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Violet Staley's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Violet Staley has provided voters with clear stances on key issues by responding to the 2016 Political Courage Test.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Maryland Congressional Election 2016 Political Courage Test

Unknown Position Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I believe that life begins at the moment of conception and that children are precious and a gift from God. I also believe that abortion is an individual choice and that the health of the mother and crimes of rape and incest should be considered in this decision. Women have to make this decision; they alone are responsible.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
I think that billionaires and millionaires should pay their fair share.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
Unknown Position Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?
I think that life-in-prison is more punitive and rehabilitory for certain crimes. I think that every offender's situation and crime should be judged on its circumstances and effect on others.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
I think that the Middle Class should pay lower taxes to boost their spending power and promote economic growth.
Yes Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Yes Do you support funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
Unknown Position Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
I think that research on the effects of building the pipeline need to be conducted; including public health and the environment.
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
I support building on the strengths of the Act and not allowing employers to increase the co-pay of its employees to receive a Health Care Plan.
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
I think that immigrants need the financial resources they have to continue their requirements for citizenship.
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
I think that God created marriage between one man and one women. However, the citizens of the state of Maryland and the Supreme court have voted in favor of it. I will support the law.
No Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Unknown Position Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
I think that the U.S. should use all of its Intelligence agencies and work with its allies to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.
Unknown Position Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
I do not support the privatization of Social Security. I think that recipients have to do what is in the best interest of their individual family and living situation.

SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

a) Agriculture
b) Arts
c) Defense
Greatly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Slightly Increase f) Homeland Security
g) International aid
h) Medical Research
i) Scientific Research
j) Space exploration
Maintain Status k) United Nations
l) Welfare
Greatly Decrease a) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase b) Corporate taxes
Slightly Decrease c) Small business taxes
Greatly Increase d) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Greatly Increase e) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Slightly Decrease f) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Eliminate g) Income taxes (low-income families)
Greatly Decrease h) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase i) Income taxes (high-income families)
Slightly Increase j) Inheritance taxes
Slightly Decrease k) Payroll taxes
l) Other or expanded categories
Re-strengthen the Voting Rights Act and permanently ratify it. Quality, timely services for Veterans; reduce homelessness and joblessness. Job creation with a living wage of $15.00 hr
Job creation - require out-of-state contracts for business services to build offices, warehouses, etc here in Maryland. A living wage - Employers value their employees which will raise productivity and morale and enable them to meet their basic needs and have something left over for emergencies. Women receiving same pay as men - Equal pay for Equal work; I will work with my Congressional colleagues to pass a law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on gender.

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