The Club For Growth Questionnaire

I had a call earlier today from The Club for Growth to remind me this was due today (it wasn't the deadline on the forms). I put a bunch of these aside for some reason when I got one from GovWatch. The name sounded like something to get behind but I found out that they are a lobbyist resource and it began to bother me that they pretty much only asked me what my hobbies are.
I don't want to make it any easier on special interests than I have to. It turns out that The Club For Growth has ties to GovWatch, but their questions seem like things people might want to know so I decided to fill it out anyway and for the challenge I went for the deadline (sent it in with only a minute to spare so keep that in mind)

1) Explain your approach to economic growth and development:

Economic growth comes from small to midsized businesses because they are best at finding niche markets and are adding to their workforce instead of trying to figure out how to reduce it. Larger companies generally do not have room to grow without breakthroughs in technology or changes in regulations.  My approach to make sure that these smaller companies have a fair shot. For example franchises shouldn't be allowed to write off their franchise fee as an expense as if they do not benefit from that corporations national advertising campaigns and other benefits.



2.) If elected, would you support efforts by our government to regulate personal behavior by raising taxes on items such as alcohol, tobacco, salt, soft drinks, saturated fat etc.? Explain:

No and I don't support the prohibition of Marijuana either. I may, however, support taxes that counter a burden on society such as the healthcare cost from cigarettes. Some might argue that soft drinks cause a similar burden, but that is scewed by the fact that corn is subsidized. So the difference is that there is a more common sense fix to that problem. Stop subsidizing corn. My approach to


3.) If elected, do you pledge to not raise taxes? Yes or No


Explain

No. I don't make pledges. Well I have pledged not to kiss babies while campaigning and not to take pledges but that was to make a point about how immature and disingenuous I feel pledges have become.


4.)Do you believe tax credits/incentives to businesses are the correct approach to job development and economic growth? Explain:

No. A much better way to stimulate an industry with public funds is to be a patron of their products. For example if the Obama industry really wanted to support the solar industry the should have ordered a bunch of solar panels for government buildings. That way if the company failed we would at least have lower overhead on government facilities. Subsidies is just putting money in the slot machine.


5.) A proposal that would eliminate the Missouri state income tax and replace it with a broad based sales tax may be on the ballot in 2012. Do you support this proposal? What are your thoughts regarding the pros and cons?

I really wanted to like this model of taxation because I believe in a simplified tax system. My concerns are that consumption based taxes will shift more of a burden on low and middle class (aka the people who HAVE to spend a higher portion of their income to survive) and that our most heavily populated areas in Missouri are on the state line. Higher priced goods in Missouri will only encourage businesses to pop up on the other side of the line.


6.)How would you address significant tort and regulatory reform during your tenure?

I will seek to find a way to preserve the ability to address legitimate grievances and decrease the use of the courts as a way to harrass or rob others. For example if a doctor cuts off the wrong leg, they should be held accountable. If the doctor had a choice between two equally valid methods of treatment and bet wrong (or just didn't succeeed) then the suit should be thrown out. The problem politically with tort and regulatory reform the unwillingness to talk about common sense solutions instead of choosing a side. These are not simple topics and can not be solved with sweeping statements.


7.) Do you support Missouri becoming a Right to Work state? Why or why not?

No. Unions give workers a means to negotiate the value of their labor. I have some philosophical grievences with unions (more so when it comes to private companies than public sector) but Right to Work isn't the solution.


8.)What unique qualifications or experience do you have that makes you a unique leader?

I started out as a cartoonist making fun of politicians. I decided to run because I saw that it wasn't good enough to have a truth teller on the outside. As a cartoonist I have insight, which a lot of people have, but I also have the ability to figure out how to put into words what people are feeling or have on the tip of their tongues.


9.) If elected, what are your top three legislative priorities?

