CARROLL - On the final day of the "12 Days of Results Tour," Chris Dodd today spoke about the importance of service to the community and to the country, as well as his National Service plan - a platform issue of his campaign. In addition, Dodd, who was joined by his wife, Jackie, and two daughters, built upon his record of getting things done by participating in a family service project. At the Main and Bluff South Side Park Shelter House in Carroll, the Dodds assembled packages to send to Iowa National Guardsmen who are deployed overseas.
Dodd has a long history of serving others and comes from a family of public servants. Dodd spoke about his time as a volunteer in the Peace Corps, as well his service as a member of the National Guard and Army Reserve. Dodd's father, Thomas Dodd, was a prosecutor in that Nuremberg Trials before serving as a United States Senator.
"Nearly 47 years ago, like so many in my generation, I watched my President call a generation of Americans to service," said Dodd. "We will leave future generations a stronger, safer America if we renew that call. Children will be more invested in their communities, more seniors will retire with dignity in neighborhoods that are clean, safe and vibrant, and more people across the globe will once again look to America with optimism and hope for the future."
As President, Dodd will implement a National Service plan which will create new opportunities for all Americans to serve by:
- Increasing AmeriCorps's ranks to 1 million and increase the education award to reflect the skyrocketing cost of tuition.
- Doubling the size of the Peace Corps.
- Requiring community service as a requirement for high school graduation.
- Creating a new Senior Heroes Program that provides older Americans with a $1,000 education award for themselves or a deserving child.
- Offering tax credits to employers who provide their workers with paid time off to perform community service.
The 12 Days Tour across Iowa has focused on the following issues on which Dodd has a record of getting results for Americans:
1. Thursday 12/13 - Women and Families
2. Friday 12/14 - Homeownership
3. Saturday 12/15 - Veterans & Homeland Security
4. Sunday 12/16 - First Responders
5. Monday 12/17 - Education
6. Tuesday 12/18 - Foreign Policy
7. Wednesday 12/19 - Family and Medical Leave Act
8. Thursday 12/20 - Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
9. Friday 12/21 - Financial Security
10. Saturday 12/22 - Democracy & Help America Vote Act
11. Sunday 12/23 - Trade & Jobs
12. Monday 12/24 - Service
Dodd will spend Christmas Day with family and staff in Des Moines.
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