Right to Work, Living Wage
I oppose the legislative effort to impose a so-called “right to work” in Missouri. Even though the people have spoken via the initiative petition we continually need to reinforce the people’s will for those who want to weaken Union Membership! What RTW proponents want to do is make it harder for people to form unions and to bargain collectively. An attack on union families is an attack on all Missouri families.
I supported an increase to the state's minimum wage of $7.85. We need to raise the minimum wage incrementally every year. Again we have had to defend this position every year I have been in the Legislature.
I support keeping the state's unemployment benefits at 20 weeks, and do not support the current effort to reduce benefits to 8 weeks.
Gun Control
I support a minimum age of 21 for all gun purchases. I support a ban on bump stock devices that alter semi automatic weapons and a ban of extended high capacity magazines.
I support a state ban on the civilian purchase of assault and assault-style weapons. I support a state law allowing St. Louis and St. Louis County to set their own restrictions on the sale of such military-style weapons.
I support an expansion of real-time, universal background checks.
Public Safety
I believe we need to support our officers and all first responders. RATES OF PAY MUST BE INCREASED TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN OUR OFFICERS. Open communication between all our officers and the public served is important. We need increased economic opportunity, better housing, an increased investment in mental health services and vocational/job training to address some of the root causes of poverty.
We must fix our 911 response system! I have personally experienced these delays and I know many of my fellow citizens have as well!
I support increased training for police in areas like de-escalation training. We need to make sure our officers have the proper equipment needed to safely and effectively serve our city. Outdated equipment, uniforms, patrol cars, and bikes make an already difficult job more difficult.
I support a comprehensive community based approach to policing and a greater emphasis on foot and bike patrols.
I support cooperation between police and community groups to aid in recruitment of additional officers, especially minority officers.
I support a state requirement that public schools conduct active shooter drills and increased funding for mental health professionals to recognize and help troubled students.
I support rehabilitation programs that help people with drug and alcohol addictions, allowing them to break the cycle of addiction, and not simply incarceration.
Education
I support school funding at a level to ensure that every district has enough resources to provide an excellent education and a clean, safe learning environment for student, no matter where they live.
I supported higher pay for teachers and fewer diversions of school revenue to economic development projects. We were able to get our minimum public school teacher pay increased from $25,000 to $38,000….still too low but a major step in the right direction.
I support a statewide approach to curriculum that prepares most students for successful careers, including investing in community college and vocational training.
I support greater resources for UMSL and Harris Stowe University to develop them into the region's universities of choice for students and for employers.
I support charter schools, in conjunction with strong accountability standards set by the state. Was thrilled that I was able to play a part in increasing funding to both our Charters and SLPS……truly a win-win for our children!
Responsible budget
I support increased funding for transparent audits, making every effort to ensure our tax dollars are well used.
I support higher statewide taxes on tobacco and sponsored the bill to do so. During the previous session we passed a long overdue gasoline tax increase on the condition that the new revenues are used to strengthen and improve our infrastructure, ports, roads, bridges etc. This improves the lives of all our citizens and strengthens our state economy. During this current budget year we were able to increase our investments in virtually every area of state government. Investing in ALL Missourians will pay dividends to our state for many years to come, but there is always more to do.
Healthcare and Families
I support paid family leave of 12 weeks for families of all types, including those who are part of the LGBTQIA community.
I support access to contraception no matter ability to pay for it. I support access to abortion in cases of rape, incest, or the health of the mother. I support funding for Planned Parenthood. I believe people should be medically advised by doctors and given a full and complete set of facts about what all of the legal options are. I support age appropriate sexual education that makes sure our students know how to safely avoid pregnancies.
I supported the legalization of medical marijuana.
I support protecting the environment, the lack of doing so affects health more than almost any other factor.
I supported Medicaid expansion, and fought against Republican attempts to not fund the expansion. Finding ways to make these programs more efficient and effective. Now we must expand postpartum care beyond the current 60 days to one full year.
I support providing money for drug treatment centers and rehabilitation services for drug addicts. I support more rehabilitative options towards drug addiction.
I believe that discrimination against anyone at any time, regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, is unacceptable and has no place in our society. I look forward to MONA passing the Legislature during my tenure in the House.