New York

2020 Hopeful Gillibrand Talks Climate Change, Trump and Paid Leave

Presidential hopeful and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand tackled reporductive rights, global climate change and President Donald Trump on Tuesday when she was the featured speaker at "Politics & Eggs" in New Hampshire.

The Democrat mentioned Trump early in her speech and stated that she has taken on his "agenda" more than any other U.S. Senator. Speaking of the president, she championed for reproductive rights.

"I stood up to Trump and said that women’s reproductive rights are basic human rights, they are basic civil rights," she said. "I will make sure that no matter which state you live in, you are guaranteed access to a full range of reproductive services, including abortion services. And I will guarantee that as your president."

Gillibrand said if elected, she would create implement national paid leave. That leave would go further than just being available for new parents, but will also be offered to those whose parents are dying, people with a sick spouse or those who have a loved one who needs 24/7 care.

Because she sees global climate change as the biggest threat to humanity, Gillibrand said she would pass the Green New Deal and put a price on carbon. She would also reward those who enter a STEM field in the workforce.

"As president, I will not only reengage on the global climate accord, but I will lead the nationwide and global conversation about why this is the urgent crisis that it is," she said.

The New York politican called for a social security and pension reform to fix the U.S. economy. She also voiced support for a $15 federal minimum wage.

"No one should be forced to be working full time and still not have enough money to feed their children or provide for their family, Gillibrand said."

The Senator announced her run for office in mid-March in a video that says the country needs a leader who "isn't afraid of progress." She has been representing New York in the U.S. Senate since 2009.

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