Kevin Kinney, candidate for Iowa Senate District 39

Senate District 39 covers western Johnson and part of Washington counties, and all of Keokuk County.

Name:

Kevin Kinney (incumbent)

Party:

Democrat

Residence:

Oxford

Age:

55

Occupation:

Farmer, state senator

Education:

Clear Creek High School

Website: facebook.com/kinneyforsenate

What are the three most important issues facing Iowans, and how would you address them?

Iowa needs to revitalize rural areas and small towns by encouraging small businesses, improving job training efforts and expanding access to affordable housing. Second, we need to get our schools back to number one and ensure that students learn skills that help them in a modern economy. Lastly, we need to provide access to affordable and comprehensive health care. Medicaid privatization has increased costs and reduced access for the most vulnerable Iowans, the opposite of what was promised.

Do you believe the state should increase the minimum wage? If yes, to what level?

Yes. At the current level too many families cannot make ends meet despite working. It has been 10 years since the minimum wage was increased in this state. It's overdue for a modest increase that will, along with expanded and improved job training, get Iowans working in good-paying jobs.

Would you vote to roll back the state income tax cuts passed last session? Would you expand them?

Contrary to the claims of some in Des Moines, the latest tax plan is not fair for most Iowans, it does not make Iowa more competitive with other states, and it certainly does not take into account our ongoing budget situation. We need to take a thorough look at our tax plan and ensure that any future plans work for all Iowans.

Would you vote to end or phase out the property tax 'backfill” for local governments?

Absolutely not. This funding stream ensures crucial local services, and if it goes away there will be local tax increases, cuts to local services, or both.

Would you vote to ban automated traffic cameras/enforcement devices? If no, would you favor bringing them under state regulation?

No. These devices increase traffic safety and their control is best left to local officials.

Would you vote to expand Iowa's current medical cannabis law? Legalize marijuana?

Yes. Iowa needs an expanded, comprehensive system for access to cannabis for Iowans with debilitating conditions.

Should Iowa amend the state Constitution to protect the right to bear arms beyond current language? Would you support a 'constitutional carry” change to Iowa's firearm permit system that would significantly expand gun rights?

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the rights of all Iowans to protect their families, as well as to hunt. I believe that Iowa's current laws are sufficient.

Would you support giving counties local control to regulate livestock facilities? Would you favor a moratorium on new large CAFO construction?

No, we need to have an equal playing field for farmers across the whole state and not 99 different sets of rules. I would not support a moratorium at this time.

What are your thoughts on increasing funding for public education? Would you vote to extend 1-cent SAVE sales tax for school infrastructure until 2049?

I support extending the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) because it provides funding for safer school facilities and provides Iowans with local property tax relief.

Would you expand or repeal Iowa's law barring doctors from performing an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected?

I do not support the current law because it puts politicians in the middle of important, personal decisions that should be made by women in consultation with their doctors and families.