Olivia Babis
Democrat | Florida
Candidate Profile
Verified Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Olivia Babis
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2018
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 23
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
City University of NY, NY, NY, Masters, 2020
University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, BA, 2011
George Washington, Washington, DC
WORK & MILITARY
Suncoast Center for Independent Living, Peer Mentor, 2
April Freeman for US Congress, Financial Director, 1
Florida Consumer Action Network, Community Organizer, 2
Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Field Coordinator, 2
AFFILIATIONS
Democratic Women's Club of Sarasota County, First VP, Democratic Women's Club of Florida
Handbook Chair, Democratic Women's Club of Polk County, President
League of Women Voters, Member, National Organization of Women
Member, Commission on the Status of Women, Member
Sarasota Citizens with Disability Advisory Board, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (4)
Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida
Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
Democratic Women's Club of Florida
Florida Planned Parenthood PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Democratic Women's Club of Florida
Democratic Veteran's Caucus of Florida
Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
Sean Shaw
Senator Victor Torres
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Democratic Women's Groups
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Disagree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Disagree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Disagree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Strongly Agree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
The state constitution should limit the growth of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.
Disagree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Disagree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Strongly Agree
I support sanctuary cities.
Agree
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Disagree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Disagree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Disagree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2010 Democratic Primary, 2012 General Election, 2012 Democratic Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Democratic Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Democratic Primary
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
As a member of the disability community, which was subject to forced sterilization, I've seen first-hand the results of government intrusion run-amok regarding reproductive choice. Therefore, I don't condone state control over reproductive rights.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
Separation of powers was conceived to limit individual ambition and prevent single party control, which was initially seen in monarchies and dictatorships. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised Episcopalian and believe strongly in the concept of, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Liberal
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My work experience at Florida Consumer Action Network and Planned Parenthood show a pattern of liberal action. I have been endorsed by the Progressive Caucus of Florida and the Planned Parenthood PAC of Florida.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Employment diversification. In Florida, our industry is primarily dominated by tourism; when the tourism industry suffers, our entire economy suffers. Diversification of our economy would prevent high unemployment during economic downturns.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
We need expansion of medicaid with a medicaid buy-in option for those that have higher incomes but extreme needs that aren't covered by private insurance. We also need proper enforcement of the individual mandate for the Affordable Care Act and not undermine the exchanges. With these programs, we would have adequate, affordable healthcare coverage.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
The government plays an important regulatory role in the economy. Enforcing consumer protections help prevent the boom-bust economies that we've seen in the past decades. The stock market and commodities exchanges should not be tax havens or get-rich-quick schemes. Workers need livable wages and marginalized communities need anti-discrimination policies.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have a BA in History and Political Science and interned on Capitol Hill. I've worked on many political and issue-based campaigns, including development of policy. I frequently advise those already in office on policy issues.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
info@oliviababis.com 941-402-7837
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
If elected, I will be the first person with a disability elected to the Florida Legislature.
