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215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 310, Lincoln, NE 68508-1813; 402-477-7517; nebrcc@neb.rr.com
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Nebraska C C:
James R. Cunningham
NCC Statements & Current Issues
Medical Treatment Decision-making
USCCB
Capitol Correspondent: ********* PRO LIFE:State Director
Life Insight:
Program Models
Education:Associate Director of Education Issues
Parent Advocate 2009
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Candidate Responses for Legislative Districts 26-48; General Election, November 2006
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Steve Guittar; State Legislature, District 26 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Prohibited with exceptions for health of the mother. I am conflicted on the issue of abortion in response to rape and incest, both somewhat rare situations, as the mother, who is already victimized and possibly experiencing trauma, may have mental and emotional health issues of a substantive magnitude.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Tax incentives (Nebraska Advantage LB 312) need to be accessible to all of Nebraska’s businesses regardless of size. State aid to education should be used to bring broadband access to all K-12 schools throughout the state. State government must continue to support the sale of agricultural products to overseas markets.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support The wording of this bill would be very important. Currently I understand that there is no human cloning being conducted in the State of Nebraska.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support I am concerned that the death penalty cannot be fairly and uniformly applied. The cost, duration, and expense involved in its application do not provide closure for victims’ families.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose Except in cases where the public school system is deficient (in whole or in particular cases, i.e., certain special education cases) I support the current broad-based funding of the public schools.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? No response
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? Community-based services, where effective, are the most cost effective and least restrictive choice for the recipients. There needs to be a balance in their application so those who require a higher level of care receive it.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support I support this in situations where it is appropriate, as in otherwise healthy recipients of Medicaid. It would not be appropriate for all recipients of Medicaid.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Our children are our most valuable members of society and I believe that the traditional family structure is the best environment for their development. I am unsure of what public policy or policies can best support the family structure without handicapping further the other structures such as one-parent households.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support I support a modest increase.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support My support is, however, qualified. I do not support unlimited expansion of tax-exempt status, as this shifts, over time, an increasing tax burden on other segments of our population. It is important that the tax base remains fair, balanced and equitable.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose I oppose it as it is stated above. There does, however, need to be some limitations and some incentives on welfare recipients to maintain the existence of these programs over time. Welfare should be for extraordinary circumstances and not an alternative lifestyle to work and education except in select circumstances.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Expand economic incentives to Nebraska’s small businesses. 2. Revisit and improve upon the education issues before the Legislature. 3. Support our city’s need for infrastructure funding. Concerns about emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Andrea M. McGill; State Legislature, District 26 Candidate did not respond. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Bill Avery; State Legislature, District 28 Candidate did not respond. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions) CANDIDATE’S NAME: Bob Swanson; State Legislature, District 28 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Abortion is an intrinsically flawed, immoral procedure. I would vote to prohibit abortion in all cases. With modern medical practices, all efforts must be made to save both mother and child when a life is threatened.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose Additionally, funds for other “family planning” programs given to institutions that provide or promote elective abortions should be eliminated. These institutions shift funds to abortion services.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? The farming communities are essential to Nebraska’s future. Economic diversity is the key to their survival. Farming is and always shall be primary, but it can’t be the only key. Internet technologies allow for businesses to exist almost anywhere. Nebraska should continue to invest in IT infrastructure in rural areas.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support Human life is not a tool and should not be used in any manner, let alone so callously.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support Government must protect its citizens and provide consequences to deviants, but this does not mean that everyone is locked away. Community-based programs that offer scalable consequences would be a viable option to relieve the current corrections problems.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support I do not support the death penalty as a common tool of justice; not because of moral concerns, but because the process is so flawed and cumbersome that it can’t be used effectively or without an undue burden on society.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support Tax credits can foster competition in education, raising the bar for all schools and thus improving education and making school systems directly responsible to their communities.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? No response
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support I support a ban on destructive embryonic stem cell research and cloning.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose We should always strive to protect life within ordinary means, including hydration and food.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? Funds should not be limited to facilities that receive Title IX funds (I believe it is IX). Sen. Foley’s bill was appropriate.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? I will need to study this further. The exponential growth of Medicaid must be controlled; otherwise it will consume nearly all of the State budget in the future to the detriment of all programs.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Checked Support As long as immigrants are legal and, as with all residents, are abiding by the laws of their communities. Illegal immigrants and their children should receive emergency care.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? The family is the basic unit of society. If families are not protected, promoted and supported, society will decay. Marriage is a civilly recognized covenant with God. It must be limited to one many married to one woman.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support This issue needs to be removed from the election process. It has been used as a political football during election cycles too long. Changes need to be incremental and some exceptions for small businesses may be necessary.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support This should not negate individuals from being politically active; just not organizations or individuals acting in an official capacity.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose Children are a blessing. We can all hope that children are not born simply to increase welfare payments. However, children in need of assistance should qualify regardless of the number of siblings.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Strengthen laws protecting children and seniors from internet predators and/or scam artists. 2. Strengthening Nebraska’s economy through job development and higher wages 3. Strengthen the authority and scope of the State Auditor’s office to ensure all public institutions are efficient and accountable.
