Lana Theis

Republican | Michigan

Candidate Profile*

Conservative

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Lana Theis


Party

Republican


Election Year

2022


Election

General


Race

State Senator, Dist. 22


Incumbent

Yes


Links

Lana Theis websitesLana Theis phones
Lana Theis email
FacebookX

EDUCATION

Cal State Univ Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, Bachelor Biology, 96

WORK & MILITARY

(Candidate did not provide)

AFFILIATIONS

American Legion Auxiliary, Member, Brighton Area Fire Authority

Board Member/Past Chair, Livingston County Republican Party, Exec Cmte/Past Chair

Livingston Co Treasurers Association, Past Chair, Meals on Wheels

Past Advisory Board Member, Michigan Alliance for Prosperity, President, organization inactive

C.A.R.E for Brighton Ballot Cmte, Director, organization inactive

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Michigan State Senator, 3.5

Michigan State Representative, 4

Brighton Township Treasurer, 6

Republican Precinct Delegate, 10

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

(Candidate did not provide)

Race

Previous Races

ENDORSEMENTS*

*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (8)

*National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF

Right to Life of Michigan

Citizens for Traditional Values-Michigan

*Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners

*Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan PAC

OTHER (8)

MS Manufacturers Association PAC (MMA-PAC)

Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPAC

Small Business Association of Michigan (Small Biz PAC)

*Michigan Manufacturers Association

*Michigan Fraternal Order of Police

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)

Small Business Association of Michigan

National Federation of Independent Business

Right to Life of Michigan

Associated Builders and Contractors

National Rifle Association

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (18)

Ann Bollin (2020)

Bill Rogers (2012)

Bill Schuette (2014)

Bronna Kahle (2016)

Gary Howell (2016)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (25)

Advancing Michigan (2016)

Ann Bollin (2014)

Bill Rogers (2016)

Bolger Restore Michigan Fund (2014)

Compete Michigan PAC (2016)


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)

AmeriPac: The Fund for a Greater America (2015)

Michigan Association for Justice (2017)

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (2017)

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

It should be allowed in order to save the life of the mother.

Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

It should be allowed in order to save the life of the mother.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree


ECONOMY

What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?

The tax code should not be so complicated as to be impossible to comply with. The code should be simplified and the role of government, particularly the bureaucratic state, should be reduced so that the tax burden can be significantly lessened.

What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?

The tax code should not be so complicated as to be impossible to comply with. The code should be simplified and the role of government, particularly the bureaucratic state, should be reduced so that the tax burden can be significantly lessened.

What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?

I would first focus on reducing regulation and the bureaucracy. Next, I would cut or eliminate spending that takes from those that have earned it, in order to create a more enticing environment for out-of-state businesses, or to 'help' those who are not earning, but could be.

What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?

I would first focus on reducing regulation and the bureaucracy. Next, I would cut or eliminate spending that takes from those that have earned it, in order to create a more enticing environment for out-of-state businesses, or to 'help' those who are not earning, but could be.

Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.

Strongly Disagree

All children need a K-12 education to be best prepared for life, but not everyone needs a college degree.

Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.

Strongly Disagree

All children need a K-12 education to be best prepared for life, but not everyone needs a college degree.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

The free exercise of religion is a constitutional right. It is quite clear.

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

The free exercise of religion is a constitutional right. It is quite clear.


HEALTHCARE

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.

The option I most closely align with is C, though the expansion of Medicaid needs to be scaled back. Even our founding fathers believed in a "safety net" which was handled at a local level. After the passage of Obamacare, states expanded Medicaid significantly. It was expanded even further under federal COVID rules. The federal expansion prohibited the states from unenrolling individuals from Medicaid, but those funds are ending. That reduction will be happening nationwide as states return to their pre-COVID enrollment, creating the largest health coverage transition event in history. This will likely become a significant issue as this transition takes place. Unfortunately, when government guarantees payment for things, costs tend to increase, and medical inflation tends to be higher than other industries. This will bring to the forefront an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensuring medical care is both available and affordable.

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.

