Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of state, 2009 to 2013; U.S. senator from New York, 2001 to 2009; first lady of the United States, 1993 to 2001. Wellesley College, BA, 1969; Yale Law School, J.D., 1973.

The issues

On Education:
Advocates for universal preschool. Is a leading voice in the Clinton Foundation’s “Too Small to Fail,” an effort to improve the health and well-being of children from birth to age 5. Believes that improving professional development and raising teacher salaries is an important component in improving public education. Would increase Title I funding for schools in need, and supports modernizing schools with construction bonds. Opposes private school vouchers.

On Colleges and Universities:
Fought to expand financial aid for low-income college students. Supports a plan to provide federal funding to make community college free.

On Health Insurance:
Committed to preserving and improving the Affordable Care Act. Is a longtime proponent of universal healthcare. In the Senate, advocated for increased funding for recruiting and training nurses and health professionals. 

On Jobs and the Economy:
Favors raising the minimum wage, and is an avowed union supporter. “When I’m president, we’re going to stand up for unions. We’re going to make sure they can organize for fair wages and good working conditions.”

On Retirement Security:
Opposes cutting Social Security benefits, privatizing the program and raising the retirement age. Would take steps to strengthen defined benefit pensions and improve federal guarantees on federal pension funds.

On Human Rights:
Supports comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship, and also supports the DREAM Act, which helps young, undocumented immigrants earn a pathway to citizenship.