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Jeff Reichman is a Republican running for the GOP nomination in Iowa Senate District 42. You can learn more about Reichman’s candidacy here. Riechman filled out his survey via email.

  1. What is the proper role of government: 

The role of the federal government “should be” to act on the international stage.  Borders, treaties, war.

The goal of the state government should be to maintain AS MUCH autonomy as possible.  We see time after time that the Federal Government is not acting in our best interest nor do they know what is best for our state.

2. What issues do you consider non-negotiable: 

Second Amendment – there is a power struggle between state and federal government.     Federal Government constantly wants more influence in our life. This tug of war and grown much more intense.   Federal government dictating laws and regulations and States trying to maintain relevance.    Federal Government is attempting to exert more influence over our life.  I recently saw a statement that said “if they treat us this bad when we are armed, can you imagine how bad it would be were not”

3. What concerns do you have about how the COVID-19 situation was handled by the government, if any:  

There are lots of armchair quarterbacks critiquing the action or perceived inaction.  We are only 2 months into this issue and I think there are still facts and information we have yet to see.  Nobody is in a position to critique the action at this point.

4. At what point do you believe a human life is guaranteed the legal protections of being an American citizen and what would you do to ensure those protections are provided?

Life beings when the cell divides.  14th amendment Roe v. Wade ensures the right to abortions and the progressive liberals celebrate them, and that is disgusting.  The heartbeat bill was overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court.  I will be supporting the Republican majority and Governor Reynolds on their next bill to advance the Heartbeat Bill.

5. Would you support a religious freedom and restoration act in the state of Iowa?

The free exercise of religion is one of the most fundamental rights protected by our Founders. Its placement in the First Amendment to the US Constitution shows how important it is. I need to learn more about the details of the RFRA but protecting religious freedom and not discriminating seem to be goals that can both be met.

6. Would you support mandatory E-Verify in Iowa?

Yes, I support E- Verify.  There are immigration laws and policies for a reason.  Immigration law is LAW and needs to be followed.  E-Verify ensures potential employees are legal for employment and helps to ensure proper states and local taxes are paid.

7. Would you support banning traffic cameras, why or why not?

Traffic cameras for safety, or monitoring traffic flow has its use, however as a county or City GOTCHA means of revenue generation is not right.  People (and that means everyone) need to follow traffic laws but “Big Brother is watching” is going too far.

8. What, if any, measures would you support to curb gun violence?

The predominance of gun violence is a result of crime and specifically drug crime.  Drug enforcement is not cheap but the crime, theft, loss of life is more costly.  Enforcement and treatment need to be among the highest importance.   There is a specific pattern to school shootings.  Most if not all are Bullied, loner kids, from single-parent homes, being treated or counseled.  Better identification, practices, mentors would go a long way.   30 years ago you could spot firearms on a rack in the back window at a high school, what changed?

9. What percent of the state’s budget do you believe should go toward education? 

Education is the largest budget expense for Iowa at over 50% of the entire state budget. Maintaining Iowa’s high standard is expensive.  You get what you pay for.  Budgets need to be justified and scrutinized at every level.  As the Director of Operations, I had a multimillion-dollar budget and I have dealt with department budgets throughout my life.  Extra was constantly asked for the department in hopes that you would receive what the operation actually needed.

10. Would you support education savings accounts?

I support continued use and expanded funding of the state STO tax credit program. This program has been in place for many years and recently funding for this tax credit has been increased by the Iowa Legislature. It has been successful in supporting parents as they seek the best educational opportunities for their children.

11. What do you think of Iowa’s current tax structure? 

I would like to see it lowered.  I would like to keep more of the money I make and so would everyone else.  I haven’t seen any difference in my state income tax, however my property taxes have gone up considerably.   The US has inspired considerable economic growth by allowing people to keep more of their income.   Is it better to have 8% of $100 or 6% of $140.  If lower taxes can inspire growth then I would like to see it utilized.

12. Are there any state regulations you would like to see removed?

Nothing specifically comes to mind, however, I support less government, and that requires fewer regulations.  Something I was shocked to see is how Poorly Iowa rates with penalties against sexual abuse and animal cruelty.  Two areas that it would be difficult to find opposition Iowa ranks among the worst.

13. What are your views on climate change and what, if anything, should the government’s role be in addressing climate change?

I think there is some change the earth has gone through several changes in climate.  I feel we have had some impact however; nobody knows how much.  We should be should all be environmentally conscious.  The United States should continue to invest and research alternative fuels.  I just completed a Solar panel install at home, because we need to be good stewards of the environment.

14. Do you support expanding use of medical marijuana? Would you support recreational use of marijuana?

I do support the expanded use of medical Marijuana.  We have an opioid epidemic, chemical dependence, and deaths caused by current medical prescriptions.  Why not prescribe a natural remedy to treat for pain, depression, PTSD, and whatever else might be deemed appropriate?

I am not personally a fan of the legalization of recreational marijuana and defiantly not as a means of collecting additional tax revenue to feed the tax and spend machine.

Author: Jacob Hall

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