Diane Young'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.
Diane Young has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.
Issue Positions
For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.
- "Today, I am more determined than ever to protect reproductive freedom. I'm dedicated to enshrining Roe v. Wade into law and ensuring everyone has access to safe medications and IVF. We are going to stand up against anti-choice Republicans and take back the House!" (x.com)
- "As a financial planner, I see how important Social Security and Medicare are to providing a secure retirement. We must continue to live up to the promise that after paying into these programs, they will be there for us when we retire. While Washington Republicans have a decades long history of trying to privatize or gut these critical programs, I will work to ensure seniors who rely on social security have them when they need it most. We can do this by making sure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes into the program. Our lax accountability system is allowing many of them not to pay their fair share into the program. In addition, we need to benchmark how much of social security is being taxed as income as the system currently is putting the burden on the shoulders of lower earning retirees instead of the extremely wealthy." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- "As a financial planner, I see how important Social Security and Medicare are to providing a secure retirement. We must continue to live up to the promise that after paying into these programs, they will be there for us when we retire. While Washington Republicans have a decades long history of trying to privatize or gut these critical programs, I will work to ensure seniors who rely on social security have them when they need it most. We can do this by making sure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes into the program. Our lax accountability system is allowing many of them not to pay their fair share into the program. In addition, we need to benchmark how much of social security is being taxed as income as the system currently is putting the burden on the shoulders of lower earning retirees instead of the extremely wealthy." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- "As a financial planner, I see how important Social Security and Medicare are to providing a secure retirement. We must continue to live up to the promise that after paying into these programs, they will be there for us when we retire. While Washington Republicans have a decades long history of trying to privatize or gut these critical programs, I will work to ensure seniors who rely on social security have them when they need it most. We can do this by making sure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes into the program. Our lax accountability system is allowing many of them not to pay their fair share into the program. In addition, we need to benchmark how much of social security is being taxed as income as the system currently is putting the burden on the shoulders of lower earning retirees instead of the extremely wealthy." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "Happy Earth Day! Let's celebrate by committing to protect our planet. From reducing our carbon footprint to investing in green energy, every action counts. Together, let's ensure a greener, healthier future for all. #EarthDay #ProtectOurPlanet #GreenEnergy" (x.com)
- "Michigan's 90-degree heatwave is a stark reminder: climate change is real and urgent. We must act now to protect our Great Lakes, invest in renewable energy, and ensure safe drinking water. Let's create a sustainable future for MI." (x.com)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "I am committed to fighting for comprehensive measures to address gun violence. This includes implementing universal background checks, enacting red flag laws, and closing loopholes like those found at gun shows and in relationships where individuals pose a risk. Additionally, I advocate for a ban on assault weapons, weapons designed for maximum harm and devastation." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- "I believe in creating a public option and a Medicare buy-in to introduce more competition and coverage options in the healthcare marketplace."
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "I support legislation aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs and allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- "I would support measures aimed at securing our borders while also advocating for a pathway to citizenship for those who are already contributing to our society through their work, taxes, and even military service. Dreamers, who are American in every sense except on paper, deserve the opportunity to call the United States their permanent home, as it is the only home they have ever known." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- "I would support measures aimed at securing our borders while also advocating for a pathway to citizenship for those who are already contributing to our society through their work, taxes, and even military service. Dreamers, who are American in every sense except on paper, deserve the opportunity to call the United States their permanent home, as it is the only home they have ever known." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "Providing funding to Ukraine is not merely an act of financial assistance; itâs a declaration of solidarity with a nation fighting for its sovereignty and democratic values. In the face of Russian aggression and encroachment, Ukraine stands as a bulwark for the principles of democracy, freedom, and self-determination. By offering support, we affirm our commitment to upholding these values globally. Moreover, standing by democracies battling against authoritarian regimes is crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of the international order. Democracies serve as beacons of hope, inspiring others to strive for governance based on the rule of law, human rights, and accountability. In supporting Ukraine and similar nations, we reinforce the notion that the worldâs future should be shaped by the will of its people, not the ambitions of autocrats." (www.dianeyoungforcongress.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
| Pro-choice | a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? | ||
| No | b) Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy? | ||
| Yes | c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape? | ||
| Yes | d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor? | ||
| Yes | g) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures? | ||
| No | h) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions? | ||
| While I would like as few abortions to be performed as possible, I cannot restrict a woman's 4th amendment rights. However, I would work as hard as possible to provide the resources for women to prevent an unintended pregnancy. In addition, I would work to provide addition resources to women who choose to carry a baby to term. | |||
1) Budget Stabilization:Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Michigan's budget.2) State Spending:Indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.3) State Taxes:Indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.
