Here’s where I stand on…
Choice:
I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to abortion. Everyone has a right to make their own decisions on whether or not to have children. Right now, abortion has taken center stage in our national conversation, but Republicans in Missouri have been attacking essential health care for decades. In 2019, Missouri passed its abortion trigger law and moments after the Roe vs. Wade decision was overturned by the Supreme Court, GOP extremists made Missouri the first state in the country to ban abortion. The only way we are going to get away from having that distinction is by breaking the GOP supermajority, and I’m the one who will make that happen.
Guns:
I am proud to have received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction every single time I’ve run for state representative. Since my first run for office in 2018, 53 people have been killed and 150 have been injured in 95 school shootings. That’s absolutely unacceptable. While I’m glad Congress has passed bipartisan gun safety reforms, the only thing standing between extremists and our safety is state legislatures. We’ve seen GOP legislators in Jefferson City pass worse and worse gun bills year after year. It’s time we break their supermajority and stop the madness.
Environment:
For the third election cycle in a row, I am the only candidate endorsed by the Sierra Club. When I get to Jefferson City, some of the first bills I’ll file include a community solar program and incentivizing sustainable farming practices. A community solar program would subsidize solar installation in new developments and in established rural communities. Farming is essential for producing food, textiles, and even the fuel we put in our vehicles, but we have to adjust some of our practices in order to save the environment. I would file a bill that would incentivize farmers to practice no-till rotational farming, a much more sustainable method than the current method that uses much more water.
Jobs:
Joining a union was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. It allowed me to provide for my family after the recession in 2008 and it gave my father the ability to provide for his family when I was growing up. Being a union carpenter means I have the skills, knowledge, and training to complete quality work safely and efficiently. I firmly believe that everyone should have the right to form a union. When Republicans attacked workers in 2018 with so-called “Right-to-Work,” I jumped into action with Missourians all across the state, union and not, to contact thousands of voters and repeal this unpopular law. I’ll bring this same energy to Jefferson City – I’ll be there to work for you, not my own interests or my next big career move.
Human Rights:
For more than 20 years, the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA) has been introduced in the legislature, but Republicans in Jefferson City have refused to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Missourians. Because of this, it’s legal for someone to be fired from their job, denied housing, or refused service because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Meanwhile, Missouri legislators like Chuck Basye have introduced anti-trans bills despite having LGBTQ+ family members. Thankfully, Democratic lawmakers are holding them accountable. Send me to Jefferson City so I can join the Democratic caucus in the fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights.