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Darren Soto's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Darren Soto did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

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 the US Supreme Court eliminated a fundamental right for the 1st time in history. Sadly they have empowered state governments to control women’s reproductive decisions. This sets women back 50 years & relegates them to 2nd class citizens in America." (x.com)
  • "Women have a right to control their own bodies. Reproductive health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor – and nobody else. In Congress, I always stand up for the right of women to make their own health and family planning decisions – and I will continue to fight tooth-and-nail against any effort to further take away comprehensive women’s health services." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • Rated 100% by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Many seniors in #FL9 rely on Social Security to make ends meet. As Members of Congress, our priority must be to enhance their benefits, not cut them." (x.com)
  • "On its 88th birthday, let's remember that #SocialSecurity is more than a program – it's a promise to our seniors. We must continue to honor it by strengthening the safety net it provides for hard-working Americans. Let's enhance + protect Social Security for generations to come!" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (2017) (votesmart.org)
  • "GOP tax plan puts #BillionairesFirst, gives rich corporations a big payday. Make the One Percent Great Again?" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 6760: "Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018" (votesmart.org)
  • "#BuildBackBetter LOWERS INFLATION by reducing costs: Prescription drugs for seniors, ACA coverage to nearly 1M more Floridians, childcare for families, college for students, and housing. Our plan is paid for by wealthy & major corps paying fair share." (x.com)
  • "@POTUS is focused on putting #PeopleOverPolitics. His budget plan addresses the current Medicare funding crisis and protects the program for future generations. It benefits 99% of Central Floridians by ensuring the top 1% — those making over $400K/ year — pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • "I am fighting for long overdue investments to modernize our roads, bridges, schools, water systems, and clean energy capacity. These investments in our country are what created the middle class, and renewed investment would help local business and provide employment and purpose to Floridians currently out of work." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "There is no time to waste. With the @HouseDemocrats’ funding bill, we are supporting families in #FL9 with critical education, health, housing, and public safety programs. We will never stop working to rebuild our economy and create a better future." (x.com)
  • "The #FreedomToVote Act will create a democracy that works for all Americans. It is crucial for the Senate to pass this legislation quickly for Florida to protect the right to vote, end the dominance of dark money in politics, and prohibit partisan gerrymandering." (x.com)
  • "Thrilled to fight for meaningful campaign finance reform and be endorsed by End Citizens United." (x.com)
  • Rated 89% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "No family should ever have to go through the pain that #GeorgeFloyd’s family experienced. Yet, in America, too many lives have been taken due to unlawful police violence." (x.com)
  • "One year ago today, we saw George Floyd’s life taken at the hands of police. Since then, we’ve passed the #JusticeInPolicing Act to ensure transparency and hold police brutality accountable. With our justice advisory committee, we are also working to be part of the solution." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120: "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "I'm proud to support this year's defense budget to give our troops a raise, protect the homeland, and invest in what makes America strong: our service members’ readiness, diversity, tech innovation, equipment, and alliances." (x.com)
  • "Today and every day, I will support a strong national defense that honors our values, protects our citizens, and strengthens our leadership in the world." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Central Floridians need #COVID19 relief NOW. I'm in Washington, D.C. today to continue to push for a compromise stimulus package that will help get working families, small businesses and communities across America through the holidays. Let's get to work!" (x.com)
  • "I am fighting for long overdue investments to modernize our roads, bridges, schools, water systems, and clean energy capacity. These investments in our country are what created the middle class, and renewed investment would help local business and provide employment and purpose to Floridians currently out of work." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684: "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The #COVID19 pandemic has left many Americans on the brink of eviction, foreclosure & homelessness. The #HousingIsInfrastructure Act of 2021 will promote equitable recovery by providing $600B+ for critical investments in public housing, building upgrades & more." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 5735: "THRIVE Act" (2018) (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301: "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294: "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act" (2023) (votesmart.org)
  • "I am fighting for long overdue investments to modernize our roads, bridges, schools, water systems, and clean energy capacity. These investments in our country are what created the middle class, and renewed investment would help local business and provide employment and purpose to Floridians currently out of work." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "Inflation rates are dropping, but there is still work that needs to be done. American consumers are a driving force. Our Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act are also lowering costs, improving supply chains, and boosting production." (x.com)
