2008 Lee County Iowa Republican Party Platform

I.  Agriculture 

We believe a healthy agriculture is the basis of a secure and stable nation by providing a consistent food supply. We
 encourage continued support and use of renewable resources and support the continuation of environmentally friendly
 initiatives that help sustain family farming operations.
1.1	We urge the legislature to formulate and develop long-range agricultural policies to foster new and expanded
 domestic and international markets through the use of the private market system and not the World Trade  Organization.
1.2	We support farm programs that allow individual farmers to raise & sell crops at sufficient profits to eliminate the
 need for government subsidies.
1.3	We support using agriculture to reduce the trade deficit.
1.4	We support agriculture and value added agriculture products in Iowa; therefore, we support the livestock industry
 in this state and support 	those who engage in it while recognizing the need to protect the environment, but not at
 the expense of a vibrant livestock industry.
1.5	We support current laws that prohibit foreign international ownership of Iowa farmland.
1.6	We support a national animal identification and tracking system for animals imported from other countries.
1.7	We support the "Country of Origin" labeling on food products.
1.8	We oppose efforts to impose a “sin” tax on all forms of red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. 
1.9	We support the use and enforcement of the same standards for both domestic and imported foods.
1.10	We believe that regulations affecting production agriculture, including water and air quality standards should be
 transferred from the DNR to 	the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
1.11	We support Free Trade with China and other parts of Asia to ensure trade and commerce that will further
 strengthen and grow our economy.
1.12	The closing of horse slaughter facilities in the US has caused loss of jobs and a $30 billion industry. Unable to
 process this high-protein meat, 	horses are at risk of starvation, disease, and being dumped on the land.  Therefore, we
 support legislation to re-open horse slaughter facilities 	in the US.  
1.13	We support stricter rules for sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

II.  Business and Economic Development/International Trade 

We believe that a welcoming business climate is critical to our state’s economic prosperity and the development of our
 natural and human resources. The key to that prosperity is an adequate return on an individual’s labor, talent, capital and
 risks. We believe that excessive regulation, business fees and taxes diminish that return.
2.1	We believe that the focus of OSHA should be working with, not against, business.
2.2	We believe that moderate, predictable changes in the minimum wage be linked to other indicators of growth in
 the economy, and that the marketplace, not the government, should set the minimum wage. We oppose big jumps in
 minimum wage hikes.
2.3	We oppose governmental taxation of internet commerce.
2.4	We support developing a better business climate in Iowa by lowering taxes, reducing regulations & revising
 Workman’s Compensation laws.
2.5	We believe that landlords should have the same rights as other business owners and non-payment of rents be
 considered a “theft of service.”
2.6	We support a landlord’s right to refuse leasing property and business owner refusing service based on moral
 grounds of individuals not 	covered by the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
2.7	We support H.R. 2740, a bill that requires accountability for contractors and contract personnel under Federal
 contracts.
2.8	We support the repeal of the Davis-Bacon Act, which increases costs and reduces competition for federally
 financed construction.
2.9	We encourage home lending businesses to internally monitor predatory-type lending practices.  If they cannot
 police themselves, we advocate 	the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to intervene with legislation. 

