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Robin Kelly's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (IL) - District 2

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Robin Kelly is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "The leaked SCOTUS opinion on Roe v Wade will set women’s rights back generations. Black women & those living in rural areas will be worst impacted. We must codify the right to safe abortions." (x.com)
  • "For years, Republicans have fought to restrict Americans’ fundamental freedoms to make personal decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures including the Court’s overturning of #Roe. Today, I’m supporting the #RightToContraception Act to enshrine this right into law." (x.com)
  • "Overturning Roe v. Wade is a gut punch. This is an unprecedented attack on the rights of women across the country." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • "Medicare and Social Security should not be on the table. Congress should pay our debts responsibly without cutting the critical programs Americans rely on the most. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • "Congress has an obligation to protect Social Security and Medicare. House Democrats are united to keep our promises to the American people. I joined @PoliticsNation to talk about the importance of protecting these programs, especially for our seniors." (x.com)
  • "For generations, Social Security has been a sacred promise to people who have earned their retirement through decades of hard work. I vow to put People Over Politics and #ProtectSocialSecurity for our seniors." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • "The tax system is rigged for the wealthy and well-connected. I look forward to working with President Biden to level the economic playing so working people can thrive. Let’s reward work not wealth. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • "The first bill from the House GOP will do nothing but protect tax evaders and stifle taxpayer fairness. While Democrats are delivering for working families, Republicans in Congress are protecting the wealthy and well-connected." (x.com)
  • "The richest Americans are dodging well over $100B in taxes. With the #InflationReductionAct, we're going to make sure the IRS starts collecting what they’re owed from ultra-rich tax dodgers and billion-dollar corporations." (x.com)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "The tax system is rigged for the wealthy and well-connected. I look forward to working with President Biden to level the economic playing so working people can thrive. Let’s reward work not wealth. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • "More evidence that the #GOPTaxScam is going to raise taxes on working and middle-class families. While you pay higher taxes, @HouseGOP just gave millionaires and billionaires a massive tax giveaway." (x.com)
  • "The richest Americans are dodging well over $100B in taxes. With the #InflationReductionAct, we're going to make sure the IRS starts collecting what they’re owed from ultra-rich tax dodgers and billion-dollar corporations." (x.com)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "It's been 13 years since the Supreme Court's #CitizensUnited decision gave billionaires and corporate special interests unlimited political influence. Congress must pass legislation to get big money out of politics and reform our campaign finance system." (x.com)
  • "Elected officials should work for their constituents, not lobbyists or political donors. As part of our #ForThePeople agenda, @HouseDemocrats are pushing this anti-corruption package." (x.com)
  • Rated 89% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280: "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Black Americans are disproportionately harmed by police violence. I'm working with my colleagues at all levels of government to strengthen our communities and pass meaningful reform like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act." (x.com)
  • "We need to pass the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act, which would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, limit qualified immunity and establish a framework to prevent racial profiling by police. We cannot lose one single person more to police violence." (x.com)
  • "What happened to George Floyd is a tragedy that happens too often to too many Black people in our country. Action must be swift because justice delayed is justice denied. Police accountability is imperative; this CANNOT continue." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4365: "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319: "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "House Democrats are committed to strengthening our economy and growing the middle class. We are working to create jobs, lower costs, and invest in communities in every corner of IL-02." (x.com)
  • "I voted to pass the Bipartisan #Infrastructure Deal to bring more than $16 million in investment to our state, create jobs, and prepare us for the future." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "I applaud @chicagosmayor for announcing the largest investment in affordable housing in Chicago history. The lack of affordable housing in our country is unacceptable, that is why we must pass the #BuildBackBetter Act which reduces housing costs and expands housing options." (x.com)
  • "Democrats are working for you, fighting to lower prescription drug costs, energy costs, and make housing more affordable. Extreme MAGA Republicans are working for the special interests. #PeopleOverPolitics" (x.com)
  • "Fantastic news! The VA has helped over 38,847 Veterans find permanent housing this year. I am dedicated to expanding the VA's housing initiatives to make sure that Veterans receive the housing resources they deserve." (x.com)
  • "Working families count on the federal government to help provide the vital services they need. That’s why I am proud to support @HouseDemocrats’ bill to continue investments in housing, public education and child care. Funding #ForThePeople" (x.com)
  • "Right now, Congress can alleviate some of the strain caused by inflation by passing the #BuildBackBetter Act, which will lower everyday costs for families, including child care, health care, utility bills, prescription drugs, and education." (x.com)
  • "I voted with my Democratic colleagues to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will save 13 million Americans an average of $800 per year in lower health care premiums. Democrats are putting #PeopleOverPolitics to lower costs." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Since @POTUS signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, $278 billion in climate investments have spurred 170,000+ good new jobs and we're just getting started!" (x.com)
  • "Today I voted to pass the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act. This bill is a package of reforms designed to better protect small businesses, servicemembers and students from abusive and predatory debt collection practices." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "Student loan payments restart on October 1st, impacting 1 in 5 borrowers who struggle with student debt repayments. That’s over 8 million borrowers. Our borrowers deserve student debt relief. #StudentDebtRelief." (x.com)
  • "Student loan debt burdens millions of Americans and holds too many back from pursuing their dreams. Today's #SCOTUS decision is wrong, and disproportionately harms Black and Brown Americans. I will continue to fight for working people - not the wealthy few." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the 58th anniversary of the transformative #VotingRightsAct. Still, the fight against discrimination and voter suppression is not over. Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to ensure that everyone is included in our democracy." (x.com)