The option I most closely align with is C, though the expansion of Medicaid needs to be scaled back. Even our founding fathers believed in a "safety net" which was handled at a local level. After the passage of Obamacare, states expanded Medicaid significantly. It was expanded even further under federal COVID rules. The federal expansion prohibited the states from unenrolling individuals from Medicaid, but those funds are ending. That reduction will be happening nationwide as states return to their pre-COVID enrollment, creating the largest health coverage transition event in history. This will likely become a significant issue as this transition takes place. Unfortunately, when government guarantees payment for things, costs tend to increase, and medical inflation tends to be higher than other industries. This will bring to the forefront an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensuring medical care is both available and affordable.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Emergency use vaccinations should never be mandated. I have always supported vaccine choice, whereby parents or adult patients have the option of making informed decisions about the vaccines that they take. Because of privacy laws, no employer should ever be able to know what vaccines their employees have taken, much less mandate them.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Emergency use vaccinations should never be mandated. I have always supported vaccine choice, whereby parents or adult patients have the option of making informed decisions about the vaccines that they take. Because of privacy laws, no employer should ever be able to know what vaccines their employees have taken, much less mandate them.


NATIONAL SECURITY

What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?

We need a well-prepared and well-equipped military that is not subject to the whims of the political environment's popular culture. America is safest when America is known to have the strongest military in the world. This is true for any threat to our safety, including terrorism. Attacks on our country or our allies should be responded to swiftly and concisely. Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy was never more appropriate than now.

What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?

We need a well-prepared and well-equipped military that is not subject to the whims of the political environment's popular culture. America is safest when America is known to have the strongest military in the world. This is true for any threat to our safety, including terrorism. Attacks on our country or our allies should be responded to swiftly and concisely. Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy was never more appropriate than now.

I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Strongly Disagree

The wording of this question is based on an incorrect understanding of history. My experience in Israel defies the assumptions within it. I believe Benjamin Netanyahu's quote says it best: “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."

I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Strongly Disagree

The wording of this question is based on an incorrect understanding of history. My experience in Israel defies the assumptions within it. I believe Benjamin Netanyahu's quote says it best: “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

People who are appropriately vetted, who are not threats to the safety of our community or our country should be allowed to enter, using the legal immigration process. The system will always be broken when people who break the law are given priority standing over those who don't.

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

People who are appropriately vetted, who are not threats to the safety of our community or our country should be allowed to enter, using the legal immigration process. The system will always be broken when people who break the law are given priority standing over those who don't.


EDUCATION

I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.

Strongly Agree

I have always supported school choice, and have introduced multiple bills to allow our parents the opportunity to choose the best education for their children - whatever form that takes.

I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.

Strongly Agree

I have always supported school choice, and have introduced multiple bills to allow our parents the opportunity to choose the best education for their children - whatever form that takes.


VALUES

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.

Strongly Agree

These are the values our legal system was created from. When applied equally to all, it is the best system in the world.

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.

Strongly Agree

These are the values our legal system was created from. When applied equally to all, it is the best system in the world.

I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.

Strongly Disagree

I have introduced legislation that would prohibit biological boys from playing in girl's sports.

I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.

Strongly Disagree

I have introduced legislation that would prohibit biological boys from playing in girl's sports.

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition

Strongly Agree

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition

Strongly Agree

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

I have introduced legislation that would prohibit CRT and the 1619 project from being a part of curriculum in Michigan's public schools.

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

I have introduced legislation that would prohibit CRT and the 1619 project from being a part of curriculum in Michigan's public schools.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a Christian constitutional conservative who deeply loves this country and our citizens. I will continue to work to ensure that our children have opportunities previous generations - including myself - have been given. No other country in the history of the world has offered so much, and I am grateful.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a Christian constitutional conservative who deeply loves this country and our citizens. I will continue to work to ensure that our children have opportunities previous generations - including myself - have been given. No other country in the history of the world has offered so much, and I am grateful.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

I've personally introduced legislation that would require ID to vote.

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

I've personally introduced legislation that would require ID to vote.

What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?

There are myriad, and over 100 that have been proposed by this legislature. They include bills I've sponsored requiring ID, and that would more quickly removing deceased individuals from voting rolls, as well as bills prohibiting 3rd party funding in elections, securing the locations absentee ballots can be deposited, requiring signature matching for absentee ballots, and increasing penalties for election malfeasance, among others.

What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?