III.  Education 

We believe parents, not the government, are responsible for and fully in charge of the education of their children. We
 believe that in order for our educational system to be successful, it must be accountable to the parents of the 
 community. Therefore, parents should be afforded as many options as possible including private, home or alternative
 based education. Parents should also be allowed to educate their children from a strong moral perspective. We do not
 believe that more money insures better education. We believe that some sort of reimbursement is due families who
 choose non-government  education since they pay taxes as well as tuition.
3.1	We support parents and students having educational options including charter schools, school vouchers and/or
 tax credits, and home schooling without religious discrimination.  We support eliminating the No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
 law to  reduce paperwork and testing mandates, thereby leaving time for teachers to teach.  We support more state
 control as opposed to federal legislation in implementing the NCLB program.  We support reasonable testing in schools,
 and we support parental accountability in students' progress. We encourage parent education classes where needed.
3.2	We believe in displaying the Ten Commandments, the American Flag and the recitation of the Pledge of
 Allegiance should be allowed.
3.3	We support voluntary teacher or student led prayer in government schools. The local districts should have
 complete control over prayer programs, but they cannot endorse specific religious beliefs or prayers in schools. The use
 of  the Bible as a textbook should be allowed as a local option.
3.4	We support the teaching of alternative theories on the origins of life including Darwinian Evolution, Creation
 Science or Intelligent Design, and that each should be given equal weight in presentation.
3.5	We believe that educators should stress abstinence outside of marriage as the surest way to prevent pregnancy,
 the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and associated psychological problems. We also oppose the distribution of
 condoms in tax-funded schools. We also 	believe that marriage before children should be taught in schools.
3.6	We oppose the teaching of sex education in any form, at any grade level without written parental consent. The
 amount of sex education which is appropriate in kindergarten is absolutely zero.
3.7	We oppose compulsory preschool, and any proposal to change the age at which children are required to attend
 school.
3.8	We oppose the teaching of homosexual behavior as a normal, acceptable or alternative lifestyle, and believe that
 sex education must 	emphasize traditional heterosexual lifestyles.
3.9	We believe that teacher salaries should be based on performance rather than solely on tenure. The tool by 
 which educators are evaluated will be left in the discretion of local schools.  We support programs that reward superior
 teachers and outline clear procedures to remove ineffective educators.
3.10	We call for the downsizing of the Federal and State Departments of Education. We believe that the control of
 education should be left to the parents, teachers, and local school boards.
3.11	We support the enactment of state and federal legislation and/or constitutional provisions that require college
 students to vote in the state or precinct where they file tax returns or are claimed as a legal dependent for income tax
 purposes.
3.12	We believe all public employees should receive equal treatment for all employee benefits and policies regardless
 of organizational affiliation.
3.13	We believe Educators at all levels shall have comprehensive communication skills in English, and that English
 should be the official language 	used in all areas of the educational system.
3.14	We encourage the continuation of local County Extension Services to deliver informal educational programming
 and resources to communities, 	businesses, families and citizens.
3.15	We believe increased funding should not be the measure of support for education in Iowa. Rather, support for
 policies and curriculum that returns the focus of Iowa K-12 education to basic academic achievement and appreciation for
 Western Civilization should be the measure of excellence in education.
3.16	We appreciate the contribution all ethnic groups have made to our American culture. However, we do not
 support “ethnic history” months observed in many Iowa school districts.
3.17	We call for the repeal of the ban on reasonable corporal punishment in Iowa schools, and for legal protection for
 teachers and principals who reasonably punish students for misbehavior. We believe that students’ civil liberties are not
 being infringed upon by punishing wrong behavior.
3.18	We demand that the Board of Regents and the state government end the practice of allowing any of our state
 universities offering in-state tuition to illegal aliens.
3.19	We oppose scholarship programs that exclusively benefit homosexual students.
3.20	We support fast-track teacher certification to allow competent professionals to teach in our schools.	
3.21	We encourage the Republican Party of Lee County to seek to educate the public on the dangers of inflation &
 excessive government spending.
3.22	     Be it resolved that it become mandatory that all high school graduates must be educated about the voting
 process, including caucus procedures in Iowa.  The lack of show for or interest is confusion and lack of education of the
 system and process.

IV.  Energy and Transportation

We believe the availability of an adequate supply of energy is essential to the economic strength of the U.S. We believe
 access to an adequate transportation infrastructure is necessary for a market economy to succeed and for national security
 to be served.
4.1	We support exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the outer
 continental shelf after all other 	resources are tapped. We want to become independent of foreign sources of oil by
 developing alternative sources of oil such as bio-diesel, ethanol, solar power, nuclear and coal gasification, and finding more
 domestic sources of oil.
4.2	We support the continuation of the Ethanol and Bio-Diesel tax credits to provide a support price for corn and
 soybeans
4.3	We urge all taxes related to transportation to be used for the sole purpose of maintaining and building the
 transportation infrastructure. We call 	for equitable distribution of transportation funding between rural and urban areas
4.4	We encourage the government and private sectors to invest in technologies that will help the United States such
 as power generation, fuel cells, nanotechnology, material sciences and automotive technology.
4.5	We support the marketing and consumption of renewable fuels.
4.6	We do not support an ethanol mandate.
4.7	We oppose the Kyoto Treaty On The Environment and the language of the UN Kyoto Protocol, as it would put the
 U.S., its’ jobs, citizens, and businesses at an economic disadvantage. We support responsible environmental policy that
 recognizes the importance of existing as well as alternative sources of fuel for both developed and developing countries.
4.8	     We believe that the locks on the Mississippi river should be modernized and lengthened to be more efficient,
 with  the use of taxes derived from fuel tax used by river vehicles.
4.9	     Junior Delegate Plank:  Build new refineries in the United States.

