Michael Shannon's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)
Office:
- State House (CT) - District 117, Democratic
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.
Michael Shannon has provided voters with clear stances on key issues by responding to the 2024 Political Courage Test.
Connecticut State Legislative Election 2024 Political Courage Test
| Pro-choice | a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support legalizing abortion when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape? | ||
| No | c) Do you support the prohibition of public funds (e.g. Medicaid) for organizations that perform abortions? | ||
| I support pro-choice legislation because I believe in protecting the fundamental right of individuals to make their own reproductive health decisions without government interference. I also support legal access to abortion in cases of incest or rape, as individuals in these traumatic situations deserve the ability to make decisions about their reproductive health in a safe and compassionate environment. I do not support prohibiting public funds for doctors that perform abortions, as these doctors provide essential healthcare services to millions, particularly those who rely on Medicaid, and cutting funding would disproportionately harm vulnerable communities and restrict access to comprehensive care. | |||
| No | a) In order to balance the budget, do you support limiting state government spending on social programs (e.g. SNAP, TANF)? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support a decrease in income taxes in order to promote economic growth? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support a wealth tax in order to pay for public programs in your state? | ||
| I do not support limiting state government spending on social programs like SNAP and TANF because these programs provide vital support to vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they have access to basic necessities. I support a decrease in income taxes to promote economic growth, especially for working families, as it can help make life more affordable and stimulate the economy. I also support a wealth tax to help fund public programs, as it ensures that those who have the most resources contribute fairly to the well-being of our state and its residents. | |||
| No | a) Do you support capital punishment for violent crimes? | ||
| No | b) Should an individual under 18 accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police? | ||
| No | d) Do you support the use of private prisons? | ||
| No | e) Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders? | ||
| I do not support capital punishment for violent crimes because I believe it is inhumane and that the justice system should focus on rehabilitation rather than irreversible punishment. I also believe individuals under 18 should not be prosecuted as adults, as young people deserve the chance for rehabilitation and growth. While I support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police, I do not support the use of private prisons, as they prioritize profit over rehabilitation and safety. Lastly, I oppose mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, as these laws often lead to unjust outcomes and hinder rehabilitation efforts. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth (e.g. grants, tax incentives)? | ||
| No | b) Do you support reducing state government regulations on the private sector (e.g. for business or the environment)? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of Connecticut? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support government spending on affordable housing projects in Connecticut? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support eliminating the lower minimum wage assigned to hourly employees who earn tips and instead establish a single minimum wage that would apply to all workers? | ||
| I support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth, as these can help stimulate local businesses and attract new industries to our state. I do not support reducing state government regulations on the private sector, particularly when it comes to the environment, as we must balance economic growth with responsible protections for public health and natural resources. I support increasing the minimum wage in Connecticut to ensure that all workers earn a livable wage and can keep up with the rising cost of living. I also support government spending on affordable housing projects to address the housing crisis and provide more opportunities for residents to live affordably. Lastly, I support eliminating the lower minimum wage for tipped workers, as every worker deserves to earn a fair and consistent wage regardless of tips, which are often unpredictable and pass the cost onto the average working family. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support adopting federal education standards (e.g. Common Core) in Connecticut? | ||
| No | b) Do you support state funding for charter schools? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support increasing teacher salaries AND/OR benefits in Connecticut? | ||
| Yes | d) Should immigrants in the United States who graduate from Connecticut high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities, regardless of immigration status? | ||
| I support adopting federal education standards, like Common Core, in Connecticut because they help ensure consistency in education quality across states and provide a clear framework for student achievement. However, I do not support state funding for charter schools, as I believe public funds should be focused on improving traditional public schools and ensuring all students have access to quality education. I strongly support increasing teacher salaries and benefits, as educators are the backbone of our education system and deserve fair compensation for their work. I also believe immigrants who graduate from Connecticut high schools should be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities, regardless of immigration status, because they are a part of our communities and deserve the same opportunities for higher education. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? | ||
| No | b) Do you support state governments allowing permits for drilling on public lands? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives? | ||
| I support state funding for the development of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, because investing in clean energy is essential for combating climate change and promoting a sustainable future. I do not support allowing permits for drilling on public lands, as this can lead to environmental degradation and harm ecosystems. I support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives to ensure that all residents have access to safe, clean water, which is a fundamental human right and critical for public health. | |||
| Yes | a)Do you support limiting campaign contributions from corporations, unions, and individuals? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support the use of an independent or bipartisan commission for redistricting? | ||
| No | c) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support automatic voter registration? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support the implementation of ranked choice voting in Connecticut? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support eliminating restrictions on absentee voting in Connecticut? (e.g. Connecticut No-Excuse Absentee Voting Amendment) | ||
| I support limiting campaign contributions from corporations, unions, and individuals to reduce the influence of money in politics and ensure that elected officials are accountable to voters, not special interests. I also support the use of an independent or bipartisan commission for redistricting to ensure fair and impartial drawing of district lines. I do not support requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote, as it can create barriers for eligible voters, but I support automatic voter registration to make it easier for all citizens to participate in elections. I support the implementation of ranked choice voting in Connecticut because it encourages more voter choice and reduces negative campaigning. Lastly, I support eliminating restrictions on absentee voting, as it makes voting more accessible for all residents. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you generally support gun-control legislation (e.g. red flag laws, closing the boyfriend loophole)? | ||
| Yes | b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support the right to concealed carry in Connecticut? | ||
| I support gun-control legislation, such as red flag laws and closing the boyfriend loophole, because these measures help prevent gun violence and protect public safety. I also believe background checks should be required on all gun sales, including those between private citizens at gun shows, to ensure that firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. While I support the right to concealed carry in Connecticut, I believe strict regulations and thorough background checks are essential to ensure responsible gun ownership and maintain public safety. | |||
| Yes | a) Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support a government-run (e.g. single-payer) healthcare program such as Medicare-for-All? | ||
| Yes | c) Should an individual have the right to choose to die (e.g. those with a terminal illness) through euthanasia? | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support mandating vaccinations (e.g. for school or employment)? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave benefits (e.g. maternity leave)? | ||
| Yes | f) Should the government be able to regulate the cost of prescription drugs? | ||
| I support increasing state funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse because it's essential to address the opioid crisis with accessible, comprehensive care and support for those struggling with addiction. I support a government-run healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All, to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality healthcare. I also believe individuals with terminal illnesses should have the right to choose peaceful passing, allowing them to die with dignity. I support mandating vaccinations to protect public health and expanding paid family and medical leave benefits to support workers during critical life moments. Finally, I support regulating the cost of prescription drugs to make life-saving medications more affordable for everyone. | |||
| Yes | a) Do you support inclusion of sexual orientation in Connecticut's anti-discrimination laws? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Connecticut's anti-discrimination laws? | ||
| Yes | c) Do you support greater efforts by Connecticut's state government in closing gender, racial, and other wage gaps? | ||
| I support the inclusion of both sexual orientation and gender identity in Connecticut's anti-discrimination laws because everyone deserves protection from discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love. I also support greater efforts by the state government to close gender, racial, and other wage gaps to ensure that all individuals are compensated fairly for their work, promoting equality and economic justice for all. | |||
| If elected, my top priorities will be public safety, affordability for the middle class, education, and environmental protection. These are vital to the long-term well-being of our community, and I believe thoughtful investments in these areas are crucial for a stronger future. Public safety is essential for a thriving community. With rising concerns about gun violence and crime, we must act to keep our neighborhoods safe. I will push for stronger gun safety regulations and work with law enforcement on community policing initiatives that focus on prevention and intervention. Expanding mental health resources and social services will address root causes of crime, ensuring our community is a safe place to live, work, and raise families. Affordability for the middle class is another pressing issue, as many families struggle with the rising cost of living, housing, and healthcare. I will work to expand affordable housing options, provide tax relief for working families, and push for policies that lower healthcare costs, including expanding Medicaid access and controlling prescription drug prices. I will also advocate for increased energy assistance programs to reduce the burden of utility costs, especially during extreme weather. I am also deeply committed to improving education, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. Many schools in our district are underfunded, putting strain on teachers and limiting opportunities for students. I will fight for increased funding to ensure teachers are fairly compensated and that classrooms have the resources they need. By prioritizing education in the state budget, exploring innovative funding partnerships, and reallocating state resources, we can prepare our students for future challenges and create a skilled workforce. Environmental protection is important. Our coastline faces threats from rising sea levels and erosion. I will advocate for renewable energy investments and work to secure state and federal funding for projects that protect our environment while creating green jobs. Together, these priorities?improving public safety, addressing affordability, strengthening education, and protecting our environment?are essential to building a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous community. |
Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.