Card image cap

Allyson Schwartz's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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.

Allyson Schwartz refused to tell citizens where she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

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 2012.

  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Allyson Schwartz a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Conference Committee Opening Statement. 24 January 2012. "Using part of the savings achieved through the reduction of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan offers a unique and limited-time opportunity to resolve a budgetary problem that grows more costly with each passing month." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Statement on President Obama's Afghanistan Strategy. 3 December 2009. "President Obama has announced a course of action in Afghanistan that focuses on partnering with, and training, the Afghan Security Forces so they can assume responsibility for their country as soon as possible. I support the President's commitment toward eliminating the threats to our national security by bringing stability to a region that has become a safe haven for al Qaeda. Even with the President's decision to deploy additional troops, he has articulated a clear exit strategy that is essential to avoiding our participation in an open-ended conflict. Over the next two years it is important that Congress and the Obama Administration closely monitor the situation on the ground and ensure that we have a committed and honest partner in the Afghan government. I understand the human toll this war has taken on our troops. I have seen our soldiers off at Willow Grove Naval Air Station and I have spoken to family members of those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country. It is imperative that Congress ensure our troops receive the resources they need to achieve their mission and that we do so in a fiscally responsible way." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Peace Action 38 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of Peace Action West 38 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Statement of U.S. Representative Schwartz on Pres. Obama's Address on Afghanistan. 22 June 2011. "I support the President's decision to transition Afghan security responsibility to the Afghan people through a clear strategy for reduction in U.S. troops over the next year and a half. As our troops come home, the Afghan security forces will assume responsibility for their nation. I commend President Obama for the planned, deliberate, and timely withdrawal of U.S. Troops." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Fiscal Choices. 7 April 2011. "I want to particularly talk about not just the spending cuts and where else we might be able to take spending cuts. We're interested in everything being on the table and looking at the Department of Defense, for example, which some Republicans agreed with us on." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Opening Statement at Budget Committee Hearing on CBO's Long-Term Budget Outlook. 23 June 2011. "It is imperative that we meet our commitment to our troops, our military preparedeness, and our security as a nation, but the growth in DOD spending has got to be taken into account. It is after all 20 percent of our spending." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Representative Schwartz Votes to Overturn BRAC Process. 27 October 2005. ""The base realignment process is designed to provide a more efficient and effective military structure. But, BRAC 2005 failed to meet these goals and that is why I will vote against implementing the recommendations of the Department of Defense and the Base Realignment Commission. The base realignment recommendations fall short because they eliminate military resources and installations without producing meaningful cost-savings. And, the base realignment recommendations fall short because they call for the closure of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, a military installation that plays a vital role in our nation's security. At a time when we are fighting a global war on terror and facing new and very real threats, the nation must be fully prepared. This BRAC round does not live up to the original goals of the process and, therefore, it should be rejected." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Video: Allyson on CSPAN's Washington Journal “ 3.21.12. 21 March 2012. "We have to tackle this deficit [¦] the question is how quickly, the question is how. I think the Democrats have been very clear that we have committed to spending cuts. We believe those spending cuts need to be in every part of the budget [¦] we should demand more accountability, more transparency, more efficiency." (www.youtube.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 6 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Concord Coalition Praises Rep. Schwartz's Leadership on the Federal Budget. 20 September 2012. "Schwartz, along with 38 of her colleagues who voted for the only bipartisan budget proposal this year, will be presented with the Economic Patriot Award. That plan cuts the deficit by $4 trillion over the next 10 years with a balanced approach--two-thirds of the deficit savings from spending cuts and one-third from tax reform. The budget alternative also repeals sequestration, replacing the automatic, across-the-board cuts due to begin in Jan. 2013 with a comprehensive, balanced plan for deficit reduction." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Philadelphia Inquirer: We must make right choices now to rebuild U.S. Economy. 7 August 2011. "Second, getting our nation back on the right fiscal path means tackling tax policy so American companies lead the way in a global economy. Our outdated tax code allows special interests to prosper at the expense of broader and more sustained economic growth. Reforming our tax code starts with eliminating favoritism for special interests and ending tax loopholes. As we do so, we can lower the overall tax rate for American businesses. In addition, we must replace outdated tax incentives that grew jobs 30 years ago with those that grow 21st-century jobs." (www.allysonschwartz.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Opening Statement at Budget Committee Hearing on CBO's Long-Term Budget Outlook. 23 June 2011. "And we cannot afford another 10 years of deficit-financed Bush tax cuts and expect our fiscal outlook to change for the better. Revenues must be a part of the solution, plain and simple." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Video: Allyson on CSPAN's Washington Journal “ 3.21.12. 21 March 2012. "But we also believe that we have to deal with this in two ways. It can't all be done with spending cuts; every responsible bipartisan commission says it cannot be done without some discussion and reality of revenues. We believe that's true; Republicans do not [¦] Really can the wealthiest one percent of American pay a bit more in taxes? They did under the Clinton years and it was a really good economy." (www.youtube.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. House Passes Major Plan to Get Tax Relief to Middle Class Families. 26 September 2008. "The Senate has a responsibility to do the right thing for middle class families and our businesses that depend on these vital tax deductions and credits. I call on my Senate colleagues to work with us in the House to send to President Bush this fiscally responsible proposal, so that we can help turn our economy around." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Statement on Republican Budget for Fiscal Year 2012. 6 April 2011. "Tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent of Americans won't reduce our deficit; they just add to our already mounting debt." (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 5 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Issues: Fiscal Responsibility. "Congress must be fiscally responsible, move toward a balanced budget, and pay for what it spends. I strongly supported reinstating statutory pay-go legislation in 2007 -- an essential step in the process of restoring the principles of fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting that lapsed during the last Republican Congress." (www.allysonschwartz.com)
