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Bill Richardson on Trade and Economics

Globalization has become a reality that has challenged traditional economies all over the world. Increased trade and agreements between nations have raised debate in the United States about what is the right balance between global exchange and protectionism. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: free trade and free trade agreements, farm subsidies, unionization, an increase in the federal minimum wage, and trade relations with China.

The issues

Bill Richardson is neutral on unrestricted free trade

"We should never have another trade agreement unless it enforces labor protection, environmental standards and job safety. What we need to do is say that from now on, America will adhere to all international labor standards in any trade agreement--no child labor, no slave labor, freedom of association, collective bargaining--that is critically important--making sure that no wage disparity exists."

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum Aug 7, 2007

"What we need is trade agreements, fair trade agreements where we say, no slave labor, no child labor; we're not going to have--we're going to have environmental protection; we're going to have to deal with wage disparity. And also, I would have a different attitude toward the private sector. I would say to the private sector, what is it going to take to keep you here?"

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University Jun 28, 2007

"What I believe we need in this country is fair trade, not just unabashed free trade."

2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Generally, trade helps nations and people understand each other better. Trade levels the economic playing field. But it is crucial to make sure our trade agreements require fair labor practices and basic environmental safeguards.

Leading by Example, by Bill Richardson, p.205-206 Oct 26, 2007

"If I am fortunate enough to be elected governor of New Mexico in November, I have pledged to Governor Martinez that I will work closely with him to increase trade and to help build a regional economy that is good for New Mexico-and for El Paso and Chihuahua."

Campaign web site, RichardsonForGovernor.com, "Priorities" Oct 24, 2002

Bill Richardson supports an increase in the federal minimum wage

Governor Richardson today signed Senate Bill 324 today to raise the minimum wage to $7.50 over the next two years.

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Bill Richardson opposes government subsidies to farmers

"I want to find a way to make sure that the big agribusiness interests don't hurt the small farmer, the family farmer. What we also need to do is to promote conservation. We need to promote, besides subsidy reform, renewable fuels and technology. Our farm policy, if we have renewable fuel, [we end up with] enormous exports, trade, jobs."

2007 Democratic primary debate on "This Week"

Bill Richardson is neutral on normal diplomatic and trade relations with China

China should be considered neither a friend nor an enemy of the United States, said New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. "It is a strategic competitor," he told an audience Tuesday in Creston.

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Richardson said in an April 2007 speech before the Asia Society that the United States should use trade agreements with China to incentivize human rights improvements.

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