Robert "Bob" Owen

Only in circumstances where the mother's life is in danger or the fetus has expired in the womb.

Strongly Agree

Disagree

The entire tax code needs to change, which will require a Constitutional Convention. A comprehensive look at every aspect of our tax code needs to be thoroughly examined including inventory, severance, corporate, income, property, and sales taxes. Moreover, we must examine and adjust the complicated nature of how these taxes are levied and are tied to regulations that need to be removed in order for businesses to thrive.

#1. D.O.T.D. - I hope that Louisiana elects a strong Governor who can assist the legislature is completely dismantling D.O.T.D. The entire agency should be eliminated and another similar department should be enacted in it's place. Former employees could apply for similar jobs if required. #2 Louisiana Department of Health - As someone who works in the business of healthcare and serves on the Health & Welfare committee, I am continually astounded by the amount of "legal graft" that occurs in this industry due to overregulation. Medical expenses are now the single greatest predictor of personal bankruptcy in the U.S. The common theme amongst politicians over the past 20 years has been a push towards a single payer system. However, that proposition only increases costs for the average American. A free market approach is the only way that physicians, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies can maintain gainful profits while offering products and services that the public can afford.

Disagree

The TOPS program was not available when I went to LSU. However, I was an initial supporter. My brother's class were the first recipients to receive the funding, and at that time, it was a success. Yet, as the Federal government incentivized the student loan programs, the cost of a college education has increased more than 10X in the past 20 years, which is well above the rate of inflation. I am still in favor of TOPS, but we need to take a hard look at the program as a whole.

Strongly Disagree

A business should be allowed to operate however they wish. In my opinion, violating moral and religious beliefs would counter the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Under no circumstance.

Frankly, as someone who works in healthcare, I wish that there was "none of the above" answer. However, if I had to choose, it would be C. First, there are some groups of people who need mental health care but are unable to function in the world, which has led to our current homeless population crisis. Second, elderly people on fixed incomes cannot often afford basic services, and should be allowed treatment through Medicare. Yet, strict and realistic treatment protocols need to be followed if our taxpayer money is going to fund these programs. As I stated before, the "legal graft" of the government sanctioned healthcare industry is not helping those who provide or need medical services or products. My business created a self insurance plan for several businesses and saved each more than 2/3 of premiums, while providing, for the same price, full healthcare services for employees. Creating a sustainable health care system is not rocket science, it is simply good economic theory at practice.

No government agency should be allowed to require vaccinations for employment, unless that agency works with potential viral or bacterial agents that may be harmful to the public, such as the leak that occurred with the COVID virus. Parents of children in Louisiana may opt out of vaccines for their children if they have religious or other concerns. I fully agree with a parent's right to choose healthcare decisions for their child. Yet, I am pro-business and feel an employer has the right to restrict anyone from employment as he or she sees fit: period. More regulation of the business community is not going to drive our state forward. If an employer requires a vaccine for employment and an individual doesn't believe in vaccines, perhaps they should find another business to work for.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

I serve on the Governor's Drug Policy Board and personally know several border agents. There is a crisis at the border and it is exponentially compounding the the fentanyl crisis, while leaving the Southern U. S. vulnerable to attacks. Something must be done immediately to address this problem.

I will tell a annotated story about my friend from Columbia. When he came to the U.S., he had a bachelor's degrees and a law degree. However, he was seeking a Masters in Economics at Southeastern, and eventually a Ph.D., which he ultimately accomplished. Yet, at every turn by our government, he was intentionally deterred away from citizenship, or even a Green Card, because he was, as the government stated was, "Overqualified for a permanent position in jobs that are available." He worked for our business for only a few years, but was the pinnacle for our expansion. After Katrina, both moved to North Carolina where his wife, (also going through the same ridiculous process), became a professor at UNC. Eventually, after more than 15 years, he was able to get a Green Card. Currently, he and his wife are working through the citizenship process. However, if he had come to this country illegally, there is a good chance that he would already be a citizen.. We are denying the best and brightest from becoming Americans and are allowing illegal immigrants a 'carte blanche' pathway to citizenship. What is wrong with this picture???

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

We must secure and value the Western values that created the world we live in.

Disagree

Neutral

I believe that as long as the religious definition is sanctified by the First Amendment, we do not need any further laws regulating marriage. At this time, no priest, pastor, or church leader is forced to perform a gay marriage, just as a cake baker is not forced to make a cake for a same-sex couple. The moment that you give the power of law to the government and not religion, you relinquish your power as a free people.

Strongly Disagree

When most people hear the term Critical Race Theory (CRT), they assume that it is simply a new technique for teaching about race in America. However, when anyone hears about what they propose, almost no one agrees with the concepts. CRT, at it's core, is divisive. Moreover, it takes on an almost "religious" zealotry that forces people to choose one side or another. This line of thinking is not the America that I grew up in. CRT is pervasive, alienating, and dividing.

I grew up a Catholic in St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell. However, my family, and I visit other congregations regularly.

Strongly Disagree

I am not in favor of paper ballots. Yet, I would like machines that have a paper trail, so that votes could be verified. We have discussed this issue thoroughly with Ardoin and Mellissa Henry.

Only if the Left perpetuates the idea of systematic racism as a tactic for violence.

Really? I can't believe that I have to answer such a ridiculous question. Of course I am against regulations and laws. Until we have a constitutional convention, I think that every time a legislator introduces a law, they should find one to remove. It costs more to drill for oil in Louisiana than it does in California or Venezuela due to severance taxes and regulations. That fact alone is completely unacceptable. In terms of energy, it costs more to drill for oil in California or Venezuela than it does in Louisiana.

Strongly Agree

I believe that the general purpose of our government is the protection of Liberty, and the freedom to wield it.

Conservative

Bob Owen for State Senate District #1

No

"Governing with Intelligence and Integrity" is my motto. My opponent put out an attack video comparing me to Nancy Pelosi. I can't imagine more of a joke. As a founding member of the Conservative Caucus, it is appalling that Republicans are attacking other Republicans over CONSERVATIVE issues. My work in the House of Representatives has not only shown my ability to work with others to accomplish goals for our community, but has been recognized by leading conservative organizations for protecting our values. This includes receiving the Family Forum Advocate award for defending our conservative values, the "Most Valuable Policymaker" by the Association for Business & Industry (LABI) for supporting job creators, and the Regional Legislator of the Year by the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana for protecting our natural resources. I have a proven track record of accomplishments for the people that I serve. I will never waver from my commitment to the people of St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and Orleans Parish.

Strongly Agree

Strongly Disagree

Only convicted criminals should be disallowed firearms.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

My opponent has a long history in the gambling industry. St. Tammany has stated by vote that gaming is not wanted in the Parish.

Strongly Agree

I was a co-author on HB25 (Paul Hollis). Frankly, I feel that my opponent killed the bill in committee by testifying and adding his amendments.