minimum Wage Increase WASHINGTON, D.C. - US Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) spoke in support of raising the federal minimum wage from its current level of $7.25 in a statement released today. This statement was released after debate ended over the Raise the Wage Act in the Senate, with a replacement bill soon to come to the Senate. “American workers deserve a raise. $7.25 is too low. The people couldn’t be clearer on this, whether you look at public opinion polls or last year’s election results. The voters are saying that the time for a minimum wage increase is now, whether you ask Democrats, Independents, or Republicans. The bottom lines of special interests and wealthy, multinational corporations should not stand in the way of a decent standard of living for honest working Americans.” Senator Clarke did, however, recognize the need for compromise and negotiation. With a Republican House of Representatives and a narrow Democratic majority in the Senate, it is unlikely that Democrats will get a minimum wage increase through without Republican support. “Obviously, negotiation and compromise will be important. Any increase is better than no increase, so whatever the final number is, that’s a win for Americans. I was heartened to see an amendment from Republicans offering an increase to $11.00, a big win compared to no increase at all. We can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good; demanding a certain number as a take-it-or-leave-it will just leave us back where we were before, and it will be hard working Americans who suffer the most. That’s why I am calling on both parties to come together and work out a compromise that sees support for workers and small businesses alike.” Senator Clarke voted in favor of a Republican amendment to include mandatory E-verify and an increase to $11.00, but the bill was ultimately pulled as Senators work to forge a compromise with broader support in the chamber. He looks forward to working with his colleagues to get a final bill passed into law so that workers see the wage increase they so desperately need.

Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: CNN Reason: Minimum Wage Raise Workers need a raise. $7.25 was a good compromise for its time, but now, it is too low of a minimum wage. I think most Americans agree with that, when you look at the polls, regardless of party. We are overdue for an increase, and President de la Cruz won on a promise to raise the minimum wage. The people have spoken. Clearly, we need a compromise. We have a split Congress. I believe it can still be done, and Americans can still get a proper raise. I think we need to hash out a clearer proposal and get something through Congress. We can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good here, and to some extent, the states will always have to set their own wage policy in connection with their own circumstances. My friend John Carlsen proposed something close to $10. Senator Starnes proposed $11. I’ve heard $12 from some people as well. We can land on a number that still delivers a substantial raise without killing a lot of jobs. Congress came together to raise the minimum wage many years ago, and we can and should do so again. The mandate of the people is clear there. All of the Democratic Party is behind a wage increase, and I know we’ll continue to work on a proposal that will get through Congress and benefit workers across the nation.

Welcome back, Wilder! Long time no see!

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Senator Clarke Discusses Bill to Expand CTC for Pregnant Moms in Cape Girardeau CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO - US Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) visited Options for Women, a pregnancy resource center in Cape Girardeau, to discuss his bill to expand the Child Tax Credit to cover pregnant mothers. “Becoming pregnant, especially for the first time, it really changes your life. That’s how it was for my wife and me many years ago when she got pregnant with our oldest,” Senator Clarke said. “It was a tremendous blessing. All children are beautiful blessings from God. But it can be a scary experience too. One thing I want young parents to have to worry about less is finances, so they can focus on taking care of themselves and preparing for the baby.” Senator Clarke’s bill, the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, allows the Child Tax Credit to be claimed for eligible unborn children, giving young parents much more breathing room on their finances thanks to targeted tax relief. “I think that young parents need this support the most, arguably, but they don’t have children born yet to claim the credit. But I can’t tell you that a young mother who will bear her first child in a few months doesn’t deserve the same support. I think she does, and that’s why I introduced this bill.” The bill has received bipartisan support. Senator John Carlsen (D-IN) is an original co-sponsor, and Senators William Whitaker (R-KY), Anne Morello (R-ID), and David Stewart (R-PA) signed on as co-sponsors after the bill was introduced to the Senate. Senator Clarke also highlighted the important work of places like Options for Women. “Places like this exist all across our great state, and y’all do amazing work for mothers. From counseling to education to free health screenings and treatment and beyond, resource centers like this one are a blessing for countless mothers.” Senator Clarke was joined in his visit by his wife, Zoe. Together, they’ve had four children, the oldest of which is 23 and the youngest of which is 13.

