2024 HOD Candidate Questionnaire Response
Name Amanda Beach-Burge
Office Sought
Party Affiliation
District 23
Your Hometown Huntington, WV
Campaign Website
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade. As a result, the WV legislature enacted a near total ban on abortion less than three months later. With no access to or Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think abortion policy should look like in West Virginia?
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary to end the ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
During the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed legislation mandating, “In God We Trust” be posted in all West Virginia schools and permitting teachers to discuss ‘creationism’ and ‘intelligent design creationism’ as part of public-school science curricula. What role do you think religion should play in the public school system, and why?
None. A school is a place to learn facts. Not every one has the same beliefs and what a child learns about religion is up to that child's parents not the government.
In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers passed HB2007, severely restricting access to gender affirming healthcare services for West Virginians under the age of 18. Proponents of the legislation claimed it was about keeping kids safe, and opponents argued in favor of parental rights and medical freedom. What role, if any, do you believe government should play regarding medical decisions relating to gender affirming healthcare services, and why?
A child's care should be between the parent and doctor. Government has no place in making decisions for others. Statistics show kids who recieve gender affirming care fair better than kids who do not. I think it's important to reaffirm with the public care doesn't include surgeries, which we know are not being preformed on minors.
Though abolished in 1965, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills designed to reinstate the death penalty. What are your thoughts on capital punishment in general, and would you support or oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia?
I would be opposed vehemently.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
I believe cities should work to provide safe spaces for the unhoused near resources. Being homeless is not a crime. The biggest help we need is additional resources: recovery centers, more beds in the city mission, mental health care, education and social workers. Some need help to stay on track once they do find housing and it's super important to help them. Some don't want to be housed, and for those folks we need to provide a safe area for them to camp etc. We know what doesn't work, bussing, breaking up camps, and arresting folks.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
I would support a civilian review board. I also support decriminalization of drug use to reduce police interactions. Use of body cams at all times.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
Release all inmates that have commited victimless crimes. No longer require jail time for victimless crimes. Review sentencing recommendations for possible reductions.
Currently, people coming out of incarceration on probation, parole, or supervised release for a felony conviction are unable to vote. When, if ever, do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever, should that right be restored?
You should never lose your right to vote. Voting should be an inalienable right.
Across the country, there is controversy about what is obscene. Often these focus on sexual education, content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity, profanity, and references to sex. This controversy has led to renewed attempts to censor or restrict access to controversial material. What do you think is the proper role of the government in restrict material like this and where do you draw the line at what is obscene?
It isn't the role of government to determine what is or what isn't obscene as we all have different definitions. It's important we teach kids about their bodies in an educational way before they find out via the internet.