The 2008 Mississippi Republican Party State Platform
Preamble
The Mississippi Republican Party believes freedom provides the ideal framework for peace and prosperity; that civic responsibility and faith calls us to the service of our community; and that government’s primary purpose is to protect our inalienable rights and restrain evil.
Education
Education, economic growth, and quality of life are inseparable. Our technology-driven global and local marketplace requires an educated and well-trained work force to further economic opportunity. Mississippi’s future successes depend on our public policy commitment to superior education.
Jobs
The Mississippi Republican Party supports efforts to create a positive job investment environment: an educated and technically trained workforce, a fair and balanced civil tort climate, adequate transportation and infrastructure, affordable and available energy, and a government free of undue regulation or unwise taxes.
Katrina Recovery
Mississippi Republicans believe our state’s goal should be to rebuild south Mississippi bigger and better than before Hurricane Katrina with smart and accessible housing, stable and affordable insurance, sufficient and enduring infrastructure, transformational economic development and quality of life projects, and achievable environmental restoration.
Defense and Security
The Mississippi Republican Party believes the primary goal of the federal government should be to keep our nation safe and our country secure. We support our armed forces and believe they should be fully trained, properly equipped, and respectfully cared for with the honor they deserve for their sacrifices.
Taxes
Mississippi Republicans support the reduction of the tax burden on our citizens. We believe our tax burden is too high, our tax code too complicated, and our tax system inefficient.
Human Life and Dignity
Mississippi Republicans believe our state should be the safest place in the country for an unborn child. We believe the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life. We reaffirm our support for a human life amendment to the U.S. Constitution. We oppose using public revenues for abortion and reject funding organizations that advocate abortion. We commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of mothers and offering adoption services. We reaffirm our support of the election of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.
Public Safety
The Mississippi Republican Party believes a primary function of state and local government is the safety and protection of citizens, and the maintenance of law and order. Violent crime threatens our families and burdens our taxpayers. Punishment for crime should be fair, speedy, and certain.
Environment
Mississippi is blessed with irreplaceable natural resources. Our environmental quality and the quantity of our natural resources are valuable assets for promoting tourism, attracting new industries, and maintaining the quality of life for our citizens. Clean air and water is a legacy we must protect for our children.
Welfare
Mississippi Republicans believe welfare and public assistance spending should provide temporary assistance to people in times of need, not create a culture of poverty and dependence – stifling hope, discouraging initiative, and undermining the family.
Health Care
Mississippi Republicans believe the private sector can best provide quality, affordable, portable health care. Technology, innovation, a fair legal climate, and competition will increase access at reasonable costs.
Government
The Mississippi Republican Party believes an expansive government wastes taxpayer dollars and encroaches on freedom. Government should be effective but small.
Conclusion
The Mississippi Republican Party believes the best government is that which governs least, allows the greatest freedom, permits private sector opportunity, and promotes personal and faith-based compassion on those who need assistance.