V.  Family Values

We believe that the basis of our laws and our founding documents are rooted in Judeo-Christian values. We believe every
 human being should have the inalienable right to life regardless of age or degree of dependency including human beings
 from conception. We believe the family is the cornerstone of society; a traditional two-parent family of one man and one
 woman is the best environment to raise children.
5.1	We support the Marriage Protection Amendment to both state and federal constitutions, and defining marriage
 as the exclusive union between 	one man and one woman.
5.2	We support the elimination of no-fault divorce.
5.3	We support adoption of children by heterosexual married couples only. 
5.4	We oppose the creation of a protected class based on sexual orientation such as the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act
5.5	We believe that parents are responsible for their children, and we support the rights of parents to discipline,
 protect and educate their children.
5.6	     We encourage that all home computers provide a means for parents to block objectionable and Internet content
 from being shown to children.
5.7	     Joint physical custody is assigned to be the best situation in the case of a divorce by state law.  We support
 legislation to require a judge to show good cause if at any time they rule in contradiction to this custody arrangement.

VI.  Government

We believe our government was designed to perform only certain limited functions. Beyond these functions it begins a
 reversal of the proper role of government as the servant, not the master of the people. We affirm that over-taxing
 families  forces mothers and fathers to work more hours and spend less time parenting. Oversized government 
 diminishes the  entrepreneurial spirit of individuals and businesses, thereby restricting market-driven economic growth
 and development.  This creates disincentives for handling social problems in the more appropriate domains of family,
 neighborhoods, churches,  faith-based organizations, volunteer efforts and private associations.  We assert that the
 phrase, “the separation of church  and state” as is commonly used, contradicts the original intent and practice of the
 Framers of the Constitution. 
6.1	We support returning government functions from the federal level to the state and local governments wherever
 possible, consistent with the intent of the Constitution.
6.2	We support equal access for non-union and union contractors to government and school district projects, without
 mandating that contractors sign project labor agreements.
6.3	We support maintaining the principle of voluntary donors to fund the business of sports, entertainments and the
 arts.
6.4	We continue to support “English as the official language” in the United States.
6.5	We support reforming campaign finance laws so as to uphold all Americans’ right to free speech by allowing
 American citizens to donate their time or money to political campaigns without limitation, requiring immediate and full
 disclosure of all sources of campaign funding.
6.6	We support building new prisons, and adequately maintaining older prisons to protect the public from violent
 criminals. We support maintaining the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa.
6.7	We support proof of citizenship and residency as requirements for voter registration. We believe voters should
 be required to present a valid picture ID before voting. We also believe that all official ballots should be printed only in
 the English language.
6.8	We support requiring a full senate vote on all judicial nominations within 90 days of being nominated by the
 President.
6.9	We support the right of employees to organize, and to not have dues used to support political candidates.
6.10	We support science and technology development regarding space exploration.
6.11	We support sunset laws requiring all federal and Iowa agencies to expire automatically after a stated number of
 years unless renewed by law. This should not apply to any tax relief law.
6.12	We the members of the Republican Party shall only vote for elected officials who honor and defend the U.S.
 Constitution and Declaration of Independence as written.
6.13	We urge our congressional delegation and our senators to support HR 235 which protects the religious free
 exercise and the free speech rights of churches and other houses of worship.
6.14	We believe government officials should not exempt themselves from laws they apply to others.
6.15	Because we stand for equal representation, equal rights and freedom from oppression by any unfairly dominant
 majority pushing their will upon our law abiding, tax paying citizens:  The Lee County Republican Party supports the
 continued process of electing, by district, the five members of the Lee County Board of Supervisors.	
6.16	We believe we need to restructure our policies with the Native American Nations, including removing their
 sovereignty as Nations and making them ordinary American citizens.
6.17	We support faith-based initiatives for prisons and other providers of rehabilitation services.
6.18	We call for an end to all forms of Affirmative Action.
6.19	We support voting laws that emphasize Election Day balloting.
6.20	We believe that no further expansion of gambling should be allowed in Iowa.
6.21	We expect Iowa to remain first in the nation for presidential caucuses, and GOP parties of other states should
 respect this political tradition.
6.22	We support appointing strict constitutionalist Judges/Justices.	
6.23	According to the code of Iowa, Iowa is a home rule state (meaning:  no blanket policies for counties).  Therefore,
 no zoning or land-use controls 	should occur in the rural (unincorporated) areas of the county.
6.24	We resolve to ardently support the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and to protect individual liberty.
6.25	We support barring the addition of any amendment or rider to a bill that is not directly related to the main
 legislation of the bill.