  • Allyzon Schwartz. Video: Allyson on CSPAN's Washington Journal “ 3.21.12. 21 March 2012. "We have to grow this economy. And that means “ and I believe that means making investments in our future “ in education, in infrastructure, in new technologies, in growth industries, you know, and in the beginnings of all of those." (www.youtube.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Major Economic Stimulus Plan Signed into Law. 13 February 2008."I am proud to have played a role in this bipartisan economic stimulus plan. Our plan gets immediate relief to hardworking American families who are struggling. But our work in Congress is far from complete. We must do all we can to strengthen this economy, and I will continue to focus my efforts on the areas of great concern to all Americans: affordable healthcare, tax fairness for middle class families, and ensuring our 21st century economy creates well paying jobs with good benefits." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Issue Position: Education. 1 January 2011. "Supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which makes strategic investments in education to help America become stronger, more productive and more competitive. The Recovery Act makes investments to modernize our schools, help states avoid teacher layoffs and other education cutbacks, and makes college more affordable for middle class families. This law will save or create more than 250,000 jobs in the education sector." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Issue Position: Economy. 27 September 2012. "I helped author the recently enacted economic stimulus that provided more than 130 million American households with a stimulus check and provided American businesses with incentives to encourage job creation." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Allyson Schwartz a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Statement on President Obama's Address on Job Creation. 8 September 2011. "I commend the President's leadership in recognizing that we must act now to stimulate job creation, even as we tackle our long-term structural deficits. "I have called on President Obama to move forward with ideas that are proven job creators such as: Extending a tax credit for small biotech companies in order to encourage innovation and remain the international leader in the life sciences industry. I have introduced bipartisan legislation to extend tax incentives for small biotech businesses across the country. The successful initiative I spearheaded in the last Congress has already helped 3,000 small companies create jobs, develop products and advance research. We should build on that success and extend the tax credits." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. The Continued Misdirection of the Country. 10 May 2006. "The other day I met with some of the school superintendents in my district, and they told me, I will say all things are really new, but they were pleading with me because they said we want to be held accountable. We want our teachers, our schools to perform at the highest levels possible. So the concept of No Child Left Behind, in fact, we support it, as do I, but the fact that they are not getting the funding for that that the government promised to them, again it is about meeting our promises, about meeting our obligations to our children." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. League of Conservation Voters endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Allyson Schwartz. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Pennsylvania State Legislative Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Allyson Schwartz. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Allyson Schwartz in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Allyson Schwartz a grade of 9." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. News Gleaner: It's Allyson's Turn. 14 September 2006. "I have no issue with legal gun buyers, who know what they are doing and are competent gun owners. That's not what we're talking about here. We have to work with law enforcement, but also to give them the tools to enforce the laws. Philadelphia used to have different licensing requirements, where you had to show a purpose before purchasing a gun. But legal use isn't the problem - it's illegal guns. I support Philadelphia being able to limit gun purchasers to one per month, but that would be to go after these 'Straw' purchasers, someone who buys 10 or 20 guns, drives around the block and sells them to illegal dealers. I support federal legislation for background checks, and to prevent interstate transport of guns." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. News Gleaner: Schwartz gets grant to help combat illegal guns. 31 August 2006. "If we can get illegal guns off the street, we can defeat gun violence. And that's the purpose. We need to come down hard on the trafficking of illegal guns. The idea is if you can reduce the illegal gun trafficking, the sale of illegal guns, you can stop the violence before it happens." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Significant Health Care Reforms Will Benefit Families. 23 September 2010. "While the debate on this bill [Affordable Care Act] was long and arduous at times, these reforms are now a reality and making a difference in the lives of families, individuals and businesses in my district and across the country. I worked hard to ensure that some of these provisions were included in the final law to give families peace of mind that they won't go bankrupt if someone they love gets sick, to give patients more choices and better quality of care, and to put consumers in control of their health care. Along with many significant provisions already underway, today, even more great changes will go into effect. It is now law that no child can be denied insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition. I introduced this bill, championed it throughout health care reform, and I am so proud to say that we finally achieved this protection for families. In addition, all insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping people's coverage when they get sick and all plans must allow young adults to remain on their parent's coverage until their 26th birthday, bridging the gap between college and the workplace. These benefits will put an end to some of the most egregious insurance company practices and help families feel more secure about their health care coverage." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Issues: Health Care. "In Congress, I led the charge to: Ensure Meaningful Insurance [¦] and strengthen Medical Education and Health Care Innovation." (www.allysonschwartz.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Facebook: Photos. Allyson Talking Health Care on CNBC. 21 January 2011. "The provisions of the health care law that we passed last year [¦] are now helping millions of Americans and individuals [¦] I think that [¦] they [Republicans] ought to be working with us to make sure this law works the way we expect it to and helps grow this economy and helps protect Americans to be able to get the health care that they need." (www.facebook.com)