  • "We see groceries, clothing, vehicles and other goods finally starting to drop with inflation near 3%. Our efforts to improve supply chains and consumer preferences are driving these lower costs. We still have more work to do." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "GREAT NEWS! The Biden Administration has canceled another $7.7 BILLION in student loans, providing relief to 160,500 borrowers. This relief includes many teachers, nurses, police, and other public servants, as well as SAVE Program enrollees." (x.com)
  • "Thanks @POTUS for keeping your promise to reduce student loan debt by $10K-$20K for millions of Americans. I’ve heard from so many young people in Central Florida who’ve waited for years for this moment." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547: "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This has always been about discouraging communities of color from voting. Election security has always been a mere pretense." (x.com)
  • Rated 89% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746: "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "America should be at the forefront of the effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions and confront the threat of climate change. That's why I'm fighting in Congress to invest in renewable energy, protect our environment, and reduce the financial burden on students who graduate with degrees in science and technology. We have the opportunity to build a clean energy economy and drastically reduce our fossil fuel emissions; we can't afford to lose the progress we've made." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "In Congress, I’m pushing for investments in renewable energy sources and education for a new generation of scientists to conquer the challenges ahead. We’ve made tremendous progress, but we can’t afford to go backward. Corporate polluters and their political allies are fighting tooth and nail to do away with critical regulations that protect our land, water, air, and people from pollution and climate change. Florida is blessed with a unique and beautiful environment, from America’s Everglades to endless miles of pristine beaches. Our economy and quality of life depend on keeping Florida clean – and that’s not worth sacrificing for the short-term gain of corporate polluters." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • Rated 100% by the League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (2019) (votesmart.org)
  • "America should be at the forefront of the effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions and confront the threat of climate change. That's why I'm fighting in Congress to invest in renewable energy, protect our environment, and reduce the financial burden on students who graduate with degrees in science and technology. We have the opportunity to build a clean energy economy and drastically reduce our fossil fuel emissions; we can't afford to lose the progress we've made." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "In Congress, I’m pushing for investments in renewable energy sources and education for a new generation of scientists to conquer the challenges ahead. We’ve made tremendous progress, but we can’t afford to go backward. Corporate polluters and their political allies are fighting tooth and nail to do away with critical regulations that protect our land, water, air, and people from pollution and climate change. Florida is blessed with a unique and beautiful environment, from America’s Everglades to endless miles of pristine beaches. Our economy and quality of life depend on keeping Florida clean – and that’s not worth sacrificing for the short-term gain of corporate polluters." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "Our coastal communities rely on clean water and healthy beaches for tourism and fishing, but President Trump wants to open our Florida coasts to oil and gas drilling. That's why I voted to pass two bills to #ProtectOurCoast & protect our Florida way of life!" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, guns are the leading cause of death for children and young people. More than cancer. More than car crashes. It’s time for Congress to come together and #EndGunViolence." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910: "Protecting Our Kids Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Following the shocking massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in 2016, I called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to reform our gun laws. In Congress, after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I proposed a five-point gun safety plan: Universal background checks for all gun purchases, keeping guns away from those who are a danger to themselves or others, banning assault weapons, high capacity magazines, and bump stocks, creating a "red-flag" system to issue gun restraining orders, and No Fly, No Buy – ban guns for those on FBI terror watch list (with judicial review). My call for reform immediately put me in the crosshairs of the Florida NRA." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "12 years ago, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law — monumental legislation that helped over 31 million Americans gain access to affordable health care. #ThxACA for helping nearly three million Floridians gain access to health care. #ACAHereToStay" (x.com)
  • "Florida has the largest federal healthcare exchange in the nation. If President Trump really cared about protecting Floridians with pre-existing conditions and our health coverage, he’d drop his lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act and abandon his war on healthcare." (x.com)
  • "When someone is sick or injured, we have a responsibility to ensure they get the care they need—without going bankrupt. President Obama’s Affordable Care Act expanded access to quality health care and brought the number of uninsured to a historic low. With your support, I’ll do everything I can in Congress to stop the Republicans from repealing it. In all, over 2.7 million Floridians now have quality health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and it’s making a real difference in the lives of those who went years without seeing a doctor. All Floridians should have access to health coverage. In Congress, I’ll continue the fight to defend and improve on the Affordable Care Act." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Family and Medical Leave Act was signed 25 years ago - providing workers with unpaid leave to care for family. To this day, 63% of Florida families don't have this option. That's why I support #PaidLeave that promotes gender equality and strengthens our economy!" (x.com)