VII.  Health and Human Services

Quality, affordable healthcare is of concern to all Americans. In an age of advanced medical technology, individuals need
 to prepare for health care expenses. Services such as healthcare do not come without a cost. Providers of goods and
 services are entitled to compensation for their products. For those citizens that cannot afford private health insurance,
 emergency life saving care should be available. Government healthcare programs must have sufficient oversight to
 prevent misuse of public funds.
7.1	Require reporting of AIDS carriers and felony prosecution of any AIDS carrier who willfully, knowingly exposes
 another person. 
7.2	We support a mandate for reporting of AIDS by health-care professionals.
7.3	We believe that private companies or individuals should not be forced by law to sell or dispense the ‘morning
 after pill’ or contraceptives against their own guiding principles.
7.4	We believe the vaccination of children and other medical decisions are best left to the parents without
 government coercion.
7.5	We support all health care practitioners and morticians to have knowledge of patients AIDS/HIV status prior to
 providing services via a HIPPA 	complaint database.
7.6	We believe AIDS should be classified as a communicable disease as any other Sexually Transmitted Disease.
7.7	We support tax-free Health Savings Accounts that allow for personal control of medical care and saving for
 retirement at the same time.
7.8	We believe to be eligible for social security retirement benefits one must have paid in for a minimum of 40
 quarters, or be the spouse of 	someone that has, and must be a U.S. citizen.
7.9	We support measures to ensure that parents’ permission is necessary for any medical testing or treatment
 performed on their minor children, except in situations that are both serious and urgent, where the parents cannot be
 contacted in time.
7.10	We are opposed to Universal and/or Nationalized Health Care, believing that common sense and the market
 place can do what government can not: bring customers, health care providers and health care professionals together in
 a mutually beneficial union. The State of Iowa could encourage the private sector to offer insurance coverage by
 establishing means-tested state subsidies for those without adequate insurance.
7.11	We support mandatory testing of AIDS/HIV of all healthcare professionals and the right of patients and their
 families to access the results.
7.12	We support requiring facilities performing abortions or distributing the abortifacient drug RU486 to meet state
 medical clinic requirements and that they secure malpractice insurance. 
7.13	We support the confidential collection & reporting of statistics regarding induced abortion and RU486 use as
 done with any surgical procedure.
7.14	We insist that one accused by the Department of Human Services (DHS) should be considered innocent until
 proven guilty.
7.15	We call for requiring the DHS to have a proper search warrant and a judge's order before entering homes or
 seizing children.                                                                    
7.16	We support help for small business in regards to Health Insurance.
7.17	We support improving health care coverage for mental illness.