Nebraska’s wages are significantly lower than most Midwestern cities—even after adjusting for the cost of living. Taxes will continue to be too high as long as our growth and wages remain stagnant. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Tony Ojeda; State Legislature, District 30 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I believe the right to life is a protection of the Federal Constitution. The federal government should outlaw it. However, if they did not I would support a law that would outlaw abortion in all circumstances.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose No public funds should be used to pay for the taking of an innocent life.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? We need more tax incentives for rural economic development. We must offer more incentives for ethanol and biodiesel production. We must also work to reduce property taxes. Lower property taxes will encourage more farming in Nebraska.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support I fully support enacting this ban. I will do what I can in 2007 to make sure this bill is under priority status. We need to ban this unethical research immediately.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I believe it is important to punish people who choose to break the law. For some and not all non-violent offenders, that would include utilizing community-based corrections programs.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support I believe the death penalty should only be used in the most extreme cases. Life without parole is a much better sentence.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support I do believe we have tremendous public education in this state. I also believe if parents would like more choices, then incentives could be used.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Education is one of my primary areas of concern as I prepare myself for service. I have a number of creative ideas to promote excellence in our primary and secondary education system.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support Embryonic stem cell research has provided no known cures or treatments. I will be very supportive of adult stem cell and umbilical cord research, which has proven to be very effective and it does not destroy a human life.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose We must do everything we can to preserve life from conception to natural death.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I am very supportive of the state’s recent emphasis on community-based services in regard to our behavioral health system. It appears to be the best way to treat those persons in need of this care.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support The defined contribution should promote wellness and prevention. This alone will reduce the overall cost of health care. It should also emphasize consumer choice, which again should reduce overall costs.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Checked Support My father was a legal immigrant to this country. I believe all legal immigrants should have access to all the benefits the U.S. has to offer. Our federal representatives need to reform immigration to better help those who want to immigrate legally.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? We should get rid of no-fault divorce in our state. I would promote policies that strengthen the institution of marriage. Divorce has caused many difficulties for children, and we must do more to prevent easy divorce.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose Many new start-up businesses may fail if the minimum wage is increased. Once these new businesses grow, then they begin to pay their employees wages that far exceed the minimum wage.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support Property which is used predominantly for religious, educational or charitable purposes should remain tax-exempt.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support I am very troubled by this issue. I firmly believe we must provide for our less-fortunate, especially our children. I also believe government policies have hindered this population rather than help. I would prefer to see private organizations do more and the government less. By doing this these mothers and children can be better provided for.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Government reform which will lead to tax relief 2. Excellence in education 3. Rural economic development (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Norman Wallman; State Legislature, District 30 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Abortion should be illegal.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? I think we have to look at ways to look at livestock friendly areas, and maybe promote alternative fuels. Look at ways to fairness in taxation.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? No response
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Checked Support I would allow for the use in medical research of unused material from fertility clinics that is already slated for destruction.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? The use of local facilities, in cases where this results in cost savings, is a preferred solution.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Oppose
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Support As long as these employees are paying for these benefits by paying their taxes, they deserve access.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Mandatory counseling should be a prerequisite for divorce.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Crackdown on meth labs 2. Fairness in taxation 3. Excellence in education (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Russ Karpisek; State Legislature, District 32 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I believe that abortion should only be used to save the life of the mother, rape or incest.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose But, I do support the use of public funds for pregnancy prevention, education and prevention of STDs.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? We need to support rural economic development and financing for small business and farmers to promote value-added and niche markets. Then we need to help promote these products to the rest of the world.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support Cloning humans is not a good idea for any reason.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support These people need to be integrated back into our society, but the programs need to work. Non-violent offenders such as illegal drug users in my book are violent offenders. These people create many of our problems and need to be rehabbed extensively before being “let go.”
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose I support the death penalty.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support I support our public schools, and believe tax credits and vouchers would hurt them. Scholarships for Secondary education would help more children go on to college.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Our state aid to schools needs to be increased to take some of the burden off of property owners.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Oppose I feel that if some are left over and are donated after pregnancy they could be used for stem cell research. If we can save lives rather than just discarding them, we need to.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose This is a hard question for me. If a dog is in pain and will not get better, we put them down to be “kind” to the animal. I do not believe in suicide, and this is what this would be.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I am not very well versed on this issue, but I feel that our state does, and needs to, help our communities with behavioral health.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support These seem to be the same criteria that any health provider uses, why not the state? We could hopefully save some money and make our benefits better.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose I think that these people need to be citizens. We need to make it faster for them to become citizens. If they don’t want to be citizens, then they should not be afforded the same benefits. Once they apply for citizenship, then the benefits should start.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Counseling and mentors could be used to help these families, which is occurring some now. The children are always the losers in these situations.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support But I do not think that a large boost is in order. This would create a “ripple effect” and businesses would need to charge more for their products.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support These organizations have a hard enough time staying afloat; they need to keep tax-exempt status.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose But I feel that there should be a sliding scale; for example, child number two should not double payments.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Rural economic development 2. Property taxes 3. Veterans’ benefits
Nebraska needs to keep and expand its population. I feel that all three of these issues would help.
(Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Ron Schwab; State Legislature, District 32 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I oppose abortion except in cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Tax reduction is the key to economic development. Nebraska is handicapped in competing with low-tax states. Property tax cuts should have high priority.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose I am not quite ready to support this for fiscal reasons, but I am certainly open-minded on this issue and willing to listen to specific proposals and consider these issues further. I am not hostile to the idea.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? No response
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Oppose I oppose public funding of such research, but I am not supportive of a ban on private research at this time.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I have some reservations. I am not satisfied that resources are available in many communities to administer such programs, and I would like to examine cost-effectiveness.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose My opposition applies to illegal immigrants.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? No recommendations.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose Only about three percent of the work force receives minimum wage at any given time. There are generally part-time or entry-level jobs, many of which would be eliminated. There is evidence that increases hurt the people they are intended to help. There is also an inflationary impact on all wages.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Property tax relief 2. Medicaid reform 3. Spending control (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Annette M. Dubas; State Legislature, District 34 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I am a pro life candidate. I would look at any legislation that would severely restrict access to abortion.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? We need to promote and support programs that encourage entrepreneurship and community leadership. Small business tax incentives would also benefit the rural economy. Value-added, niche markets and local or regional food systems would also help grow farm and community business economies.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I support programs such as drug courts to help rehabilitate offenders and support their families. We must make sure the needed financial and physical resources are in place to enable the community-based programs to succeed.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support As a pro life candidate the death penalty is in opposition to that stance. Our faith teaches that capital punishment is allowed under extreme gravity. This is an important issue and we must continue to discuss it in the public arena.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Creating an equitable, sustainable school-finance formula. We must recognize the geographical and population distribution differences within our state and the importance of local decision making in delivering educational services.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I support community-based services. We need to make sure there are adequate financial resources, especially in the more rural areas of the state. Any savings realized from closing regional centers should go directly to patient services.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? I would like more information regarding these changes. Medicaid is an important program. We must make sure it is a program that is operated for maximum financial efficiency while taking care of those who truly need the services.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose Our first obligation is to hard-working Nebraskans who play by the rules. We should never reward illegal actions. I firmly believe employers should be held accountable for their hiring practices. Stiff penalties should be swiftly imposed on those businesses who employ illegal immigrants.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Strong families equate to a strong state. The state’s duty in this arena should ensure quality jobs that pay living wages, that health care is accessible and affordable, we provide a secure environment with well-trained law-enforcement and court systems that dispense due justice. The church must be the pivotal player in supporting families and the challenges they face to maintain that unit.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support The fact that many families are working multiple jobs just to provide basic necessities indicates a need for change.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose We must work diligently to help families when financial needs are lacking (sic). We must always look for and support programs that help families help themselves, i.e., job training, educational opportunities. This is a faith community obligation as well as the state.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. State aid to education 2. Rural economic development and growth 3. Strong technology infrastructure
As a new senator I will need to focus on knowing my district and learning the legislative process. I will need to always remember I’m there to represent the people of District 34. The importance of doing my homework, understanding the issues and being a good listener will be priorities for me.
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CANDIDATE’S NAME: Greg Senkbile; State Legislature, District 34 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Personally I would like all abortions prohibited. I feel that there are other ways to deal with the issues of the life of the mother and rape and incest cases besides abortion.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose I am totally opposed to any type of support for organizations that have anything to do with abortion.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? I believe that we should develop tax policies that encourage rural development and small town business development in out-state Nebraska. We need to encourage the industries that add value to our agricultural products to develop in rural communities.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support I am against human cloning. I feel that we just set ourselves up for problems down the road for life and death issues and the transfer of immortality.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I feel that a lot of non-violent crime offenders should be put in a work situation to pay the costs of the crime. I believe that we should work hard to educate our youth and communities about the cost and devastation caused by drugs and alcohol. Let’s try to stop the problems before they become problems.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose I think each case needs to be decided on a case-by-case in a speedy trial of peers. The maximum crime deserves the maximum penalty.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? I think that we need to help students to pursue education that prepares them in their interests’ areas for a vocation for life. Not every student has to fit into the same cookie-cutter mold.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support There are other ways to obtain the stem cells or similar cells to do the research necessary.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I think that restoring individuals into a community is very necessary, but I think that each individual needs to be decided on an individual case. When they are ready for that then we need to integrate them into the community as fully as possible with training, jobs, church, etc. We should be providing as good of medical care for all our citizens as possible.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Oppose While “defined benefits” certainly has lots of problems, especially in controlling costs, we do understand where and what we have. If we go to a defined contributions model we could control costs, but it is probably way harder for low-income families, seniors and the handicapped to understand and to manage. I also feel that HHS probably does not have the staff and the ability to understand it and run it either. There are a couple of other states that have just started doing this, let’s let them work out the bugs and then try to copy it. In the meantime let’s tighten up Medicaid, review the schedules, improve services and stretch our Medicaid dollars.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? I think that each different situation needs to be looked at, length of employment, work permit, etc. We need to see that our immigration laws are enforced and that legal immigrants are receiving the benefits.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? I believe that every marriage should be required to have pre-marital counseling before it is allowed to occur. I believe every divorce should be required to have 20 hours of marital counseling before it is allowed to occur.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose There are very few jobs paying minimum wage. If we raise minimum wage we need to be very careful to not raise it beyond what employers who pay that minimum wage for entry level wages for youths’ entry jobs or for seniors’ exit-type jobs. We also don’t want to cause employment inflation throughout the entire work force.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Water issues for agriculture, industry, municipalities and wildlife 2. Economic development, creating jobs in out-state Nebraska 3. Reducing taxes
I think that we need to work hard at promoting Nebraska lifestyle with all the benefits that we have in Nebraska with water, land, clean air and great people. Let’s tie all of this together with the three issues above and continue to make Nebraska a great place to raise our families.
