Jim's Priorities

Congressman Matheson puts Utah first. He believes in the values of hard work, service to our community and the bond of a family. Congressman Matheson takes these core values to Congress where he proudly represents Utahns and their interests.

Strengthening Utah's Schools

Congressman Matheson believes that helping Utah kids succeed is a top priority. He supports providing greater resources and greater flexibility to local Utah schools. His plan helps recognize high quality teachers in Utah schools and gives local communities control over education decisions.

Boosting Utah's Economy

Congressman Matheson supports economic development measures that boost the economy and create new, well-paying jobs. Working with local officials and constituents throughout Utah, Congressman Matheson has identified and secured funding in the U.S. House of Representatives for water, road, airport and transit projects that are vital to Utah's economic development. These projects address Utah needs, help grow Utah's economy and provide jobs for Utah workers.

Congressman Matheson has also voted for numerous proposals to provide tax relief for Utah families, individuals, and small businesses. These proposals help Utahns keep more of their hard-earned money and help to boost the local economy.

Fighting for Fiscal Responsibility

Congressman Matheson has been a tireless advocate for requiring the federal government to reduce spending and stop the slide into a sea of red ink and greater debt. In an effort to reduce the pattern of irresponsible government spending, Congressman Matheson has put forward policy proposals that would keep the federal government from deficit spending. Just as Utahns live within their means, Congressman Matheson believes so should the federal government.

Protecting Our National Security

Congressman Matheson has been working in Congress to protect our communities, combat terrorist threats and ensure a strong national defense. As a committed supporter of the U.S. military, he continually votes to provide our soldiers with adequate pay, health care, and the most advanced technology and operational resources. Congressman Matheson also believes that we must honor our veterans, which is why he demands the elimination of the "disabled veterans tax," reform of the Survivor Benefits Plan, and sufficient funding for veterans health care.

Ensuring Utahns Have Access to Quality, Affordable, Healthcare

Congressman Matheson believes Utahns should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Over the last four years, he has fought for proposals to help families and small businesses have more options for obtaining healthcare services. In Congress, Congressman Matheson serves on the Steering Committee of the House Rural Health Care Coalition in order to ensure that the unique needs of Utah's rural regions are addressed. He actively worked to ensure that the Medicare program serves health care providers and beneficiaries well so that it can continue to provide health insurance for the elderly and disabled.

Protecting Utahns From Nuclear Fallout

All Utahns live with the consequences of the nuclear weapons testing era, when the government told us we were safe - when in fact they knew otherwise. Along with thousands of Utah families, Congressman Matheson's family has suffered illness and untimely deaths due to nuclear weapons testing. That's why he introduced legislation that sets up roadblocks to future weapons testing. In addition, he has actively opposed the transportation and storage of nuclear waste in Utah.

Investing in Utah's Water Needs

Congressman Matheson knows clean, adequate water supplies are vital to Utah's future. He fought for resources that will ensure Utah's critical water infrastructure needs are met. He secured funding in the U.S. House for water infrastructure projects in Iron, Uintah, and Duschesne Counties in the Water Resources Development Act. Additionally, he secured federal dollars for an aquifer study for Grand County and is demanding that the federal government remove the toxic Atlas Tailings Pile from the banks of the Colorado River near Moab.