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Michelle Fischbach's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Michelle Fischbach did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "The vast majority of law enforcement officers take their duty to serve and protect, not just as a job, but as a commitment to our communities. They deserve our respect and support." (www.fischbachforcongress.com)
  • "Today, we express our gratitude for the dedication and selfless service of our law enforcement officers. Thank you for your service today and every day! Team Fischbach will always #BackTheBlue." (twitter.com)
  • "We had great turnout at the Moorhead area #BackTheBlue rally! It's great to see so many people show up to support our law enforcement. I'm proud to say that I stand with our police!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Thank you to the @RJC for your endorsement and shared commitment to less government, low taxes, a strong national defense and fostering ties with Israel, one of the U.S.'s most important allies. #MN07" (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats are using smoke and mirrors to push through TRILLIONS of dollars in new spending and an unconstitutional federal takeover of elections." (twitter.com)
  • "I voted against the Democrats’ budget resolution tonight. With more than a trillion in unspent COVID relief, we should be focused on putting that money to work for the American people before spending trillions more." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's "infrastructure" plan will raise taxes, kill jobs, and create massive new bureaucracy to fund their Green New Deal pet projects. Democrats want TRILLIONS in new spending, and they'll raise taxes on families, small businesses, farms, and retirements to do it." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I voted against the Democrats’ budget resolution tonight. With more than a trillion in unspent COVID relief, we should be focused on putting that money to work for the American people before spending trillions more." (twitter.com)
  • "Only 9% of the bill goes toward COVID-19 relief. This might be good for ultra-liberal progressives in San Francisco, but it does not come close to meeting the needs of the people of Minnesota’s Seventh District." (twitter.com)
  • "There is currently $1 TRILLION+ in unspent COVID relief funds. We should be focused on putting that money to work for the American people before spending trillions more." (twitter.com)
  • "Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to comment that I do talk to farmers, and what farmers are talking to me about is the incredible costs of their inputs this year. That is what they are talking about. They are not coming to me about climate change. They are coming to me about the cost it is for them to do business and the inflation they are facing. Last year, my Democrat colleagues sling-shotted us into record inflation with trillions in reckless spending. Now, they have the audacity to use that very crisis to justify doing it again." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The spending in this bill will exacerbate already record-high inflation. It will increase tax audits on small businesses. It provides amnesty and payouts to illegal immigrants. It does not have Hyde Amendment protections included anywhere, directly acting against the of millions of Americans who do not want their tax dollars to fund abortions. And, the tax cuts in this bill will overwhelmingly favor the very wealthy, while middle-income households are likely to see an increase in their taxes. This bill is no what the country needs now and it proves how little regard Democrats in Washington have for the American people." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "There is no such thing as canceling or “forgiving” student loan debt. This debt will be transferred to hardworking American taxpayers – many of whom did not take out student loans – and will WORSEN inflation while rewarding overpriced colleges." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Let’s make America ENERGY INDEPENDENT again to protect and continue our way of life in rural America." (twitter.com)
  • "President @realDonaldTrump has made it a top priority of his to expand energy development in the U.S., rolling back burdensome regulations & making our country more energy independent. I completely support his approach & finishing Enbridge #Line3." (twitter.com)
  • "The democrat's economic agenda is squeezing hard-working Americans at the pump, at the check-out, and at the thermostat. Their response? Double down with an energy policy will decimate our rural way of life. Americans are tired of the failures of the Biden administration." (twitter.com)
  • "This administration declared their anti-American #energy war on day one and they continue to double down as Americans spend DOUBLE on gas. @POTUS has chosen the far-Left Green New Deal over the American people." (twitter.com)
  • "Last week, I got to join the @LigniteCouncil on their podcast, #Mined. It was so great talking to Kate and Geoff about realities facing rural Minnesota like the need for more reliable energy and less regulation." (twitter.com)
  • "President @realDonaldTrump has made it a top priority of his to expand energy development in the U.S., rolling back burdensome regulations & making our country more energy independent. I completely support his approach & finishing Enbridge #Line3." (twitter.com)
  • "This administration declared their anti-American #energy war on day one and they continue to double down as Americans spend DOUBLE on gas. @POTUS has chosen the far-Left Green New Deal over the American people." (twitter.com)
  • "I will stand up to efforts by the radical left to abolish the Second Amendment and confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens. I will defend the Constitution and vote to protect the right of every lawful gun owner in the United States to keep America free." (www.fischbachforcongress.com)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must defend our right to keep and bear arms. The United States Constitution is unambiguous: our right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Period." (www.fischbachforcongress.com)
  • Voted against S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "At a time when Americans can least afford it, Mr. Becerra enthusiastically supports eliminating the private health insurance market for 160 million Americans, only to replace it with a government takeover branded as Medicare-for-all. The resulting reimbursement cuts would devastate rural health care providers working to stay solvent during the pandemic and would be a slap in the face to the doctors, nurses and other health care workers keeping our communities healthy and safe." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Voted against HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "According to CBP, there were 234,088 migrant encounters at the southern border in April – the highest in US history for one month. This will only get worse if Biden follows through on lifting Title 42. Border security IS national security and this Admin seems to want neither." (twitter.com)
  • "As a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I questioned Secretary Mayorkas on the Biden Administration's dangerous policy failures. Border security is national security, and right now, we have neither. The actions of this Administration and Secretary Mayorkas do not convince me they are serious about securing the border," said Rep. Fischbach. "In addition to my own questions, I reached out to the people of Minnesota's 7th District to see what they want to know from the Secretary. While the Secretary was unable to answer the hundreds of questions in my allotted five minutes, I have sent the questions on to his office and look forward to his responses." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must secure our borders and build the southern border wall. Michelle will stand up to efforts by the radical left to abolish Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and promote open borders and sanctuary cities. She will work with law enforcement officials to restore the rule law and order and is committed to finishing the southern border wall and supporting our ICE agents as they remove unlawful entrants and violent gang members from our county to keep America safe." (www.fischbachforcongress.com)
  • "Keeping our country secure & protecting our borders is a priority. But @collinpeterson has voted against the border wall, & to give amnesty to violent illegal immigrant gang members. I’ll work with @realDonaldTrump to build the border wall, block amnesty, & keep Americans safe!" (twitter.com)
  • "Michelle will stand up to efforts by the radical left to abolish Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and promote open borders and sanctuary cities." (www.fischbachforcongress.com)
  • Rated 92% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "President @realDonaldTrump is fighting back against Democrat efforts to send coronavirus stimulus checks to illegal aliens in sanctuary cities. #MN07" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Joe Biden is flat wrong. A tax cut of $2,000 for a family of four is not negligible. Collin Peterson voted against western Minnesota taxpayers when he voted against President Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I will always support tax cuts for middle class Minnesotans. #MN07" (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden’s plan to eliminate stepped-up basis and assess capital gains taxes at death would be devastating for the agricultural economy. Today, @RepAdrianSmith and I wrote a letter, signed by 130+ of our colleagues, opposing the president's proposal." (twitter.com)
  • "The USMCA is a strong agreement, but it will only work if the agreements within it are adhered to and respected," said Rep. Fischbach. "I am proud to join my Minnesota colleagues in urging USTR to reject the latest TRQ proposal from Canada and continue pressing for the full measure of access to the Canadian dairy market that was agreed to under USMCA." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This is a great victory for #MN07 dairy farmers and #USMCA. This ruling will increase dairy exports by providing fair market access to our northern neighbor’s market. USMCA is working. #NationalMilkDay" (twitter.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legally available when the procedure is completed within the first trimester of pregnancy.
c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
X d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should always be illegal.
f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and parental notification requirements.
g) Should Minnesota government funding be provided to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services?

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding affirmative action and civil rights in Minnesota.

a) The Minnesota government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public and private sectors.
b) The Minnesota government should provide no affirmative action programs.
No c) Do you believe that the Minnesota government should recognize same-sex marriages?

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding children & family issues in Minnesota.

a) Increase state funding for programs to prevent teen pregnancy.
X b) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
c) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime in Minnesota.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Expand and promote "community policing" programs.
X c) Support "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve their full sentences with no chance of parole.
d) Institute the death penalty in Minnesota.
e) Oppose the death penalty.
f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X g) Require mandatory life sentences for third-time, violent felons.
X h) Support the current law which requires that communities be informed when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
i) Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
j) Decriminalize the possession and private use of certain illegal drugs such as marijuana.
k) Strengthen penalties and sentences associated with drug-related crimes.
l) Implement chain gangs in which prison inmates work together in chained work groups.
m) Support laws requiring restitution to crime victims at the personal expense of the criminal.
X n) Implement restrictions on living conditions of state prison inmates (e.g. no weight rooms, no smoking, no frivolous lawsuits).
X o) Require inmates to help pay for their health care services.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) to address juvenile crime in Minnesota.

X a) Prosecute juveniles who commit murder or other serious, violent crimes as adults.
X b) Provide state funding for military-style "boot-camps" for juvenile first-time felons.
X c) Increase state funding for local community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
d) Support state government funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans and job training and placement.
e) Increase state funding for mentor programs that pair troubled juveniles with qualified college and graduate students.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning Minnesota's economic development.

a) Increase state funds for improving the state's transportation system, including major roadways, railways and airports.
b) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for expanding, start-up, or relocating businesses.
c) Expand legalized gambling (either state lottery, slot machines or video gambling).
X d) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector.
e) Remove state government controls or caps from wages, prices, rents, profits, production and interest rates.
f) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
g) Increase state funding for programs to re-train unemployed workers.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Minnesota's education system.

a) Increase state funds for professional development and salaries of public school faculty.
X b) Endorse teacher-led voluntary school prayer in public schools.
c) Encourage private or corporate investment in certain public school programs.
X d) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious, technical).
e) Support continuation of charter schools where teachers and other professionals receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
f) Require the use of state-wide achievement standards for all state public schools.
X g) Emphasize local control of education as long as the school district meets state health and safety standards.
h) Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
i) Support sex education programs which stress safe sexual practices.
j) Provide state funding for programs which increase Minnesota students' access to the Internet and other telecommunications networks.
k) Require periodic competency testing for private and public school teachers.
l) Increase state funds for higher education.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

a) Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels throughout Minnesota.
X b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for polluting industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
X c) Require a cost/benefit analysis be completed on the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
X d) Require the state to reimburse citizens when state-sponsored environmental regulations limit the use of privately owned land.
e) Continue to provide funding for recycling programs in Minnesota.
f) Request flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
X g) Suspend Minnesota's participation in unfunded, federally mandated environmental protection legislation.
h) Maintain minimum environmental quality as mandated by current federal regulations.
X i) Support recent modifications to the Wetlands Conservation Act which provide greater flexibility in fulfilling former requirements for wetlands replacement.

a) Would you support amending the Minnesota Constitution to limit the terms of the following state officials?

Yes 1) State Senators
Yes 2) State Representatives
Yes 3) Governor
Yes b) Do you support amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?
No c) Do you support requiring limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates?
Undecided d) Do you support requiring limits on PAC contributions to state legislative candidates?
Undecided e) Do you support the current ban on corporate contributions to state legislative candidates?
Yes f) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
No g) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
No h) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

a) Support expanding the nationwide federal ban on the public sale of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
b) Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
c) Maintain all state registration procedures and state restrictions on possessing firearms.
X d) Ease state procedures and restrictions on the purchase and registration of firearms.
X e) Repeal all state bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from obtaining firearms.
f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning Minnesota's health care system.

a) Expand state funding for pre-natal and infant care programs available in the state, including immunizations.
X b) Provide tax incentives to assist small businesses in providing health care to their employees.
c) Ensure that Minnesota citizens have access to basic health care, through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
d) Guaranteeing medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
e) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
f) Provide tax credits or state-funded vouchers to assist the working poor in receiving health insurance.
g) Support legislation requiring health insurance providers to cover certain medical services (e.g. 48 hr. hospital stay for mothers after childbirth).

Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of funding for the following categories. Select one option only.

Eliminate a) Abortion
b) Affirmative Action
c) Agriculture
d) AIDS Programs
e) Education
f) Environment
g) Health Care
h) Law Enforcement
Slightly Decrease i) Welfare

Please indicate the changes you support (if any) concerning Minnesota's tax levels. Select one option only.

Slightly Decrease a) Alcohol Taxes
Slightly Decrease b) Business Taxes
Slightly Decrease c) Capital Gains Taxes
Slightly Decrease d) Cigarette Taxes
Slightly Decrease e) Income Taxes (incomes less than $75,000)
Slightly Decrease f) Income Taxes (incomes greater than $75,000)
Slightly Decrease g) Property Taxes
Slightly Decrease h) Sales Taxes
Slightly Decrease i) State Fees
Undecided j) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Minnesota's welfare system.

X a) Provide child care services to welfare recipients who work or attend school.
b) Allow welfare recipients to work and still receive state-funded health care and child care (if needed) until they become self-sufficient.
X c) Require that able-bodied welfare recipients receive job training, attend school, or work in order to receive welfare benefits.
X d) Require that unwed mothers under the age of 18 attend school and live with a parent or guardian (if possible) to receive welfare benefits.
e) Limit the welfare benefits given to recipients if they have additional children.
X f) Provide two-parent families living in poverty the same welfare benefits as one-parent families.
g) Eliminate government-funded welfare and advocate privately-funded assistance to people in need.
X h) Impose a two-year limit on welfare benefits for recipients who are able to work.
Explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected to the Minnesota State Legislature. If any of your priorities will require additional government funding, explain how you intend to obtain the additional funding.

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