Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on criminal justice, strongly opposing reforms that he believes favor criminals over victims. He vehemently criticized the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to uphold the state law ending cash bail, labeling it a "social engineering project" that will inevitably lead to increased crime and demoralize law enforcement officers. Caulkins argues that removing cash bail allows criminals to return to the streets quickly, posing risks to public safety and potentially endangering witnesses. While he supports some aspects like officer cameras and training, his overall position prioritizes traditional law and order, emphasizing accountability and punishment over perceived leniency in the justice system.
Source: Illinois Lawmaker: No Cash Bail “will Only Lead to More Crime” | Illinois | Thecentersquare.Com Dan Caulkins exhibits a very conservative stance on the economy, consistently advocating for limited government intervention and free-market principles. He attributes Illinois' economic struggles to "anti-business policies," high operational costs, and significant barriers to entry for new businesses, criticizing the lack of desire from Democrats to fix these issues. Caulkins opposes legislation like the "Climate Bank Loan Financing Act" and "Prevailing Wage" laws, viewing them as government overreach that stifles free enterprise, infringes on property rights, and distorts the labor market. His approach prioritizes reducing regulations and fostering a business-friendly environment to stimulate economic growth.
Source: Caulkins Perplexed by Illinois’ Unstable Economy | Illinois | Thecentersquare.Com Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on education, advocating for significantly reduced government involvement and increased parental control. He believes education is primarily a family responsibility, not the state's, and opposed creating a Department of Early Childhood, viewing it as "nanny-state" policy leading to dependency. Caulkins also criticizes "progressive curriculum" in schools, such as explicit sex education, and actively encourages conservatives to run for school boards to counter such agendas. Furthermore, he opposes taxpayer-funded programs like hunger-free campus grants, emphasizing individual responsibility over government subsidies for college students.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Illinois Legislative Scorecard Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on energy, strongly advocating for traditional fossil fuel sources and opposing regulations that restrict them. He has urged the Pritzker administration to lift emission restrictions on gas-fired generators and to incentivize coal-fired plants to remain operational, citing concerns about electricity shortages and soaring bills. Caulkins criticizes policies like the "green new deal" and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), viewing them as detrimental to energy affordability and reliability. His approach prioritizes immediate energy supply and economic considerations over clean energy mandates, aligning with a limited government, pro-fossil fuel perspective.
Source: Caulkins: “We’ve Got a Serious Problem. Let’s Get Busy Fixing It” | McLean County Times Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on government dependency, consistently advocating for limited state intervention and emphasizing individual responsibility. He strongly opposed the creation of a Department of Early Childhood, arguing that "social welfare" is not the government's role and that "nanny-state" policies lead to "debt, dependency, and poverty." Caulkins believes that educating and caring for children is primarily a family responsibility. He also opposed a "Hunger-Free Campus" grant program, asserting that taxpayers should not subsidize college students' food and viewing such initiatives as steps towards socialism that undermine individual accountability.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Ballotpedia Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on government dependency, consistently advocating for limited state intervention and emphasizing individual responsibility. He strongly opposed the creation of a Department of Early Childhood, arguing that "social welfare" is not the government's role and that "nanny-state" policies lead to "debt, dependency, and poverty." Caulkins believes that educating and caring for children is primarily a family responsibility. He also opposed a "Hunger-Free Campus" grant program, asserting that taxpayers should not subsidize college students' food and viewing such initiatives as steps towards socialism that undermine individual accountability.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Ballotpedia Dan Caulkins maintains a very conservative stance on healthcare, consistently advocating for limited government intervention and upholding the sanctity of life. He strongly opposes abortion, voting against bills that would require no copays for abortion services and asserting that Illinois should ban abortion entirely, rejecting it as a legitimate object of government healthcare. Furthermore, Caulkins opposes government overreach in public health matters, such as anti-smoking initiatives and bans on latex gloves in healthcare, viewing these as infringements on personal freedoms and interference in private business operations. His positions underscore a commitment to individual liberty and minimal state involvement in healthcare decisions and funding.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Illinois Legislative Scorecard Dan Caulkins holds a very conservative stance on immigration, prioritizing strict enforcement and border control. He voted against legislation that would permit individuals with deferred immigration action (DACA) to serve as law enforcement officers, asserting that those who enter the U.S. illegally should not be granted such roles and that states should actively work to end illegal migration for public safety. Furthermore, Caulkins opposed a "Sanctuary State" bill, believing it would encourage illegal immigration and impede law enforcement's cooperation with ICE, thereby increasing state danger. His positions align with a strong, enforcement-focused approach to immigration, reflecting traditional conservative ideals on national and border security.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Illinois Legislative Scorecard Dan Caulkins exhibits a very conservative stance on national security, primarily emphasizing robust border enforcement and public safety. He voted against legislation that would allow individuals with deferred immigration action (DACA) to serve as law enforcement officers, arguing that those who enter the U.S. illegally should not be granted such roles and that states should act to end illegal migration for public safety (HB3751). Similarly, he opposed a "Sanctuary State" bill, believing it would encourage illegal immigration and hinder law enforcement's ability to work with ICE, thereby making the state more dangerous (HB1637). These positions underscore his commitment to a strong, enforcement-focused approach to national security and border integrity.
Source: Dan Caulkins - Ballotpedia
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