Senator Clarke Discusses Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin JOPLIN, MO - US Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) visited Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO, to discuss the vital work that institutions like Franklin Tech provide for students and adult education and their role in addressing future challenges related to automation in the workforce. Specifically, he related their work to the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, a bill he sponsored to address these concerns, which is set to pass the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. "We've seen the kind of problems that automation can bring to communities," Senator Clarke said in remarks given to local officials, educators, and students. "You have thriving, vibrant communities centered on good jobs in manufacturing, transportation, or other such industries, and just over a couple short decades, the jobs dry up and the community suffers. Why? The jobs were swept away by the rising tide of technology and automation, and there was no plan for the folks who got the short end of the stick. Right now, we're in the middle of a new industrial revolution as digital computing technology advances at a stunning pace. We should welcome innovation that breeds prosperity and opportunity, but we must also be ready for the negative changes that accompany the positive." The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act directs the Government Accountability Office to study barriers to providing, and opportunities for improving, training for workers in industries potentially threatened by automation. It also directs the Department of Labor to award grants that power partnerships for addressing these concerns in new, innovative programs, while also expanding existing grants for dislocated workers. "Innovation is good. We can't keep the future from coming," Senator Clarke said. "But we can make sure we have a plan to ensure that the future is just as bright for the next generation as the present, if not brighter. That is the goal of the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act. It will empower institutions like Franklin Tech and many others throughout Missouri and the nation to tackle these issues. By investing today, we can reap the rewards many times over in the future as our children and our children's children prosper in well-paying jobs that will support their own families and allow them to pursue the American Dream." Franklin Technology Center is a post-secondary educational institution that partners with local high schools to provide practical knowledge in advanced fields, including nursing, medicine, STEM fields, child development, and more. It provides adults in the area with the opportunity to pursue high-quality education that enriches their career prospects and puts them on the path to higher economic well-being. Institutions like Franklin Tech will be vital in the fight to blaze new trails for workers in a more automated workforce. "This isn't just about 'learn to code'," Senator Clarke said. "This is about building out new paths that anyone can follow the enrich themselves, acquire new skills, and make something for themselves and their family today and tomorrow."

Slavery was abolished in 1865. The Emancipation Proclamation also would have applied since slaves under Confederate authority were declared free in 1863, so he would have been freed by Union soldiers during the occupation of South Carolina by 1865.

Clarke Bill to Protect Access to Generic Drugs Approved by Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bill to protect access to affordable generic medications by combating anti-competitive, anti-consumer, introduced by Senators Andrew Clarke (D-MO) and John Carlsen (D-IN) has passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to go after anti-competitive "pay-for-delay" agreements that prevent or delay generic versions of brand-name pharmaceuticals from being made available to consumers. The bill was originally introduced by Senators Clarke and Carlsen and quickly gained co-sponsors from Sens. Heather James (D-WA), Camilo deSonido (I/D-CA), and Alex Fakhouri (D-MI). After Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri put the bill on the floor, he asked for the bill to be approved by unanimous consent. With no objections, it was approved by the Senate. It now awaits approval by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Senator Clarke issued the following statement after the bill passed the Senate: "This is a big win for consumers, especially those in low-income communities who need access to cheaper generic versions of brand-name medication. If you've ever seen the difference in price between a generic store over-the-counter pain medication and a brand-name one, you know how drastic the cost difference can be. These costs add up. Our markets thrive on competition and innovation. It is wrong to allow companies to abuse their power to rig the system in their favor, keeping prices high and leaving consumers out in the cold. That is not the spirit of capitalism or free markets. This is progress towards more affordable care for Americans across the country, in all communities, from all backgrounds. I call on the House of Representatives to swiftly act and pass the bill so President Xiomara de la Cruz can sign the bill into law."

Name: Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: MSNBC Reason: SCOTUS Nomination of Paul Watford The Supreme Court is supposed to exist outside of ideological purity tests and partisan agendas. The Supreme Court exists to faithfully interpret the Constitution and federal law, regardless of the political preferences of any individual Justice. This is a proposition that most Americans absolutely agree with, and it is fundamental to our republic. Judge Watford has repeatedly expressed the importance of that during his hearing so far. This means that, whatever you think of Judge Watford's career before his time in the judiciary, his past is not that relevant. He has said that the precedent of the Court, including in cases that Republicans typically support like Heller v. D.C., is more important than his personal ideological opinions. That's how it should be. On top of his commitment to judicial impartiality and the rule of law, he has stellar professional qualifications, a sharp mind, and strong personal moral integrity. The American people were given a chance to speak on who they wanted to select the next Supreme Court nominee--and they even had a prospective candidate already named! In their wisdom, they chose President de la Cruz. I think we should respect their choice, and barring anything drastic, respect the process and tradition and confirm Judge Watford. I hope Republicans do not intend to hold this seat open for four or eight years or however long it takes until they have the White House and Senate. That is irresponsible and childish. It is behavior beneath the U.S. Senate and the standards expected of us by the people. We need a full, capable Supreme Court.

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Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media: CNN Reason: Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act The Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act aims to address potential disruptions in the workforce brought about by increasing automation and artificial intelligence. We should embrace technological advancement, but we should also be prepared for how it could change life in the future so no one is left behind. We’ve seen the kind of impacts automation and the resulting job loss can have on good, hard-working American communities. As technology advances, we will only see more of these stories. We should be prepared with alternatives, including robust training initiatives, alternative career paths, or any other innovative, effective solutions. The ITW Act has already received bipartisan support and is up for debate in the Senate. Some Senators are trying to include bigger changes to current policy, like international trade, that they say will also support workers. While I am sympathetic to the need to renegotiate trade deals or restructure tax incentives, I believe that these are separate, if related, issues that should be debated separately. They come with their own hurdles and delays and hangups, and I don’t think that should get in the way of getting the ball moving period. The ITW Act will help bring us to a future where working- and middle-class Americans can still support their families and reach for the American Dream with decent jobs and strong communities.

Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: NBC Reason: New Congress I am looking forward to the new Congress. We have a divided government, but there’s a lot to be happy about for Democrats. We have a brand new President, the first Latina woman to ever hold the office. We have a majority in the Senate as well, and that includes two Democratic U.S. Senators from Missouri for the first time in decades. But there is still a need for both practical and moral reasons to work with our Republican colleagues, and I look forward to that. We talk all the time about increased polarization, but I think we can find common ground. In Missouri, voters elected a Republican trifecta to govern the state but sent a Democratic Senator to Washington last year. There’s common ground here and I look forward to finding it and advancing solutions to the problems facing our country from it. We must work to protect and expand healthcare access for working Americans. We must also work to raise real wages for all Americans, not just the wealthy elite. In light of recent events, we must work to secure our border, our streets, and our communities from violence, hate, and chaos. Additionally, our nation’s infrastructure problem must be addressed by leaders in Washington, and at the same time, we must ensure that future generations are not saddled with the consequences of irresponsible budgeting today. I think we can find common ground solutions to at least make great progress on all of these fronts. Our primary focus should be on building a better future where everyday Americans are safe, prosperous, healthy, and free. Americans should be free to start families, buy decent homes, afford a decent living, believe as they wish, speak as they want, and go to sleep at night safe from violence and chaos in their communities. That’s the vision that I will continue to fight for in D.C.

Wow, he’s from Michigan and Arkansas! He’s a true (Hillary) Clinton Democrat.

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Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: Fox News - The Kelly File Reason: 2016 Missouri Elections The Missouri GOP nominated Catherine Hanaway to be our next Governor in the Show Me State. Catherine Hanaway and her political allies bullied former State Auditor Tom Schweich, also a Republican, into committing suicide with nasty public smears and a gross behind-the-scenes whisper campaign. Don’t just take it from me, take it from former Republican US Senator John Danforth—he’s saying the same thing. This is not the kind of gross behavior we need in the Governor’s Mansion, and I know that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can agree on that. Missouri is a potentially competitive state this year. All eyes are on Missouri. We need to loudly proclaim what our values are, independent of party labels. In Missouri, we value life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We value smart, capable leadership that knows not to overstep. We value leaders who stand up for the working man. We value good, honest work supporting happy families. We value our faith in God and the community of believers around us. Chris Koster supports common sense like this. He’s a Missourian first, and he’ll put our state and the people’s values above all else, even party labels. That’s what we need—not another corrupt political bully bought by corporations. I know I speak for all Missouri Democratic candidates on the ticket when I say we are not running on radical changes at the federal level to the Supreme Court, to the Senate, none of that. We are running to protect schools and boost education. We are running to ensure capable governance. We are running to raise wages and bring back jobs that support everyday families, all across the state from Cape Girardeau to St. Joseph, Kirskville to Mountain View, Joplin to Hannibal, and St. Louis to Kansas City. We are focused on the values and interests of Missouri, and that will always come first.

Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: NBC Reason: Law and Order/Combatting Gun Violence, Crime, and Disorder The basic job of the government is to protect the people from crime, disorder, and chaos. But right now, we are failing. There is an epidemic of gun violence and shootings in our cities, and now, we are seeing public land illegally occupied. Armed occupation of public land undermines the safety of everyone by legitimizing violence as a means of solving problems instead of the justice system. I pray a peaceful and safe resolution is found quickly, but at the end of the day, we can not afford to normalize armed occupation of public land if we want a stable, safe country. Gun violence is another problem that we must tackle head on because right now, governments across our country are failing to keep their citizens safe. There are meaningful changes and reforms we must pursue—closing loopholes, ensuring background checks are properly performed, keeping violent and abusive people from accessing guns—but we also have to make sure that we are also properly enforcing the laws we currently have. That means adequate funding for the justice system and law enforcement, sound practice and process, good training and education, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Cities like my home of St. Louis are hit particularly hard by the epidemic of gun violence, but it’s a problem everywhere. Minority and underserved communities are disproportionately harmed, but it’s a problem none of us can afford to ignore. In order to have a just, equal country, we must have a country that respects and upholds law and order. That comes with electing responsible leaders on Election Day.

Name: Andrew Clarke (D-MO) Media/Outlet: The Kelly File/Fox News Reason: In Support of Reinstating Nebraska Death Penalty I support Nebraska voters reinstating the state’s death penalty. As a former prosecutor and former Attorney General of Missouri, I am intimately familiar with the process that leads to the death penalty being levied against someone. Let me tell you, we aren’t executing some random schmuck who broke into a car at night or stole a pack of gum. We’re talking about hardened, dangerous, violent criminals—serial rapists, brutal murderers, truly depraved individuals. The death penalty isn’t something we should take lightly, but it is an essential tool of justice. Some people are just so truly depraved and violent, and what they’ve done is so terrible, it is the only adequate means of punishment and prevention available. We are talking about the people who stand out even amongst other violent criminals, after all. Not only is it pragmatic, but it is also essential for the morality and soul of the nation and trust in the justice system. How can you look the mother and father of a young woman who was kidnapped, brutally assaulted and tortured, before being killed and left in a barrel, in their eyes and tell them their daughter’s killer deserves to live? What kind of justice are they getting? I’ve seen terrible cases come across my desk throughout my many years as a prosecutor, and I know I could never do that. Justice for the victims of crime and their families isn’t a partisan issue. We should never allow it to become one. That’s why I’m also throwing my support behind the effort to reinstate the death penalty in Nebraska.

Senator Andrew Clarke Advocates for Minimum Wage Increase KANSAS CITY, MO - Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) endorsed raising the federal minimum wage today while speaking to reporters in Kansas City, Missouri. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25, while the statewide minimum wage in Missouri is $7.65. While there is a broad range of proposals--from $10.10 all the way up to $15.00, Senator Clarke believes that the vast majority of people can agree that at least some raise is needed, with $10.10 a good starting point. "The minimum wage right now is still at a historical low. Raising it even to just $10.10, which I think is a good starting point for a deal, would put the minimum wage back to a comparable level as when I was a kid. We're talking about lifting millions of people out of poverty and increasing economic opportunity and activity hugely. Working Americans need a raise, and it is time we give them one," he told reporters. Minimum wage increases have largely been blocked by Republicans at both the state and the federal level in an effort to protect the profits of their corporate donors. "They say that they're just worried about killing jobs, but economists have studied this time and time again, and the results are clear. A reasonable minimum wage increase would see a net increase in new jobs, meaning people get paid more without forcing millions of people out of the job market," Senator Clarke explained. Ultimately, the likelihood of a minimum wage increase passing a Republican-controlled Congress is slim. The issue will come down to voters across the country as they elect their US Representatives and Senators, along with a new President. "I think people are ready for a Congress that fights for working people again," Senator Clarke said, "not one that protects the interests of wealthy Wall Street elites."

