Michael Young
Non-Partisan | Nebraska
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
Michael Young
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
Member of the Legislature, Dist. 18
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Metropolitan Community College of Nebraska, Omaha, Information Technology, 2001
WORK & MILITARY
2018-2019
AFFILIATIONS
Association of Community College Trustees | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion CommitteeAssociation of Community College Trustees | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Member, Butler-Gast YMCA
Board Chair, Code Black Tech, Board Vice Chair
Carole's House of Hope, Board Chair, City Sprouts
Board Vice Chair, Downtown Omaha Inc, Secretary
Literacy Center, Board Vice Chair
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors District 2, 2016-2020
Transit Authority of the City of Omaha, 2010-2020
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Douglas County Board of Commissioners, 2020
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)
Nebraska State Education Association NSEA
Nebraska AFL-CIO
Sierra Club Nebraska
*The Collective PAC
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
OTHER (2)
Nebraska Farmers Union PAC
*Nebraskans for Educational Excellence
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Bold Nebraska, Communications Workers of America, Fmr. Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, IBEW Local 22, Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association
National Association of Social Workers, Nebraska Alliance for Retired Americans, Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraskans For Educational Excellence
Nebraska State AFL-CIO, Nebraska State Education Association, Nebraska Unity PAC, Nebraska Young Democrats, Omaha Professional Fire Fighters #385
Omaha & Southwest Iowa Building & Construction Trades Council, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, Sierra Club of Nebraska
State Sen. John McCollister, State Sen. Tony Vargas, Stare Sen. Terrell McKinney, The Omaha Federation of Labor, Transport Workers Union 223
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Laborers International Union of North America (includes national, state & local affiliates) (2020)
Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
When the medically necessary and by the choice of the mother given the current legal limits of term or pregnancy.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
When the medically necessary and by the choice of the mother given the current legal limits of term or pregnancy.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The existing structure in the ( Nebraska Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act) TEEOSA has been in place since 1990 with very small changes over the years. I would propose a review over that system and to update the formula as it impacts all public schools in the state including colleges and universities.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The existing structure in the ( Nebraska Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act) TEEOSA has been in place since 1990 with very small changes over the years. I would propose a review over that system and to update the formula as it impacts all public schools in the state including colleges and universities.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Did not answer
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Did not answer
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Medical and civic emergencies focused on health and safety.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Medical and civic emergencies focused on health and safety.
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
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
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe the medical professionals and current science that mandates required vaccines. I took them as a child and so did my children.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe the medical professionals and current science that mandates required vaccines. I took them as a child and so did my children.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
I believe the US should focus on our internal debates and dividers first and foremost. We must take care of home. Specifically, with Islamic terrorism, I would like to focus on diplomacy and discussions to all sovereign nations initially. So often we forget to listen to others. In tandem to my first statement we much keep a keen eye on our enemies from a cybersecurity perspective. Locally and abroad.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
I believe the US should focus on our internal debates and dividers first and foremost. We must take care of home. Specifically, with Islamic terrorism, I would like to focus on diplomacy and discussions to all sovereign nations initially. So often we forget to listen to others. In tandem to my first statement we much keep a keen eye on our enemies from a cybersecurity perspective. Locally and abroad.
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
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
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe the visa lottery is a dated system, and I believe we should open the list to a priority of folks who will contribute to our economy and communities. This does includes refugees.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe the visa lottery is a dated system, and I believe we should open the list to a priority of folks who will contribute to our economy and communities. This does includes refugees.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Disagree
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
I agree the that past foundational institutions were racist but as we have evolved as a country and human race we have learned from our past which does include slavery. Women and people of color voting rights to be specific.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
I agree the that past foundational institutions were racist but as we have evolved as a country and human race we have learned from our past which does include slavery. Women and people of color voting rights to be specific.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Christian, Baptist. I was baptized at First Baptist Church in downtown Omaha.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Christian, Baptist. I was baptized at First Baptist Church in downtown Omaha.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Agree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Agree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
I would propose to vote by mail system county and statewide.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
I would propose to vote by mail system county and statewide.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. As we are a diverse country, if we do not face the facts that all have a voice, even if we don't agree to it, the Constitution is clear. We all have rights. The Constitution does not get turned on of off based on like or dislike and racism divides us internally.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. As we are a diverse country, if we do not face the facts that all have a voice, even if we don't agree to it, the Constitution is clear. We all have rights. The Constitution does not get turned on of off based on like or dislike and racism divides us internally.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
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
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
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Disagree
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Disagree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a means to govern our country and local communities. To provide a means of support for our rights within the constitution and not to oppress or hinder forward progress.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a means to govern our country and local communities. To provide a means of support for our rights within the constitution and not to oppress or hinder forward progress.
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?
Moderate
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?
Moderate
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
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.
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?
My Five Pillar Platform is going to be my focus when elected but I also know many conversation are still to be had to support other requested legislations. My Five Pillars are: Economic Development, Transparency, Technology Investments, Equity and Justice Reform. Specifics can be found on my website.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My Five Pillar Platform is going to be my focus when elected but I also know many conversation are still to be had to support other requested legislations. My Five Pillars are: Economic Development, Transparency, Technology Investments, Equity and Justice Reform. Specifics can be found on my website.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Disagree
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
I do not believe in defunding the police however, I believe expanded funding to prevention programs should be made.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
I do not believe in defunding the police however, I believe expanded funding to prevention programs should be made.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I do not believe any changes should be made with currently signed legislation.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I do not believe any changes should be made with currently signed legislation.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
