Rick Kraft

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government ban certain "military-style" firearms, such as the AR-15?

"The federal government should not ban 'military-style' firearms."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by giving states a fixed block grant for Medicaid?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the U.S. make illegal border crossings a civil rather than criminal offense?

"I don't know how making it a civil offense would work if the one crossing the border is 'judgment proof.' We need to come up with a way to extend grace to those who are already here, but to get the wall built and have stiff sanctions on those not here. We also need to streamline the immigration process. It is unfair to those who enter legally to spend years having to go through the proper procedure."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should Congress create a path to citizenship for illegal/undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children?

"I support a path to citizenship for illegal/undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by eliminating the "essential health benefits" insurance plans must cover?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by increasing funding for research on climate issues?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?

"I oppose federal funding for Planned Parenthood."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government raise the minimum wage?

"I support a small raise to keep up with the cost of living."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government pass a law guaranteeing the right to an abortion as decided in Roe v. Wade?

"I oppose a federal law guaranteeing the right to an abortion."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by providing subsidies for energy efficiency?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by providing subsidies for renewable energy?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government provide free tuition at public colleges and universities?

"I am opposed to free tuition at this time, but am open to studying this more. We have got to do something to keep tuition at colleges and universities from skyrocketing as it has been doing."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should higher income brackets pay more in federal taxes than they currently do?

"I don' t think the solution is increasing taxes on the higher income brackets, but in getting more of our country to work so that more taxes are paid by a broader base."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Do you generally support higher tariffs on imports from countries such as China, where we have a large trade deficit?

"This is a relational issue between two countries. If healthy communication can not get the two countries to a 'win/win' solution, tariffs may need to be used as a tool to force communication."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government increase funding for transportation infrastructure, such as road repair and highway expansion?

"The federal government should increase funding for transportation infrastructure."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government increase private sector involvement in veterans' health care?

"The federal government should increase private sector involvement in veterans' health care."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the government legalize marijuana at the federal level?

"I believe it should be a state by state decision regarding legalizing marijuana."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government reform Social Security by requiring means testing?

"We have got to make sure social security is solvent for our future generations. We must be creative to accomplish this by balancing not hurting those who have contributed over many years or over assessing the younger generation contributing at this time. I would like to see the older generation 'grandfathered' in while being more creative with the younger generation."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by automatically enrolling every citizen in Medicare, replacing most private insurance?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by allowing citizens to opt into Medicare if they so choose?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the U.S. build a physical wall between Mexico and the U.S.?

"The U.S. should build a physical wall between Mexico and the U.S."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government provide more funding to states to fight opioid addiction?

"The federal government should provide more funding to states to fight opioid addiction."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

According to a 2019 poll, two-thirds of U.S. adults say they have little or no confidence in federal government. What is your plan to restore confidence in the federal government?

"It is a relationship that is currently broken. A large ship cannot be turned quickly. To fix the relationship it will take a long time, but we have to start somewhere. As is set out in my website, www.seekingonenationundergod.org, leadership needs to treat one another respectfully. We can disagree and fight hard for what we believe in without being disrespectful. The President can begin the process of fixing this broken relationship, but it will take the help of leadership across the legislative branch also. The federal government needs to be more efficient in what it does both in time and in cost. I would begin the process of reviewing poor and ineffective leadership within our government so that the needs of our citizens is better met in a timely fashion."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government privatize some or all of Social Security?

"We have got to make sure social security is solvent for our future generations. We must be creative to accomplish this by balancing not hurting those who have contributed over many years or over assessing the younger generation contributing at this time. I would like to see the older generation 'grandfathered' in while being more creative with the younger generation."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government reform social security by raising the cap on income subject to the Social Security tax?

"We have got to make sure social security is solvent for our future generations. We must be creative to accomplish this by balancing not hurting those who have contributed over many years or over assessing the younger generation contributing at this time. I would like to see the older generation 'grandfathered' in while being more creative with the younger generation."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government reform Social Security by raising the retirement age from today's age of 67?

"We have got to make sure social security is solvent for our future generations. We must be creative to accomplish this by balancing not hurting those who have contributed over many years or over assessing the younger generation contributing at this time. I would like to see the older generation 'grandfathered' in while being more creative with the younger generation."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by repealing the tax penalty for employers who do not offer health insurance?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the U.S. impose additional sanctions on Russia in retaliation for its aggressive action in Syria and the Ukraine?

"The U.S. should impose additional sanctions on Russia."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government allow student loan payments to be reduced based on income?

"I feel students should be encouraged to obtain high levels of education and I don't want the lack of means to be a reason to deny a higher education level. A system should be put in place that seeks scholarships and funds for underprivileged students. I don't think the solution is adjusting student loans based upon income."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Should the federal government tax carbon emissions?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2019

Do you agree with President Trump on withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement?

"I am undecided on this issue."