Create oversite/appropriations for tax credit programs (because it should be relatively easy to pass), lower the importance of political affiliation for electability, and create protections for civil liberties


10.) Please provide any additional information below or enclosed (campaign literature, online contact information, etc.):

My campaign website is http://www.electladendorf.us (which also includes an old version of the site that takes on more issues and has a list of things I shouldn't admit to hating, like the show Big Bang Theory).

You might also want to check out my US policy page. I previously ran as a US House seat as a performance art piece and created a series of comics tackling policy http://www.nilvsdcbs.com

Show-Me Disability Votes Questionnaire

No matter how well informed you think you are, there are always more things to learn. This is why I continue to work on these questionnaires though it is unlikely I will get their endorsement (I'm passed the deadline on some and others don't want to invest in a campaign against a ~$70K opponent).

Background
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify, you for this position? 

I have this amazing ability to actually listen to information that contradicts my world view, use that information to inform, and even change how I view an issue. Politicians tend to speak in absolutes and I tend to see the world in shades of gray.
Being able to see the truth in what people you disagree with and the inaccuracies in the claims of your allies is a skill that needs to be introduced into our partisan political system.


Do you have any personal experience with a disability or an individual with a disability?

What comes to mind is one my closest friends in high school and my aunt (who lived with us for a time) had very severe epilepsy. Neither of them could work because of their conditions. Later my friend had brain surgery and last I heard is completely cured.


Budget
How would you propose to balance the state budget while ensuring individuals with
disabilities have access to needed services and resources that help them remain as
independent as possible?
My strategy is to prioritize spending cuts based on those who need it first. I was appalled when I learned the current Legislature cut support for the blind in favor of college funding.
If I was in office at that time I would have pressured (shamed if possible) the other members to crack down on corporate welfare and unaccountable tax credit programs to balance the budget before cutting services to people who rely on it.

Voting
Missouri Disability Vote Project strives to ensure that every individual with a disability
who is eligible to vote is actually able to vote come Election Day. However, individuals
with disabilities face threats with regards to voting due to inaccessible polling places and
proposed voter photo identification requirements. What is your'stance on Voter Photo
Identification legislation?
I'm against Voter ID requirements and other voter suppression tactics.

 How will you help to ensure polling places are ADA accessible?
I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that I just assumed poling places are already accessible. I'd be willing to hear suggestions on how to make polling places more accessible. What popped into my head was trying to allow the option of going to another polling station that is more convenient but that could create more problems than it would solve.

Community Living
In what ways would you support community-based services for individuals with
disabilities as opposed to those options that segregate this population, such as nursing
homes and hab centers?
I wouldn't support any bills that would promote shifting towards segregating. My wife works for an ISL for low functioning people with autism and I would like to think it makes a difference in their life not being in a group home.

Transportation/Housing
In many areas across Missouri there are a lack of public para-transit transportation
resources as well as a lack of affordable housing for seniors and individuals with
disabilities. If elected, what would your position be on resolving these issues?
When I graduated college I sold my car so I could afford to live in Chicago. I used public transportation nearly every day. I am an advocate for public transit but I see it as more of a municipal issue and haven't considered what state level advocacy could be done.
For para-transit and housing, in the current political climate and budget, I would mostly serve a defensive role in keeping funding cuts away from vital services. By focusing attention on corporate abuse of tax credit programs and subsides to private companies, conservative members can still brag about being fiscally superior while avoiding public shaming of going after those who actually need the help.

Employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of unemployment or
underemployment is much higher for individuals with disabilities than those without a
disability. What do you propose could help this disparity?
With such high unemployment any hesitation to hire a particular person becomes amplified. This causes an exponential growth in the disparity felt by minorities, women, and people with disabilities. The best way to combat this unfortunate trend is to help employers focus on the individuals merits instead (often baseless) worries by giving the disadvantaged tools to help them cover the gap.
For example, some internet providers are considering the possibility of limiting bandwidth. Because the internet was created with tax payer funds and is the greatest vehicle of free speech we have, I am not of the opinion that they should be able to do this (though there may be a technical reason for this I haven't considered).
Protecting bandwidth will also have the benefit of protecting telecommuting for those who find commuting difficult or require modified computers that may not be available at the office.