  • Allyson Schwartz. It Is Time To Vote "Yes" On Health Care Reform. 21 March 2010. "It is time to put American families back in control of their health care [¦] It's time to vote 'yes' on health care reform." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Lauds House Passage Of Health Care Reform. 21 March 2010. "Health care reform represents the largest deficit reduction measure in nearly a generation. It will contain the rising cost of health coverage and improve health benefits for Americans who currently have insurance." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Opening Statement at Budget Committee Hearing on CBO's Long-Term Budget Outlook. 23 June 2011. "Also, if Republicans continue their assault on health care reform, the cost burden for seniors will only increase, while coverage and benefits decrease. Going back on the promise we have made to our seniors and disabled Americans is wrong. It is not only morally reprehensible, it is fiscally irresponsible." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 83 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 33 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Allyson Schwartz voted Nay on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 97 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 28 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Allyson Schwartz voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Intelligencer: Reaction to the President's Support of Same-Sex Marriage. 10 May 2012. "President Obama demonstrated courage today in sharing his personal views on the importance of all Americans having equal rights under the law, including the legal right to marry who they love and are committed to." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 82 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden. 2 May 2011. "Osama bin Laden was directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent Americans here at home and around the world. And, now today we can proudly say that through President Obama's decisive and resolute leadership and the perseverance and hard work of our intelligence community and Armed Forces bin Laden has been brought to justice. As a nation we share a collective debt of gratitude for President Obama and our military and intelligence community's unwavering dedication and commitment to this critical mission." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Allyson Schwartz supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Allyson Schwartz. Northeast Times: Happy 75th Birthday, Social Security. 12 August 2010. "Ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security and the benefit it provides to millions of Americans is a top priority of mine. This commitment is being challenged right now by those who want to continue the legacy of President George W. Bush by privatizing Social Security and making deep cuts in its guaranteed benefits." (www.allysonschwartz.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.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Greatly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Greatly Increase Funding c) Environment
Greatly Increase Funding d) Health care
Maintain Funding Status e) Law enforcement
Maintain Funding Status f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Slightly Increase Funding g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase c) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Increase d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Franchise taxes
Maintain Status f) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Slightly Increase h) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Slightly Decrease i) Inheritance taxes
Greatly Decrease j) Property taxes
Maintain Status k) Sales taxes
Maintain Status l) Vehicle taxes
m) Other or expanded categories
Undecided n) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Yes o) Do you support spending a portion of the "rainy day" fund to help alleviate budget shortfalls?
p) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Yes a) Do you support the current two term, eight year limit for Pennsylvania governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Pennsylvania state senators and representatives?
Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes f) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
Yes g) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes h) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying, and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Yes i) Do you support prohibiting media exit polling of voters until all polling locations in Pennsylvania are closed?
Yes j) Should Pennsylvania recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
No k) Should Pennsylvania restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
l) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
X c) Oppose the use of the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
X d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
e) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
g) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
h) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
i) Lower the .10 blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
j) Minors accused of a felony should be prosecuted as adults.
X k) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X l) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
X m) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
n) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
X c) Support state funding to online charter schools.
X d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
e) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
f) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
g) Support posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.
h) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
i) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
j) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X k) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
X l) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
X m) Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
n) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
o) Other or expanded principles

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Should the following state agencies take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children of low-income working families.
X f) Include sexual orientation in Pennsylvania's anti-discrimination laws.
g) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) College and university admissions
Yes b) Public employment
Yes c) State contracting
d) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
X b) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
Yes c) Do you support funding open space preservation?
Yes d) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
e) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
X f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
X h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
X e) Support patients' right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
f) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
g) Legalize physician assisted suicide in Pennsylvania?
h) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

X a) Support current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X c) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X d) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X e) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
f) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
g) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
X h) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
i) Other or expanded principles
My legislative priorities are three-fold: Quality public education and child care, access to health care and insurance reform, and economic development. The policy which informs all of these initiatives is that government must work smarter and harder for all Pennsylvania citizens. When government works effectively, with a focus on the future, it can make a positive impact on people's lives...

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward