U.S. House, District 3

Corrine Brown

The Candidate
Party: Democrat
Age: 47
Home: Jacksonville
Education: Bachelor's and master's degree in education from Florida A&M University; educational specialist degree from the University of Florida
Work experience: Member of Congress; state House of Representatives from 1982 to 1994
Community service: Time now spent on subcommittees and Congressional Committees<
1993 Income: Salary from Congress is $133,644 and income listed between $2,501 and $5,000 from a Jacksonville travel agency
The Issues
Q: Though Congress didn't pass a health-care reform bill this session, where do you stand on the issue? Do you feel the nation needs health reform? What are the key components, in your opinion, to a viable reform plan?
A: Nearly 35 million of the U.S. population of 250 million have no health insurance and another 100,000 lose their insurance every month. Unless we change the present pattern 50 percent of the growth in the deficit will be in the health care costs. Costs need to be brought under control. Democrats intent is to rely on market forces and universal coverage. Everyone will pay for coverage to bring down the cost. Today those who have health insurance pay for those who don't. With universal coverage everyone wi ll pay for coverage and because of this larger pool, bring down costs.

Q: Do you support or oppose bans on assault weapons?
A: I support the ban.

Q: At what point should the U.S. military get involved in humanitarian aid in other countries? At what point should the military be used to restore or build a democracy in another country?
A: America has always been a country with a conscience. With that in mind, whenever it is humanly possible we should come to the aid of suffering countries. When the United Nations passes a resolution that calls for all countries to join in this kind of effort and when it is necessary to protect the interest of this country.

Q: What concrete actions can be done to expedite a reduction in the national debt?
A: In addition to the programs proposed by President Clinton, we must cap our spending and hold the tax line, allowing the economy to continue to grow.

Q: Should the United States take an active, leading role in protecting the international environment, such as rain forests?
A: Yes.

Q: Immigration continues to seriously affect Florida and its residents. What would you do to improve the obvious problem that strains both state and national resources?
arch of safety.
I am glad that policy has been altered by the U.S., but refugee policy is still far from color-blind, for example, of refugees landing in Florida on the same boat, Cubans are typically welcomed while Haitians are too often jailed. I am pleased with President Clinton's announcement on Aug. 19 in reaction to General Castro's recent actions. The state of Florida cannot and should not withstand another Mariel.
The United States should not allow General Castro or any other dictator in the Caribbean to set our foreign or immigration policy. America must set its own policy for the sovereignty of its borders.

Q: What is your stance on abortion? Should abortion be covered under health-care reform plans?
A: I firmly believe in the constitutional right of a woman to obtain an abortion. The choice to terminate a pregnancy is a highly personal one that should only be decided by a woman and her physician. The right to receive an abortion should not be a subject of national debate. It is a decision of the most personal intimate nature.

My support for a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy does not preclude the need to strive to reduce the number of abortions that are necessary. Our first goal should be to reduce the need by providing women with family planning services they need. This means easy and affordable access to health care including birth control.

Click for data on opponent: Marc Little

For a story about this race, click on Sun Story

Return to How to Use This Guide or Ballot