Brenda McKinney
Democrat | Missouri
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Brenda McKinney
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Representative, Dist. 158
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Columbia College, Columbia, MO, BSBA, 2014
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Census, Enumerator, March - Aug 2020
Clothing Company, Merchandise Planning Manager, 2009 - 2019
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Buyer and Financial Manager, 1990 - 2009
AFFILIATIONS
Missouri Substitute Teacher, Licensed, Barry County Democrats
Member, City of Seligman, MO Planning and Zoning Committee, Member
Sigma Beta Delta for Business Management, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (1)
Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
National Women's Political Caucus
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
No Answer
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
No Answer
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
A woman's right to choose and the right of every person to their own bodily autonomy should be free from governmental intrusion in medical decisions. I strongly support comprehensive sex education, free contraception, and family planning counseling. I would like to make abortions more rare not more dangerous.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
One time projects would be my first go to.
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.
No Answer
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
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
No Answer
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
No Answer
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
That laws are NOT passed that favor a religion that ultimately excludes, burdens or restrict people from the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Agree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Healthcare is a human right and the greatest country on earth should make sure there is quality access for all people in our boarders. I believe there should be multiple ways to achieve healthcare for all. I agree with VP Biden that a combination of private and public coverage is the best answer. For myself I would like to pay for a government insurance plan instead of the open market. The open market reports to shareholders, the government is accountable to the people.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
IMMIGRATION
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.
Disagree
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 Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I would hope most anyone looking for more opportunity, more freedom, the chance to have a life without fear and contribute to society would be allowed to immigrate to the US. To me there is a clear difference in seeking to immigrate or requesting asylum. Asylum is to seek protection for fear of suffering or emanate danger.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
No Answer
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised in the Church of Christ. I believe in God and Jesus. To me the Bible is not literal but a guide on how to be a good person. I believe being a good person is accepting others as they are even if I don't agree.
ABOUT 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?
Somewhat Liberal
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Public information can be found on Facebook page McKinney In The House @MOHouseofRepresentativesDistrict158. I believe my posts will reflect my political stance.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have worked in the retail industry both instore and at the corporate level. Although retail and public servant sound far apart I believe my skills of active listening, negotiation, decisiveness and having the ability to create and manage financial budgets make me highly qualified for a representative. I have traveled the world and worked with many different cultures learning to appreciate every person for who they are regardless of circumstance or religion. I have been a single mother struggling to make ends meet, working two jobs and doing everything I could to give us a good home. I have been unexpectedly unemployed and searched for jobs over long periods of times. I have had to fight with the unemployment office to get benefits. I have be in the position of using all my saving and had to ask for money to pay my bills. I have had surgeries and even with insurance still owed money to the hospital. I have had to fight with a health insurance company to pay the bill
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
no
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am just a ordinary person with a kind heart, that tries to see the good over the bad. Truth, honesty and honor aren't just words to me they are my guiding principles. I can be very passionate and outspoken over issues I think could be improved, but I am also willing to listen knowing no one person has the answers to everything. I hate the word isle in politics because it is dividing and public servants should be working for everyone. I also don't like the conservative or liberal labels. Things change all the time and what worked 5 years ago won't work today. We have to move forward and if moving forward in governance is considered liberal than that is my label. There are questions in this survey that I wasn't comfortable answering with a yes or a no since they can be interpreted in many ways. I don't want to be misleading so I choose neutral or no answer.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
No Answer
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I, my family, my friends all own guns. I think we need sensible gun laws and not all guns be banned. A national registry, background checks, firearm training and permits would be a good start.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Neutral
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Agree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Quality jobs, education, healthcare
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat because it divides us as a nation and makes us weaker. We are stronger, healthier, happier and kinder when the color of skin, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other attributes that make us unique are appreciated not vilified.
