Name Kayla Young
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 56
City/Town South Charleston
Campaign Website www.youngforwv.com
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
I believe abortion policies should exist between doctors and patients and the government should play no role in deciding bodily autonomy.
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?
Yes I do support protecting hair textures and styles as a protected class, because it is a form of discrimination that we know is occuring in West Virginia.
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?
Schools should teach the truth about history and we shouldn't place a chilling effect on our teachers. Banning "divisive concepts" is censorship meant to keep students from learning about inequality. We should not be passing legislation like this.
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 for ongoing discrimination by 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?
I support a statewide law. No one should lose their housing and employment over their sexual orientation.
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
I think we should have a separation of church and state in public schools, as the establishment clause in the US Constitution states. If students choose to practice religion, that is their right, but they should not have to.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
Yes, West Virginia should welcome refugees from all places. Not only is it the moral thing to do, we are loosing population at an alarming rate.
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?
At the state level, we can do more to help the unhoused population. One bill that I have sponsored for several years is a bill to make it easy for unhoused folks to get identification.
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 don't know if civilian review boards are qualified to oversee police work, but do think there should be third party unbiased oversight where those reviewing are properly trained in the nature of police work. The state should provide transparency and accountability for our police and jails alike.
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?
I'm thankful that we now have a House committee who govern Jails and Prisons, but we have so much work to do in this area. Our inmates are dying at alarming rates, the jails are overfilled, and the counties can't afford the bills. The first thing we can do is let out pre-trial nonviolent offenders to not sit and wait for their trials.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
I don't think folks should lose their right to vote. I support the bill that came out of Senate Judiciary that restored voting to those on probation and parole who have served their in-jail time.