Missouri Catholic Conference Survey

This Survey only had the options of agree, disagree, and no position. This puts me in some tough positions but if elected I will usually have to vote things up or down so I have decided not to answer the way I want to on this blog.  

1. People should have the right to refuse to pay for abortions, abortion drugs and other items they morally object to in their health insurance plans.

No Position

2. Health care providers should have the right to refuse to participate in conduct that violates their moral and religious convictions, such as performing abortions or distributing abortion drugs.

Agree

3. Churches should be able to sponsor soup kitchens and food pantries for immigrants without the government requiring them to check the legal status of those who come for assistance.

Agree

4. Missouri should repeal the death penalty.

No Position

5. State funding should continue for the Alternatives to Abortion (ATA) program.

No Position

6. State funds should not subsidize research that destroys human life at the earliest stage of development, such as embryonic stem cell research.

No Position

7. Tax deductions or credits should be available to K-12 school parents – public, private and religious – for the expenses incurred in educating their children.

Disagree

8. The interest rate or fees on payday loans should be capped and other measures taken to protect borrowers from predatory lending.

Agree

9. State funds should continue to be available to provide in-home care to the indigent elderly.

No Position

10. Tax credits that promote charitable giving to food pantries, pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes should be enacted.

Agree

Teamsters Local 245 Political Action Fund Questionnaire

Another Questionnaire. This has been an education for me because I have never been in a union and have not really studied the issue. What's funny is I've been filling these out without any idea of what an endorsement really means. My name isn't just put on a list. Endorsement for many of these organizations means they are actually going to help you get into office.
I'm a longshot candidate so I doubt I'll be seeing any of these organizations expending their political muscle on me.

Missouri Teamsters are comprised of more than 40,000 active working men and women and their families in 14 locals unions across the state. We have over 25,oo retired members and their families. Our members work in areas of freight distribution,car-haul, heavy highway construction, wholesale and retail food distribution, small parcel and package delivery, brewery and soda manufacturing, school bus drivers, and many of Missouri's transportation industries. We are the men and women who drive your children to school, deliver fresh milk and bread to your grocers, carry your business' and family's packages with care,and keep your refreshments cold. Our members help make Missouri's employers-including Yellow Freight, Hiland Dairy, UPS, Ozarks Coca-Cola,Roadway, Wonder Bread, Associated Grocers, Saralee, Archimca, and Conco Ready-Mix- strong and profitable.
Please let our members know about you and your views on the following issues.


1.Please give a brief biographical summary of yourself.
I am a stay at home dad and webcartoonist. Most of my work experience has been in family owned print shops (mostly my own family)

2. Have you ever run for political office before? If so, please explain any political history. 
Yes, I ran for US House as a member of the Green Party.


3. Are you or have you ever been a member of Labor Union?
No

4. Do you want Teamster endorsement? If so, why?
Yes, I'd like to reach as many voters as possible.

5. If you receive Teamster endorsement, do you feel that it will help or hurt your chances of being elected?
It would help give my campaign visibility and credibility.

6. Explain why you are seeking this office.
I have a different take on politics so I think my voice will force a change in the reflexive bickering.

7. Do you plan to have your campaign literature printed in Union print shops?
Local small business is my priority (when I can afford it)

8. What other political endorsements have you received?
I'm relatively unknown

9. Are you active in any political party organizations?
Occasionally I go to meetings of local Democrat groups.

10. Do you support or oppose "Right-to-work" legislation which eliminates unions' right to a "closed shop"? Will you work actively to enforce your position?
I have mixed feelings because I would like owners to run their business as they see fit but until workers are given a negotiating mechanism other than unions I oppose.

11. Would you support legislation supporting the collective bargaining rights for any or all of Missouri's public employees? Which groups of employees should be allowed to enter into those agreements, in your opinion?
I support collective bargaining as a negotiating mechanism for workers.

12. Would you support or oppose legislation that provided for the collection of service fees from state employees?
I don't like the idea of forcing someone to pay dues so it would depend on specifics.

