Brian Higgins in ScienceDebate.org


On Education: Investment in pre-K programs leads to good outcomes

There should be a focus on providing high quality, accessible pre-kindergarten for young children. Children who attend high quality preschool programs can easily transition into K-12 school settings, are less likely to repeat a grade, and are more likely to finish high school and pursue higher education. Federal investment in universal Pre-K programs like Head Start help to close school readiness gaps persistent in children from low income and minority families.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Climate crisis an opportunity for jobs and research

The climate crisis is an emergency, but it is also an opportunity. We need to acknowledge that our livelihoods impact global temperatures but that our actions can help preserve our future. Central to those actions is an aggressive transition to renewable energy and incorporating sustainability in many components of our economy. Western New York has long been an innovator in this area--as we are home to Niagara Falls and the Niagara Power Project.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

On Environment: EPA must protect the Great Lakes from pollution

I am very concerned about the resilience of the Great Lakes, which represents one of the most significant sources of fresh water in the world. Continued under-regulated industrial and agricultural runoff threatens the health of the lakes, specifically Lake Erie, and the marine and wildlife habitats that rely on the lake for sustenance. I will continue to fight for regulations at the Environmental Protection Agency to protect this water source.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

On Gun Control: End Dickey Amendment and fund federal gun violence research

I support ending the Dickey Amendment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should be able to study gun violence from a public health perspective.

[The NRA lobbied to pass the Dickey Amendment, which would separate funding for injury prevention from funds for promoting˙gun control.]

Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

On Health Care: Increase federal funding to advance cures for cancer

I have long advocated for increased funding to advance the science to develop cures for cancer. Congress has not consistently made federal funding for cancer research a top priority. It is a tragedy when promising research cannot commence due to lack of funding. I am currently a Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and one of the areas I focus through that role is highlighting advances in treatment--like immunotherapy--that have come to market due to a sustained federal investment.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

On Immigration: Do not curtail visas for skilled workers who benefit us

America's high quality education institutions and advanced STEM industry has been key to attracting talent globally. We have benefited immensely from the contributions of immigrants in highly specialized fields, particularly innovation in digital companies--a sector in which America is unquestionably the leader. Limiting access for immigrants harms our global competitiveness. I have supported expanding work visas for highly skilled jobs and removing the per country cap on employment based visas.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Congressional NY-26 election Oct 9, 2020

The above quotations are from 20 Questions on science from ScienceDebate.org.
Click here for other excerpts from 20 Questions on science from ScienceDebate.org.
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Page last updated: Dec 10, 2020