WELZENBACH, KIM

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House of Representatives
District:
46
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* Financial resources available to public schools could be better utilized for programs and services that directly benefit student education by redirecting funds from bloated administrative spending directly to programs that actually educate students. Parents should be afforded the liberty of providing the best possible education for their child by allowing parents to choose where and how their child receives an education. Per student Federal and State funding should follow the student to fund their education at the school of their choice and for the education method of their choice.
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* Approximately 40% of the state's tax revenue comes from property tax, contributing to an unsustainable housing situation. Higher property taxes force landlords to raise rents and seniors on fixed incomes to be unable to afford the home they’ve lived in for years – even if their home is paid off. For median income families, it affects their ability to save, spend and build wealth, increasing their poverty risk.Not only did Montana fail its citizens in the last legislative session with tax policy, the state used excess reserve funds to give property owners an average $400 one-time rebate, having zero impact on affordable housing. The excess funds should have been given back to the taxpayers. Instead, over $640 million was put into trust funds and other reserves for potential future projects.Additionally, Montana is one of only 8 states that tax Social Security Income. This tax should be eliminated, as it puts an already vulnerable segment of Montana's population at serious risk of poverty and homelessness.Eliminate the business equipment tax.
8. Montana’s corporate taxes are too high SS
9. The Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms for self-defense. SS* I am a Constitutionalist. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights, therein, is not a suggestion. I's the foundation from which our country was formed and is the rule of the land.
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
12. Environmental regulations in Montana are currently too restrictive. SS* We should all act responsibly when it comes to our environment. This doesn't require government intervention. It's a matter of common sense and respect for our environment.Regulation has gone so far in trying to force environmental standards that, I believe, it's had the opposite effect from the intended purpose and only seems to enrich those invested in "the cause."
13. Abortion should be illegal at all stages of pregnancy. O
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. S* I believe life begins at conception. However, there are times abortion may need to be considered, such as rape, incest, and when the mother's life is jeopardized. Abortion should be restricted to early pregnancy, unless the mother's life is in danger. Adoption is a wonderful alternative to abortion for women who cannot care for a child.
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. SS
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
20. Same-sex couples should be permitted to adopt children. S
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* Nondiscrimination laws were written based on the biological fact that there are two sexes, male & female. What someone identifies as, is irrelevant. If I identified as a billionaire, it doesn't make me a billionaire. If I identified as another species, it doesn't make me that species - it is biologically impossible. However, the beauty of America is we all are given certain inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is not anyone's place to tell someone who they should or should not love or how to live their life - as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others. The people have a right not to be forced into accommodating someone's lifestyle choice by those who don't agree with it.
22. Montana’s marriage laws should be revised to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage. S
23. Objective moral truths exist and should inform laws and public policy, rather than shifting cultural preferences. SS
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: O* My responses to these questions are constitutionally based. I had difficulty with the way the question regarding adoption was framed. Adoption requires putting a life in the hands of another. As with any adoption, I would hope the adopting parents are thoroughly screened to ensure the safety and well being of the child. Transgender transitioning has come under a lot of scrutiny as of late, and too many questions exist pertaining to mental competency.
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