2024 GenZ for Change Questionnaire
From climate change to school shootings to cherry-picking history curricula, younger generations have a lot to be skeptical about when it comes to who’s in charge. How can we build trust across generations? Does anyone over the age of 25 deserve it? Learn more from this multi-generational discourse.
Each question is Yes/No and has a "Please explain your above answer"
1. Do you support protecting access to abortion, IVF, and birth control? Yes
While Libertarians believe that people on both sides of the issue can hold "good faith" views, we also believe that the government should be kept out of the matter entirely, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration. In other words, every person has (and should always have) the right to make decisions for themselves even if we disagree with those decisions, but the government - at any level - should have absolutely no authority on the matter.
2. Do you support sustainable investments into climate infrastructure, safe communities, and renewable energy sources, like the Green New Deal for Public Schools? Yes
With a caveat: Libertarians typically oppose the Green New Deal for Public Schools viewing it as an expansion of government intervention (which we whole-heartedly oppose) in education and the economy. Our belief is that such initiatives can lead to increased taxes and government spending, which (in our opinion) stifles individual freedom and choice. Instead, I would advocate for private entities and local communities to have the autonomy to improve schools as they see fit without federal mandates. It is our belief that large-scale government programs result in inefficiencies and misallocation of resources, ultimately hindering innovation and accountability in the education system.
3. Do you support safe working conditions for workers and collective bargaining tactics? Yes
I view safe working conditions and collective bargaining as essential to protecting individual rights and promoting voluntary agreements between employers and employees. Libertarians believe that workers should have the freedom to negotiate the terms of their employment, including safety standards, without government interference. Collective bargaining is a legitimate exercise of workers' rights to organize and advocate for their interests, fostering a more equitable balance of power in the workplace. By prioritizing voluntary contracts and mutual consent, we believe that both employers and employees can achieve better outcomes that respect personal freedoms while ensuring safe and fair working environments.
4. Do you support raising the minimum wage? No
Libertarians generally oppose raising the minimum wage as it can lead to unintended consequences such as job losses and increased unemployment, particularly among low-skilled workers. I believe that the market should determine wage levels through voluntary agreements between employers and employees rather than through government mandates. Our contention is that higher minimum wages can create barriers to entry for younger or less experienced workers, reducing opportunities for them to gain valuable job experience. Instead, I would advocate for policies that promote economic growth and job creation, allowing wages to rise naturally as businesses thrive and compete for talent.
5. Do you support the right to gender affirming care for people of all ages? Yes
The right to gender-affirming care for people of all ages is rooted in the principles of personal autonomy and individual freedom. One of our core beliefs as Libertarians is that individuals should always have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies and medical treatments without government interference. This view emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the role of healthcare professionals in providing appropriate care tailored to each individual's needs. I advocate for a healthcare system that respects personal choices and encourages open discussions between patients and providers, allowing individuals to pursue the care that aligns with their identity and well-being.
6. Do you support policing reform focusing on anti-violence, restorative justice, and mental health education? Yes
Policing reform should prioritize anti-violence measures, restorative justice, and mental health education as essential components of a more effective and just system. Libertarians advocate for reducing the scope and power of police forces, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives that focus on de-escalation and conflict resolution. We support restorative justice practices that hold individuals accountable while fostering healing for victims rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Additionally, we recognize the need for better mental health education and resources, believing that addressing underlying mental health issues can prevent crime and promote safer communities. By empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their own safety and well-being, Libertarians argue for a more equitable approach to justice that respects personal freedoms.
7. Do you support immigration reform to result in more humane, timely, and just immigration? Yes
I believe that immigration reform should absolutely focus on creating a more humane, timely, and just system that respects individual rights and freedoms. Libertarians advocate for the reduction of bureaucratic barriers and restrictions that hinder the ability of individuals to move freely across borders in search of better opportunities. We argue that open immigration policy would enhance economic growth, foster cultural exchanges, and allow individuals to contribute to society without facing undue obstacles. By promoting a fair and efficient immigration process, Libertarians believe that we can create a system that honors the dignity of all people while respecting property rights and the rule of law.
State House of Representative Questions
8. Do you support the right for individuals to travel in/out of your state for reproductive care? Yes
One fundamental aspect of personal autonomy and freedom of choice is the right of individuals to travel wherever they need to travel for reproductive care. Libertarians believe that individuals should have the ability to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference, including seeking necessary reproductive services across state lines. This view emphasizes the importance of privacy and personal responsibility advocating for an environment where individuals can access the care they need without facing legal or logistical barriers. By supporting the right to travel for reproductive care, Libertarians affirm the principle that healthcare decisions should be made by individuals in consultation with their providers, free from state restrictions.
9. Do you support increased investment into public health agencies? No
Again, with a caveat: increased investment in public health agencies should focus on promoting efficiency, accountability and the role of private sector partnerships rather than expanding government bureaucracy. Libertarians argue that while public health is essential, funding should prioritize initiative that empower individuals and communities to take charge of their own health rather than imposing top-down mandates. We advocate for transparent and results-oriented funding that encourages innovation and competition within the healthcare sector. By fostering collaboration between public and private entities, we believe that we can create a more responsive and effective public health system that respects personal choice and encourages healthier lifestyles.
10. Do you support dedicating funds to upkeep of roads, clean public spaces, and protected environmental areas? No
Again, with a caveat: dedicating funds to the upkeep of roads, clean public spaces, and protected environmental areas is very important, but I believe that it must be approached with an emphasis on efficiency and minimal government intervention. Libertarians advocate for using tax revenues judiciously to maintain essential infrastructure while promoting private sector involvement and community-based solutions. We believe that when local communities have a direct stake in the maintenance of public spaces, they are more likely to invest time and resources into their upkeep. Additionally, we support the idea that environmental stewardship can be enhanced through property rights and market mechanisms, encouraging responsible use and preservation of natural resources without excessive regulation. This approach aims to balance public needs with individual freedoms and accountability.
11. Do you support investments into building affordable housing? No
Again, with a caveat: investments in building affordable housing should focus on reducing government interference and regulatory burdens that limit market solutions. Libertarians argue that the root of the affordable housing crisis often lies in excessive zoning laws, land-use restrictions, and other regulations that drive up costs and restrict supply. By promoting policies that encourage private sector development, streamline the permitting process and enhance property rights, we believe that the market can more effectively respond to housing needs. We advocate for initiatives that empower individuals and communities to create diverse housing options, fostering competition and innovation that can lead to truly affordable living arrangements.
12. Do you support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools? Yes
Supporting DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts in schools is seen as promoting individual choice and the free exchange of ideas. Libertarians believe that schools should foster an environment where all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed based on merit and personal effort. We advocate for policies that allow parents and students to choose educational options that align with their values rather than imposing top-down DEI mandates. By encouraging a diverse range of educational institutions and curricula, Libertarians argue that schools can better serve the needs of all students, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that respects personal freedoms while promoting constructive dialogue and understanding among different perspectives.