One of Melissa Bean's pet issues is that of environmental stability and renewable energy. She is a co-sponser of H.R. 969 which would provide more funding to labs looking to develop cellulosic energy and other renewable sources. She hopes that the bill will succeed in helping Americans acquire 20% renewable energy sources by 2020.

Bean also supports conservative fuel technologies and is a big supporter of the Energy Independence and Security Act which was introduced last year. The act will increase fuel economy by 10 miles by the year 2020, thus buying Americans some time while researches work to ensure biofuel stability.

Bean: “I’ve been proud to earn the support of local and national environmental groups. In the next Congress, I will continue to fight for the safety of our environment.”

Amongst high gas prices, high mortgage rates and fewer job opportunities, Melissa Bean has found a way to assist small business owners and struggling would-be entrepreneurs through H.R. 1332 which would give small business owners loans at subsidized rates and help them survive through the first few years until their capital has stabilized.

H.R. 1332 provides rural outreach lending programs with $250,000 in loans, and gives the same amount of start-up to companies started by women, Native American tribes, the economically disabled and veterans.

With assistance like this, Bean hopes that Congress will approve her push to keep the American dream alive through small business ventures which will in turn help to stimulate the economy.

Last week, congresswoman Bean testified in Congress in support of the Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety (TRACS) Act, H.R. 6707 which would require that the Surface Transportation Board carefully scrutinize all effects of increased railway to local communities and taxpayers.

Bean:“There are well over 40 communities along the EJ&E;in Illinois and Northwest Indiana whose families will experience a 400 to 900 percent increase in freight train traffic. That is why there is strong bipartisan opposition to this deal…The TRACS Act is a commonsense solution that will hold the STB accountable, giving equal consideration to the communities and the American taxpayer we serve as to the railroad industry and their customers.”

Democrat Bean has picked up the endorsement of BIPAC, Business Industry PAC this week.

As the author and leader of the passage of the 2007 SAFERNET legislation designed to enact policies that help keep children safe from internet predators, Bean pledges to keep her focus on children's safety if re-elected. She also voted to extend SCHIP coverage to another 4 million children in the US.

Bean: “Over the next year and in the next Congress, I will push for greater accountability and more resources toward our inspection of consumer goods, particularly toys. As recall after recall is announced, we are learning about the disturbingly high percentage of imported goods that contain dangerous amounts of lead. I back legislation that would require mandatory, third-party testing of all children’s toys and products, and would require clear labeling that tells parents where a toy comes from.”