There are myriad, and over 100 that have been proposed by this legislature. They include bills I've sponsored requiring ID, and that would more quickly removing deceased individuals from voting rolls, as well as bills prohibiting 3rd party funding in elections, securing the locations absentee ballots can be deposited, requiring signature matching for absentee ballots, and increasing penalties for election malfeasance, among others.


EQUALITY

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

The perception of racism is a threat. Certainly, racism exists and it is fundamentally evil, but not all offenses or perceived offenses are caused by racism. Because there are so many who perceive harm where none is intended, our country is being torn apart. Our children should never be taught that there is something that they were born with, which society will always use to oppress them. As Christians, we must work to sew the fabric of our country back together but that is no easy task in the current environment.

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

The perception of racism is a threat. Certainly, racism exists and it is fundamentally evil, but not all offenses or perceived offenses are caused by racism. Because there are so many who perceive harm where none is intended, our country is being torn apart. Our children should never be taught that there is something that they were born with, which society will always use to oppress them. As Christians, we must work to sew the fabric of our country back together but that is no easy task in the current environment.

Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.

Strongly Disagree

Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.

Strongly Disagree


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.

A. The new laws being imposed do not follow science, and the cost is far too great. People in 3rd world countries will be unable to develop under "green" energy policies. We are called to be good stewards and that can be done without making energy unaffordable. There are clean energy options we are ignoring because federal energy policy is focused on wind and solar. Clean coal plants and nuclear energy are being ignored for things that will ultimately do more harm to our environment.

Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.

A. The new laws being imposed do not follow science, and the cost is far too great. People in 3rd world countries will be unable to develop under "green" energy policies. We are called to be good stewards and that can be done without making energy unaffordable. There are clean energy options we are ignoring because federal energy policy is focused on wind and solar. Clean coal plants and nuclear energy are being ignored for things that will ultimately do more harm to our environment.

I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.

Strongly Agree

I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.

Strongly Agree


ABOUT YOU

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

We need a government that sets the societal framework then allows its residents to thrive. This framework includes laws that protect our lives and our property, and police and courts to enforce them. It needs to provide education for the children, with parents determining how their children learn best. The framework includes opportunities for business while imposing only minimal, necessary safety barriers. In summary, to quote our constitution, it is to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

We need a government that sets the societal framework then allows its residents to thrive. This framework includes laws that protect our lives and our property, and police and courts to enforce them. It needs to provide education for the children, with parents determining how their children learn best. The framework includes opportunities for business while imposing only minimal, necessary safety barriers. In summary, to quote our constitution, it is to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Theis, http://ratings.conservative.org/people?chamber=S&level=state&orderBy=rating&state=MI&year=2021, I've remained consistently conservative: https://thelivingstonpost.com/rep-lana-theis-earns-title-of-most-conservative-member-of-state-house/

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Theis, http://ratings.conservative.org/people?chamber=S&level=state&orderBy=rating&state=MI&year=2021, I've remained consistently conservative: https://thelivingstonpost.com/rep-lana-theis-earns-title-of-most-conservative-member-of-state-house/

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.

No.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.

No.

What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?

I am currently the Chair of the Insurance and Banking, and the Education and Career Readiness committees, I am vice-chair of Regulatory Reform and Oversight. I also serve on the Joint Committee on Rules, Health Policy and Human Services committee and the K-12 Appropriations subcommittee. I delve deeply into the issues and do my homework. My focus has been on improving education and reducing the size and impact of government by reducing bureaucracy, and occupational licensure reform.

What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?

I am currently the Chair of the Insurance and Banking, and the Education and Career Readiness committees, I am vice-chair of Regulatory Reform and Oversight. I also serve on the Joint Committee on Rules, Health Policy and Human Services committee and the K-12 Appropriations subcommittee. I delve deeply into the issues and do my homework. My focus has been on improving education and reducing the size and impact of government by reducing bureaucracy, and occupational licensure reform.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.

Strongly Agree

Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.

Strongly Agree

I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.

Strongly Disagree

I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.

Strongly Disagree


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

I do not support the removal of 2nd amendment rights without due process (e.g. red flag laws). With that said, if, for example, someone has been convicted of using a firearm in the commission of a crime they have forfeited their right.

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

I do not support the removal of 2nd amendment rights without due process (e.g. red flag laws). With that said, if, for example, someone has been convicted of using a firearm in the commission of a crime they have forfeited their right.

Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.

Strongly Disagree

Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.

Strongly Disagree

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