Virginia "Ginger" Benoit
Republican | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Virginia "Ginger" Benoit
Party
Republican
Election Year
2019
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist 46
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Southwestern LA, Lafayette LA, BS, 1982
WORK & MILITARY
Department of Children and Family Services, Supervisor, 2
Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare Specialist, 15
Department of Children and Family Services, Eligibility Determinations, 8
AFFILIATIONS
United Central Foster/Adoptive Parent Association, Liaison, LA Department of Homeland Security
Liaison, St. Martin Parish Farm Bureau Federation, Women's Committee
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I would consider it to be allowed ONLY when the mother's life is at risk.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Neutral
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
I believe that unemployment can and should be decreased by supporting our local communities. Most communities have active Chambers of Commerce who are ready and willing to promote and advocate for their local business community. They also offer resources to promote new businesses to come into their area. Business taxes, property taxes for businesses, and insurance expenses also must be assessed to make the area appealing to businesses so their time and effort to do business and hire people would be beneficial to all.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
I believe government tax cuts promote economic growth in a variety of ways. The government can also save more by reducing the budget deficit. When a government generates a budget surplus, it can repay some of the debt and stimulate investments. Productivity growth may increase if the government were to remove unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurial regulations and abilities. Wise spending on infrastructure is needed. Prioritizing infrastructure needs rather than wants, could help to reduce the cost of transporting goods and stimulate tourism and other industries.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
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.
Agree
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.
Neutral
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Neutral
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I do not believe in Medicare for All. I do not think that government should be solely responsible for the health needs of the people. I believe in having freedom to make choices in health care. I believe that Medicare for All would require more taxes and I do not want nor desire to burden families with that. I would encourage state discount pools for small businesses. This would give access to the kind of discount rates corporations enjoy.
NATIONAL SECURITY
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 Agree
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
EDUCATION
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Neutral
The LGBTQ+ political agenda poses a threat to First Amendment freedoms of speech, expression and religious exercise.
Disagree
I support expanding protections in employment and accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Strongly Agree
If children are given instruction in sex education in public schools, it should not express a preference for abstinence but should be comprehensive, offering discussions on various types of sexual orientations and behaviors plus all types of contraceptives.
Disagree
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
America's Founders were mindful of the dangers of tyranny; therefore, they developed checks and balances of government branches.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was born and raised in the Catholic Religion. I believe in the power of one divine God, father of Jesus Christ. I was raised by a mother and father with a strong sense of moral values. I was always taught to be accountable and to do the right thing even though there may be consequences. I was also taught that hard work pays off. My parents taught me the values of hard work and responsibility at a very young age that resulted in a good decision-making road map as the years progressed.
ABOUT YOU
I voted in these elections:
2012 Primary, 2012 General Election, 2014 Primary, 2014 General Election, 2016 Primary, 2016 General Election, 2018 Primary, 2018 General Election
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
The publicly available information that may validate this answer would be my work with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation by disseminating information to local communities about teaching our young how to rely on the traditional farming methods, and by teaching them independence and self-worth. I was employed by the State of Louisiana for over 25 years and most of my accomplishments in that area have to be kept confidential.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I want to share my education, experience, and resources as an employee for over 25 years for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Programs I worked were AFDC (welfare), SNAP (food stamps), DSNAP (Disaster Food Stamps), Child Care Assistance, and Foster/Adoptive Services. I have some experience with Medicaid and budgets also. I would like to help inform others by sharing ideas on how to reduce fraud in some of these programs. I also have a team of grant writers who recently completed Grant Writing certifications from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette so we may assist with the needs of our communities.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
Virginia.Ginger.Benoit@gmail.com 337-288-3781
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a pro-active candidate and not just reactive.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support the death penalty.
Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Gambling should be limited to existing forms and should not be de-regulated or expanded.
Disagree