  • "Workers impacted by #Coronavirus need paid leave! Our #FamiliesFirst #Coronavirus Response Act provides two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Americans deserve #ABetterDeal on the cost of prescription drugs for our seniors — one that allows Medicare to negotiate lower prices, transparency on excessive drug price increases, and tough enforcement of price gouging." (x.com)
  • "In just 4 years, the cost of insulin DOUBLED. The medicine you need to stay alive shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Dems are serious about tackling the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. That's why we passed our bill, the #LowerDrugCosts Now Act!" (x.com)
  • "We must lower prescription drugs costs & ensure affordable, accessible cures for all! Today we hosted major hearing w/ drug supply chain executives on removing barriers to generics & lowering prices." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "A border wall is a $25 billion symbol of hate and fear. #NoBanNoWall" (x.com)
  • "In Congress, I have fought alongside my fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to fight for a clean DREAM Act. I joined them to literally shut down the government in order to force Trump and the GOP to provide a permanent solution for our DREAMers. In addition, I pushed for an extension of TPS and a pathway to citizenship for our immigrant communities. Passing comprehensive immigration reform – with a pathway to citizenship – must be at the top of our agenda. Our laws need to catch up with our values and with reality. We aren’t going to deport 11 million undocumented people, the vast majority of whom are working hard, paying taxes, playing by the rules, and contributing to our economy and our community. In the Florida Legislature, I worked across the aisle to get progressive priorities signed into law in a contentious political environment – including bills to allow DREAMers to pay in-state tuition at our public universities and to be admitted to the Florida Bar." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "Pres Trump is fleecing construction dollars from Florida’s Tyndal AFB and Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune to fund his ineffective, medieval border wall, hurting national security and our troops." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "In Congress, I have fought alongside my fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to fight for a clean DREAM Act. I joined them to literally shut down the government in order to force Trump and the GOP to provide a permanent solution for our DREAMers. In addition, I pushed for an extension of TPS and a pathway to citizenship for our immigrant communities. Passing comprehensive immigration reform – with a pathway to citizenship – must be at the top of our agenda. Our laws need to catch up with our values and with reality. We aren’t going to deport 11 million undocumented people, the vast majority of whom are working hard, paying taxes, playing by the rules, and contributing to our economy and our community. In the Florida Legislature, I worked across the aisle to get progressive priorities signed into law in a contentious political environment – including bills to allow DREAMers to pay in-state tuition at our public universities and to be admitted to the Florida Bar." (www.darrensoto.com)
  • "Through budget reconciliation, Congress has the opportunity to grant Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, & essential workers a pathway to citizenship. Doing so will advance our economic recovery from the pandemic, raise wages, create 400k+ new jobs, & more." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "We condemn Russia’s unilateral, unjustifiable & disgraceful attack on Ukraine. This is the greatest threat to peace in Europe since WWII. I stand with @POTUS Biden in levying all possible Russian sanctions and defend our NATO allies in the region." (x.com)
  • "We support the Biden Administration’s decision to reimpose sanctions. Dictator Maduro is deliberately blocking political opponents from participating in free and fair elections. We will continue to fight for a #VenezuelaLibre" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968: "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "First Lady Olena Zelenska's sobering address to Congress today serves as a reminder that we must continue supporting Ukraine's defense against the tyranny of Vladimir Putin. Ukraine's fight for freedom and democracy is our fight." (x.com)
  • "The United States stands with the people of Ukraine and against Vladimir Putin’s violent aggression. This is the first invasion of Europe since WWII. It is critical for us to work across the aisle to protect our fellow democracy, not abandon them in their time of need." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Ensuring social media transparency and accountability is one of our biggest responsibilities as members of @EnergyCommerce. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today to learn how we can implement policies that keep our children safe and uphold civil rights." (x.com)
  • "Lies about the vaccines, lies about the 2020 election, lies about the January 6 insurrection all proliferate on social media to this day. In @EnergyCommerce, I stood up for our democracy and to hold social media companies accountable in English and español." (x.com)
  • "With over 150M Americans on TikTok, we can promote creativity while ensuring privacy, civil rights, and protections for children. In @EnergyCommerce, I applauded inspiring artists, voiced constituents’ concerns, and called upon the committee to pass internet privacy rights." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521: "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (votesmart.org)
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.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
X e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and to organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Require clinics to give parental notification before performing abortions on minors.
Right to Privacy guaranteed by the Florida Const. (Art-sec.) protects right to choose to the extent allowed by U.S. Supreme Court in Casey v. Planned Parenthood (no undue burden until post-viability) and possibly greater protection.

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels (#1-6) you will support for the following general categories. Select one level per category.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels (#1-6) you will support. Select one level per tax.

Slightly Increase a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase b) Education (K-12)
Slightly Increase c) Environment
Maintain Status d) Emergency preparedness
Maintain Status e) Health care
Maintain Status f) Law enforcement
Maintain Status g) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Maintain Status h) Welfare
Slightly Increase a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status f) Property taxes
Maintain Status g) Sales taxes
Slightly Increase h) Vehicle taxes
i) Other or expanded categories
Yes j) Should the state sales taxes be extended to Internet sales?
Yes k) Should accounts such as a "rainy day" fund be used to balance the state budget?
Yes l) Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget?
m) Other or expanded principles
Greatly decrease local interest projects ("pork")

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Yes a) Do you support the current limit of terms for Florida governors?
Yes b) Do you support the current limit of terms for Florida state senators and representatives?
Yes 1) Individual
No 2) PAC
No 3) Corporate
No 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Undecided e) Do you support the power to amend the state constitution through ballot initiative petitions?
Yes f) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes g) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Yes h) Do you support prohibiting media exit polling of voters until all polling locations in Florida are closed?
Undecided i) Should Florida recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
I would support a pooling system resembling the Federal Flood Insurance Fund as supported by FL Senator Rod Smith
e) I support statutory initiatives i) should be decided by voters

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Support the death penalty in Florida.
X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X d) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X f) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
g) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
h) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X i) Require that crimes based on race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X j) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X k) Strengthen sex-offender laws.
X l) Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
I believe our criminal justice system needs to treat individuals who are continually convicted of crimes related alcoholism or other substance abuse addictions as mentally ill rather than as regular criminals. I believe we must focus our tax dollars more on preventing violent crime d) 3 strikes f) but high civil fines

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
X b) Support a constitutional amendment to provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any public school.
c) Support a constitutional amendment to provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
X d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X e) Increase funds for hiring additional teachers.
X f) Require that 65 percent of Florida's education funding be spent in the classroom.
X g) Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay.
h) Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools.
i) Support requiring public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X j) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
k) Increase funding for Head Start programs.
X l) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
m) Relax class-size limits for Florida public schools.
X n) Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
o) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
p) Other or expanded principles

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on:

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that retrain displaced workers and teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
X f) Support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Florida's anti-discrimination laws.
X g) Increase the state minimum wage.
h) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Public employment
Yes b) State college and university admissions
Yes c) State contracting
I believe economically challenged individuals should also be added to this list of protected classes

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
X c) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
X d) Increase funding for improvements to Florida's power generating and transmission facilities.
X e) Support funding for open space preservation.
X f) Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
I believe Florida has a responsibility to protect two national treasures with our borders: The Everglades and our beaches. While this may require us to force businesses and government to internalize environmental costs, we have a national duty and a duty to tourism to do so.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.

a) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
b) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
e) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
X f) Require a license for gun possession.
g) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health.

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer current Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
e) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X f) Legalize physician assisted suicide in Florida.
g) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
X h) Other or expanded principles
d) ...with a prevailing party attorneys fees provision to discourage frivolous lawsuits

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

X a) Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
X b) Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X c) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
X d) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
e) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor.
X f) Support marriage promotion programs for welfare recipients.
g) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
X h) Remove the cap on affordable housing spending in Florida.
i) Other or expanded principles
Lower State Debt -- reinstate prior intangibles tax and vote against most local impact state funding ("pork") Growth Management -- statewide program creating land trusts to assure ample "green space" for the future Education -- (a) Increase teacher salaries (b) enforce class size amendment (c) reject school vouchers (d) deemphasize FCAT as Rating tool

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