Vermont State Legislative Election 2018 Political Courage Test

Abortion & Reproductive

1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-choice

2. Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
- Yes

3. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
- No

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Budget, Spending, & Tax

1. Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions?
- No Answer

2. Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees?
- No Answer

3. Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients?
- No Answer

4. An income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No Answer

5. Other or expanded principles
- I believe we need to expand the tax base by recruiting more people to come to VT to work and live. We need to move ed funding from property tax to income tax to ensure that the load is more evenly shared. We need to develop revenues without unfair tax burdens. I will mindfully consider all budget, spending and tax issues in the context of meeting Vermonters' needs. We need an economy that works for everyone.

Campaign Finance & Government Reform

1. Do you support any limits on campaign contributions to state candidates?
- Yes

2. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Yes

3. Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
- Yes

4. Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
- No

5. Other or expanded principles
- I support processes and policies that increase the numbers and types of candidates running for office, and increase the numbers of registered voters exercising their right to vote. It has become very difficult for people with less means and connections to run successfully. We need to revive our democracy by engaging more people in it.

Crime & Public Safety

1. Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- No

2. Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
- Yes

3. Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
- No

4. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
- No

5. Other or expanded principles
- There may be exceptions to these statements, given our current realities. I believe in law and order, and I believe in restorative justice. Criminalizing drug use and mental health challenges has not given us good outcomes. We need reforms that lead us to a better place as a society.

Economic

1. Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

2. Do you support lowering state taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

3. Do you support reducing state government regulations on the private sector?
- Yes

4. Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
- Yes

5. Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
- No

6. Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of Vermont?
- Yes

7. Should Vermont breweries be permitted to terminate distribution agreements with beverage distributors for no cause?
- Yes

8. Other or expanded principles
- I want an economy that works for EVERYONE. I will work with others to see that we use resources responsibly to grow Vermont's workforce and brand, and share the load more equitably as far as taxes are concerned. We need to ensure that our most vulnerable are cared for, and that we are creating opportunities for businesses and employees to thrive here. Government regulations can be responsible without being onerous. All this said, some of my yes answers are qualified. I come to this with an open mind.

Education

1. Do you support adopting federal education standards in Vermont?
- No

2. Do you support state funding for charter schools?
- No

3. Should immigrants unlawfully present in the United States who graduate from Vermont high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- I support the high-quality education that Vermont schools provide, and believe we exceed federal education standards. I believe that public education is a common good that advances economic and social well-being. Education is an investment in our future as a state, and as a country. State education dollars need to ensure equity as well as opportunity for ALL students.

Environment & Energy

1. Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
- Yes

2. Do you support state government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Yes

3. Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- Our environmental initiatives are important to our people's health and our economy.

Gun

1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- Yes

2. Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
- Yes

3. Should teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom?
- No

4. Should a license be required for gun ownership?
- Yes

5. Other or expanded principles
- I support responsible gun ownership and measures that promote public health and safety.

Health

1. Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
- Yes

2. Do you support Medicaid expansion through Vermont's health care programs?
- Yes

3. Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
- Yes

4. Do you support legislation that grants citizens the right to choose to die through euthanasia?
- Yes

5. Do you support eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations?
- Yes

6. Other or expanded principles
- Health, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, has to be a primary focus. We need affordable, accessible health care that emphasizes prevention and individual ownership of health and well-being.

Social

1. Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Vermont's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

2. Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Vermont's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

3. Do you support greater efforts by Vermont state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- We need to promote social justice and equity throughout Vermont. Rep. Kiah Morris' experience has heightened the concerns regarding racism and sexism in our state. We need to face our realities and change the story.

Legislative Priorities

In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- *A People's Budget that works for all Vermonters.*Preserving working landscapes and cleaning up state waterways. (I support Treasurer Pearce's plan for funding)*Supporting VT workers with better wages and benefits, including universal primary care that emphasizes prevention and early intervention, an increase in the minimum wage, and paid family/medical leave. I will work with others to attract more employers and workers to our state to ensure greater opportunities for Vermont's economic development and social well-being.