Jim Himes

Jim Himes has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 4th district of the State of Connecticut, since 2009.

Economy
According to his 2008 campaign Web site, Himes proposes a plan that "will offer families up to $1,500 to defray the closing costs on a first home; $5,000 to help cover college tuition costs; and $1,000 to match voluntary contributions to a retirement savings account." Himes also "will support legislation ensuring that equal work is compensated by equal pay, regardless of the sex of the worker." He opposes the privatization of Social Security, and he supports offering incentives for middle-class workers who invest in a 401(k), IRA, or similarly qualified retirement plan.

Education
Himes supports additional funding for early education programs such as Head Start, and he wants to make changes to No Left Child Behind. Those changes include reformed testing and accountability requirements and an increased in federal resources. On his campaign Web site, Himes proposes "a generous, refundable Higher Education Tax Credit equal to 50% of the first $10,000 in college costs per student – effectively $5,000 per student for most eligible families."

Energy and Environment
Himes supports raising fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, and he wants to promote "green building practices." He also proposes strengthening the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act."

Iraq War
According to his campaign Web site, Himes believe the United States "should begin bringing our troops home tomorrow, institute a clear timeline for their full redeployment, and complete our withdrawal as fast as logistics, safety, and tactical considerations permit."

Health Care
According to his campaign Web site, Himes "will aggressively pursue health care reform that covers all Americans and reduces costs in the system by creating a basic coverage plan offered to everyone, with subsidies for those who can’t afford it otherwise, and by shifting our emphasis from disease care toward prevention and healthy living, practicing evidence-based medicine, and putting technology and administrative standardization in place to reduce staggering overhead costs." He also supports giving seniors the choice of a prescription plan administered by Medicare.

Immigration
According to his campaign Web site, Himes "believes that law-abiding, hardworking, and tax-paying immigrants should be assessed a meaningful penalty for breaking our immigration laws, and should then be allowed to go to the "back of the line" for citizenship." He also supports pursuing and punishing employers of illegal immigrants, and he believes that illegal immigration can be reduced if the United States works for economic revitalization in Latin American.

Abortion
According to his campaign Web site, Himes "supports a woman’s right to make reproductive choices without interference from politicians or the government ... supports reducing unplanned pregnancies through comprehensive family planning services, availability of contraception, and scientifically accurate sex education."

Energy
Congressman Jim Himes puts forth his stance on the gulf coast oil spill and energy policy on his campaign web site. He emphasizes the need to determine the root causes that led to the spill and how research into clean energy is needed in order to help prevent such disasters in the future. Like others, he also emphasizes the need for America to shift its dependence on foreign oil towards clean energy sources inside the United States.

Technology
Representative Jim Himes provided strong backing in favor of the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009, a key piece of legislation in support of net neutrality. The SNAP political activist blog reports on his work to bring high speed Internet to areas of the country that would otherwise do without. Additionally, the blog notes his support of the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act.

Healthcare
Congressman Himes was announced as part of a group of congressmen who requested that Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan investigate significant rate increases by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Anthem had originally requested a 39% increase, although an increase of only 20% ended up being approved. This was enough, however, to spur concern and move congressman to request the commissioner to conduct and independent audit to ensure Anthem’s rate increase requests remains fair to consumers and that consumers rights are protected.

Prior to the passing of the health care reform bill, Jim Himes was quoted on health care reform on a political activist’s blog. In his statement, Himes makes note of the need for reform, citing an example of Anthem’s request for an increase in rates. He makes clear that he supports regulation of health care insurance companies for the purpose of keeping them accountable.

Innovation
Congressman Himes’ House website announced his discussions with Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer on developing a ‘green’ transportation system for Southwest Connecticut. The proposed system could help reduce oil dependence, improve efficient transportation and help the environment. Also announced was the Housing and Urban Development’s Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant, worth $100 million and awarded to help communities build jobs, become more energy efficient, and support innovation.

Bio
Himes was born July 5, 1966, in Lima, Peru, where his father worked for the Ford Foundation. Himes moved to New Jersey after his parents divorced. He and his wife, Mary, have two children. Himes graduated from Harvard College and was named a Rhodes scholar. After college, he worked for Goldman Sachs and later became vice president of a community affordable housing organization.

2008 elections
Himes won the Democratic nomination and defeated Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) in the 2008 congressional elections. Himes is the first Democrat to represent the district since 1969.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Financial Services

External resources

 * 2008 Race Tracker page on Connecticut's 4th Congressional District
 * Official Jim Himes Democrat for Congress website

External articles

 * Marie Horrigan, "House Battles Expected Again for Three Connecticut Hot Seats," CQ Politics, May 7, 2007.