  • "Today, the House will consider #HR4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. What we do at this moment will determine the course of our democracy for decades to come. For voters today, voters tomorrow, & all those who sacrificed, I will be voting YES!" (x.com)
  • Rated 89% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "Solar energy continues to be a booming economic sector in Will and Kankakee Counties. It’s creating good-paying #jobs and developing the green energy future." (x.com)
  • "The Second District is home to a booming #solar sector. We also have great programs that train residents for the amazing jobs being created by this green energy revolution!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1446: "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "I am proud to lead my colleagues with @SenatorDurbin in support of the ATF's new rule strengthening background check requirements. This rule will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands and make our communities safer." (x.com)
  • "Thirty years ago, the landmark Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act was signed into law. This legislation mandated federal background checks to prevent millions of guns from falling into the wrong hands. Congress must do more to #EndGunViolence." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Solutions to rebuild our healthcare system & correct decades of inequities must not only consider communities of color but prioritize them. @TheBlackCaucus is working to #BuildBackBetter to improve access to care, address #maternalmortality & make healthcare more affordable." (x.com)
  • "Healthcare is a human right. Fortunately, healthcare coverage is more affordable now than ever through the ACA marketplace." (x.com)
  • "Quality healthcare and equitable healthcare access are basic human rights. Yet, in many of our communities of color, people are left without access to care and forced to make terrible choices between their health and paying other bills. #NationalMinorityHealthMonth" (x.com)
  • "The ACA was the most significant health equity legislation in a generation. This latest GOP attack undermines these massive gains. #SaveTheACA" (x.com)
  • "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass a paid family and medical leave policy that would lift up all American workers and families. #PaidLeaveForAll saves jobs and boosts our economy. Let's get it done. #BuildBackBetter" (x.com)
  • "Millions of moms can’t enter the workforce or spend more time with their children because the United States does not have paid family leave. I’m proud that President Biden is fighting to make our workforce stronger by giving parents the time they need with their children. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • "Paid leave helps keep people employed & attached to the workforce. During the pandemic, too many women were forced to leave the workforce, largely due to a lack of paid leave & childcare. Investing in #PaidLeave and child care will strengthen our economy. #BuildBackBetter" (x.com)
  • "We must pass the #BuildBackBetter Act because it will help families by cutting child care costs in half for most families and securing universal free pre-K, providing paid family and medical leave, improving home health care, and slashing the price of prescription drugs." (x.com)
  • "Allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug prices is going to be TRANSFORMATIONAL for seniors. This is a step in the right direction on #drugpricing." (x.com)
  • "Democrats are working for you, fighting to lower prescription drug costs, energy costs, and make housing more affordable. Extreme MAGA Republicans are working for the special interests. #PeopleOverPolitics" (x.com)
  • "Good news! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the first ten drugs selected for Medicare Price Negotiation – a critical provision under the Inflation Reduction Act that will finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs for beneficiaries." (x.com)
  • "We must pass the #BuildBackBetter Act because it will help families by cutting child care costs in half for most families and securing universal free pre-K, providing paid family and medical leave, improving home health care, and slashing the price of prescription drugs." (x.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "As another hurricane season begins, President @realDonaldTrump is stealing millions in disaster relief funding for American communities to fund his hateful border rhetoric. Congress must take back OUR power of the purse." (x.com)
  • "Different parts of the country have different needs. So, I always listen to my colleagues about their communities. It’s important to note that NOT ONE Member of Congress representing the border supports the #TrumpWall or #TrumpShutdown." (x.com)
  • "Our military leaders are clear: there is no crisis at the border, only the one manufactured by President @realDonaldTrump" (x.com)
  • "It has been more than 30 years since Congress has passed meaningful immigration reform. The Senate MUST pass the Dream & Promise Act, so our nation's Dreamers can have a pathway to citizenship. #HomeIsHere" (x.com)
  • "Creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants will grow the economy and help keep millions of families together across the country. We must ensure this pathway to citizenship remains in the reconciliation bill. This is the year. #WeAreHome" (x.com)
  • "I stand with the @HispanicCaucus to recognize the 10th Anniversary of DACA. Senate: It’s time to pass the Dream and Promise Act and create pathways to citizenship, including for DACA recipients. #NoSonOlvidados - You are not forgotten" (x.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I have proudly voted to provide $26 billion in military aid. Our assistance has been critical to their fight, but Putin’s invasion continues. One year later, I remain committed to providing additional aid and helping to end this war." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I have proudly voted to provide $26 billion in military aid. Our assistance has been critical to their fight, but Putin’s invasion continues. One year later, I remain committed to providing additional aid and helping to end this war." (x.com)
  • "Today, we acknowledge the one-year anniversary of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We must continue to show the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in their determination to safeguard their democracy and win this war." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes" (votesmart.org)
  • "Glad to see @Facebook taking these steps to address discrimination on their platform. I originally raised this issue with them in Nov. 2016 and appreciate working together on this responsible fix." (x.com)
  • "In light of the insurrection and increasing threats of domestic terrorism, it's only appropriate that tech companies do not allow their technology to be used to promote violence and destabilize our democracy." (x.com)
  • "It’s time to hold big tech accountable to the needs of all communities, especially Black communities that are disproportionately impacted by the lack of protections, policy and enforcement of equity online. #BlackTechAgenda" (x.com)
  • "Thank you the @NationalBar for inviting me to speak. It’s great to share with legal experts how we can work together to reform our broken criminal justice system, address trafficking and increase tech accountability." (x.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and to organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Require clinics to give parental notification before performing abortions on minors.
h) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels (#1-6) you will support for the following general categories. Select one level per category.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels (#1-6) you will support. Select one level per tax.