13.Would you vote for final and binding interest arbitration to settle disputes arising from contract/work agreement negotiations?
No. I don't trust the arbitration process.

14. Would you vote to arbrotrate, break or alter an agreement between a political entity and a union representing employees working for a political entity? This could include the state, your city, county, school board etc.
Contracts should be altered only with both parties agreeing.

15. What is your attitude toward comprehensive health care?
Hospitals are price gouging and insurance has stopped resisting. The current business model pits both sides against the consumer.


16. What is your opinion regarding union dues check off for public employees? (Chuck off refers to union dues being automatically deducted from payroll checks.)
I don't know why this option is under debate.

17. Would you support or oppose a state law or local ordinance prohibiting the hiring of permanent replacement workers who exercise their legal right to strike?
I support it. Though I am open to some form of control because the owner should have negotiating power as well.

18. What is your attitude toward minimum wage?
Necessary evil.


19. Would you support or oppose efforts to alter the Prevailing Wage Statutes that would impact the building trades unions? Possible legislation would include projects of a certain size, or in certain counties.
I am for them as long as they are reasonable. Someone shouldn't be paid a full salary if they are not working.

20. In regard towards workmen's compensation, will you work to overturn the changes in the Missouri Worker's Compensation law that was passed and signed into law in 2005? Would you support second opinions for workers injured on the job at a physician of the worker's choice?
I'll work to overturn anything that goes too far. Some sort of randomly selected doctor would be better than one biased to the worker.

21. Many Teamster members work in difficult and dangerous industries where repetive motion ofen leads to disabilities. For example, a UPS drive who lifs packages for years may develop a degenerative back disability. A warehouse worker or assembly line worker who, as part of work, repeatedly reaches and swipes could develop wrist or elbow related injuries. Often times a single accident did not cause the disability. Rather, it was incurred over time after years of service to a company.
Under legislation passed by the Missouri General Assembly, worker's compensation for degenerative back injuries, repetitive injuries and other injuries incurred ove the life of a job would be eleiminated. What is your position on legislation that would change the definition of accident or require an injury or occupational disease to be compensated only if an accident or occupational exposure was the dominant factor in causing the condition or disability? Do you believe injuries caused by repetitive motion should be covered under worker's compensation?
I would support legislation going forward but hesitant to holding employers responsible for damage accumulated before the bill is passed. Wording of the bill would have to be very carefully phrased.

22. In regards toward unemployment compensation, would you support increases based on annual COLA figures?
Yes

23. Benefit payments from the State's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund are expected to exceed revenues, leading to the Fund's insolvency. If insolvency occurs, state officials will borrow money from the federal government to keep paying benefits. Which solution to this problem do you prefer: increase the burden on claimants and raise the standard for receiving unemployment benefits OR increase the unemployment tax on some or all employers?
The Republican House is never going to consider a tax increase. Split the difference or some other solution would be needed.

24.What is your attitude toward domestic content legislation (use or purchase of Missouri or American made goods over those of foreign competition)?
I think if our rights are being taken away at the airport over terrorism then all those crates from overseas should be charged to be inspected.

25.What is your attitude toward "right to know" legislation (the right of workers to be informed of any dangers or special procedures when handling chemicals, toxins, etc.)? 
Employees must know in order to ensure proper compensation (lets them know if the money is worth the risk),


26. Would you work with organized labor before proposing or supporting any tax package?
 I'll work with anyone willing to have an honest discussion.

27. Please describe any instances in the past where you've taken a proactive stance in support of organized labor or teamster issues.
N/A

28. In the realm of public/private partnership where tax subsidies, utility cost reductions, or other such employer subsidies are involved, would you support requirements for paid health care for workers, a good wage level, etc., before such subsidies are granted?
Yes I believe that if corporate welfare is unavoidable there should be a higher expectations of altruism and/or tax payer dividends.

