Moderate: Blue + Red = Purple!

 CURRENT POLITICAL ISSUES

Topic: Equal Pay
Question: Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? Yes
Definition as I understand it: The Equal Pay Act requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. Job content (not job titles) determines whether jobs are substantially equal. 

My opinion: Absolutely, but the more important question is how do we ensure this happens? Also, how do we hold organization accountable?  

Topic: Gender Identity
Question: Should “gender identity” be added to anti-discrimination laws?
Definition as I understand it: An individual's personal sense of having a particular gender. 

My opinion: Yes, as the gender identity conversation continues to evolve, I do believe it is important to add gender identity to the law. 

Topic: Climate Change
Question: Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?
Definition as I understand it:  A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. 

My opinion: Yes, I currently work for one of the premiere public gardens in the country, I see daily the importance of nature and wellbeing. I believe that we now have the technology to see the err of our ways. I do think that we are at a turning point in our lives. I find that the fear of change for many is hard to overcome. It would be my commitment to help transition those thoughts of fear to knowledge and understanding.

Topic: Government Mandates
Question: Should health insurance providers be required to offer free birth control? I am undecided.
Definition as I understand it: Federal rules do not require health plans to cover every single contraceptive. After the ACA passed in 2010, the federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) developed guidelines for women's preventative services. 

My opinion: Undecided, Since Planned Parenthood is currently government subsidized, this could be the access needed to free birth control. I will need to continue to research this situation.

Topic: Armed Teachers
Question: Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Definition as I understand it:  Minnesota currently allows teachers/admin, with permission from school authorities, to have a gun on school grounds. 

My opinion: Yes, I do believe teachers and administration should have access to a gun if necessary. If they choose (and the schoolboard allows) the teacher would have to comply with extensive initial and quarterly gun safety training requirements. Having a gun in a locked safe with biometric access would also be a safety measure that could be enforced. 

Topic: Supreme Court Reform
Question: Should the Supreme Court be reformed to include more seats and term limits on judges? Yes
Definition as I understand it:  Congress has the power to change the number of justices and impose term limits. 

My opinion: Yes, I do believe that as the population, technology, and criminal issues increase and become more complicated, the inclusion of additional justices and term limits will keep the court relevant. I also believe that a percentage of Supreme Court justices should be elected by the citizens of the U.S. and not appointed by the President. 

Topic: Drug Price Regulation
Question: Should the government regulate the price of life-saving drugs?
Definition as I understand it:  When pricing their drugs, pharmaceutical companies consider a drug's uniqueness, competition from other companies, and a drug's effectiveness. Companies also consider the research and development costs incurred to bring a drug to market, a consideration that often leads to high prices for new drugs. 

My opinion: Yes, Pharmaceutical companies benefit from public funding during the research phase of discovery. The U.S. has one of the least restrictive caps on medicine in the world. The government has a long way to go to reign in drug pricing. 

Topic: Separation of Church and State
Question: Do you support the separation of church and state? 

Definition as I understand it: Separation of church and state is the idea that government should remain neutral toward all religions and not officially recognize or favor any one religion. In the separation of church and state, church refers to religion in general, while state refers to the government. 

My opinion: Yes, as an ELCA Lutheran I do believe that there needs to be a separation of church and state.  Particularly when religious leaders use their interpretation of the bible to harm and control those who do not believe the scripture as they do. 

Topic: Gun Control
Question: Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?
Definition as I understand it: The regulation of the sale and use of firearms. 
My opinion: Yes, I do believe there needs to be gun reform, but I do NOT believe all guns should be banned.  Growing up in western Minnesota, I went through gun training, have family and friends who are avid hunters and believe hunting is a way to continue to control the animal population. However, I do not believe automatic rifles should be available to the general population. The current process of purchasing a gun should be improved to include longer waiting periods and gun safety courses. 

Topic: Planned Parenthood
Question: Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?
Definition as I understand it:  Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that does research into and gives advice on contraception, family planning, and reproductive problems. 

My Opinion: Yes, an informed decision is key to making the right choice.  I have seen first-hand the struggle government agencies have with children who end up in the foster/adoption system. Reduced knowledge could add more strain on the current system.  Overall, the most important outcome is to preserve the health and welfare of parents and children.

