Steven Jacob
LibertarianQ1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?
“Ruining the economy for small environmental change hurts more then helps society.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence-Driven, Pragmatist, Innovator
Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?
“I am not looking to cut spending anyway, but we are a country facing a depression with our debt. W must look at ways to feed our people.”
KEYWORDS:
Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?
“Science is very important, but so is not taxing people out of their homes.”
KEYWORDS:
Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?
“Not really sure. It might be too late to reverse climate change, and wars would break out to do the things we need to do stop it.”
KEYWORDS:
Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?
“Find solutions to keep both sides of the issue moderately happy. Has to be a middle on this.”
KEYWORDS:
Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?
“Education.”
KEYWORDS:
Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?
“Data Centers should never be taxpayer supported, and its the only way they are getting built. Its fools gold.”
KEYWORDS:
Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?
“AI is designed to not be government regulated, honestly. It does care about intellectual copyrights, and is a job killer. And government can’t even regulate the internet, so in no way can it control AI.”
KEYWORDS: