Press Office of Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO)

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[SWMissourian]

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."

[SWMissourian]

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."

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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."

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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."

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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. 

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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.