VIII.  Homeland Security and Immigration

We believe that Congress should establish an immigration policy that furthers the cultural, social and economic interests
 of the United States. A sound immigration policy and vigorous enforcement of immigration law is essential to securing
 our homeland.
8.1	We believe that current immigration laws should be enforced and strengthened.
8.2	We believe that one of the government’s primary roles is to maintain an adequate force to secure the borders of
 the United States.
8.3	We oppose welfare, insurance, medical and educational support, and issuance of drivers licenses for illegal
 aliens and their dependents.
8.4	We support and encourage the imposition of severe penalties on individuals and industries that are found
 employing illegal aliens. Employers 	will not be held responsible for hiring illegal aliens that presented documentation
 that may later prove to be forged or falsified.
8.5	We support a physical barrier along the entire Mexican/American border.
8.6	We oppose all forms of amnesty for illegal aliens in this country. We call for the government to devote increased
 resources to seal the borders 	against illegal goods and people entering the U.S. 
8.7	We support the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 that deputizes state and
 local law enforcement personnel 	to enforce immigration matters. 
8.8	We are opposed to sanctuary cities and they should not receive federal funding. 
8.9	We oppose any immigration reform that includes a ‘path to citizenship’ for illegal aliens.
8.10	We call for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prevent the automatic granting of (“anchor baby”)
 citizenship to children born in 	the United States whose parents are illegally in this country.
8.11	We support modernizing the Department of Immigration’s database systems and streamlining procedures in the
 application process.
8.12	We believe the government should not reimburse families for the loss of a loved one due to an act of God,
 natural disaster, or terrorist attacks unless the individual was a member of the armed services or in the employ of the
 United States Government.
8.13	We support the use of domestic surveillance to monitor contacts between foreign terrorists and their
 accomplices in the U.S. U.S. Immigration should end the “catch and release” system of deportation.

IX.  Law and Justice

We believe justice is grounded in personal rights in balance with public safety. We believe the job of government is to
 uphold the law and maintain order, to protect the innocent, resolve disputes and punish crime. We support fundamental
 tort reform to reduce lawsuit abuse.
9.1	We support reinstating the death penalty in Iowa for capital offenses. We support legislation requiring the
 presence of scientific evidence such as DNA to and a tougher standard of “no doubt” for implementing the death penalty
 in capital cases.
9.2	We oppose government using Eminent Domain to seize property for private use.
9.3	We strongly believe in the Second Amendment, which guarantees us the right to keep and bear arms without
 government intervention.
9.4	We recognize a responsible, competent citizen’s right to self-defense through gun ownership including the right
 for qualified people to carry a concealed weapon. 	
9.5	We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment. We strongly support
 the enforcement of existing 	Federal obscenity and pornography laws, including requiring libraries to place Internet
 filters on computers that are accessible to the public.
9.6	We are against reviving the Fairness Doctrine, which restricts broadcasters presenting controversial topics in
 what the Federal Communications Commission deems a balanced, fair manner. Trying to impose the Fairness Doctrine
 on radio stations is censorship, Democrat style. 
9.7	Taxpayer funds should not be used to compensate the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
9.8	We support tort reform and a cap on punitive damages.
9.9	We support prison reform including the limitation of prisoner rights and amenities. Convicts should be required
 to work. We recommend education and training in vocational, technical and social skills.
9.10	Our judicial system should not use precedents or rulings from any source outside of the United States.
9.11	We support immediate incarceration of convicted repeat drunk drivers thereby eliminating work permits and
 weekend only jail sentences.
9.12	We support the repeal of state and federal “hate crimes” legislation.
9.13	We support a parental rights amendment to the United States Constitution stating that parents have the right to
 direct the upbringing and education of their children.
9.14	We support repealing Governor Vilsack’s executive order allowing felons to vote.
9.15	We support the position that anyone bringing legal action against another in a frivolous lawsuit to be held
 responsible for covering the expenses of the sued party.
9.16	We support the State of Iowa legalizing and taxing the sale of Class C fireworks (small common fireworks that
 contain no more than 50 milligrams of explosive) through licensed vendors.
9.17	We support limiting attorneys’ fees in class action lawsuits and other cases where plaintiffs receive insignificant
 damages, so that fees are not 	disproportionate to any recovery obtained in the litigation.
9.18	We support identity theft being a Federal Offense, with severe sentences for the crime.

