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THE CONFERENCE:Candidate Survey (11/2006) making (1/06) Statement (2/05) -Capitol Correspondent:
********* Life Insight: Columns-2008
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State Legislature Candidate Responses - General Election, Nov. 2002Districts 26-49Name of Candidate: Brice SullivanOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 26Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose I am the only pro-life candidate in this race, and, as State Senator, will adhere closely to my pro-life values in every related issue. I strongly oppose any use of taxpayer funds to support abortion.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support I think this was an important Act and I would support any effort to find available funds to restore this program.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Support I am pro-life. Not only is the death penalty morally wrong, it is also given out on an unfair basis, which results in some lives considered more valuable than others as some receive death while others receive imprisonment. In recognition of recent events, innocent people being put to death is also a concern. However, I strongly support strengthening current penalties for violent crime across the board.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support Parents who currently help fund our public schools but choose not to use the system, and instead enroll their kids in private schools, are helping to lower the cost of education for everyone else, as they not using what they pay for. Therefore, giving them back some of their money in the form of tax credits or vouchers is the right thing to do.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? Any legislation should be based on solid science and should demonstrate effectiveness in a timely manner. On a related note, we should always try to find a balance between environmental concerns and the well being of the people who such legislation has an effect on.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose The compassionate response to these people is to help them deal with their suffering with dignity to the best of our ability. I will oppose any efforts to legalize assisted suicide.
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support I oppose the initiative on the November ballot that will bring video gaming into our city's boundaries. I do support legalizing casino-style gambling on Native American land and within interdiction gaming zones in an effort to keep some voluntary tax revenue from exiting our state. By legalizing it in this fashion, we're building competition against bordering states that are currently being funded in part by Nebraska's gambling dollars.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? The Legislature went too far when they cut Medicaid benefits for some of our poorest citizens and their children, many of whom already lost daycare subsidies. I favor utilizing co-pays and other measures to restore benefits to these families. I also support tax breaks for businesses that provide health insurance for employees and any other measures that brings down costs.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support I oppose any effort that destroys human life or potential for human life, no matter what the reason. Scientists have a variety of other avenues, including adult stem cell research, which shows much promise.
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support I oppose all efforts to clone human life for research or for live birth of cloned human beings.
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support All people who immigrate here to become Americans should immediately be assisted in these areas as they start along the road toward the American Dream. We should do all we can to help these people through the difficulties they face when they first arrive until the time they are assimilated into our society.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I would favor any measure that helps stabilize family life, including elimination of the marriage-tax penalty; child tax credits and even taxing divorce. Requiring classes prior to marriage would also benefit many families. We also need to work to educate our young people about sexual responsibility with an emphasis on abstinence. Too many children are born out of wedlock into unstable environments, which contributes to this problem.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support As I said, I am very concerned about the result of the Legislature's recent gutting of Medicaid and the elimination of childcare benefits for low-income families. These programs helped many people move from Welfare to work. Now, as people find that their families will benefit more by going back onto Welfare, Nebraska is moving them in the wrong direction. We need to do all we can to help them become self-sufficient.
Name of Candidate: Dennis M. ByarsOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 30Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose Comments: I am more open to discussion on this issue than in the past.
Education Education-expense tax credits? No response Education vouchers? Support
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I would not pursue!
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support Must be tribe-oriented, state controlled and limited to the borders!
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? My opinions would be too lengthy for this brief space.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Oppose Needs explanation also. Depends on how legislation is drawn.
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? Have no opinion!
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: Dave BibaOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 32Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose I am opposed to allowing taxpayer dollars to fund any aspect of the abortion industry.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support I would support legislation to continue this Act. One of the good aspects of the "value-added" concept is that it provides more opportunities for a dollar to turn over in our communities. It is important that we encourage all aspects of agriculture that we can in order to make the best use possible of one of the greatest resources our state has to offer—the land and its people.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose The taking of a human life is a serious thing, whether it is done by an individual or by the state, however, I believe that the death penalty results in higher value being placed on individual human lives because of the penalty exacted. The death penalty is a legal and forewarned consequence for the person who illegally takes a human life, not an act of revenge.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support I'm in general support of education-expense tax breaks. My support will depend a lot on the details of the bill. I believe that vouchers can be an important tool for families to insure (sic) quality education. I also think that where there are quality private schools, the local public schools are spurred to increase their own quality.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? We need to be careful stewards of the land, but also carefully study the cost of any environmental policy. Family farms should not be overly burdened; but neither should large-scale facilities be allowed to pollute because they are ag-related. I favor a moderate approach to environmental policy and regulations, with the DEQ serving in partnership with our businesses and farms to comply with reasonable regulations.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose I am opposed to euthanasia and /or assisted suicide.
