If voters in the Missouri House of Representatives District 113 feel a little bit of deja vu when they go to the polls on Nov. 6, it would be understandable, because they’ll be making a choice between the same two candidates as they did two years ago.
In November 2016, Republican Dan Shaul defeated Democrat Karen Settlemoir-Berg by about 2,600 votes.
Shaul is running for his third consecutive two-year term.
State senators and representatives receive a $35,915 annual salary plus mileage and $115 per day in expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
SHAUL, 49, lives at 925 Falcon Drive, Imperial. He and his wife, Kim, have three children. He is the executive state director for the Missouri Grocers Association. He received an associate degree in aviation technologies from Parks College in 1992. He has been on the Windsor C-1 Board of Education since 2010. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he was a member of the council of Eden United Church of Christ.
Social media: Website: Voteshaul.com Twitter: @DanShaulMO
SETTLEMOIR-BERG, 61, lives at 501 Noble Court, Imperial. She and her husband, Gene Berg, have three children and eight grandchildren. She is a union representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 655. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in business management from Sanford Brown College in 2010. She is a member of the NAACP, the Labor Employer Relations Association (and is its current president), the Jefferson County Labor Club, the United Way Mental Health Allocations Panel and is a delegate of the St. Louis Labor Council. She has been a volunteer for the United Way fund drive and Light the Night and a team captain for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Social media: Website: bergforchange.com Facebook: Karen Settlemoir-Berg
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Shaul: I support protecting insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions. In the Legislature, I have supported legislation aimed at providing better health care and coverage for all Missourians. Most recently, this included voting to require insurance to cover new forms of mammogram technology and covering mammograms beginning at an early age. The key to effective treatment is early detection and quality care. That’s exactly what I am fighting for every day in Jefferson City.
Settlemoir-Berg: Seniors have been paying into the system for years and now when they need their benefits the most, insider politics in Jefferson City threaten to strip those benefits away. We should ensure that our tax dollars are staying in Missouri and not going to benefit other states. Jefferson City is running out of excuses to turn down federal dollars for health care. I will vote to opt in to federally matched health care programs.
Missourians voted overwhelmingly against a “right to work” amendment in the August election. Legislative leaders have said they may introduce a similar bill next year. If “right to work” comes up during your term, how will you vote and why?
Shaul: The voters of Jefferson County and the 113th District have clearly indicated that they do not support Missouri becoming a “right-to-work” state and as a result, I will not be supporting any legislation that advances “right to work.”
Settlemoir-Berg: Unlike my opponent, I have always been an advocate for labor. I will always support the right to bargain collectively for competitive compensation, workplace safety standards and equality in the workplace.
Will you vote for or against Proposition D, the transportation tax on the November ballot? Why?
Shaul: We are at a critical time with the repair, replacement and maintenance of our roadways and the proper funding for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. These items need to be addressed to ensure continued economic growth in Jefferson County and the state. Proposition D asks the voters if we should fund these via a fuel tax increase or further cuts to core services the state currently provides. I stand ready to ensure that we honor the choice of the voters on how to proceed with improving infrastructure.
Settlemoir-Berg: An increased gas tax will place another burden on working families and small businesses who already struggle to make ends meet.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Roe v. Wade is a state matter, what would you advocate for?
Shaul: I am 100 percent pro-life and believe that abortion is taking the life of an innocent human being. I have consistently fought for pro-life legislation while serving in the Legislature. I strongly believe in protecting the unborn and will continue to pass policy that will protect the lives of the innocent unborn by providing options for those considering abortion.
Settlemoir-Berg: If Roe v. Wade is overturned, it is a high likelihood that Missouri would be a state that prohibits abortion. If so, we must focus on better educating young people.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Shaul: I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far – fully funding public schools, passing the first income tax cut in more than 100 years, fighting for ports that will create jobs and economic growth and providing support and resources for our first responders. As I meet with constituents, both in the community and in Jefferson City, I remind them that it is OK to discuss differing opinions without hate. It is our ability to disagree without hating that makes the United States of America the best country in the world.
Settlemoir-Berg: My family has a history of service to this country. I have a civic duty to ensure that the voters have a representative who is honest and who will be a voice for all. My goals:
1.Ensure protections for workers and unions.
2. Increase funding for education.
3. Defend services for seniors.
4. Work for affordable health care.