X.  Foreign Policy/ National Defense/Veterans 

We believe in our party’s long-standing commitment to a strong national defense, and support the President’s use of
 military force in seeking out and ridding the world of terrorists, wherever they hide, until the job is finished. We believe
 our foreign and domestic policy must, by design, be based upon our own strategic national interests and must always
 jealously guard our nation’s sovereignty.
10.1	We strongly oppose the KYOTO Treaty and the Law of the Sea Treaty (L.O.S.T.). American participation in the
 United Nations, or any other 	international body, must never sacrifice the constitutional sovereignty of the United
 States. 
10.2	We oppose the proposed United States joining Canada and Mexico in the North American Union.
10.3	We oppose any further financial obligations being placed upon the United States by the United Nations.
10.4	We believe that a strict policy on the sale of technology to foreign states be implemented and enforced so that
 American secrets, that give us a strategic advantage, remain United States secrets and not be sold to foreign states.
10.5	We support development of controls so that foreign governments are never in a position to influence the
 outcome of an American election.
10.6	We support the President of the United States in his international effort to stop terrorists and terrorism by all
 necessary and legal means including enhanced interrogation techniques.
10.7	We support the mission of the troops in the war on terror and full prosecution of the war until our goals are
 achieved. 
10.8	We believe in a strong national defense, so we call for continued research and deployment of strategic missiles
 and other defense systems.  
10.9	We oppose reinstating the draft.  Qualified, able-bodied, men and women up to age 47 should not be denied
 entrance into the National Guard and Air National Guard.
10.10	We support complete reimbursement of travel expenses for National Guard and Reservists while they are on
 active duty.
10.11	We urge continued economic and military support for Israel, our strong ally.
10.12	We support the State of Iowa in enforcing federal laws protecting former jobs for returning national guard and
 reservists. The jobs would be at previous pay and seniority. 
10.13	We support better pay and benefits for our military including extended treatments for combatants for Post
 Traumatic Stress, and indefinable physical maladies that escape immediate diagnosis. 
10.14	We support requesting the Iowa Legislature and the governor to provide the support necessary to complete the
 Veterans Cemetery Project, and funding the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA.
10.15	We support deducting Federal Income Tax Withholding from the Iowa Income Tax for disabled veterans.
10.16	We support the exemption from state and federal income tax of all income received by our military forces while
 serving in combat zones.
10.17	We support property tax exemptions for disabled veterans in proportion to their service-related disability.
10.18	We ask the legislature to fully fund the Veterans Trust Fund.
10.19            Republicans honor the service and sacrifice of our current and past veterans.  We also express support for
 our country’s veterans and  veteran’s issues, including housing, access to health care services, employment, emergency
 financial assistance and honoring the fallen.   Further, we urge our city, county, state and federal governments, and
 veteran’s service organizations to provide all possible assistance to our veterans.  Specifically, there must be adequate
 funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veterans initiatives.
10.20	Be it resolved that all medical benefits be restored to retired military personnel with no deductibles or co-pays
 as was promised us when we 	joined the service and not to be converted to Medicare at age 65.
XI.  Natural Resources/Environment

We believe that the environmental policies should reflect sensitivity to sound ecological practices, unbiased scientific
 standards, risk analysis, national sovereignty, private property rights, common sense, and a realistic view of economic
 impact. We encourage recycling and other methods of reducing waste volume.
11.1	Be it resolved that the government shall encourage strong soil, water, and wildlife conservation practices. We
 further recommend revising the owa REAO program to use more of the money for actual soil conservation and ground
 water protection.
11.2	We support realistic federal and Iowa laws to ensure clean air, clean water, and safe management of wastes. We
 ask that these laws be fairly and uniformly enforced, simplified when possible, and strengthened when necessary. Law
 and rules should be based on unbiased scientific research, risk analysis, economic impact and common sense
11.3	Due to overpopulation of deer and turkey and the damage they do, their number should be reduced by the
 application of longer seasons and increasing the number of permits, including those to out-of-state hunters, and doe-only hunting.
11.4	We believe that the Department of Natural Resources should use discretion in the protection of cougars,
 bobcats, wolves, bears, porcupines and other dangerous animals in state parks and timbered private property.
11.5	We should maintain an environmental policy that protects the rights of humans before other species, but still
 embrace our stewardship over 	environment and wildlife.
11.6	We urge aggressive research focused on the development of new technologies aimed at relieving our
 dependency on foreign oil.
11.7	We oppose confiscation of private property for environmental protection purposes.
11.8	We oppose attempts to eliminate hunting and trapping of wild game.
11.9	We support allowing redeemable beverage cans to be crushed endwise. 	
XII.  Right to Life