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? No Position I'm not in favor of a casino in every county, but some limited gambling to compete with casinos that are near our state lines is a possibility. Any gambling revenues should be shared statewide so that we do not have pressure to have casinos everywhere. I think Nebraska may already be bearing the human costs of addicted or problem gamblers without any of the gambling revenues.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? I would like to see some sort of health insurance availability for all people. Funding of this kind of insurance will be the difficult part of this question. Of equal importance is the continued availability of health personnel in rural areas. I think it is important that we continue programs that enhance the desirability of practicing in rural areas by student loan forgiveness. This is a huge and important issue.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support I favor President Bush's proposal that allows the use of current lines of stem cells, but prohibits the use of human embryos for research or therapy.
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support I would support such legislation because I oppose the cloning of human embryos for the purpose of research or human life.
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position Some distinction between legal and illegal immigrants should be recognized. We need to be compassionate while maintaining the integrity of our borders. I would support some kind of recognition of all of the services provided by churches and other faith-based organizations for new residents of Nebraska. What form that takes would determine my level of support.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I believe it is in the best interests of the State of Nebraska to strengthen and preserve Nebraska families. I would support efforts to reinforce faith-based programs. In addition to pre-marital counseling, perhaps some kind of court-ordered counseling or arbitration would be in order before a marriage can be terminated. My service on the school board has allowed me to see first hand the impact of broken families on our society.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? No Position With the state's current economic position, this is a difficult issue. State finances are critical. I think that perhaps we should have more steps in a graduated system of returning to work or perhaps better incentives for businesses to hire and support/aid people who are making this transition. Name of Candidate: Jeanne M. CombsOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 32Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose I am personally against killing our unborn Nebraskans, as are most of the members of our District.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support Rural areas such as ours will only prosper in our current economic environment by looking forward into development of value-added ag products/services. We must remain pro-active rather than reactive, and think beyond the next election or crisis intervention for fiscal planning.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose I am in support of capital punishment as a deterrent to major crimes like murder. I would support any legislation necessary to retain it in Nebraska, including lethal injection authority over the electric chair if it is ruled illegal to continue.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support In general, I support the right of choice and allocation of reasonable funding to accompany that. However, I also have not studied any fiscal impact statements and would also need to balance my personal belief with projected reality of impact on public school finding (if any).
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? The DEQ has standards that are being presently followed. I would like to confer with our local farmers and get their input before I would actively pursue legislation beyond what we presently have.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose This, like abortion, is murder. If someone chooses to commit suicide and take their life out of God's hands, there should not be legislation encouraging doctors to assist them.
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support I believe gambling, like alcohol, should be regulated by local areas and restricted to a limited number of permits. Free reign of video slots in local restaurants may not be the wisest or most fiscally responsible way to control it. Our District overwhelmingly supports control of expanded legalized gambling.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? I want to serve on Health & Human Services Committee and use my medical expertise and program knowledge to review our system and ensure it is operating efficiently (i.e., duplication of services, etc.). After this review, I would be better positioned to make a judgment regarding more legislation.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support I do not support destruction of embryos for the purpose of research. I do support stem-cell research, however.
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support I do not personally support cloning of human beings; neither do most folks in our District.
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support As long as immigrants are arriving legally and coming through proper channels, I believe they should be assisted with establishing citizenship and becoming Americans, just like my grandparents did. This would necessarily include the above, as long as they were actively moving toward integration into becoming an American (including learning English).
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I believe divorce is too easy and our children are suffering from fragmented families. Effective counseling should be mandatory, and a longer waiting period before divorces are final where children are involved.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Yes! The key word here is transitional and goal-oriented, with eventual self-sufficiency being the outcome. Benefits should be reasonably limited and recipients must comply with guidelines. Everyone needs to be productive and self-sufficient as possible.
Name of Candidate: Bob KremerOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 34Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support I would support, but only after improved fiscal conditions.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Oppose (?) It would depend on the amount of the vouchers and also financial condition the state.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I believe all livestock operations should be required to protect the environment.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Oppose
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? No response
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I am very concerned about the stability of today’s families. I would support anything that would strengthen our traditional families.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: Jerry WillhoftOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 34Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? No Response
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Oppose Oppose current petition initive (sic).