29. Do you support or oppose so called "Paycheck Protection" legislation reuiring written permission from members before using Union or PAC Fund resources for political activities? Would you support or oppose this legislation if it included language limiting corporate contributions as well?
I could see a vote amongst members but this seems to be a ploy to hurt Democratic candidates.

30. PLA's are negotiated with building and construction trade unions and cover all contractors and their employees for the duration of the project. They are primarily used on large, private or public works projects since their costs are so great. Do you support or oppose Project Labor Agreements?
I have no problem with PLA's though I only have a surface understanding of how the work.

31. What would you do to help the Teamsters and organized labor grow in the State of Missouri? Examples would be active support in organizing campaigns, walking a picket line, legislative support, etc.
All of the above for big issues.

32. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri's Hispanic population grew by a staggering 92%? In the last 10 years. Some of these persons will obtain jobs in Missouri's Transportation industry.
Recently, legislation was introduced in the Missouri General Assembly that changed the definition of "state" to include a state of the United States and the District of Colombian, but excluded Puerto Ric, Mexico, and any province of Canada. Because Mexico and Canada are no longer included in the definition of "state", an international driver with a license revocation history in Mexico is not required to disclose such information to the State of Missouri.
What is your position on legislation to require all applicants for commercial drivers licenses regardless of nationality to have the same background checks and examinations as domestic drivers prior to receiving a Missouri CDL?
I am against giving employers incentives to hire non Missouri residents.

33. Because the United States does not have nationwide automated system for monitoring the safety history or violation records of Mexican companies and drivers, or a system to verify drivers' licenses or drug testing for drivers, it is difficult for Missouri law enforcement personel to obtain essential safety data on Mexican Drivers. In addition, Mexico does not have labeling  of hazardous or toxic cargo which poses a clear and present danger to the security of the State of Missouri if trucks transporting such cargo enter territory of the state without prior inspection at the border of the United States.
Do you support efforts by Teamsters at the state level to restrict trucks from Mexico and other foreign nations from entering the United States until there is full compliance by owners and drivers of those trucks with all U.S. highway safety, environmental, and drug enforcement laws?
Yes, though I don't care if people get high off the clock.

AFSCME Council 72 People Questionnaire

Most of my employment history has been working in small print shops. So I don't have a lot of experience with unions and all my opinions are merely academic.


ISSU ES:


1. The ability to collectively bargain is enshrined in Missouri's Constitution. Please explain your support or opposition and legislation that protect workers' freedom to form unions and bargain with employers.
I support workers rights. I don't think collective bargaining is a perfect solution but it is the most fair solution I am aware of.

2. According to data from the U.S, Census Bureau, Missouri's public workers are ranked
50'h in terms salary, 34% below the national average. Please detail your support or
opposition to pursue policies and legislation thatwould ensure that Missouri works to
achieve parity with the private sector in terms of wages and benefits.
This is a balancing act. Missouri has an obligation to taxpayers to give them as much return as possible yet the state should be leading by example to other employers. We wouldn't have much of a middle class without desirable government jobs.

3. Privatization is increasingly discussed as a means to reduce government sending,
though it comes at the expense of drastically slashing vital services and eliminating
jobs when the Missouri economy can least afford it. Please explain your support or
opposition to privatization of public services provided by state, local and municipal
employees.
I am willing to hear out ideas for privatizing but I am often opposed to them because the General Assembly's support tends to have a correlation to political donations. I would be more open non-profit privatization, but I doubt that would get much traction in Jefferson City.

4. There are a number of valid avenues that the state of Missouri can take to enhance
state revenue. Please detail the approaches you think would be best, such as closing
the Geoffrey loophole, eliminating the outdated Timely Filing benefit, passing the
streamlined sales tax, or others.
The thing that seems to be easiest to fix is creating oversight for the abuse of tax credit programs that are currently immune to appropriations. I like the idea of closing the Geoffrey Loophole but it would be more difficult to implement than it would be for accountants to create a new loophole.