| Yes | a) Tapping into Michigan's "rainy day" fund | ||
| No | b) Decreasing funding for public universities | ||
| No | c) Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions | ||
| No | d) Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees | ||
| No | e) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients | ||
| f) Other or expanded principles: | |||
| Slightly Increase | a) Education (higher) | ||
| Greatly Increase | b) Education (K-12) | ||
| Slightly Increase | c) Environment | ||
| Slightly Increase | d) Health care | ||
| Slightly Increase | e) Law enforcement/corrections | ||
| Slightly Increase | f) Transportation/infrastructure | ||
| Slightly Increase | g) Welfare | ||
| h) Other or expanded categories: | |||
| Greatly Increase | a) Alcohol taxes | ||
| Greatly Increase | b) Cigarette taxes | ||
| Slightly Increase | c) Corporate taxes | ||
| Slightly Increase | d) Small business taxes | ||
| Slightly Increase | e) Gas/Oil taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | f) Property taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | g) Sales taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | h) Income taxes (low-income families) | ||
| Maintain Status | i) Income taxes (mid-income families) | ||
| Slightly Increase | j) Income taxes (high-income families) | ||
| Yes | k) Do you support applying sales taxes to all online purchases? | ||
| l) Other or expanded principles: | |||
a) Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?
| Yes | 1) Individual | ||
| Yes | 2) Political Action Committee | ||
| Yes | 3) Corporate | ||
| Yes | 4) Political Party | ||
| Yes | b) Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting? | ||
| No | e) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls? | ||
| We need campaign finance reform right away in Michigan! | |||
| No | a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana? | ||
| No | d) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult? | ||
| No | e) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support delaying the seizure of assets by law enforcement officials until after a conviction? | ||
| g) Other or expanded principles: | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support government spending as a means of promoting economic growth? | ||
| No | b) Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits? | ||
| No | f) Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits? | ||
| Yes | g) Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation? | ||
| Yes | h) Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure? | ||
| Yes | i) Do you support an increase of the minimum wage? | ||
| Yes | j) Should employers be able to ask about applicants' criminal history before interviewing them? | ||
| Some of these questions require a more detailed response than yes or no. While I think criminal histories can be important for some positions, they should be limited to only certain positions. Many of the "Yes" answers above would require very careful, thoughtful legislation to implement correctly. | |||
| No | a) Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative? | ||
| No | b) Do you support a merit pay system for teachers? | ||
| No | c) Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers? | ||
| No | d) Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school? | ||
| No | e) Do you support state funding for charter schools? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid? | ||
| No | g) Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Michigan high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities? | ||
| No | h) Should the state of Michigan continue to oversee the Detroit public school system? | ||
| Again, these are complicated questions. I support innovative techniques to education and that we need to let teachers teach and stop forcing kids to take standardized tests | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)? | ||
| No | b) Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support state funding for improvements to Michigan's energy infrastructure? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support state funding for open space preservation? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support increased regulations of the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry? | ||
| Yes | g) Do you support extending the mandate that 10% of Michigan's energy comes from renewable energy sources? | ||
| The oil and gas industry no longer needs to be subsidized by taxpayers. We need to look to the future and building renewable sources of energy. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you generally support gun-control legislation? | ||
| Yes | b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows? | ||
| Yes | c) Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns? | ||
| Yes | d) Should a license be required for gun possession? | ||
| While I think most gun owners are responsible, we have to fill the gaps in the system. In addition, I do think we need to highly regulate assault weapons. And while a concealed weapon can be okay, I do think schools and municipalities can restrict them if that is the will of the people. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support interstate health insurance compacts? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits? | ||
| Yes | g) Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? | ||
| h) Other or expanded principles: | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support same-sex marriage? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Michigan's anti-discrimination laws? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Michigan's anti-discrimination laws? | ||
| d) Other or expanded principles: | |||
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