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? I do not support the weakening of Medicare and support prescription drugs under Medicare.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Oppose
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Oppose
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? No Response
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? No Response Name of Candidate: Scott ScheiermanOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 38Candidate did not respond to specific questions. Information on file with Nebraska Catholic Conference. Name of Candidate: Ed SchrockOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 38Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I believe we have very strong laws on managing livestock waste. In surveys that I have seen, Nebraska's laws are some of the strongest, and other states have used our laws as models for legislation.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? No response I support letting the people of Nebraska decide the issue.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? No comment
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support Healthcare, justice, compensation for work-related injuries, housing, education and transportation in that order.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? Encourage family values through education and provide more mediation services.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support
Name of Candidate: Douglas CunninghamOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 40Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose I am very strongly opposed to abortion.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support I fully support this Act and was opposed to the elimination in 2002. I believe a big part of agriculture's future profitability lies in value added agriculture and we need programs to help jumpstart these initiatives.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose At this time in our state we are having difficulty with funding for our public schools. We must remember that the Public School by Constitution must be there for the education of all of our students. It would be unwise to put more financial pressures on some of these schools and force more consolidations.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? We need to do things to protect our groundwater and air quality and to protect the rights of people living around these facilities, however at the same time we need to recognize the fact that we are an agricultural state and not to do things that make it impossible for farmers and ranchers to expand their operations. We must remember that these operations are needed to help with higher markets for corn and beans. We need to strike a balance.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? No Position I have no strong personal position, but I strongly believe it should be decided by a vote of the people. I have faith that my constituents will listen to both sides of the argument and make an intelligent decision.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? This is too complex of an issue to discuss in this short space. Prescription Drug advertisements should be scrutinized. Many times there are much cheaper drugs available. Because of threat of a mistake and a lawsuit, many doctors order unnecessary tests that drive up costs. When we have too low of a deductible many people have doctors visits and procedures done that they many not do if they were paying their own way. If we were all more accountable it would help keep costs down and likewise make insurance more affordable.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No specific response I feel that if the family is legal they should have all of the rights and responsibilities that other Americans do. If they are illegal they should be offered emergency treatment and deported until they go through the proper channels to immigrate and become a citizen of the U.S.A.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? We should probably have mandatory pre-marriage counseling that includes a class on parental responsibility and their role in proper development of their future children. Also should include their responsibilities if they divorce and some information on the negative impact to their children upon divorce.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support I am in favor of supporting those in need to get back on their feet. At the same time I believe it must be done in a way that there is no incentive to not work or to work less because I will be better off. We must help those truly in need while at the same time instilling in people the need to be self sufficient if at all possible. Name of Candidate: Cap DierksOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 40Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Support
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? Any legislation necessary to protect our ground and surface water and to protect the quality of the air that we breath.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Oppose
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? Knowing of our attempts in the past and of the recent budget cuts affecting Medicaid, it is essential that we visit all these issues again and assure that all of our citizens have adequate health care coverage.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I think the no-fault divorce law should be abandoned. We started down the path of little or no respect for life after Roe v. Wade. That attitude has expanded into a lifestyle of selfishness, amorality, materialism, and self-gratification. We need to become, again, a people of conscience.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: Vickie D. McDonaldOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 41Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? State laws, rules and regulations must be followed to the letter. It's also extremely important that local zoning regulations are adhered to. I'd support increased penalties for failing to adhere to local zoning regulations. I also believe that as technology advances, odor regulation may become feasible. While I don't think we should put all large operations out of business, odor has become a quality-of-life issue for many farm families who live near large confinement facilities. It's an issue we shouldn't overlook.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support No further response.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? We must be sure that health care is available to those who need it, particularly in rural Nebraska. We must also be sure that we are spending our public health dollars wisely. With the current budget crisis, we might not be able to be all things to all people so we have to budget our resources carefully to provide services to the truly needy.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Oppose Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Oppose
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? This is not a government issue.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support
Name of Candidate: Jerry SchmittOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 41Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Support If it was guaranteed life in prison. I am not sure with our court system the way it is now that it would be guaranteed.