Clarke: Border Security "Absolutely an Issue That Must be Addressed" During Campaign ST. LOUIS, MO - Speaking to reporters about the upcoming presidential campaign back in his home state of Missouri, Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) highlighted the importance of issues from the economy to crime and national security. Particularly, he highlighted the importance he believes issues surrounding border security and immigration will play. "Immigration and border security, these are two issues that the public has practically been screaming at Washington to address for years," he said. "Every time it looks like we have some progress, something that will finally bring some solutions from the table into reality, it gets shot down. It happened back during the Bush Administration, and it happened just a couple years ago with the bipartisan border security agreement. This is an issue that isn't going away. It is absolutely an issue that must be addressed by every candidate who wants to win in 2016." Senator Clarke has been a big proponent of increased security infrastructure and strengthened enforcement along the southern border. "That's why I supported the bipartisan agreement in 2013. You could argue that it wasn't perfect, sure, but you'll never get 'perfect' out of Washington--you have to go with what is possible, what is better than what we have now." Senator Clarke says that anyone who wants to abandon the border as an issue or fails to address the understandable concerns of the American people is leaving a lot of votes on the table. "I see it every time I come back home to Missouri. No matter where I am in the state, it is an issue people are frustrated and angry about, year after year, and we aren't even a border state!" Senator Clarke was quick to express the importance of other issues as well. "The economy and jobs, that is always going to rank at the top of people's concerns. Right now, we are in a state of stable improvement, but we are still facing problems with infrastructure, slow wage growth, gas price shocks, energy dependence on countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia, the loss of good jobs as plants and factories shut their doors, negative economic effects of climate change, rising costs of living, the list goes on and on. And that's not to mention healthcare costs, rising education costs and poor funding, the terrible toll of crime and gun violence. All of these issues matter, and we need a candidate who has a plan to address them if we are going to win in 2016."

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I may regret this…but what the hell lol

Name: Andrew Clarke Seat: Missouri Class 1 Party: Democratic Avatar: Andrew Bailey (Missouri AG) Major Caucus: Blue Dog Coalition Gender: Male Race: White Religion: Roman Catholic Date of Birth: January 2, 1964 (52) Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri Place of Residence: Oakville, Missouri Family: Straight, married w/ 4 kids —Father: Sean Clarke (b. 1942) —Mother: Marilyn Clarke (b. 1944) —Brother: John Clarke (b. 1966) —Sister: Violet Smith (b. 1968) —Sister: Nancy Osborne (b. 1972) —Wife: Zoe Clarke (b. 1968, m. 1991) —Son: Zachary Clarke (b. 1994) —Son: Lance Clarke (b. 1997) —Daughter: Clara Clarke (b. 2000) —Son: Reagan Clarke (b. 2004) Educational History: —University of Missouri-Columbia, B.S. Political Science (1982-1986) —Washington University in St. Louis, Juris Doctor (1986-1989) Career History: —Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jefferson County, MO (1989-1992) —Corporate Attorney, Armstrong Teasdale (1992-2001) Political Experience: —Missouri House of Representatives, HD 91/Webster Groves (1997-2001) —Prosecuting Attorney, St. Louis County (2001-2009) —Attorney-General of Missouri (2009-2013) —US Senator (2013-present) Key Votes: 113th Congress - —VAWA Reauthorization: YEA —Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: YEA —Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013: YEA (extra) —Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2013: NAY (extra) —Judicial Nomination Filibuster Nuclear Option: NAY (extra) 114th Congress - —Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: YEA —Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act: YEA (extra) —Congressional Disapproval of Waters of the US Rule: YEA (extra) Points: —Lawyer: 10 points —College Degree at Private University: 5 points —College Degree at Public University: 0 points —State Legislature, Lower House Term x2: 2 points —Attorney General: 5 points —Elected County Prosecutor (2 terms): 10 points (?) —Male: 0 points —Roman Catholic: 0 points —White: 0 points —Straight, married with > 3 kids: 0 points —50-65 years old: 0 points —Middle Class Upbringing: 0 points —Upper Class: -5 points —Extra Key Votes x5: 25 points Total: 52 points Bio coming soon

This one, maybe? Lawyer: 10 points (To start your own firm, add 5 points)