We believe human life is a sacred gift from our Creator and is a fundamental right as outlined in the Declaration of
 Independence. This right is innately valuable in every stage and development, including the unborn and the elderly, the
 terminally or chronically ill, and the mentally or physically handicapped. No human life should ever be diminished, and
 innocent human life must never be arbitrarily taken.
12.1	We reaffirm our support for a human rights amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of
 the State of Iowa, and we endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to
 unborn children.
12.2	We oppose using public revenues for abortion or funding organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, which
 advocate it, both in the U.S. and overseas.
12.3	We commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of mothers and offering adoption
 services.
12.4	We reaffirm our support for appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of life.
12.5	We support legislation requiring consent by a parent and/or legal guardian before a minor child receives an
 abortion or any other reproductive services and products.
12.6	We support a Woman’s Right to Know law whereby performers of abortions must provide complete factual
 information to the pregnant woman 	about the complications of abortion, the biological development of the unborn,
 fetal pain, and the availability of alternatives to abortion.
	
12.7	We support the reversal of Roe vs. Wade and return of decision making on abortion to the states.
12.8	We are opposed to human cloning and embryonic stem cell research, human fetal-tissue research from induced
 abortions and the commercial 	use or sale of fetal parts and promote the use of more stable adult stem cells to advance
 modern medical research. 
12.9	We believe life is sacred and that euthanasia, assisted suicide, and infanticide be banned.
12.10	We support the ban of partial birth abortion.
12.11	     The unborn child has a fundamental right to life, which cannot be infringed.
12.12	    Let it hereby be resolved that the Republican Party will work to guarantee unborn children equal protection
 under the law.  

XIII. Taxes and Spending

We believe that less government is better government. We support every reasonable effort on the part of all
 governments and taxpayers to limit taxation and government spending. We believe that the only purpose of taxation is
 to fund the constitutionally mandated functions of government, not to “redistribute the wealth”, or to fund ever
 increasing social programs. We believe that social problems are better handled by private groups or benevolent
 organizations, and not by the government. We should strive to have less government restrictions, fewer government
 employees and lower taxes.
13.1	We believe local governments must reduce their reliance on gambling revenues.
13.2	We believe in prohibiting Congress from using Social Security funds for any other use than fulfilling obligations
 to older Americans.
13.3	We resolve that the income tax be repealed on Social Security and pension income.	
13.4	We believe the federal Tax Reform Act (the Bush Tax Cuts) of 2003 should be made permanent.
13.5	We support a Fair Tax Act
13.6	We support increasing the maximum contribution to $5000 per year for IRAs and Roth IRAs.
13.7	We support the prompt adoption of the Taxpayer Rights Amendment. 
13.8	Contributions to the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the
 National Republican 	Congressional Committee should not be spent for the purpose of campaign finance. We also
 oppose the McCain-Feingold Law, as we promote greater transparency and disclosure of campaign contributions.
13.9	We support current Iowa law that requires a 60% supermajority approval for bonding proposals and for any
 community referendums.
13.10	We strongly oppose government money be given to AARP.
13.11	We support a balanced budget achieved by responsible spending rather than tax increases that place an undue
 burden on families. 
13.12	We favor eliminating any taxes on capital gains or other investments on all individuals or families who make less
 than $200,000 per year.
13.13	We support Iowa state sales tax being increased from 5 cents to 6 cents to reduce property taxes and provide a
 more equitable funding source 	for school infrastructure needs.  The provision allowing for the one cent sales tax
 under School Infrastructure Local Options (SILO) tax would 	be removed from Iowa law.
13.14	We support a flat tax for our federal government.
 
XIV.  Commendations

14.1	We commend President Bush “for keeping us safe,” and for his outstanding leadership in the war on terrorism,
 for his efforts to strengthen national defense and homeland security.
14.2	We commend the men and women of our military for their willingness to put their lives in harms way defending
 the liberties and freedoms we 	so much enjoy.
14.3	We commend the civilian aid workers and contractors who are working overseas for their brave roles in the war
 on terror.
14.4	We demand an end to gender-specific offices in the Republican Party.
14.5	We reaffirm that the Republican Party of Iowa and its officers should remain neutral in all contested primaries.
14.6	We support Iowa's First-in-the-Nation presidential caucuses.
14.7	We commend all good Republicans for defending Republican principles of government.
14.8	We resolve to work to elect Republican candidates who support the party platform.
14.9	We expect political campaigns to be conducted in a positive and truthful manner.