Libbi Deann Urban

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Libbi Urban completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Urban's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m Libbi Urban, a farm-raised small-town girl who’s been a resident of Southern Michigan for years. As I travel our district, I’ve learned voters in all 10 counties want the same things. \r\n<p>•Lower food, gas, and housing prices\r\n•Personal healthcare freedoms and affordability…for all people to find the care they need.\r\n•Protecting Social Security and Medicare from cuts and privatization.\r\n</p>\nAs a United Steelworker and the only woman on our Local negotiating committee, I know how to get things done: like better pay, healthcare, and pensions. I helped do it for over 100,000 steelworkers, their families, and retirees and I want to do it for every one of you.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>High price of food, gas, and housing.\r\n<p>We need to cut high prices and rein in corporate greed and price-gouging. [Aug saw the first drop in food prices, with interest rates expected to be lowered in Sept, helping home buyers. But more is needed.]\r\nSupport and grow the middle class so a full time worker isn’t living paycheck to paycheck, but has a little something left over. It’s good for families and it’s good for the local economy.\r\nMake the big corporations and wealthiest individuals pay their fair share, like the rest of us.\r\n</p>\nWe need to raise the federal minimum wage to a livable wage. Who can raise family on minimum wage?</li><li>Healthcare Freedoms.\r\nPeople need the freedom to make their own decisions about how they want to start or grow a family, and women the healthcare they need.\r\nEveryone should have the healthcare they need without going into debt, Harris/Biden capped insulin at $35 and dropped 10 other drug costs for seniors. This should be extended to everyone.\r\nI support everyone’s freedom to make their own personal private health decisions.</li><li>Protect Social Security and Medicare.\r\nWe can’t backtrack on that promise. Or gamble it away.\r\nThis is not an optional entitlement, but a right we’ve paid into our entire working life, and the government promised we could count on when we need it most. \r\nWe need to protect it. These programs must not be privatized or gambled away in the stock market. That's like going to the casino.\r\nWhen the wealthiest and corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes, Social Security and Medicare can remain solvent.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading1-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t1. Enshrine healthcare freedoms into law.<br/>\n<p>2. Protect and fully fund social security and medicare. <br/>\r\n3. Stop corporate price-gouging and make corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes, like the rest of us. [Guardrails around corporate greed and near-monopoly competition] <br/>\n</p>\nI want to work with people on both sides of the aisle to move the country forward.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading2-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity: Elected officials should be honest and trustworthy, acting in the best interests of their constituents.<br/>\n<p>Leadership: They should be able to inspire and motivate others, working collaboratively to achieve common goals.<br/>\r\nCommunication: Effective communication is crucial for building relationships with constituents and explaining complex issues.<br/>\r\nProblem-solving: Elected officials should be able to identify and address challenges facing their communities.<br/>\r\nCommitment to public service: They should be dedicated to serving the needs of their constituents and working for the betterment of society.<br/>\n</p>\nTruthful and honest.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading3-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBesides the following Constitutional requirements:<br/>\n<p>• Making laws;<br/>\r\n• Raising revenue, authorizing &amp; appropriating federal funds, and managing the federal debt;<br/>\r\n• Providing for the common defense;<br/>\r\n• Providing for the general welfare;<br/>\r\n• Regulating commerce among the states and with foreign nations;<br/>\r\n• Establishing the federal court system and defining federal crimes;<br/>\r\n• Declaring war and maintaining and regulating the military;<br/>\r\n• Directing a Census every ten years;<br/>\r\n• Impeaching federal officers, including the President;<br/><br/>\r\nMembers of Congress also perform a myriad of responsibilities including but not limited to the following:<br/>\r\n• Representation<br/>\r\n• Legislation<br/>\r\n• Investigation/Oversight<br/>\r\n• Management<br/>\r\n• Politics<br/>\r\n• Collaboration<br/>\n</p>\n• Leadership\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading4-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember standing in front of my Grandfather's TV watching the USA land on the moon. I was 2 years old and I remember it as if it was yesterday.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading5-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIts fiscal oversight is critical to ensuring policies are implemented effectively and efficiently. The smaller districts of the US House - as opposed to the Senate - are designed to ensure a close relationship between a representative and their diverse constituents. This should be exemplified by accessible engagement opportunities for all constituents to share issues they’d like addressed by their Congressperson, to hear updates from their Congressperson, and to be supported and served by their Congressperson.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading6-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe that it is important for representatives to have had previous experience of workplace and/or community service that requires representing the needs of diverse people served - not just those who agree with you. Examples include government, politics, labor unions, broad-based community organizations, health care services, public schools, and others.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading7-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe impacts of climate change,<br/>\n<p>The role of labor in the face of AI and our global economy<br/>\r\nThe security of our democracy in the face of cyber threats, social media intrusion from abroad in our election process, the need for guardrails of the rapid spread of dis- and mis-information.