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CANDIDATE’S NAME: Dick Pierce; State Legislature, District 36 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Abortion should only be permitted in the event that the mother’s health is at risk.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose Being against abortion as I stated above also includes opposing public funds to pay for, promote or subsidize in any way.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Economic development whether to bring in new opportunities or to bolster the present ones should have a very high priority with lawmakers and leaders. Without knowing what current policies and/or initiatives exist for these it’s hard to say what could be done, but this is a big part of my campaign for election to the Legislature.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support One could argue that cloning for the “right reasons only” should be allowed. Then we have a discussion on what are the right reasons. I think it is best not to do it.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I would think that community-based would be less expensive, but funding should be made available. It would not be fair to strap the locals with complete funding of this.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose The death penalty or capital punishment is based on Biblical teachings. Therefore I feel we need to retain it in NE.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose I am very pro-public-school education, and feel if public funds supporting the public schools were taken away from them we would be doing a great disservice to our public school systems.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? I think we need to keep local control. There have been initiatives handed down from the Federal level, i.e., “No Child Left Behind” or state standards for certain educational areas, which have proved to be “over-burdensome” or have not been successful.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support Destroying live human embryos in any manner is the same as abortion. It is man taking the life from another living being.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose Let the Lord decide when and where and how patients should die.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? The communities probably have the best vantage point for assessing what services need to be implemented, but the State needs to be a player in helping to fund this. Also, there are agencies already that can take care of these needs including behavioral health services, but state assistance is still needed. Local money can’t do it all. The closing of regional centers puts a big burden on local governments.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support I can see merit to this as each individual has different needs. I can see where having costs of the program fixed would be beneficial, especially for fixed incomes.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? If the immigrants are here legally these benefits should be available to them. These immigrants should be in the process of obtaining citizenship.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Divorce should not be an easy process, nor should it be low-cost. Our family unit is being bombarded from all sides with negatives. Whatever can be done to help families stay together should be done.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support It must be increased to a “living wage” level. If it is not there we are forcing people to live off of the system.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support I have had lots of experience with this, serving on the county board in Buff. Co. for 10 years. As long as the organizations applying for tax-exempt status use their properties predominantly for the special uses and are honest about it I fully support it.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? I’m undecided here. If the mother is having children just to get more money or is not wise in her choices I support the “family cap”. At the same time, there may be some instances where the “cap” could be a real hardship in those families, too.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Reduced state spending 2. Increased rural economic development 3. Immigration
I feel these first two areas encompass many of the concerns that I can think of. They are very general in nature but I feel one has to have the broad, general approach to be most effective. The 3rd issue can even have ties back to the first two, but I feel there are some real concerns about immigration by the citizens of NE. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: John Wightman; State Legislature, District 36 Candidate did not respond. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Tom Carlson; State Legislature, District 38 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Only when the life of the mother is in extreme danger and then every effort should be made to save the baby. I was backward here. I believe abortion should be prohibited.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose The only possible exception might be in the situation mentioned above, and it must be an extreme situation.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Encouragement of expansion of livestock operations, because this provides additional jobs. Ethanol plants. A strong effort to recruit families from other states to move to rural Nebr., particularly those who can bring their jobs with them.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support Against cloning.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I am for true correction more than simply punishment. Everyone convicted needs to pay for their crime, but I’m for working off the punishment rather than enduring it.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose I believe the death penalty can serve to discourage vicious crime of murder, but only to the extent it is completed with as little delay as possible.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support I would not support scholarship tax credits for athletic or activity scholarships.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Look at different way of funding public education, which would reduce dependence on property taxes to one-third of the cost of education.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support Live human embryos definitely represent human life. Human life, from conception to birth, deserves and must have protection. Our twin grandchildren were born healthy at eight months. They were defenseless and needed protection.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose Life, with the exception of horrific, premeditated murder, is God’s to end, not man’s.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? We must make adequate health care available for the needy, but everyone should understand the cost of care and pay a percentage of that cost. It could be a sliding percentage according to assets and income.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Undecided My comments from the previous question hold for this one as well.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose They should be legal immigrants, but we should have a fair, thorough, timely, expedient policy for awarding legal papers, and we should help good, honest, hard-working people to make the process of immigration less stressful.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? I am strongly supportive of good, long-lasting, happy marriages between a loving, caring man and woman, but I don’t know how this can be legislated. Marriage is God’s gift, and unless people understand and believe that, the marriage probably won’t last.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Undecided If it were only the minimum wage it would be easier to support. A raise in the minimum wage will increase all other levels of wages and may eliminate some jobs.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support That is a good, strong tradition of our society, but this status should only be allowed for legitimate organizations.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support This is a difficult question, because it isn’t the fault of the children. They need protection, but a mother shouldn’t be encouraged, by money, to have more children when she is already receiving aid for dependent children.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Rural economic development 2. Nebraska water policy 3. Tax structure and education
We must take an active, effective path to reverse the population out path in rural Nebr. to population in. The people (families) we target should be from out of state to expand our tax base for tax relief.
(Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Wayne Garrison; State Legislature, District 38 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Prohibited except to prevent the death of the mother or in the cases of forcible rape which was immediately reported to law enforcement or incest.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Streamline the permitting process for ethanol plant locations and construction.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support My experiences with clients receiving the benefits of community-based corrections have been positive. I have been involved with this system for more than three decades and extended incarceration for non-violent offenders not the answer. I would like to see the drug courts extended to our rural jurisdictions as it appears that they have had a significant measure of success.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? I am not sure there are any public-policy reforms and/or initiatives that I would recommend but increased parental/guardian involvement and the recognition that increased involvement is essential with the recognition that the elementary teachers are spending significantly more time with the child than the parent or guardian is.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? The Behavioral Health Services Act is a major step in the right direction with its emphasis on community-based services.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? The defined contributions model that is currently being tried in the State of Florida needs to be watched very, very closely. I think it is too early to tell whether such a fundamental policy change should be implemented in the State of Nebraska.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Checked Support If the immigrants have arrived in our state legally I would support such legislation.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? None
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? No response (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Cap Dierks; State Legislature, District 40 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Totally
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Rural communities will prosper when production agriculture prospers. Production agriculture will prosper when anti-trust laws in this nation are enforced.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support With some reservations as to how effective the community-based treatment will be!
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? Support K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Fair and equal state aid formula. Revisit Rule 10 periodically, in order to eliminate un-needed policy.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose Life and death issues are in the hands of God, not man.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I have concerns as to the effectiveness of community-based programs.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support With the caveat that the system is proven effective.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Yes, if they are legal immigrants; no, if they are illegal immigrants.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Develop, promote and enforce the covenant marriage laws.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? I need to know how the increase affects those on the upper pay scale.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Renewable energy programs 2. Enforcement of anti-trust laws 3. Tax relief (especially property tax)
Also, affordable health insurance for all Nebraskans, and an end to all abortions in Nebraska (and the nation). (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Tom Noecker; State Legislature, District 40 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Would (consider) abortion only in the case of rape or incest.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Promote the bio-fuel industry; property tax cuts; redevelop agricultural zoning.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support We need to look at the programs of states around us. We need to find work release and educational programs not only for state institutions but also county facilities.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Support In almost all cases would support it. But in the case of a very heinous crime it should be reviewed.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? No response K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? No response
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Oppose
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? No response
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Oppose
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose Nebraska’s system is already overloaded.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Have the church get involved in what is really effecting (sic) these families (and spend a little less time on politics).
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose Has too much of an effect on small business.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Property tax cuts for our families and farms 2. Economic development focused on entrepreneurship 3. Legislation that protects Nebraska children (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Thomas F. Hansen; State Legislature, District 42 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Nebraska should oppose abortion except in the case of rape, incest and dire instance to save the life of the mother.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose Public funds should not be used for such businesses or organizations.
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? The drought of the past several years has led to rules and regulations that were written by agencies like NE Dept. of Natural Resources. We are rapidly losing our local control of the lifeblood of NE—water. NE must keep our best and brightest in the state. A positive ag industry will be key.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support I support a ban on cloning for the purpose of creating another human being. I need additional information regarding the science and ethics of cloning for the purpose of saving another being’s life.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I would support community-based corrections for non-violent crimes. The methamphetamine use is so hard to break and 16-24 months of treatment is needed—this is going to place a huge burden on small communities to finance. The families of non-violent criminals must be kept safe.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose I believe the death penalty should be retained as a deterrent for capital crimes and used only for rare cases.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose 42nd District has great public schools as well as Our Redeemer and St. Pat’s in North Platte. The option is there to attend private schools and many families attend.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Public educators tell me that NE standards and No Child Left Behind are turning teachers into reporting secretaries for the school district. Eliminating reporting of progress to at least two entities should help. We have good teachers in the 42nd District; they just need to teach.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support I am a graduate from UNL Ani. Science (sic) and if scientists are cloning sheep they can clone humans. I strongly oppose cloning humans. My father died of Alzheimer’s and I understand that stem cells are needed for that research. Scientists should be limited to where stem cells come from for research.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose Everything possible to make one’s life dignified at time of death should be done. Pain control and comfort of the dying is the biggest concern.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I believe that community-based system is better than coming from the top down as is HHS now. Our community-based services know better what is needed.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support There will always be families that cannot afford to pay. Those who can pay something—even $5 co-pay—will be able to buy into the Medicaid program. Something is going to have to be done at the state level to slow down the growth of Medicaid.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose We should welcome immigrants as we always have, but ask them to go through channels to become legal citizens. If the channels need to be streamlined, let’s do that.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? It is very hard to legislate family values. That is the work of our churches and not the state.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose I only oppose NE setting their own minimum wage level. If the national level is set, then NE will automatically go up.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support I don’t know for sure how that is handled now, but I don’t think religious property should be taxed.
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support If parents are using children to max out aid to dependent children dollars instead of having children as God’s blessing then a cap is needed.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. A water policy that protects NE Ag. families and small towns 2. A policy that further strengthens foster care families in court 3. Retain a tax structure that all families of NE can live with
(Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Marc Kaschke; State Legislature, District 42 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? My faith has led me to a strong pro-life stance and an endorsement by Nebraska Right to Life. I believe in the sanctity of human life and that the rights of the unborn should be protected.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? According to a recent study, one out of three jobs in Nebraska is related to agriculture and our rural communities are even more dependent. We need to build upon these strengths by encouraging additional ethanol production, agri-tourism and other value-added agriculture initiatives. We also need to continue to diversify our job base to represent the jobs of the future.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? No response Education vouchers? No response K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? No response
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? I believe that maintaining local control is an important component in our educational system. I want to ensure all of our children receive the best education possible so they can thrive in their personal endeavors.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? No response
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? No response
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? No response
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? No response
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? No response
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Ease the tax burden by controlling spending. 2. Ensuring a quality education for our children 3. Compete for new business, to help keep our young people in the state. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Mark Christensen; State Legislature, District 44 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? All abortion. I believe in double effect and your intent. I can support protection of life of the mother, just prefer using double effect.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? The use of ethanol plants to utilize the crops/corn to high value and growth of livestock industry to use by-products produced (ddg) [sic.]
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support God is creator of life, not scientists.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support If we train we get a new citizen. If we incarcerate we still have same old criminal.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose Death penalty is a natural deterrent to crime. Without deterrents we place more people on life sentence that is a burden on all society. Biblically an eye for an eye is a natural deterrent to crime.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Support Education vouchers? No response K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support It’s important that poor people have same opportunity as wealthy people. Vouchers would allow state control of religiously affiliated school.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? Discipline, so teacher can remove trouble children. Emphasis on reading, writing, math. Honor for blue-collar jobs and need, so need to encourage.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support I believe the use of adult stem cells has been successful and can be used. I like the use of umbilical cord stem cells also. No killing of life.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? Basic services needed. Families need to take care of their families; churches need to reach out to take care of needy also.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Need more explanation and research. I believe you want flexibility, to help more people different ways without increasing cost.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose Need to be legal immigrants.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Need covenant marriages. Need counseling to marry and counseling before divorce.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Market determines prices paid. If a business is too cheap, you don’t find help. If minimum wage is too high you stop people from hiring. Businesses get around this issue now by hiring part-time.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support I believe this would stop unwanted children to receive more money. This would also promote adoption.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Water 2. Economy 3. Education (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Frank Shoemaker; State Legislature, District 44 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I am pro life and oppose abortion except in the cases of rape, incest or to save a woman’s life. I oppose any effort to change Nebraska law regarding access to abortion.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? We must diversify our economic base in rural Nebraska, grow production of finished Ag. products, grow our livestock industry and the delivery of broadband services. We must develop a realistic water policy and a more equitable system of taxation.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support Because a very high percentage of prisoners are jailed for drug-related crimes, we need to address treatment in and out of prisons, provide support services after release, and institute a long-term methamphetamine treatment center.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose The death penalty is not a deterrent to the act. At some point, aggravating facts become so great; the government gains the right to take life. To take a life without cause affects families and communities.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Support K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose As the challenges of curriculum and funding increase for public education, the number of families who choose private education increases. I support vouchers to allow that choice. I oppose tax credits to remove funding for public education.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? 1. Alternative funding for public education, such as an Education Trust fund or more general funds to allow property tax relief. 2. Equality of teacher compensation throughout Nebraska. 3. Access to extra-curricular activities for private students.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Checked Oppose I support stem cell research using only existing and adult stem cell lines. I believe this research gives hope, gives life to many with debilitating illness. I oppose research that destroys human embryos.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose We must be careful to protect our health care providers in serving our citizens.
