PA VOTER GUIDE Q&A
Additional Information
THESE QUESTIONS WERE ASKED BY THE PA FAMILY VOTER GUIDE — but only to candidates who had primary opponents.
Since I am unopposed in the primary, I still wanted voters to have the opportunity to understand where I stand on many of the common-sense issues currently being discussed in Harrisburg.
I welcome respectful and civil conversations with anyone who would like to talk. I truly believe much of the divide in our country is fueled by biased media and political agendas. My only agenda is bringing common sense to Harrisburg.
I believe that when people are willing to have honest conversations, we often find more common ground than we realize.
Respectfully,
Donna Reese
Candidate for PA General Assembly – District 3
1️⃣ SHOULD ELECTIVE ABORTIONS BE PAID FOR BY TAXPAYERS?
My answer: NO.
The key word is “elective.” Birth control is widely available, and we should be doing more to promote responsible family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place rather than relying on abortion as a substitute for effective prevention.
2️⃣ SHOULD ALL VOTERS BE REQUIRED TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION BEFORE VOTING?
My answer: ABSOLUTELY.
Identification is required for nearly everything in life today. Voting should not be exempt. Voter ID laws help strengthen election integrity and increase confidence in our elections for everyone.
3️⃣ SHOULD PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALLOW BIOLOGICAL MALES WHO IDENTIFY AS FEMALE TO COMPETE IN GIRLS SPORTS?
My answer: HARD NO.
As the mother of boys and grandmother of two granddaughters, I believe girls deserve fair competition. Biological differences matter in athletics. My granddaughters are petite but excellent athletes, and they should not be forced to compete against biological males.
I also believe parents should take mental health concerns seriously and ensure children receive proper support and counseling when struggling with identity issues.
4️⃣ SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED FOR COMMERCIAL RECREATIONAL USE?
My answer: NO.
At one point I was open-minded about legalization, but after seeing data from states where it has been implemented — especially increased impaired driving incidents — I no longer support recreational commercialization.
5️⃣ SHOULD PENNSYLVANIA INCREASE THE MINIMUM WAGE?
My answer: CAREFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY.
Minimum wage should have seen gradual increases over time. However, forcing an immediate jump from $7.25 to $15 while small businesses are already struggling could seriously harm mom-and-pop employers.
Many employers have already voluntarily raised wages since COVID to attract workers back into the workforce.
I also strongly encourage students who are not college-bound to take advantage of technical education and trade programs that can lead to higher-paying careers immediately after graduation.
6️⃣ SHOULD PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS POST CURRICULUM ONLINE FOR PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS TO REVIEW?
My answer: YES.
As both a parent and former school board member, I believe curriculum transparency is extremely important. Parents and taxpayers deserve easy access to the educational materials being used in public schools.
7️⃣ SHOULD PENNSYLVANIA’S GAS TAX BE REPEALED?
My answer: YES.
While the gas tax was originally enacted under a Republican governor, Democrat governors and a Democrat-controlled House have also failed to address the issue for years.
Current House Republicans have proposed a temporary gas tax holiday beginning June 1 to help families struggling with rising costs. I believe Pennsylvanians deserve relief.
8️⃣ SHOULD TAXPAYERS PAY FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES, PUBERTY BLOCKERS, OR CROSS-SEX HORMONES FOR MINORS?
My answer: HARD NO.
The key word is “minors.” Children and teenagers are still developing emotionally and mentally. I have seen too many stories of young people later expressing regret after undergoing irreversible medical procedures.
Children should not make permanent life-altering medical decisions before adulthood.
9️⃣ SHOULD INCREASES IN STATE GOVERNMENT SPENDING BE LIMITED TO THE RATE OF INFLATION PLUS POPULATION GROWTH?
My answer: YES.
Pennsylvania is currently facing proposed budgets where spending exceeds revenue by billions of dollars. Government should operate responsibly just like families and businesses must.
You cannot continuously spend more than you take in without consequences. We need serious accountability, spending oversight, and stronger checks and balances.
🔟 SHOULD PENNSYLVANIA PARTICIPATE IN THE EDUCATIONAL CHOICE FOR CHILDREN ACT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM?
My answer: YES.
Children should not be limited educationally because of their zip code. As a former school board member, I support school choice because competition often drives improvement.
Parents should have options to pursue the best educational opportunities possible for their children.
