LEGISLATURE

What is your position on legislation that would provide direct grants to parents to choose the schools that they believe are best suited for their children, including non-public schools?

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - SUPPORT Comments: Direct grants should only be paid to those who are paying school property taxes. I do not agree that taxpayer money should be used for those who are not paying school property taxes. If one is renting or otherwise not paying school property taxes they do not have a right to use taxpayer money for the school of their choice.

Judy Ward (R) – SUPPORT Comments: I have voted for EITC expansions Representative, and am sponsoring legislation to create PA Education Savings Accounts

Emily Best (D) – OPPOSE Comments: I am a strong supporter of our public school system and believe that taxpayer dollars should not be used outside the schools through a voucher system. Our school systems have been underfunded for many years and we need to improve the schools, not siphon valuable resources away from them, to insure equal access to quality education for all children, no matter their background or location.

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - SUPPORT

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE (R) – SUPPORT

Mike Hanna (D) - OPPOSE

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE (R) – SUPPORT Comments: As long as it does not take that same money from the public school.

Laura Burke (D) – OPPOSE Comments: I do not believe in using tax-payer dollars to fund, either directly or indirectly, non-public schools.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) – OPPOSE Comments: Every dollar taken away from public schools lessens our ability to improve their quality and make them the best they can be.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – SUPPORT Comments: Grandson is in Catholic school by choice.

Which statement reflects your position most accurately?

1. I support legalized abortion. 2. I oppose legalized abortion in all circumstances. 3. I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) – I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

Comments: To be Pro-Life we cannot focus only on abortion. I intend to make it a legislative priority to permit Child Protective Services to be permitted to introduce services to women who are pregnant and are abusing illegal drugs. Thousands of children are born each year across Pennsylvania severely addicted to these drugs and we cannot say we are Pro-Life if we continue to let these children be poisoned against their will by the person whom should be nurturing them.

Judy Ward (R) – I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

Comments: I was a cosponsor and voted for the legislation reducing the legal time for an abortion from 24 to 20 weeks. Also a sponsor of HB 2050 to ban abortions with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

Emily Best (D) – I support legalized abortion

Comments: I want to decrease the number of abortions but do not believe that legislation preventing abortion is going to transform our society into one which values every life. We need a comprehensive societal change, which can be facilitated by the government, to help women and families who lack resources and support make the best decision for their families. In many parts of this district, affordable childcare is completely inaccessible. Healthcare is expensive or inaccessible. We have a government in Washington which wants to cut SNAP. Our minimum wage in PA is the lowest of all of our neighbors. We need to address these issues alongside education to help inform and support families to make choices which reflect their values. Every child deserves a loving and supportive home.

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) - I oppose legalized abortion in all circumstances.

Mike Hanna (D) - I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) - I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

Comments: Life begins at conception.

Laura Burke (D) - I support legalized abortion.

Comments: Eliminating abortion is best achieved through early, comprehensive sex education and prevention. Criminalizing abortion puts women’s lives at risk.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) - I support legalized abortion.

Comments: Our efforts should be concentrated on making legalized abortions safe and reducing the number of abortions through better education and birth control.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – I oppose legalized abortion, except when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

Comments: I am one of four adopted children myself.

What is your position on legislation that would add state restrictions to existing federal prohibitions concerning the hiring of undocumented immigrants or providing healthcare or government services to the undocumented immigrant?

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - SUPPORT Comments: We should not be providing healthcare or government services to those who are in this State or Country illegally as adults. Children should be provided emergency care only.

Judy Ward (R) –

Comments: I support prohibitions on hiring undocumented immigrants; while I share and understand the desire to help all, government has a duty to limit taxpayer dollars to taxpayers.

Emily Best (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: I do not believe we need additional legislation but to follow the legislation which is already on the books

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - SUPPORT

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) – SUPPORT

Mike Hanna (D) - SUPPORT

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) – SUPPORT

Laura Burke (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: I believe state restrictions on undocumented immigrants would be harmful to our district because we rely on undocumented workers in our agricultural community.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: Our focus must be on bringing well paying jobs to this area so that we reduce dependency on government programs and grow the middle class.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – SUPPORT

Which statement reflects your position most accurately?

1. Pennsylvania should cut public spending on health and human services programs and provide greater incentives for private non-profit organizations to meet local needs. 2. The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs. 3. Pennsylvania’s state and local governments should assume more responsibility for providing health and human services to people in need.

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Comments: Public-Private partnerships can achieve more with less money than any other health and human service. Completely eliminating it will put those most at risk (poor and elderly) at risk but we cannot trust the state to do it alone in a cost-effective manner while still providing quality care. Allowing private entities to do so is the best way forward.

Judy Ward (R) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Comments: Partnering with the private sector will increase efficiencies and the services available.

Emily Best (D) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs. Pennsylvania’s state and local governments should assume more responsibility for providing health and human services to people in need.

Comments: I am in favor of public/private partnerships as long as the private sector is not profiting when individuals and families are sick, going into debt over their medical care, or go hungry due to the lack of services. If that is the case, then government should bear the cost, as government is for the people, by the people, and should not have a profit motive.

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - Pennsylvania should cut public spending on health and human services programs and provide greater incentives for private non-profit organizations to meet local needs.

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Mike Hanna (D) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Comments: State government must also be more careful how for profit rehab centers operate.

Laura Burke (D) - The state government should provide more funding for public-private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Comments: I am opposed to expanding the government’s responsibility, but I think that more collaboration and communication between public and private entities could be beneficial.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) - Pennsylvania’s state and local governments should assume more responsibility for providing health and human services to people in need.