Education Education-expense tax credits? No Response Education vouchers? No specific Response I would need more information on this issue to make an opinion.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I believe there should be closer monitoring of the lagoons and a fund established for clean up if they are abandoned.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support Indian reservations and the people’s right to vote on gambling issues.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? I believe if the government is going to provide health care it should be for everyone.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? I am not sure about this issue. It is difficult to legislate morality. I wouldn't want to hurt the children. I would be very open to your views on this issue.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: Don PedersonOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 42Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose This is not an appropriate use of state funds, or a function of state government.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support Although support of agriculture is a worthwhile objective, we must measure the effectiveness of such programs against our fiscal resources.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? No Position We need a thorough discussion on this issue on the legislative floor. Our history of success with death penalty enforcement has not been great. There is too much delay with extended appeals, which result in distraught families. Also, if you eliminate the death penalty, you take a great tool from prosecutors.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose We have very strong religiously affiliated or private schools in Nebraska. Parents choose to send their child to that school. State resources are not such that we can handle changing our current system of public education. Generally speaking, public education in Nebraska is handled very well.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? No response
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose I do not believe that we should have legislation to authorize such procedures.
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support I believe this is a matter that the people should determine by vote. I think it's appropriate for the people to decide for themselves whether gambling should be permitted in Nebraska. Although I personally oppose gambling, I think we should only go so far in protecting people from themselves.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? We have already expanded health care coverage. Our effort in this regard must be considered in light of our state resources. Currently, we have to reduce support for needy families through Medicaid because the funds are not available to continue to have that full coverage. When times are better, we can review the situation.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? No Position In regard to stem cell research, I think it is appropriate to follow the guidelines of the Bioethics Research Committee that had broad input from a good cross section of the state.
Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position I do not think it's necessary to have legislation to provide access to the services enumerated as it relates to all legal immigrants. This is already our responsibility.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? Such social breakdowns do not result from the presence or absence of legislation. It is from the deterioration of attitudes on morality.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support These are all worthwhile goals, but whether or not we can provide funding for this purpose will depend upon state finances. Name of Candidate: Tom BakerOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 44Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? No response
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? No Position
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? We need to make sure only those who are unable to provide their own health care coverage are provided state funded insurance. We have taken a first step in getting those who don't need state provided coverage off welfare.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? No Position
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? We need to consider changing the "no fault" divorce law in Nebraska.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support
Name of Candidate: Dave LandisOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 46Candidate declined to respond. Statement on file with the Nebraska Catholic Conference. Name of Candidate: Adrian SmithOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 48Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose I am the pro-life.
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? No response Education vouchers? No response I have an open mind on these concepts, but would need to see more details.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? Common sense, non-threatening solutions should be pursued.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Oppose
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? State resources should be available for needy citizens. If we aren't careful with our resources, we stand to run out of funds and won't be able to serve the neediest of citizens.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? The state should make the divorce process more deliberative.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: Fred HlavaOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 49Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support Strongly support legislation and concept of value-added production opportunities for rural Nebraska. It is vitally important for our future.
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I advocate local control concerning zoning and related issues.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support I basically oppose gambling and I do not support video slots gaming. If the state is to have gaming it should provide the greatest form of tax relief possible.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? We need to assess and evaluate carefully the statewide needs concerning health care issues and then prioritize and adequately fund the system. The adding and discontinuing of services is very disruptive to people. Hopefully the Medicaid Task Force will provide the Legislature with attainable short and long-term goals. We also need to encourage and support federal health care reform. The programs and system is (sic) breaking down quickly.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? Would support incentive and/or mandated family counseling prior to divorce and support counseling for children.
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support Name of Candidate: LeRoy LoudenOffice Sought: Nebraska State Legislature, District 49Abortion Use of taxpayer funds in support of abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Reauthorize the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act? Support
Capital Punishment Repeal death penalty and replace it with imprisonment for life without possibility of parole? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? No response I would support legislation that declared private funding tax deductible. Such as a dollar amount per pupil.
Environment Legislation or other public policy to deal with environmental concerns associated with large-scale livestock confinement operations? I would support legislation on air and water quality.
Euthanasia Legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia? Oppose
Gambling Constitutional Amendment to expand legalized gambling? Support I would support legalized gambling if it was used in a plan to enhance tourism and economic development.
Health Care Legislation or other public policy to make adequate health care coverage more accessible and affordable for all Nebraskans? The present legislation will be in place for the near future. Some of the budget cuts made in the last legislative session should be re-addressed.
Human Life Legislation to prohibit embryonic stem-cell research? Support Legislation to prohibit cloning for research or live birth? Support
Human Services Legislation to ensure access to human services for immigrant families? Oppose If there is a designation between legal and illegal immigrants, then I would support some type of legislation.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes to address social and public costs of failed marriages and the State’s interest in stable marriages? This is moral issue and I haven't any solution!
Welfare Policy Adequate funding for transitional benefits for those striving to become self-sufficient pursuant to state policy? Support
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