Valencia Stovall in State of Georgia Archives

On Civil Rights: Welcome everyone, instead of "religious liberty"

The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure, House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination in our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to "recognize that the world is changing."

Rep. Stovall voted NO; passed Senate 37-18-1 Mar.16; passed House 104-65-11 Mar.16

On Civil Rights: Racism is a threat to domestic security

A: Yes it is a threat because it brings about discrimination based on a person's race.

On Corporations: Lower corporate taxes; and COVD bailout for businesses

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?

A: Yes. These businesses have paid taxes into our system and most importantly provide income for their workers. A lot of the small businesses were distressed and some have closed and will not reopen. This has had a negative impact on local communities across the US. The classification for small businesses should be modified to include micro small businesses. There should be an increase in research & development in new technologies that grow underserved communities.

On Corporations: Include micro-businesses in SBA grants

A: In priority order:

• Small business- change the classification for small business to include micro small businesses which many were left out of the SBA grants and loans.
• Education- every student should be on a personalized learning plan, more funding for charter schools and other choices for parents that are nontraditional. Provide more support for teacher professional development and connecting parents with educational and workforce opportunities.
• Increase food stamps allotment for senior adults in underserved areas and increase efficiency in work and education requirements for able body adults *Most importantly awareness and access is essential for services available for residents

On Energy & Oil: Federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

A: Yes. Our climate is too important to every person and should be regulated so that uniformity is taking place.

On Environment: Global Stewardship for sustainable practices

On Free Trade: Remove tariffs and quotas, but focus on fair trade

A: Yes. There must be better fair trade deals with nations which share common goals with the US. I support favorable changes to EB-5 program. By removing barriers, US businesses are able to import products which can't be produced and export products which are needed in other countries.

On Government Reform: Federal education standards; our system is outdated

A: Yes. Our education system is outdated and doesn't meet the needs of all students. There are too many variations in how the delivery of education is made. In order for parents, students and potential employers to better understand the learning capacity of the students, there must be some level of comparison which can transform assessment innovation programs. It can also save money spent on redundant services and those which are not effective. Funding for schools should not be dependent upon local tax bases. More support can be given to skill trade certification for every high school graduate.

On Gun Control: Right to own guns, but not high powered weapons

A: Yes. I support the right of people to have guns, but don't support the high powered weapons that are used in military combat nor allowing someone with mental health history of violence to be permitted to have a gun.

On Gun Control: Voted NO on "campus carry;" it won't make students safer

House Bill 859 would legalize firearms at all public colleges in Georgia. "If the intent of HB 859 is to increase safety of students on college campuses, it is highly questionable that such would be the result," Deal wrote in his veto message.

The gun measure, known as the "campus carry" bill, was long sought by conservatives and Second Amendment activists who cast it as a crucial safety measure for students, faculty and administrators to protect themselves.

Deal [had requested the legislature] to exempt on-campus child care facilities & office space in a separate measure, but they declined to make changes.

Rep. Stovall voted NO; passed Senate 34-17-5 Mar.11; passed House 113-59-8 Feb.22

On Health Care: Supports ObamaCare, and bailouts during public health crises

A: No.

Q: Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?

A: Yes. The government should provide funds or tax credits to offset the cost to businesses. These public health crises are not under the control of normal business operations.

On Health Care: Let ObamaCare plans cover abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare. Voting NO means abortion coverage would be required in healthcare plans.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; Rep. Stovall voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

On Homeland Security: Increase defense spending with accountability

A: Yes. There should be accountability on the spending and the benefits to the American people for how their tax dollars are being spent.

Q: Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?

A: No. I believe the lawsuits should go through the judicial process and should not be automatically exempted.

On Immigration: Construct wall on Mexican border; then rolling legalization

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

A: No. There could be a rolling legalization, tiered legalization, and some type of amnesty program with limited family sponsorships. Some consideration should be made for those immigrants who have been in the US for years.

On Principles & Values: Monument to Ten Commandments at State Capitol

• The Preamble to the Georgia Constitution;
• The part of the Declaration of Independence which states that men 'are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights'
• and the Ten Commandments.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 40-10-3 on March 12, vote #619; passed House 138-37-5 on March 3, Rep. Stovall voted YES; vote #663; signed by Gov. Deal April 29.

On Principles & Values: Born-again believer in Jesus Christ

A: I am a born again believer in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son who died on the cross so we may all be saved. I believe God gives us all a choice and the government should be limited in its ability to interfere with that choice. We should strive to show the love of God in all of our actions and make sure we are always mindful of the poor, children and the elderly.

On Social Security: Livable wages support social security benefits

A: Ensure that employees have livable wages so their taxes can be used to support social security benefits and other services. By ensuring each child has access to a quality education from birth to high school to ensure better job opportunities. Monitor federal spending versus income received to decrease debt.

On Welfare & Poverty: No mandatory drug testing for food stamp recipients

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-32-3 on March 20, vote #729; passed House 100-67-13 on March 20, vote #865; Rep. Stovall voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 29.