State House 68
1. Abortion: The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization abortion decision.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Oppose
Established law in this country should be held intact. Abortion rights/Woman's Healthcare Rights should be left at the federal level. All women in this country are equal American Citizens, and thus should have the same rights, not different based on states. A Federal minimum law, including all exceptions, should be in place and states may enact laws voted on by their residents that are NO more restrictive than the federal base. This allows that ALL women have the same basic rights and protections across the country and not more restrictive in any state.
Established law in this country should be held intact. Abortion rights/Woman's Healthcare Rights should be left at the federal level. All women in this country are equal American Citizens, and thus should have the same rights, not different based on states. A Federal minimum law, including all exceptions, should be in place and states may enact laws voted on by their residents that are NO more restrictive than the federal base. This allows that ALL women have the same basic rights and protections across the country and not more restrictive in any state.
2. Abortion: Arkansas' current law that prohibits abortion except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Oppose
Arkansas' current law is too restrictive and threatens the life and well being of mother, infant and caregiver. The decision should be between the family, medical professionals, and spiritual support; NOT the state government. The Arkansas law, though it says except to save the life of the mother, is misleading in that the government still controls when that risk comes into play. A medical provider should not have to way legal considerations when trying to save the life of a mother and fetus.
Arkansas' current law is too restrictive and threatens the life and well being of mother, infant and caregiver. The decision should be between the family, medical professionals, and spiritual support; NOT the state government. The Arkansas law, though it says except to save the life of the mother, is misleading in that the government still controls when that risk comes into play. A medical provider should not have to way legal considerations when trying to save the life of a mother and fetus.
3. Education: The 2023 LEARNS Act passed by the Arkansas Legislature that makes comprehensive changes to Arkansas' education laws.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Oppose
The LEARNS is, simply put, a bad law that was forced onto the legislators and the people of Arkansas. The LEARNS Act aims at harming public schools for the benefit of Private schools. It is essentially a subsidy for the wealthy and private schools. Vouchers have been shown to fail in almost all places they have been instituted. Arkansas has always had school choice, and those that choose private school do so at their expense. 95% of Arkansas children attend public schools. Far too many children live in areas of low income and have no private schools options. Additionally the teacher raises, which I fully support, were done in a way that will hurt smaller/poorer school districts. Funding for raises was only available for the first 2 years and then it is the school districts who must manage them, often with decreased state funding thanks to LEARNS. Veteran teachers were left out of the raises (could receive up to $2000 if making at or near $50,000) and virtually all incentive/merit based increases were eliminated. This is an unfair system for students and teachers. I will support any legislation that requires private schools receiving voucher funds to follow the same guidelines and requirements that public schools do.
The LEARNS is, simply put, a bad law that was forced onto the legislators and the people of Arkansas. The LEARNS Act aims at harming public schools for the benefit of Private schools. It is essentially a subsidy for the wealthy and private schools. Vouchers have been shown to fail in almost all places they have been instituted. Arkansas has always had school choice, and those that choose private school do so at their expense. 95% of Arkansas children attend public schools. Far too many children live in areas of low income and have no private schools options. Additionally the teacher raises, which I fully support, were done in a way that will hurt smaller/poorer school districts. Funding for raises was only available for the first 2 years and then it is the school districts who must manage them, often with decreased state funding thanks to LEARNS. Veteran teachers were left out of the raises (could receive up to $2000 if making at or near $50,000) and virtually all incentive/merit based increases were eliminated. This is an unfair system for students and teachers. I will support any legislation that requires private schools receiving voucher funds to follow the same guidelines and requirements that public schools do.
4. Marijuana: Legalizing recreational marijuana.
5. Guns: Banning firearms that are commonly known as "assault weapons."
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Support
Assault style weapons are unnecessary and not practical for use by civilians. I also feel that regulations need to be strengthened, because it is time for ACTION, not 'THOUGHTS and PRAYERS'.
Assault style weapons are unnecessary and not practical for use by civilians. I also feel that regulations need to be strengthened, because it is time for ACTION, not 'THOUGHTS and PRAYERS'.
6. Gender-Identity: Prohibiting minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormones, or surgery for the purpose of gender transition.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Oppose
This is an issue that should be left to only the family, medical professionals and spiritual support; NOT lawmakers sitting at the Capitol. I will support legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQ citizens, because, again, we all Americans and deserve to enjoy the same rights and freedoms.
This is an issue that should be left to only the family, medical professionals and spiritual support; NOT lawmakers sitting at the Capitol. I will support legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQ citizens, because, again, we all Americans and deserve to enjoy the same rights and freedoms.
7. COVID-19: Allowing state government to close private businesses during a health emergency.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Support
In the face of a global, or even local, health crisis it is important for the government to take steps to protect all citizens. If this requires temporary closures I support that for the benefit of the whole.
In the face of a global, or even local, health crisis it is important for the government to take steps to protect all citizens. If this requires temporary closures I support that for the benefit of the whole.
8. Nursing Homes: Letting nursing home residents voluntarily place cameras in their own rooms to enable their family members to see and hear them.
9. Freedom of Information: Further amending the Freedom of Information Act to prevent disclosure of deliberative documents such as government memos and letters, as discussed in the special legislative session of 2023.
Tom Bartole (Democrat)
Oppose
The attempts made to change (destroy) our FOIA laws was an incredible overreach by the administration and the legislative body. These laws are meant to ensure transparency and protect the citizens of this state. The Government works for the people, and thus it is our right to know what and how it is doing this. If our tax dollars are involved there is NO reason it should be hidden. If they need to hide it then its probably not good/right.
The attempts made to change (destroy) our FOIA laws was an incredible overreach by the administration and the legislative body. These laws are meant to ensure transparency and protect the citizens of this state. The Government works for the people, and thus it is our right to know what and how it is doing this. If our tax dollars are involved there is NO reason it should be hidden. If they need to hide it then its probably not good/right.