Rick C. Coplen

Civil Rights

It should go without saying that women’s rights are civil rights, and I support women’s reproductive freedoms, pay equity and the elimination of sexism wherever it exists. Learn more

The sooner we recognize our common humanity the better for our nation and our world. I support legislation that protects racial minorities and members of the LGBTQ community – and all people – from discrimination in employment, education, housing, and public accommodation. Learn more

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I support reducing the prison population as justice warrants on a case-by-case basis. I support robust education and workforce training programs for prisoners so that they have real skills to sell in the marketplace upon their release. All deserve the opportunity to advance themselves and support their families and communities. Learn more

Our police need greater support, and I will work toward a major initiative to strengthen mental health and social services in support of police officers, who are often called upon to make judgments they are not trained to make. Learn more

Drug Policy

While we work to remove barriers to treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, we must also expand and increase drug and alcohol abuse prevention/educational efforts. Let’s increase funding and support for K-12th grade prevention/education. Let’s establish and maintain Student Assistance Programs in all of our schools. Learn more

The federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug creates legal conflicts between the federal and state governments where marijuana has been legalized for either medical use or for recreational use. It is unfair and unproductive to put small businesses and legal users in this bind. It also wrongly classifies marijuana as a more dangerous drug than methamphetamine and anabolic steroids. This is wrong and needs to change. Learn more

Coverage for the treatment of addiction is already included through most health plans including the Affordable Care Act, the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act, Medicaid, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, etc.The coverage is there, yet these plans are incredibly difficult to access and poorly enforced.Barriers and delays in admission cost us dearly in terms of crime, highway safety, health care and in human life. Treatment that we have already paid for must be made available to those seeking help. As your Congressman, I will identify and attack barriers to addiction treatment in health plans and ensure that the full continuum of treatment is available to all. Learn more

Economy

I support President Biden’s use of strategic oil reserves to bring down the price of gas and his other proposals to reduce the cost of living, such as by eliminating surprise and unnecessary fees on goods and services. Together with a cautious, real-time approach by the Federal Reserve, these policies are taming inflation. Learn more

Education

I support greater funding for early childhood education, providing support for both teachers and parents. I support universal academic and financial accountability standards for all schools that receive public funds, whether public or private. I support using those standards to inform parental choices about the education of their children. Learn more

I support increased financial support for public higher education – whether in community colleges and universities or in trade and technical schools – so that America can make the most of its reservoir of talent without placing undue financial burdens on graduates. Learn more

I support public education because I believe it is essential to democracy and to America’s economic leadership in the world. Further, it is a moral imperative to provide ALL children with the opportunity to make the most of their talents and abilities. Learn more

Environment / Energy

In Congress, I will be a committed advocate for clean energy and infrastructure investments in PA-10 every time! Learn more

Guns

In Congress, I will work for common sense solutions – supported by most Americans – to stop the killing of innocents. Follow my campaign online for more info about my positions and Scott Perry's truly terrible record on these issues. We can begin by restoring the ban on assault weapons. Like many veterans, I have fired these weapons of war. I know their devastating power. And I know, as most of us know, that they belong only in the hands of our trained military professionals defending our freedoms on the battlefield. Period. Full stop. Learn more

Immigration

The reality is the majority of us have ancestors that came from another country. My mother’s family immigrated from Mexico. Many of our industries benefit greatly from people coming to America from elsewhere – whether they are here legally or in an undocumented status. The federal government should finally adopt comprehensive immigration reform that provides a viable path to citizenship to those seeking to contribute to our Nation of Immigrants. Learn more

Social Services

We must protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare now and in the future! Social Security and Medicare are a contract with the American people, who have been contributing their share of the contract for decades It is morally imperative that we keep the faith with those who are relying on Social Security and Medicare to live their final years in health and with dignity, which is to say nearly ALL of us I support raising the income cap on Social Security contributions so that the wealthy pay their fair share I OPPOSE efforts to reduce or replace Social Security’s guaranteed benefits. Learn more