Luke Barber
Democrat | Missouri
Candidate Profile*
Liberal
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Luke Barber
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Representative, Dist. 89
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Saint Louis Community College, Associates, 2018
University of Missouri - St.Louis, Bachelors of Science in Public Policy Administration, 2022
WORK & MILITARY
Schnucks Markets, Front End Customer service, 2015-Present
AFFILIATIONS
Boy Scout Troop 313, Eagle Scout 04/2013, Able-Disable Partnership - UMSL
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
St. Louis County Commission on Disabilities, 2020-Present
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
LIBERAL (7)
*United Auto Workers
#VOTEPROCHOICE
Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri
*United Auto Workers UAW Region 4
Sierra Club Missouri Chapter
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Pro-Choice Missouri
#VotePro-Choice
Planned Parenthood Advocates of St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri,
Mom's Demand Action Gunsense Distinction
Sierra Club
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
State Democratic Party Organizations (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (2020)
House Democratic Campaign Committee (2020)
It Starts Today (2020)
Jeanne Kirkton (2021)
Kyle Luzynski (2021)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should be allowed in the cases of rape, incest, and to protect the health and wellbeing of the mother. These must be allowed to address the high levels of maternal mortality rates within our state data of healthcare settings. Often these mothers have pre-existing conditions that make them unfit for childbirth and pregnancy. such decisions should be made between the pregnant person and their doctors based on their medical history and any complications that occur.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Not everything these organizations do is abortion care. They also do a lot with community outreach and education about Sexual and reproductive health issues. Such issues include contraceptives including condoms and other prophylactics, education about sexual health and anatomy, testing for sexual infections and diseases including HIV/AIDS, and wellness exams. Often required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the Department of Health Senior Services to provide these health services.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Agree
Patients should with consultation from their doctors and medical professionals be given the choice of assisted suicide. Some health conditions cause massive amounts of pain and suffering and will result in death anyway. It is important to recognize the Quality of Living versus the Quality of Death. We should allow those who are severely sick and dying to choose when to pull the cord . Such decisions are often in a Living Will or Advanced Directive , so that these decisions are legally binding.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The tax code should be updated based on income earned including investments, wages and interest from savings and banking. The tax code should be based on amount earned as well as dividends and capital gains, this way those who make more money will pay more than those making less, and it will be a percentage-based system so that people pay their fair share. Taxes fund programs, services and other governmental needs and so removing taxes really isn't an option, however with smart investments and matching funding we can invest in order to provide more with the current amounts collected in taxes. We need to be able to use our taxes to invest and pay for necessary road repairs, as well as trash pickup, K12 education and other governmental and community needs.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We shouldn't be reducing spending when there is a surplus of government funds. We should however cut unnecessary and ineffective items that result in duplication when noticed through an audit. We should only cut effective governmental programs when absolutely necessary in order to prevent having to cut additional programs due to a budget deficit.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Agree
Community colleges and public colleges and universities should be affordable to students to obtain the degrees necessary for employment. Most employers now are requiring the higher education degree of bachelors or master's degree depending on the field of specialty or industry chosen. We must prepare people with the level of education necessary for employment in the workforce.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
The denial of services must be done prior to the sale of goods or services. It also must be done before a contract is signed or a contractual agreement has been made. It must be done in accordance with current laws and must be done in accordance with existing contract law.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Public emergency such as natural disaster (example: fire, flood, tornado, etc.) which makes the place of worship unsafe and unusable. In such cases, it will often be condemned, not up to building code or under investigation / search and rescue by first responders such as police, fire and emergency medical services. Public health emergency that large community gatherings lead to the spread/ transmission of the disease without mitigation efforts in effect. Such efforts can include handwashing, the use of a medical/surgical face mask, medical grade gloves and social distancing of 6 feet or more. Other than in severe cases or emergencies, Government cannot limit church activity as there is the separation of church and state.
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.
(B) We should have options to choose from between both publicly funded and private/employer options. This will allow for competition to drive down price of medications and medical treatments and will allow for negotiation of prices between suppliers to other medical professionals. Also, this choice is also important since some insurance companies will cover certain treatments and not others, allowing the individual to choose what will work for them. Often this is due to medical billing and coding and often the procedure or provider code is non-existent currently or needs to be modified while in the insurance system.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
As required by existing law. We already have requirements for public education and for Food Service Employees. Such requirements include hepatitis a and hepatitis b for food service employees; and MMR measles mumps and rubella, TDAP: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Polio for students, faculty, staff and administration in education and schools. An employer should be able to make the requirements or recommendations for their own employees but should do so based on the advice and guidance of health experts, existing exemptions and existing law. Such employers shall also ensure the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is followed when information about vaccines and health issues are maintained by the company.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Terrorism is defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. Often when people are referring to terrorism, they are talking about a bombing, a mass shooting or other Breaking news event resulting in mass causalities. When People assume that Terrorism is done by those who are Islam, rather than that it an action done by individuals to cause chaos; we are unintentionally attacking on the basis of religion and culture. Domestic and Foreign Terrorism occurs more often than we think or recognize, and it often done by different individuals and for different reasons. Until we recognize that Terrorism is carried out on an almost daily basis and that mass casualty events occur too often and that we need to address the issues of intelligence and security these will occur unless we are able to intervene. Terrorism can be carried out by anyone and not just by those who people assume to be the culprit. We also see high levels of Islamophobia and this only furthers the divide between those who practice the faith and or wear a hijab. Islam is also the second largest religion in the world. Islamophobia only increases when people talk about Terrorism threats and the 9/11 Twin Towers.
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.
Agree
Palestine and Israel have been fighting for a while and there have been reports of civil rights violations occurring as a result of this conflict. In order to reach an agreement , diplomatic talks need to occur. These separation barriers have resulted in displaced communities and only divided Palestinians away from Jewish towns of Isreal. The Communities of these areas should be able to work it out and come together without the Equivalence of the Berlin Wall.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Disagree
There are other ways to secure a boarder than just with physical structures. When Fencing and Walls are put up, there are ways to bypass those structures. People can use a ladder to climb over, People can use boats, as well as airplanes and helicopters. If we really cared about Securing a Border , we would do so with 21st century technologies that empower those doing their jobs and filing paperwork and reports in order to monitor entry at the border.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We must have a process for Immigration such as Asylum, Refugee Status, and Visa Approvals. We need to be able to review who is entering and seeking citizenship so we can know their logic and reasoning as to why they cannot stay in their country of origin , as well as to ensure no criminal history or intention of criminal behavior. I believe it is important for those seeking a visa for Employment to be able to specify the trade or industry. I also am for student visas for international students. I believe we need to be able to follow a process for citizenship and have benchmarks and timelines for good faith efforts.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I believe people should choose the best education option available for themselves and their children. Some children with disabilities have received more services and more accommodations in one type of school over another. I am unsure about whether Vouchers are effective and believe there may be better ways to address these issues of which school to attend. I believe in data and information to drive policy around this issue.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
While the Moral framework is important for people to understand. It is also important to recognize the constitution and laws as written and applied by the courts. We have Separation of Church and state for a reason so that government does not force religious views in its policies, procedures and laws and so that religion is not regulated
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
We already have on the basis of sex as a protected class, however under the interpretation and intent of the law it is currently about gender assigned at birth. We also have other protected classes such as race, national origin, disability, etc.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Disagree
Marriage is between two people. Marriage is about Love. While it may be ordained and sacred, there is a difference between a marriage and civil union. Such differences vary in terms of joint tax returns, and Spousal rights, as well as parental rights. Such differences create nuance in terms of inheritance, children and with medical information. While Marriage is recognized federally, a civil union is only recognized in the state it is performed in.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
Our history books have inaccuracies and inconsistencies. We must update our textbooks to be more accurate particularly with the slave trade, the Conquistadors, Christopher Columbus and the Thanksgiving story. Nowhere in the text does it mention the health issues of the time such as smallpox when talking about the Native Americans. We have various levels of success and challenge based on our identities and not everyone has equal opportunity to advance in our current ways of living.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Originally Roman Catholic, however I realized that the teachings, sermons and the order of mass was not really matching up with the text and readings in the Bible. Upon this discovery, it led me to evaluate myself and with my busy life I started to question my faith. I currently identify as of an Atheist/Agnostic mindset as this allows me to focus on what my values are and allow me to have a What if mindset. I also believe that the ways we are interpreting things do not allow us to question and seek answers from data, analysis and the methods of surveys and focus groups to find real solutions that work. Upon these discoveries, I also have recognized we are all individuals, and that each person should be treated with respect. This is why I value our differences and our diverse opinions and want to respect that not everyone will have the same ways of thinking or ideology or communication. I believe we need to find the common ground and find the answers and solutions to the issues, laws and policies that will uplift and empower everyone to succeed at their best.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
Social Security checks have name and address listed. Also, Social Security cards and numbers can serve as a form of identification that is used on all forms and government documents and is a unique identifier for each individual. There are other ways to identify who the voter is with alternative formats issued by the State and Federal government including College Ids, the Voter Registration cards from an election authority, and Utility bills or financial statements.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Voting should be done in Americans with Disabilities Act Accessible locations and shall be done in Large Print format and other Modifications to assist voters with visual impairments, mobility issues, deaf and hard of hearing and other disabilities. Such voters needing assistance must use a family member, a caseworker or service provider or a professional familiar with their disability. Assistance shall be provided to assist a voter with a disability to vote with the greatest independence and to ensure they receive the help necessary to cast their ballot. Another change would be that for those in Longterm Care Facilities, like nursing homes, group homes and those with disabilities that are Homebound are sent a ballot to their care facility or home, so they still maintain their ability to cast a ballot despite not being able to get to the polling location as a result of their conditions or medical treatment.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I do not believe racism is a threat to security, however actions taken by various individuals could be a threat to security. such threats could include crime, mass shootings, bombings, etc. but it is about the incident and the individual responsible rather than their race. People often do what they need to do to survive and often resort to crime when they lack opportunity and other options to succeed financially. We must also work to address mental health concerns and the use of substances and drugs and use treatment and referral as a tool to get people the resources and help and assistance to better themselves and their lives. When we provide people with the support they need to have increased opportunity then they often are able to succeed.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Agree
We must acknowledge the harm we have done to those whose ancestors and relatives where slaves. In order to make these families whole, and to rectify our faults and mistakes; we have an obligation to provide reparations.