5.Currently in Missouri, under the National labor Relations Act, unions are required to provide the same representational benefits to members and non-members alike, without non-members paying any form of fair share dues. Please detail your support or opposition of Representational Fee policies or legislation.
I support people having a choice (at least with a private business) but oppose that choice allowing them to reap the benefits without any cost.

6. Currently in Missouri, workers are given opportunity to have union dues deducted directly from their paycheck upon their authorization. Unfortunately, there are those in our state who would prohibit unions from collecting dues in this fashion. Please explain your support or opposition to allowing workers the right choose how their wages are spent.
Support. But I don't understand why anyone would want to take that option away.

7. lf elected, what would be the first thing you would try to change in this state?
Creating oversight/appropriations for tax credit programs would (hopefully) have the most bipartisan support. Because Democrats are out numbered drastically I'd think that's the best way to go.

8. What is the most important job of a Missouri state legislator?
I think everyone wants a fair shot. As legislators we have to figure out how to do that. We have different ideas on how to go about that though.

9. Please detail your support or opposition to the idea of holding legislators to the same standards that state employees are already held to.
Sounds like poetic justice to me...


POLITICS:
Challenger

Opponent(s): Richard Buchli, Eric Burlison

How long have you lived in your district?
three years

Are you registered to vote at your current address? 
yes

From what organizations have you received endorsements?
Still waiting...

How much time do you plan to spend campaigning?
Lots. I am doing all the design work and content of materials. Not to mention filling out lots of questionnaires

How much money will you need to raise to run a viable campaign for this office?
I would prefer a strong word of mouth campaign... that said the incumbent will likely raise over $70K.

How much have you raised to date?
Little over $200

Super Dave Show

I often correct people when they call me a politician. I may say I think of myself as a statesman or that I am just some guy running for office. In the second hour of my appearance on the Super Dave Show I think you can hear the difference.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/superdaveshow/2012/05/16/super-dave-show

It's interesting that in the chat log someone pointed out how much I stammered and said "People are elected on confidence".

That struck me as funny because the con in con artist is actually short for confidence. Which illustrates to me the difference between a politician and myself.

NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri

Again yes or no questions suck. So I don't provide explanations for what answers I chose because on the actual questionnaire sent in I wasn't given the option. I much prefer the Strongly Agree, Agree, Undecided, Disagree, Strongly Disagree method. Though it still has the problem of not allowing for nuance. For example I don't support state sponsored abortion but I also don't support cutting funding to clinics that help out low income because they might provide an abortion (or a referral there).
Also I don't have a problem with the use of my tax dollars to provide an abortion but I support my grandfather in not wanting his tax dollar in providing abortions. Also my scanner found the font the questionnaire used as funky so don't hold the many typos against them

The United States Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade ruled that the right lo privacy includes a pregnant woman's right to choose to have an abortion, Accordingly, a state: (1) may not unduly restrict a woman's access to abortion during the first three months of pregnancy; (2) may regulate abortion after the first three months of pregnancy to Protect a woman's health; and (3) may ban abortion after fetal viability (usually after 26-28 weeks of pregnancy)
so long as exceptions are permitted to protect a woman's life or health (with, the exception of one procedure that is federally banned).


1. Do you support a woman's right to choose to have an abortion?
Yes

2. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, would you vote for legislation guaranteeing a woman's right
to choose to have a legal abortion in Missouri?
Yes

Under current Missouri law, no publicly funded facility may be used to perform an abortion unless it is to preserve a woman's life. No state employee may participate in providing an abortion not necessary to save a woman's life, and state-funded medial schools cannot teach students abortion procedures. A woman eligible for state medical assistance may not obtain public funds for an abortion unless the abortion is necessary to preserve her life, Finally under the so-called Gag Rule, state-employed councilors and physicians cannot provide a pregnant woman with, information about abortion or abortion providers unless necessary to preserve her life.