Comments: We should work alongside the federal government in developing a system whereby healthcare is accessible and affordable. Nobody should be bankrupted due to healthcare costs.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – The state government should provide more funding for public- private partnerships that provide health and human services programs.

Which statement reflects your position most accurately?

1. Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, no exceptions. 2. Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious institutions. 3. Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious conscience for business owners. 4. Pennsylvania should not amend its anti-discrimination laws to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” as protected classes at this time.

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) -

Comments: The Obergefell v. Hodges case seems to make “sexual orientation” some level of protected class however that has not extended to “gender identity and expression”. In any event, religious conscience exceptions must be permitted for business owners and religious institutions.

Judy Ward (R) - Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious institutions. Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious conscience for business owners.

Comments: I believe we may need more than “narrow circumstances” and also that BOTH religious institutions and religious conscience for business owners. The free market will ensure services are available for all.

Emily Best (D) - Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious institutions.

Comments: Those narrow circumstances should be very clearly defined.

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - Pennsylvania should not amend its anti-discrimination laws to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” as protected classes at this time.

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) - Pennsylvania should not amend its anti-discrimination laws to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” as protected classes at this time.

Mike Hanna (D) - Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious institutions.

Comments: Please note I do not support the public accommodation provision of this bill. I support the Housing and Employment provision only.

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) - Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious conscience for business owners.

Laura Burke (D) –

Comments: None of these options is acceptable to me as written. A balance must be struck that recognizes the dignity and equality of all human life.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) - Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws for housing, employment and public accommodation should include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes, but should contain exceptions in narrow circumstances to protect religious institutions.

Comments: In order to make our state competitive we must be welcoming to all and ensure that all the citizens of the state have equal opportunity.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – Pennsylvania should not amend its anti-discrimination laws to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” as protected classes at this time.

Comments: Too many issues still need to be worked out on this issue to make changes to this current law.

Assuming there is money in the state budget, what is your position on increasing funding for textbooks and instructional materials for non- public school students at the same rate as increases in subsidies for public school students?

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - SUPPORT

Judy Ward (R) - SUPPORT

Emily Best (D) - OPPOSE

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - SUPPORT

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) – SUPPORT Mike Hanna (D) - SUPPORT

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) –

Comments: Cannot answer a speculation question. I will deal in reality. You are asking me to assume something and speculate. I respectfully would prefer to answer when we know there is such money available.

Laura Burke (D) - OPPOSE

Comments: I do not believe that tax-payer dollars should fund non-public schools in any respect.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: My priority is to provide adequate levels of funding for public education to erase years of underfunding that have created widespread inequalities.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – OPPOSE

Comments: Accepting state dollars will eventually open the door for state oversight, or mandates over content of your faith-based conviction.

Which statement reflects your position most accurately?

1. U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people. 2. U.S. Congress should cap federal funding and issue block grants for Medicaid giving more responsibility to the states.

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Comments: Elderly and disabled people must continue to be protected by Medicaid and Medicare. I firmly believe that drug testing and work requirements be established however.

Judy Ward (R) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Emily Best (D) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - U.S. Congress should cap federal funding and issue block grants for Medicaid giving more responsibility to the states.

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Mike Hanna (D) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) - U.S. Congress should cap federal funding and issue block grants for Medicaid giving more responsibility to the states.

Laura Burke (D) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) - U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Comments: Not only should Medicaid program be strengthened, but healthcare must in this country needs to be portable, accessible, and of the highest quality.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – U.S. Congress should maintain federal funding for the Medicaid program to strengthen it as a safety-net for low-income, elderly and disabled people.

What is your position on the death penalty?

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - SUPPORT

Comments: The death penalty can be appropriately used as punishment for the worst offenders in our society. It is often too broadly applied and must be reserved for only the truly unsalvageable.

Judy Ward (R) – OPPOSE

Emily Best (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: I strongly oppose the death penalty

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - SUPPORT

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) – SUPPORT

Mike Hanna (D) - SUPPORT

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) – SUPPORT

Comments: Pennsylvania has a moratorium on the death penalty currently.

Laura Burke (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment and has proven to be incapable of being implemented in a fair and error-free manner.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) – OPPOSE

Comments: Our legal system needs revised so that all people have good quality legal representation which is often a factor in imposing a death sentence.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – SUPPORT

Comments: In cases of clear premeditated murder cases.

Which statement reflects your position most accurately?

1. Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should be subject to government review of educational content. 2. Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition. 3. Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should be free from government regulation.

PA 30th DISTRICT SENATE Daniel Kiss (R) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

Comments: If we are to have separation of church and state the state needs to stay out of the religious content of private schools.

Judy Ward (R) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

Emily Best (D) –

Comments: I would like to know more about these providers: are they receiving state funding? If so, they should be subject to government review. If not, they should follow state standards for health and safety

PA 71ST DISTRICT HOUSE Justin Capouellez (R) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

PA 76TH DISTRICT HOUSE Stephanie Borowicz (R) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

Mike Hanna (D) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

PA 80TH DISTRICT HOUSE Jim Gregory (R) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

Laura Burke (D) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.

Comments: So long as we can ensure the health and safety of children in pre-school programs, religious institutions should be free to implement their own educational content.

PA 81st DISTRICT HOUSE Rick Rogers (D) - Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should be subject to government review of educational content.

Comments: All schools should abide by a set of standards so that our children receive the best education possible to set them up for success.

PA 171st DISTRICT HOUSE Kerry Benninghoff (R) – Religious childcare and pre-kindergarten providers should follow state standards for health and safety of children, but be free to determine their own educational content based on the teachings of their faith tradition.