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Candidate Responses for Legislative Districts 26-48; General Election, November 2006
 | 2006 Primary only includes even-numbered districts for State Legislators; Candidates are in District Order, then alpha by last name. |
| For full text of questions, click here. |
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District 26
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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)
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District 28
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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)
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District 30
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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)
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District 32
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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)
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District 34
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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.
(Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
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.
(Back to Top | Full Text of Questions)
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District 36
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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? </