Maine Senate 30

Social media accounts
Facebook: Senator Amy Volk; Instagram: mom4volks; Twitter: mom4volks; LinkedIn: Amy Volk; YouTube:

Occupation:
small business owner/mom

Education:
BS Human Development from University of Maine

Community Organizations:
Chair, Labor, Commerce, research & Economic Development Committee; Member, Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Member, State Workforce Board; Member, Child Care Advisory Council; Member, Maine Children’s Growth Council; Charter board member of Maine Connections Academy; Welcome Team at The Rock Church; past board secretary of The Root Cellar

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
softball and cheer mom, wedding planning, travel, hiking, reading

Family status:
married 29 years, 4 children (3 adults, 1 HS student)

Years in the Legislature: 8

Committee assignments (if elected):
Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Employers need an enhanced ability to detect and identify impairment so they can encourage an employee to seek treatment while still employed and insured.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
The Legislature voted to give caseworkers a raise and fund new positions. I might support an additional pay increase if necessary. I also believe in prevention and family treatment.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Each district needs to evaluate what elements of proficiency-based learning work for their students and staff. I am completely opposed to the elimination of standard 4.0 scale GPA’s.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I supported Medicaid Expansion after voters in my district approved it.
I continue to believe Maine should receive the same federal match as other states across all populations.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No, the proposed tax puts hardworking, middle class families into one of the highest income tax brackets in the country to pay for the care of anyone in Maine, regardless of income or residency status

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?I’m a collaborator who has worked across party lines on issues such as human trafficking, drug treatment, and taxation. If you want to get things done in government, you must be willing to listen.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
When Maine midwives asked me to support a licensure bill, they were surprised to learn I had a planned home birth for my 4th child. The bill passed and Maine is now a national model for licensure.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls? Yes