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? By moving services out of regional centers into communities, the Act intends to provide statewide access to mental health services. We must insure (sic) these services are funded and provided to rural Nebraskans.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support This is a step in providing affordable health care to all Nebraskans. Health care is a matter of justice for our citizens.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? We must be open to those who choose to live and raise their families here, but they must obey our laws. Our constitutional government cannot allow illegality for a sector by a wink and a nod.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? I believe children have the right to have their upbringing paid for by their parents, the right to be raised in a safe, loving environment, and the right to have open access to each parent. “Reasonable visitation” must foster love rather than hate between parents.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Oppose In rural Nebraska, where many of us live below the poverty line, a high minimum wage precludes some employment. We recognize the current minimum wage is not a living wage.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose There are better ways to address welfare policy than to tell people how many kids they can have.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Realistic development of our natural resources 2. Fair and equitable system of taxation 3. Maintain and enhance infrastructure of rural Nebraska. 4. Provide health care for our families and senior citizens. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Carol J. Brown; State Legislature, District 46 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? We should make every effort to protect the life of the unborn.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? We need to keep rural Nebraska robust by boosting opportunities for farming and ranching, expanding and enhancing their businesses in creative ways of commerce. Nebraska is one of the food baskets of the world and we need to do more to promote that segment of our economy.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I support programs like Community Corrections or any community-based rehabilitation programs where non-violent criminals can be monitored and rehabilitated to be constructive citizens of society.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? I would listen to the discussion concerning repealing the death penalty. However, I believe forensic DNA should be mandatory for all cases considered for the death penalty. Families of victims should also have reassurance in knowing the perpetrator is served the correct sentence for the crime committed.
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Oppose Any of these actions could cause a strain on our public school system resources. We have many ESL/ELL, special needs children in the public schools which require extra wherewithal to learn. We would have to render the private schools under the same oversight as the public school is now under.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? The need to recruit qualified teachers to serve the neediest communities and schools of Nebraska is imperative. For schools and students to be held accountable, assessments must be defined tools. Good tests must be reliable, valid and fair. Tests must measure the academic standards they are supposed to measure; they must produce scores that are consistent among groups of students; and they must fairly reflect differences in knowledge, not in gender or ethnic backgrounds.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? The primary component of Nebraska’s mental health services are the community-based providers. We need to make sure these community-based providers, such as non-profits, private entities and for-profit entities, are in position to provide the services needed to care for these individuals, so they do not fall into the hands of our law enforcement agencies.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Declining federal dollars, increasing health care costs, and fast-growing enrollments are straining the program as never before. The medical community and other stakeholder organizations believe that the state’s current Medicaid program structure is unsustainable. Mere fiscal tinkering will not fix a broken system, and major structural reform is required. The challenges confronting Medicaid cannot be separated from the challenges of meeting the need so the uninsured, addressing the health needs of an aging population, and finding ways to constrain overall health care costs has to be our goal. There are four possible ways of increasing the dollars going into the state’s fraught Medicaid program: create new revenue streams or find untapped ones in the state budget to apply to Medicaid; streamline state bureaucratic processes; draw additional federal dollars to state programs; and fundamentally restructure the way the Medicaid program’s care is paid for. (Additional comments on file with Nebraska Catholic Conference.)
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Support We should celebrate legal immigration into our state and country. Diversity of tradition and heritage is a hallmark for many of our communities here in Nebraska. Assimilation into a common culture for 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants benefits all involved. Illegal immigration presents many challenges for our officials at the local, state, and federal level. It is my hope that undocumented immigrants can be somehow incorporated into a more efficient citizenship process if they so choose. However, laws currently on the books should be enforced starting with severe fines and penalties for companies that lure and trap undocumented immigrants into our country and pay them low wages with no benefits! Those that engage in human trafficking should be prosecuted to the fullest extent as well. Educational in-state tuition to children of immigrants should be a goal we accomplish.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Children whose parents separate can be at greater risk of experiencing a number of adverse outcomes. I would like to see intensive family therapy before a divorce decree is granted in hopes the family unit could be saved.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support We need to make sure our workers are getting quality pay for the work they perform. The minimum wage has not kept up with inflation. The earnings of minimum-wage workers are crucial to their families’ well-being. Low minimum wage puts considerable burdens on public subsidies. Another proposal that would also help families prosper, now in the Legislature, is the Nebraska Earned Income Tax Credit. I am also a strong supporter of supplemental training programs or retraining program options for the workers to enhance their careers.
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Support I would support investigating what the situation is for this family and the roadblocks of instability. It is important to connect the family to valuable resources in the community to care for her children and herself. Having a father take responsibility for the care of these children as well is vital.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Address our healthcare crisis. 2. Stimulate economic development, small business growth, and job creation. 3. Provide tax relief to Nebraska residents.