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.
B- These Environmental laws often lessen the effects of Asthma, inflamation and other health conditions. Often those with health conditions that have been exposed to toxicity have seen their health improve after changes have been made to mitigate the exposure. We also know that our Weather patterns are controlled based on our interactions with the Environment and the use of fossil fuels. Such use causes the Greenhouse effect and makes it hard for us to enjoy time off work and to have events and activities outside due to extreme tempuratures or other natural disasters. We saw massive flooding and rainfall destroy homes, roads and other infrastructure in the St. Louis region and some are still recovering and trying to rebuild. These issues which occurred could have been prevented by having higher ground / elevation, and if we improved our wastewater and drainage systems.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Disagree
Fracking often results in Spills, toxic waste and other mistakes that cause inflammation and other health issues to those within close proximity. Such issues include Air Pollution, Gas Leaks and possible flammable explosions / fires, Earthquakes, Drinking water contamination. Often this process allows methane gas to be created and often allows this to escape resulting in high Greenhouse gas emissions.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The purpose of government is to create and evaluate laws. Such laws shall impact the lives of those who we represent and ultimately will impact all who live and work within the state of Missouri.
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?
Lean Liberal
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.stltoday.com/pr/news/luke-barber-challenges-dean-plocher-for-district-89-state-representative-seat/article_ef9b8ec8-b781-11ec-a84b-cf3447a9737a.html https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IkN0ev7jD8RQy8Bm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn6nWn7Pw8w&t=15s https://missourihealthcareforall.org/stories/luke-st-louis/ https://theobjectivereporter.com/luke-barber/ https://www.laduenews.com/health-and-wellness/meet-luke-barber-the-newest-member-of-the-st-louis-county-commission-on-disabilities/article_8d19529e-b19c-11eb-b11a-cf8cdf5e1167.html https://www.stltoday.com/news/subscriber/messenger-disabled-man-faces-tough-choices-after-missouri-gop-fails-to-expand-medicaid/article_2f9c2627-3966-59a7-97b8-bcd6acc76204.html/?&logged_out=1 https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/files/2020-Youth-Leadership-Award-Winner.pdf https://starkloff.org/articles/yp-candidates-awarded-gcd-youth-leadership-awards/ https://www.westnewsmagazine.com/news/award-winning-advocate-appointed-to-commission/article_ff9a193f-0eb2-5419-a7a6-4ba21a04aaf8.html
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 a Disability Advocate. Many of my priorities are based on Systems-change. Such policies include but not limited to: Universal design in housing which is Move in ready Accessible Housing. Ending the 14C Subminimum wage loophole that allows sheltered workshops to pay individuals with disabilities as low as a $1.10 per hour. Private insurance and Employer insurance coverage of supports, services and accommodations for Independence.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Waiting period to conduct background checks, age limit of 18-21. Those with severe and untreated mental health to prevent suicide. Those who are physically or mentally unfit to stand trial in a court of law and those in treatment facilities such as long-term care facility. Gun free zones for Public Transportation, Airports, Schools and educational facilities including K12 as well as colleges and universities, and Court houses. Most of these rules are Common-sense restrictions and are based on Federal Gun laws.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Agree
Such determinations should be done in the civil courts and should require proving a fault or malfunction of the gun and machinery, or a failure to follow existing laws for the sale and distribution of firearms , or proving that the gun was misused or not used in the intended purpose of Sport shooting , Hunting or Self defense.