<br/>\n</p>\nThe rise of authoritarianism worldwide and shifting alliances seeking to undermine the power of democracies throughout the world.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading8-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo. By the time you get settled into committee work and moving policies to consensus and votes, you are already running for your next term. This creates a greater focus on fundraising and campaigning than policy-making and constituent engagement.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading9-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tExperience matters as does support for new ideas and leadership. We already have term limits, it's called voting.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading10-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, when it is in the service of better outcomes for constituents. The broader the base of support for a bill, the more likely its passage and its effective implementation on the ground. It is possible to have clear values and principles while working across differences for the betterment of your constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading11-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt's time for corporations and the wealthiest individuals to contribute their fair share to the tax system. We must close loopholes that unfairly shield them from paying their due. To ensure this happens, we need to strengthen the IRS's ability to effectively collect taxes from these entities. The current situation places an unfair burden on the American people, who ultimately bear the multifold cost of these tax loopholes through the revenue they pay.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading12-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo investigate criminal or unconstitutional activity impacting the US government or the nation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading13-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAgriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry<br/>\n<p>Energy and Commerce<br/>\r\nHealth, Education, Labor, and Pensions<br/>\r\nNatural Resources<br/>\r\nSmall Business<br/>\r\nWays and Means<br/>\n</p>\nBudget\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242092-2024-10-14\" id=\"heading14-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-242092-2024-10-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-242092-2024-10-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-242092-2024-10-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support limiting money in politics, stopping “dark” money from PACs, full transparency in election financing, and ending Citizens United.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nLibbi Urban completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Urban's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m Libbi Urban, a farm-raised small-town girl who’s been a resident of Southern Michigan for years. As I travel our district, I’ve learned voters in all 10 counties want the same things. •Lower food, gas, and housing prices\r\n•Personal healthcare freedoms and affordability…for all people to find the care they need.\r\n•Protecting Social Security and Medicare from cuts and privatization. As a United Steelworker and the only woman on our Local negotiating committee, I know how to get things done: like better pay, healthcare, and pensions. I helped do it for over 100,000 steelworkers, their families, and retirees and I want to do it for every one of you. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? High price of food, gas, and housing. We need to cut high prices and rein in corporate greed and price-gouging. [Aug saw the first drop in food prices, with interest rates expected to be lowered in Sept, helping home buyers. But more is needed.]\r\nSupport and grow the middle class so a full time worker isn’t living paycheck to paycheck, but has a little something left over. It’s good for families and it’s good for the local economy.\r\nMake the big corporations and wealthiest individuals pay their fair share, like the rest of us. We need to raise the federal minimum wage to a livable wage. Who can raise family on minimum wage? Healthcare Freedoms.\r\nPeople need the freedom to make their own decisions about how they want to start or grow a family, and women the healthcare they need.\r\nEveryone should have the healthcare they need without going into debt, Harris/Biden capped insulin at $35 and dropped 10 other drug costs for seniors. This should be extended to everyone.\r\nI support everyone’s freedom to make their own personal private health decisions. Protect Social Security and Medicare.\r\nWe can’t backtrack on that promise. Or gamble it away.\r\nThis is not an optional entitlement, but a right we’ve paid into our entire working life, and the government promised we could count on when we need it most. \r\nWe need to protect it. These programs must not be privatized or gambled away in the stock market. That's like going to the casino.\r\nWhen the wealthiest and corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes, Social Security and Medicare can remain solvent. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? 1. Enshrine healthcare freedoms into law. 2. Protect and fully fund social security and medicare. 3. Stop corporate price-gouging and make corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes, like the rest of us. [Guardrails around corporate greed and near-monopoly competition] I want to work with people on both sides of the aisle to move the country forward. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity: Elected officials should be honest and trustworthy, acting in the best interests of their constituents. Leadership: They should be able to inspire and motivate others, working collaboratively to achieve common goals. Communication: Effective communication is crucial for building relationships with constituents and explaining complex issues. Problem-solving: Elected officials should be able to identify and address challenges facing their communities. Commitment to public service: They should be dedicated to serving the needs of their constituents and working for the betterment of society. Truthful and honest. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Besides the following Constitutional requirements: • Making laws; • Raising revenue, authorizing & appropriating federal funds, and managing the federal debt; • Providing for the common defense; • Providing for the general welfare; • Regulating commerce among the states and with foreign nations; • Establishing the federal court system and defining federal crimes; • Declaring war and maintaining and regulating the military; • Directing a Census every ten years; • Impeaching federal officers, including the President; Members of Congress also perform a myriad of responsibilities including but not limited to the following: • Representation • Legislation • Investigation/Oversight • Management • Politics • Collaboration • Leadership What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember standing in front of my Grandfather's TV watching the USA land on the moon. I was 2 years old and I remember it as if it was yesterday. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Its fiscal oversight is critical to ensuring policies are implemented effectively and efficiently. The smaller districts of the US House - as opposed to the Senate - are designed to ensure a close relationship between a representative and their diverse constituents. This should be exemplified by accessible engagement opportunities for all constituents to share issues they’d like addressed by their Congressperson, to hear updates from their Congressperson, and to be supported and served by their Congressperson. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe that it is important for representatives to have had previous experience of workplace and/or community service that requires representing the needs of diverse people served - not just those who agree with you. Examples include government, politics, labor unions, broad-based community organizations, health care services, public schools, and others. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The impacts of climate change, The role of labor in the face of AI and our global economy The security of our democracy in the face of cyber threats, social media intrusion from abroad in our election process, the need for guardrails of the rapid spread of dis- and mis-information. The rise of authoritarianism worldwide and shifting alliances seeking to undermine the power of democracies throughout the world. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No. By the time you get settled into committee work and moving policies to consensus and votes, you are already running for your next term. This creates a greater focus on fundraising and campaigning than policy-making and constituent engagement. What are your thoughts on term limits? Experience matters as does support for new ideas and leadership. We already have term limits, it's called voting. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, when it is in the service of better outcomes for constituents. The broader the base of support for a bill, the more likely its passage and its effective implementation on the ground. It is possible to have clear values and principles while working across differences for the betterment of your constituents. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? It's time for corporations and the wealthiest individuals to contribute their fair share to the tax system. We must close loopholes that unfairly shield them from paying their due. To ensure this happens, we need to strengthen the IRS's ability to effectively collect taxes from these entities. The current situation places an unfair burden on the American people, who ultimately bear the multifold cost of these tax loopholes through the revenue they pay. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? To investigate criminal or unconstitutional activity impacting the US government or the nation. What committees interest you? Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Energy and Commerce Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Natural Resources Small Business Ways and Means Budget What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? I support limiting money in politics, stopping “dark” money from PACs, full transparency in election financing, and ending Citizens United.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Urban’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Just as employers must honor contracts with workers, I believe the U.S. government must get back to respecting the rights and freedoms of the American people. That includes:\n</p>\n<ul><li>The right for families to make reproductive and health care decisions without government interference.</li>\n<li>Seniors’ right to the full Social Security and Medicare benefits that they spent their lifetimes earning.</li>\n<li>Farmland preservation programs that facilitate the passing of family-owned farms from generation to generation and provide entry opportunities for beginning farmers.</li>\n<li>Americans’ universal right to affordable and excellent health care.</li>\n<li>A tax system requiring the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share, just as working people pay theirs.</li>\n<li>Robust investment in public education, enabling all students to leverage their skills, pursue their passions and help build the nation’s future.</li>\n<li>A modern immigration system.</li>\n<li>Common-sense, practical practices to safeguard our air and water.</li>\n<li>Reasonable gun laws and universal background checks that not only protect residents but respect Second Amendment rights. <sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup></li></ul>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Libbi Urban’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Urban’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Just as employers must honor contracts with workers, I believe the U.S. government must get back to respecting the rights and freedoms of the American people. That includes: The right for families to make reproductive and health care decisions without government interference. Seniors’ right to the full Social Security and Medicare benefits that they spent their lifetimes earning. Farmland preservation programs that facilitate the passing of family-owned farms from generation to generation and provide entry opportunities for beginning farmers. Americans’ universal right to affordable and excellent health care. A tax system requiring the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share, just as working people pay theirs. Robust investment in public education, enabling all students to leverage their skills, pursue their passions and help build the nation’s future. A modern immigration system. Common-sense, practical practices to safeguard our air and water. Reasonable gun laws and universal background checks that not only protect residents but respect Second Amendment rights. [3] ” —Libbi Urban’s campaign website (2024) [4]"}]