RILEY, JIM

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House of Representatives
District:
6
Political Affiliation:
Republican

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSStrongly Supports
  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • SOStrongly Opposes
  • *Comment
  • −Declined to respond
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Public School Funding in Montana is at an inadequate level. S* As sent to the GOP survey: GOP question -What are your views of government funded education, charter schools and home schooling: Pre K through higher education? MY Answer - First - Stay away from pre-K – its’s an expansion of Govt programs. Second, I believe in school choice and supporting all aspects of educating our kids in Montana. Government funding is acceptable as long as it respects local school board agendas based on community needs and values, rather than pushing a government agenda. Charter schools and home school programs should be encouraged and supported through the same funding principles as public schools. Parent choice is critical. From a conservative perspective, this approach emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and local control. By allowing parents to choose the best educational path for their children, we empower families and ensure that education aligns with their values and needs. Supporting charter schools and home schooling promotes competition and innovation in education, leading to better outcomes for students. Additionally, ensuring that government funding does not come with strings attached protects the autonomy of local communities and prevents overreach by the state. In summary, school choice and equitable funding for all educational options uphold conservative principles of freedom, local control, and limited government, ultimately benefiting our children and communities. Simply stated parent choice = power and competition
2. Parents should have greater freedom to choose how and where their children are educated, including options such as education savings accounts, tax credits, vouchers, or other school-choice mechanisms. SS
3. Parents should be allowed to homeschool their children without additional state regulation SS
4. Curricula based on Critical Race Theory (CRT) should be prohibited in Montana public schools SS
5. Comprehensive sex education should be taught in public elementary schools, beginning as early as kindergarten. SO
6. Montana’s income taxes are too high. SS
7. Montana’s property taxes are too high SS
8. Montana’s corporate taxes are too high S* Montana should focus on using its natural resources, such as logging, mining, and water production, to boost state revenue. Relying on raising or lowering property and other taxes is unsustainable and should be a last resort for economic solutions. How about we consider a diversion of “Bed tax” revenue?
9. The Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms for self-defense. SS* I wholeheartedly agree with the policy that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed by any level of government, government agency, or employee. The Montana Firearms Freedom Act is crucial in ensuring that any government employee who violates this right is prosecuted. I firmly support the castle doctrine of self-defense and its extension to our vehicles, as it empowers individuals to protect themselves and their property. It is essential that no government enacts a system of firearm registration, tracking, taxing, or limiting the amount of ammunition or firearms that law-abiding citizens can own. "Gun-free zones" are counterproductive as they strip peaceful citizens of their right to defend themselves. American citizens exercising their right to peaceably assemble or seek redress of their grievances, whether armed in accordance with the United States Constitution or not, should never be deemed terrorists simply for that non-violent act. Furthermore, veterans and citizens seeking medical treatment must be constitutionally protected. Any removal of rights based on a predicted threat must include due process, transparency, and the opportunity for expedient redress. This ensures that our rights are safeguarded and that justice is served fairly. I passionately support these policies as they uphold our constitutional rights, protect individual freedoms, and ensure that our government remains accountable to the people. Together, we can preserve the principles that make our nation strong and free.
10. Montanans should not be discriminated against or treated differently based on their vaccination status. SS
11. Climate change is a serious problem that requires increased government regulation. SO* As sent to the GOP: GOP question - What are your thoughts on man caused climate change. My Answer - It’s an oxymoron. While I acknowledge that there are differing opinions on the extent and causes of climate change, I believe that we should err on the side of caution and take steps to fully understand the current climate patterns before “Man” gets involved. I will be working closely with Bryan Mussard out of Dillon Montana to gain further understanding in this matter through his role on the MAHA committee out of DC.
12. Environmental regulations in Montana are currently too restrictive. S
13. Abortion should be illegal at all stages of pregnancy. SS* Life begins at CONCEPTION - Period!
14. Abortion should be legal only in the early stages of pregnancy and restricted after a specific point, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. SO
15. Abortion should remain legal at all stages of pregnancy, without restriction. SO
16. Individuals and organizations should be allowed to opt out of abortion-related mandates, if those mandates violate their religious or moral convictions. SO
17. Physician-assisted suicide should be legal in Montana. SO
18. Biological males who identify as transgender should be allowed to compete in women’s and girl's athletic competitions. SO
19. Medical procedures intended to change a minor’s sex or gender should be prohibited. SS* Gender dysphoria is a real thing, a mental illness that requires compassion, and treatment. But promoting any so-called therapy for children is child abuse. I believe that transgenderism/Gender Dysphoria is a personal choice and should not be promoted or openly displayed in our schools or state and federally funded facilities. It is essential to respect individual choices while ensuring that educational and public institutions remain focused on their primary missions without promoting specific lifestyles. From a conservative viewpoint, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of all students and maintain an environment conducive to learning. There is concern that exposure to transgender ideology in schools may lead to confusion and long-term psychological effects on young individuals. Studies have shown that individuals who undergo gender transition may experience higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, compared to the general population. Furthermore, government-funded facilities should remain neutral and not endorse or promote any particular lifestyle. This approach ensures that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and that public institutions serve the needs of the entire community without bias. While respecting personal choices, it is important to maintain a focus on education and public service without promoting specific ideologies that may have long-term psychological impacts.
20. Same-sex couples should be permitted to adopt children. SO
21. State and local nondiscrimination laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the same manner as race, religion, and national origin. SO
22. Montana’s marriage laws should be revised to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage. SO
23. Objective moral truths exist and should inform laws and public policy, rather than shifting cultural preferences. S
24. Government should be limited in scope, with most decisions best made by individuals, families, and local communities rather than centralized authorities. SS
25. Homosexuals and transgender people should be allowed to adopt children: SO
26. Personal responsibility and self-governance are more effective at solving social problems than expanded government programs: SS
27. Parents—not government institutions—are the primary authority responsible for the education and moral formation of their children: SS