Topic: Abortion
Question: What is your stance on Abortion?
Definition as I understand it:  Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.

My opinion: Pro-Choice; The current reversal of Roe vs Wade was upsetting to many, including myself, I continue to research the Supreme Court reasoning. Was this truly a situation where the initial judgement shouldn’t have been made at the federal level or even the state level? 

Topic: Critical Race Theory in K-12 Education

Question: Should Critical Race Theory be taught in K-12 education?

Definition as I understand it: CRT is a cross-disciplinary intellectual and social movement of civil-rights scholars and activists who seek to examine the intersection of race, society and law I the US and challenge the mainstream American liberal approaches to racial justice.  

My opinion: Yes, I believe that Critical Race Theory should be taught and understood by not only students but parents also.  We need to learn from the past and encourage future generations to be inclusive and silencing discussions of racism, equality and social justice and the history of race is not the way to go about it. I also believe that all generations have the ability to learn and grow through their experiences and challenges.

Topic: LGBT Adoption Rights
Question: Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?
Definition as I understand it: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons in the U.S. state of Minnesota have the same rights and responsibilities as non-LGBT people. Minnesota became the first U.S. state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 1993. 

My opinion: Yes, as a gay man, my husband and I have had the opportunity to foster. During this time, we were highly praised for our ability to provide a stable and loving home environment. I do feel that gay couples should not only have the opportunity to adopt but there should be guidelines in place to ensure equal opportunities for gay couples.

Topic: Gay Marriage
Question: Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage?
Definition as I understand it: The state of Minnesota legalized same-sex marriage on August 1, 2013. It was a dramatic turn of events, occurring less than a year after a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman was defeated during the November 2012 election. 

My opinion: Yes, although gay marriage is legal in Minnesota, I would still like to ensure those who vote for me that this is something I support. As someone currently married to a same sex partner, I was at the signing of the Gay Marriage Bill. I was privileged to be on the Capitol steps when Gov. Dayton signed the bill into law. 

Topic: Gun Buyback

Question: Should the federal government institute a mandatory buyback of assault weapons?

Definition as I understand it: The term assault weapon is used in the United States to define various types of firearms. The definition varies among regulating jurisdictions, but usually includes semi-automatic firearms with a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, and sometimes other features, such as a vertical forward grip, flash suppressor or barrel shroud. The Federal Assault Weapons Ban was passed in 1994 but expired on September 14, 2004. 

My opinion: Although I do believe assault weapons/rifles should not be available for purchase; buybacks, increased restrictions, etc. are important given the current mental health crisis the US is facing. I would like to research the statistics to see if it has been proven that an increase in mass shootings has taken place since the expiration of the ban in 2014. 

Topic: Pre-Existing Conditions

Question: Should health insurers be allowed to deny coverage to individuals who have a pre-existing condition?

Definition as I understand it: In the context of healthcare in the U.S., a pre-existing condition is a medical condition that started before a person's health insurance went into effect. Before 2014, some insurance policies would not cover expenses due to pre-existing conditions. 

My opinion: Yes, I do believe that the denial of coverage based on a pre-existing condition is a form of discrimination. This act of discrimination may inhibit a person's ability to change jobs, switch coverage, etc. 

Topic: Marijuana Legalization

Question: Do you support the legalization of marijuana?

Definition as I understand it: Legalization is the process of removing a legal prohibition against something which is currently not legal. Legalization is a process often applied to what are regarded, by those working towards legalization, as victimless crimes, of which one example is the consumption of illegal drugs. 

My opinion: Yes, I do support the legalization of marijuana. Research has shown that larger corporations are more likely to pay the high licensing fees so I would advocate for a licensing fee that is attainable to smaller growers also.

Topic: Defunding the Police

Question: Should funding for local police departments be redirected to social and community-based programs?

Definition as I understand it: "Defunding the police" is a slogan that supports divesting funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-policing forms of public safety and community support, such as social services, youth services, housing, education, healthcare and other community resources. 

My opinion: No, although this is a very complex question, I do not believe this initiative takes into consideration the impact on those who risk their lives to protect and defend us. I believe as crimes evolve, so should the education required by police officers. I also believe that police officers should have access to continuing education courses to help with the ever-changing environment. I would like to see how the funds are currently being used and if the divestment actually makes a difference in reducing crime. 

