ISSUES

Missouri is facing a preventable public health crisis. Families are forced to choose between necessary health care and financial stress. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medical help. The passage of Medicaid Expansion in August was a win for the state. We need elected officials in office when expansion is implemented who will protect the will of the voters and ensure a swift and efficient roll-out.

When I knock on doors and talk to voters in my neighborhood, access to affordable and quality health care - medical, dental, and behavioral health - is consistently a top concern. We know the path forward to reform health care coverage for Missourians. In order to achieve this goal, new representation in our state is required.

Every Missouri child should have access to free, quality public education regardless of their zip code, gender, race, or class. We need to prioritize strengthening our public schools and fully fund our commitment to our kids. The majority of Missouri’s K-12 education funding comes from local sources. Compared to other states, the share of funding provided by local sources is the 4th highest in the nation while the share provided by the state is the 49th lowest. It is clear that our state needs to do more to educate and support our children.

In addition, Missouri would benefit from universal early childhood education. Investing in our kids from an early age is the best way for us to invest in the future of our community. Education, beginning at an early age, should be something every child can access - regardless of what home they are born into.

A strong economy is one that works for ALL Missourians. Our state should always put workers’ interests at the forefront of decision-making. Parents who work full-time should not live below the poverty level - this is a fundamental flaw in current policy.

In Jefferson City, I’ll fight for those who are the foundation of the economy—our workers—for the wages, benefits, and protections they need and deserve. I’ll support investments in educational opportunities to support a 21st century workforce, including non-traditional pathways to success.

We will advocate for policies that support local businesses, provide safe and high paying jobs, and ensure that Missouri's economy is one that works for everyone, and not just those at the top.

Every year for the past two decades, the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act (MONA) has been filed, only to be blocked by the Republican majority. MONA would allow basic protections to our LGBTQ+ community by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Missouri’s Human Rights Act.

Missourians should not have to fear losing their jobs or being denied housing for who they love. No one should.

I will work for a Missouri that welcomes all people - regardless of race, religion, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation, and protects all people from discrimination under the law. We need leadership that recognizes Black Lives Matters and advocates for racial equality under the law.

This is a responsibility that I take very seriously.

*To sign up for our local NAACP, follow this link:

http://www.naacpspringfieldmo....

As an elected official I will be a champion for the environment by supporting policy that keeps our air and waterways clean, secures protection of our parks, and advocates for clean energy. The climate crisis has pushed our nation to a tipping point. We need leadership who embrace future-focused solutions, including creating and attracting clean energy jobs in Missouri.

It is our obligation to protect our planet for future generations.

Our campaign is proudly endorsed by the Sierra Club.