b'jobs, cutting spending, asking everyonein government. Thompson was joined to pay their fair share, and requiringby other Sierra Club award winners, Congress to pay for the bills it passes. including former Vice President Al Gore and author and The New York Times In the wake of the school shooting incolumnist Thomas Friedman.Newtown, Connecticut, Thompson was named Chair of the House Gun ViolenceThompson is the co-author of Prevention Task Force. Thompsoncomprehensive immigration reform. is a hunter, gun owner and strongHe also has worked to ensure equal supporter of the Second Amendment.rights for same sex couples, and has He also believes that Congress shouldco-authored legislation that gives do more to reduce gun violence. Instate and local law enforcement the February of 2013, Thompsons tasktools to prosecute hate crimes based force released a comprehensive seton sexual orientation. As a combat of policy principles that will reduceveteran, Thompson worked to end the gun violence and respect the Seconddiscriminatory policy of Dont Ask, Amendment, including expanding theDont Tell.criminal background check system to all commercial firearm sales. Thompson is a small vineyard owner and was the maintenance supervisor for the As the husband of a family nurseBeringer Winery. He has taught Public practitioner, Thompson knows firsthandAdministration and State Government of the challenges that exist in our healthat San Francisco State University and care system. That is why he voted toCalifornia State University, Chico. pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA) andHe received his Masters of Public is working to build on the reforms madeAdministration from California State in the ACA to further improve everyonesUniversity, Chico.access to affordable, quality health care.As an avid outdoorsman, Thompson isHe is married to Janet Thompson. committed to preserving our districtsThey have two sons, a firefighter and beautiful lands. Thompson was awardeda deputy sheriff, and three wonderful the Sierra Clubs Edgar Wayburngranddaughters.Award for passing legislation that permanently protects 273,000 acres of wilderness in Northern California. The award is given in recognition of service to the environment by a person'