Slightly Increase a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status c) Emergency preparedness
Slightly Increase d) Environment
Greatly Increase e) Health care
Maintain Status f) Law enforcement
Maintain Status g) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Maintain Status h) Welfare
i) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Slightly Decrease e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Increase f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Slightly Increase g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Greatly Decrease h) Property taxes
Maintain Status i) Sales taxes
Slightly Decrease j) Vehicle taxes
Yes l) Should the state sales taxes be extended to Internet sales?
m) Should accounts such as a “rainy day” fund be used to balance the state budget?
n) Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget?
No o) Should college students in Illinois earning a B average receive a $1,000 annual tax credit in their first two years of college?
Yes p) Should there be a $500 sales tax rebate on the sale of certain fuel-effcient cars in Illinois?
internet
M and N only if there is no other choice

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

No a) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Illinois governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Illinois state senators and representatives?
No 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
No 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes f) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Yes g) Do you support prohibiting media exit polling of voters until all polling locations in Illinois are closed?
Yes h) Should Illinois recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support the death penalty in Illinois.
X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
d) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
f) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
g) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
h) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X i) Require that crimes based on race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X j) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
k) Increase state funding for state and local emergency agencies to prevent or respond to terrorism.
l) Strengthen sex-offender laws.
X m) Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
H--depends on age

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

X a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any public school.
c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
X d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
e) Increase funds for hiring additional teachers.
X f) Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay.
g) Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X i) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X j) Increase funding for Head Start programs.
k) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
X l) Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
m) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
B--I would consider with more info I--Based on merit/accountability

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies’ decisions on:

a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that retrain displaced workers and teach skills needed in today’s job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
X f) Support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Illinois' anti-discrimination laws.
g) Increase the state minimum wage.
h) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Public employment
Yes b) State college and university admissions
Yes c) State contracting
Using principles of affirmative action rather than quotas.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
X b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
X c) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
X d) Increase funding for improvements to Illinois' power generating and transmission facilities.
e) Support funding for open space preservation.
X f) Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
g) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.

X a) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
b) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
X e) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
X f) Require a license for gun possession.
g) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health.

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer current Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
e) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
f) Legalize physician assisted suicide in Illinois.
X g) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
X h) Require pharmacists who stock contraceptives to disperse emergency contraception without delay to anyone with a prescription for it.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

X a) Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
X b) Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
c) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
d) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
e) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor.
f) Support marriage promotion programs for welfare recipients.
g) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
h) Other or expanded principles
1. Change how IL funds education -- less reliance on property tax 2. Economic Development -- more revenue into state 3. Technology in the classroom

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