On the Issues
As Al Lawson prepares to enter his 28th year in the Florida Legislature, 
he brings with him more than a quarter century of public service that has improved the lives of those who live in our beautiful community. Lawson has fought hard for North Florida in the state House and now in the Florida Senate where he currently serves as the Democratic Leader. His dedication to the men and women he represents is without question. Lawson has been a strong advocate for his constituents, and he will bring that same commitment to Congress. Al Lawson sees the challenges facing Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, and he knows that more needs to be done. The time for the status quo is over. When elected to Congress, Al Lawson will introduce progressive solutions aimed at improving our way-of-life in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.
ENSURING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
One of the great tragedies of our time is that we face a healthcare system that some say is hugely inadequate while others declare the system to be completely broken. This is unacceptable.
Currently, too many Floridians struggle with our country’s failed healthcare system. We must do more to ensure that our fellow citizens have access to quality, affordable healthcare. A recent independent study showed that 126,000 people from Florida’s 2nd Congressional District lack basic healthcare insurance. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Al Lawson will work to make sure everyone has access to affordable healthcare insurance and will fight the special interest stranglehold that has paralyzed our nation’s Capitol and prevented citizens’ access to basic health care. We need a healthcare system that works for all Americans. Al Lawson will not stop fighting until this a reality.
PROTECTING GOVERNMENT WORKERS
During his 27 years in the Florida Legislature, Al Lawson has led the charge in protecting the rights of government employees. Lawson recognizes the important contributions that public employees make in our society and has demanded for more than two decades that government workers receive fair pay and benefits for an honest day’s work. Lawson understands that protecting public employees is not only the right thing to do, but also benefits the entire economy in the Big Bend area. Public employees have no greater ally than Al Lawson.
FIGHTING TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT
Florida has had no stronger environmental advocate than Al Lawson. While in the Florida Legislature, Lawson authored and passed the Apalachicola Bay Protection Act and was a sponsor of the Everglades Protection Act. Due to his strong commitment to this issue, Florida’s legislative leaders have selected Lawson to serve as Chairman of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.
Al Lawson knows that our local economy is tied closely to protecting the environment. The oystermen of Apalachicola Bay and the tourist industry in Panama City Beach all depend on us protecting our natural resources. Al Lawson will work to make sure our water is clean and our beaches stay pristine in order to protect the quality of life in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.
FIGHTING FOR A STRONGER ECONOMY AND CREATING JOBS
The state as well as the nation is facing tough economic times. It is more important than ever that we work to create jobs and protect the ones already here. Rural areas, including much of Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, have been hit especially hard by the ailing economy. In Congress, Lawson will push for stronger investment in rural economic development so that jobs can be created here at home. Businesses cannot grow without the infrastructure in place to support them, and Al Lawson will stand up to guarantee those needs are met. And Al Lawson will work closely with local leaders to ensure that businesses in the Big Bend are allowed to flourish and thrive.
PROVIDING FOR A WORLD CLASS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
During his quarter century of service in the Florida Legislature, Al Lawson has been a strong advocate for Florida’s educational system. To improve our schools, Lawson has supported both teachers and parents by giving them the tools to succeed. In Congress, Al Lawson will make it a priority to ensure our children are equipped with the resources necessary to obtain a quality education. We must prepare our children in the classroom for the opportunities they will face in the workplace. The investment in our children today will yield long-term benefits that will grow our local economy by providing a well-educated workforce needed to attract businesses and develop local business owners.