We face many challenges in the healthcare field of state government….With my background in the nursing profession I will be able to help address the challenges we face with Medicare/Medicaid and I will work for a solution to insure all Nebraskans. People should have access to good medical care….Economic development is vital to healthy families, neighborhoods, communities, cities and state. The trickle-down effect of a good job affects every home. Educating and training our workforce from elementary school upward to higher education is essential to the development of a marketable community. Small business growth, entrepreneurship and job creation needs to be our top priority….Salaries of the working public have not kept pace with current increases in costs of living, such as gasoline, utilities, property taxes and basic living expenses….I believe it is imperative as policy makers to identify possible inefficiencies or duplicated services to streamline the cost of government. It is vital to provide financial relief to our hard working communities by keeping taxes low. (Additional comments on file with the Nebraska Catholic Conference.) (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Danielle Nantkes; State Legislature, District 46 Candidate did not respond. (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
CANDIDATE’S NAME: John N. Harms; State Legislature, District 48 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? I believe that life begins at conception and that all innocent human life is precious and should be protected. We should ban abortions except those genuinely needed to save the life of the mother.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? Encourage continuing research and development in agricultural products as well as the maintenance and support of research facilities. We need to support programs designed to introduce creative agribusiness techniques and uses of agricultural products. Incentives for new farmers to help offset the dwindling number of Nebraska family farms.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support I support enacting a ban on cloning. Cloning participates in the basic evil of moving human procreation out of the setting of committed marital intimacy and into the laboratory. Human procreation should not take place in the laboratory because it is inherently dehumanizing. Cloning also represents a sort of genetic engineering.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support The State of Nebraska should place greater emphasis on community-based corrections.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support Answer not the same as Primary.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? This is not a failing system; this is a system that is working hard to improve. Nonetheless and unfortunately, while the system is getting better, our students are actually worse off. This is not because schools failed, but because society demands a higher and different set of skills than schools were ever designed to teach.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Support I do support adult stem cell research.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? I support community-based services.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Support
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? This is a difficult question; I am not sure; I would be open to suggestions.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Tax policy 2. Water 3. Education
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CANDIDATE’S NAME: George H. Schlothauer; State Legislature, District 48 Abortion If Roe v. Wade were overturned, extent to which abortion should be prohibited in Nebraska? Abortions should only be performed if the mother’s life is at risk and a decision needs to be made whether to save her life or the unborn fetus.
Using public funds for abortion? Oppose
Agriculture/Rural Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to bring about greater economic development in rural communities? More emphasis needs to be placed on developing alternative crops and in developing value-added markets (ethanol production, bio-diesel production). Devaluing ag. land from 80 percent to 75 percent for real estate value is a good move.
Cloning Enacting ban on cloning processes that create human embryos for any purpose? Support
Criminal Justice/Corrections Emphasizing community-based corrections and greater use of probation and parole rather than incarceration for non-violent offenders? Support I feel that local entities are the best way to treat these problems. Local control is generally the most effective and cost-efficient way to go.
Death Penalty Repealing death penalty and replacing it with imprisonment for life without parole and with order of mandatory restitution? Oppose
Education Education-expense tax credits? Oppose Education vouchers? Oppose K-12 Scholarship donation tax credits? Support I believe strongly in state supported public education but also feel strongly that there is a need for private or religious-affiliated schools but they need to be supported by tuition.
Public policy reforms/initiatives most needed to promote even more effective elementary/secondary education system? I feel that we have to support our teachers and administrators more. Now they live in fear that they are going to be sued or lose their jobs even when they are only trying to educate and do what is best for the student.
Embryo Research Enacting ban on research that destroys live human embryos for their stem cells? Oppose As long as it is not a fertilized egg I would not enact a ban on biomedical research. I would prefer to see research done on adult stem cells.
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Legalizing voluntary, consent-based euthanasia and assisted suicide? Oppose
Health Care Concerns about public policy emphasis on community-based services for implementing Nebraska’s behavioral health (mental illness, addictions) system? No concerns.
Changing Medicaid policy from current “defined benefits” model to a “defined contributions” model? Support Other states have tried this model and it seems to be working. Medicaid has gotten to be more costly than Nebraska can afford. We have to find some way to curb run away costs.
Immigrant Policy Ensuring that (newly arrived) immigrants, who are employed, paying taxes and residing in Nebraska, have access to basic public benefits, regardless of immigration status? Oppose We have to find a way to make them legal before they can obtain benefits.
Marriage/Family Life Public policy changes and/or initiatives to address social and public costs of failed marriages and to promote stable marriages? Don’t legalize same-sex unions. We (the nation in general) send our children too many mixed messages that homosexuality is acceptable, that abortion is acceptable, etc. We need to continue to stress strong moral values and God-pleasing behavior.
Minimum Wage Increasing the state minimum wage? Support
Tax Policy Preserving tax exemption for qualifying religious, educational and charitable property? Support
Welfare Policy “Family Cap/Child Exclusion”--precluding additional cash assistance for children born to mothers already receiving aid for dependent children? Oppose The child needs to be taken care of. It’s not fair to penalize the child for something they had nothing to do with. But, continue counseling the mother to be more responsible.
Personal Priorities Priority public-policy issues to be pursued in upcoming Legislature? 1. Comprehensive state water policy 2. Medicaid reform 3. Tax reform (Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
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