Five things Latinos need to know about Marco Rubio

As a presidential candidate, Rubio’s poll numbers with Latinos are just as bad as the rest of the GOP field – if not worse – and after a look at his policies, it’s easy to see why.

Rubio’s Damaging Record for the Middle Class

Marco Rubio opposes raising the minimum wage, calling it “silly” and “a waste of time.” At the same time, his tax plan would lower taxes on the richest Americans and largest corporations and raises tax rates on working Latino families.

Rubio is Wrong on Immigration

After voting in favor of the bipartisan immigration reform bill, Rubio then came out against the bill and called on party leaders to ditch comprehensive immigration reform. The Tampa Bay Times criticized Rubio for turning his back on Latinos, saying “he is more intent on shoring up his political future than in securing immigration reform.” After that, Rubio  threatened to shut down part of the government in protest of President Obama’s immigration action to keep families together.

Rubio Opposes the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act has benefited Latinos. Since October 2013, we have experienced a 12.3% reduction of the uninsured rate among Latinos, and millions of Latinos no long have to worry about lifetime dollar limits on coverage. Marco Rubio would repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would take away quality insurancefor millions of Latinos, throw low-income families off of Medicaid and force higher health costs on Latino families that would go unchecked.

Rubio Believes Social Security and Medicare Have “Weakened Us As a People”

Marco Rubio’s disdain for earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare is well known. He says these programs have “weakened us as a people.” He has supported privatizing Social Security, would re-open the prescription drug “donut hole” costing seniors more, and supports turning Medicare into a voucher system, which could increase out of pocket costs for seniors in his program.

Rubio’s Record is Wrong for Women

Marco Rubio voted against equal pay for women. He also opposes letting women make their own health care choices without the government getting involved. He also voted against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, even though we have seen significant reductions in instances of domestic violence since its passage.