STATE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and LEGISLATORS Questionnaire

1) If someone else is endorsed by the DFL Party for this office, will you run against them in the Primary? (yes/no)

2) If endorsed by Stonewall DFL, how will you display that endorsement in campaign materials?

3)If an LGBT issue comes up that is completely new to you, how do you gather information about it?

4) Are you in favor of equal marriage rights for LGBT couples? How would you use your office to achieve this?

5) What are your views on the US military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, specifically as it applies to the Minnesota National Guard?

6) LGBT people of color are often victims of multiple layers of discrimination. How would you use your office to identify and address these problems?

7) While public awareness of Lesbians and Gays has increased in the last 20 years, there remain some unique and misunderstood issues faced by Bisexual and Transgender communities. Do you support healthcare coverage for gender identity surgery? Do you see other issues specific to these communities, and how would you use your elected office to address them?

8) Alcoholism, crystal methamphetamine and other chemical abuse are public health problems in the LGBT community, which correlates to increased rates of HIV transmission. If elected, how would you use your office to address these problems?

9) What policies do you support to provide equity for LGBT Minnesotans with respect to both public and private healthcare benefits and resulting tax implications?

10)Republican cuts in the Minnesota Dept of Health seem particularly targeted at the LGBT communities. For example: ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program), MAP toll-free hotline, and similar programs. How would you use your office to address funding of these programs?

11)A recent study of urban homeless youth found that in some metro areas over 40% identify as LGBT. A key finding of this study was that homeless LGBT youth are more vulnerable to sexual abuse, substance abuse, and mental health struggles. What root causes of this complex issue can you identify and how would you use your office to address these problems?

12)Do you support age-appropriate education and support programs for LGBT youth in Minnesota schools?

13)What would you do, if elected, to ensure that Lesbian and Bisexual women have access to a diversity of reproductive health options in Minnesota, including birth control, invitro fertilization, and abortion?

14)LGBT people are increasingly becoming parents. LGBT adoption in Minnesota is chancy. Single-parent adoption is usually possible (if you keep quiet about your 'roommate'). Adoption by both members of a LGBT couple is possible (if you shop around to find a gay-friendly judge). This despite a backlog of Minnesota children needing adoption. If elected, what would you do about this situation?

15)In the past, Minnesota state employee unions had negotiated benefit coverage for their domestic partners. But after negotiation, this was removed by the state. Do you think LGBT state employees deserve equal benefits with other employees? Is it negotiating in 'good faith' when the state removes items after their negotiators have agreed to them? Would you allow local governments to offer such benefits?

16)When buying goods & services, the State of Minnesota offers incentives to minority-owned businesses. But LGBT-owned businesses are not accepted as minorities for this. What, in your opinion, should be done about this?

17)What have you donein your past legislative experience to advance or delay pro-LGBT legislation and why? Are there any cases where you would vote differently today?

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