3. Do you support the current ban on the use of state facilities and employees for performing
or teaching abortions?
both yes and no

4. Do you support the current ban on public funding of abortions?
both yes and no

If you answered yes, should there be an exception for cases of rape and incest?
yes (on this one I wrote in that I originally marked it no because the doctor doesn't need the reason Roe v Wade was in part a ruling on privacy the state shouldn't be trying to undermine privacy)

Do you support the Gag Rule that bans state employees from providing a woman with
information about abortion, including referrals to abortion providers?
No

Under current Missouri law, a woman must make at least two separate visits to a physician and wait at least 24hours before obtaining an abortion. Physicians must also provide the woman with state-mandated information and counseling. In addition, this law is so extreme that it has no exception for victims of rape or incest.


Do you suppoft the law requiring a mandatory delay of 24 hours?
No
Would you vote to repeal that part of the law requiring physicians to provide
state-mandated information and counseling?
Yes

The Missouri General Assembly has eliminated all state funding for family planning including funding for cancer screenings, gynecological exams, HIV testing, pre-natal care, diabetes screening and breast exams, as well as funding for birth control services and education. Many low-income women now have no access to these Services,


Would you vote to include funding for family planning in the state appropriations bill?
Yes

Would you vote to give this family-planning funding to facilities that refer women to abortion
providers, or preform abortions, so long as none of the funding is used for those purposes?
Yes

The Missouri General Assembly is currently considering bills that would make it more difficult for women to ace€ss all forms of contraception and also abortion care, on grounds that hospitals, HMOs, insurers, and other corporations have "conscience" rights.

Would you vote for a bill requiring pharmacies to fill physicians'prescriptions,
including prescriptions for oral contraceptive pills and emergency contraception?
Both Yes and No

Would you vote for a bill requiring pharmacies that do not stock contraceptives
to either order contraceptives or refer patients to another local pharmacy?
No

Would you vote for a bill requiring hospitals to offer emergenry contraception to rape
survivors in the emergency room?
Yes

Would you vote against bills that would allow corporations to refuse treatment, including
emergency life-saving abortion care, to their patients based on their "conscience" rights?
Both yes and no

A law passed by the General Assembly in 2OO7 permits school districts to offer abstinence-only sex education rather than comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education. The law passed even though studies show that abstinence-only prograrns can result in more teen pregnancies and increased rates of sexually transmitted deseases. In addition, the General Assembly has repeatedly considered bills that would deny  minors access to contraception without the consent of a parent These bills would do nothing to prevent young people from becoming sexually active, but they would prevent minors from protecting themselves from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.


14. Would you vote for a bill requiring public schools to provide age-appropriate information
about the health benefits and side effects of all forms of contraception?
Yes

15. Would you vote against a bill requiring minors to obtain the consent of a parent before
receivi ng contraception?
Yes

Current Missouri law mandates that minors obtain the consent of a parent before choosing abortion. If a minor cannot obtain parental consent, she must obtain a "judicial bypass" where by a judge allows the minor to choose abortion if she is sufficiently mature. Judicial bypass predures are not a rcalistic alternavve for some young women; moreover, our research reveals that the entire bypass process in Missouri is broken. Missouri law also imposes civil liability on adults who help minor obtain abortions outside of Missouri. These laws endanger the young women who-for god reason---choose not to involve a parent in their decision to have an abortion. the government cannot mandate healthy family communication where it does not already exist


16. Do you support the current law that bans minors from choosing abortion unless they
Have obtained parental consent or an onerous judicial bypass?
No

17. Do you suppoft the current law that imposes civil liability on anyone trying to help a
minor obtain an abortion outside of Missouri?
No

The  Missouri General Assembly has repeatedly enacted measures that subject abortion providers to more onerous regalations than other health care facilities. These measures are known as Targoted Retalation of Abortion providers (TRAP) laws. Future TRAP bills will likely subject physicians who perform abortions to malpractice liability for activity, speech, or procedures that are, in the physician's judgement, medically necessary,


18. Would.you vote against TRAP measures that subject physicians who perform aboftions ,,- -)
to disparate treatment, intefering with the physician's best medica! judgment?
Yes

19. Do you want the endorser.nent of NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri?
Yes