Topic: Free College for All

Question: Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?

Definition as I understand it: Free education is education funded through government spending or charitable organizations rather than tuition funding. Many models of free higher education have been proposed. Primary school and other comprehensive or compulsory education is free in many countries. 

My opinion: No, I do believe that four-year colleges should be more accessible/affordable but if college was made free, I think we would see the decline of private vs. public colleges. Since these colleges rely on tuition, endowments, and alumni donations for a good portion of their funding, competing with free public college could force many private colleges to close. 

Topic: Voting Requirements

Question: Should a photo ID be required to vote?

Definition as I understand it: Minnesota does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. If you are registering to vote at the polls or have not voted in at least four years, you do need to show proof of residency. 

My opinion: Yes, I do believe a photo ID should be required to vote. I am aware that as many as 11 percent of eligible voters do not have the kind of ID that would be required to vote. This percentage is highest among seniors, minorities, people with disabilities, low-income voters and students. I would advocate for a more proactive way to get required IDs to those who are eligible to vote. 

Topic: Corporate Tax Rate

Question: Should the US raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? 

Definition as I understand it: Corporations are incorporated business structures. They are required to pay a corporate tax rate of 21% in conjunction with several other common business taxes.   

My opinion: Yes, The Tax Foundation analysis stated that the tax cuts would cost $1.47 trillion in decreased revenue while adding only $600 billion in growth and savings. The plan would also boost economic growth by 1.7% per year, create 339,000 jobs and add 1.5% to wages. The projections have been incorrect so the plan needs to be revisited. 

Topic: Electoral College

Question: Should the electoral college be abolished?

Definition as I understand it: The electoral college is a name give to a collection of people who happen to cast the official votes that determine the President of the United States every four years.   

My opinion: I think the electoral college process should be redefined. Again, as society changes it is important to revisit policies and procedures in order to determine if they are still relevant.  

Topic: Sick Leave

Question: Should businesses be required to provide paid sick leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child family member.

Definition as I understand it: Most employers are required to provide paid sick leave to their employees under the new law. The list of employer subject to the law includes: Private companies with 500 or fewer employees Public entities and agencies (local, state and federal) with 1 or more employee.   

My opinion: Yes, I do believe small businesses have a responsibility to provide paid leave to employees. Taking care of employees should be considered a cost of doing business. 

Topic: Marital Rape

Question: Should marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape?

Definition as I understand it: Marital rape means any unwanted sexual acts by a spouse or ex-spouse that is committed without the other person's consent. Such illegal sexual activity are done using force, threat of force, intimidation, or when a person is unable to consent.   

My opinion: Yes, I do believe that marital rape should be punished as severely as non-marital rape. 

Topic: Muslim Surveillance

Question: Should local police increase surveillance and patrol of Muslim neighborhoods?

Definition as I understand it: Following the terrorist attacks in Belgium on March 22nd, 2016, Ted Cruz had said that “law enforcement should be empowered to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized.”    

My opinion: No, I believe police actions should be based on intelligence and not specifically targeting a minority group.

Topic: Vaccination

Question: Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?

Definition as I understand it: All states require children to be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases as a condition for school attendance. In most instances, state school vaccination laws expressly apply to both public schools and private schools with identical immunization and exemption provisions.    

My opinion: Yes, I believe in protecting students and teachers. The government has exemptions in place but I do believe these laws are effective in drastically reducing exposure. 

Topic: Police Immunity

Question: Do you support qualified immunity for police officers?

Definition as I understand it: Qualified immunity protects a government official from lawsuits alleging that the official violated a plaintiff's rights, only allowing suits where officials violated a “clearly established” statutory or constitutional right. When determining whether or not a right was “clearly established,” courts consider whether a hypothetical reasonable official would have known that the defendant’s conduct violated the plaintiff’s rights. Courts conducting this analysis apply the law that was in force at the time of the alleged violation, not the law in effect when the court considers the case.   

My opinion: Yes, however the qualifications need to be revisited. Hesitation in the line of duty can be just as deadly as an over-reaction.