Rachel on the issues
I’m running because I’m deeply invested in fighting to protect everyday Missourians from rising healthcare costs, an affordability crisis, threats to reproductive health, the erosion of workers' rights, and the degradation of our democratic values. More often than not, states are the last line of defense when issues like these are threatened by the federal government. And under the current administration, that's almost a guarantee.
HEALTHCARE
The cost of healthcare has been rising for way too long, and with ACA credits set to expire, there's little relief in sight for working families. As someone who's suffered with postpartum complications, I understand how draining it can be to fight with insurance companies to cover the cost of essential services. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
With little action at the federal level, states like Missouri have become the last line of defense against for regulating insurance companies. And when I'm in Jefferson City, I'll fight to keep healthcare costs low and to hold insurance companies accountable.
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, and that extends to a woman's right to choose. I find the Missouri legislature's decision to bring abortion rights back to the ballot an affront to the intelligence of every resident. We know what we voted for.
As your representative and a lifelong champion of reproductive health, I am committed to fighting for the preservation of abortion and reproductive care. I support expanding what care is covered under Medicaid, oppose TRAP laws, and oppose state legislators attempting to legislate any medical decisions between a patient and a provider.
Vote NO on Amendment 3 this August.
AFFORDABILITY
From housing to groceries, the cost of basic necessities are becoming a burden to the average American. And instead of legislating for their constituents, Republicans are insistent on handing out welfare for the rich. In Missouri, we need to invest in people, not landlords or corporations.
Since December 2024, I've served on the board of the St. Louis Housing Authority, and with the experience I've gained there, I promise to fight for everyday Missourians by advocating for the well-being of working class Missourians. That means building affordable housing, protecting tenants' rights, expanding childcare tax credits, and raising wages across the board.
protecting voters
Republicans in Jefferson City have shown blatant disregard for the will of their constituents, overturning voter-supported ballot measures time and time again. We need to rebuild trust in the state legislature, and that starts with respecting Missouri voters.
I will work for my constituents, not in spite of them. I will stand against efforts to undermine voter-approved initiatives, whether I agree with them or not. I will defend the citizen initiative petition process—a crucial check on the power of our elected officials. And I will work to ensure our government remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.
Investing in education
Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and that requires a serious commitment from the state to invest in our schools, educators, and families. Missouri must fully fund the foundation formula to ensure every district has equitable, reliable resources for classrooms, modern facilities, and student support services. At the same time, we must strengthen and sustain the education workforce by increasing pay for teachers and staff, expanding professional development opportunities, and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens so educators and school leaders can focus on student success. We must also expand access to affordable early childhood education by increasing state investment in pre-K and childcare, easing the burden on working families while setting children up for long-term success. By focusing on outcomes and opportunity, we can ensure every student and every educator, has the support they need to thrive.
INVESTING IN EQUITY
A successful city raises the quality of life of its residents across the board, and that means righting past wrongs by investing in communities that have experienced targeted disinvestment for decades. No one's future success should be determined by their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or income level.
I support more state aid for tornado relief. I'm glad that we were able to secure $100 million, but that's barely a dent in the $2 billion price tag cited by city officials. The state can and should do more to support rebuilding efforts so that displaced residents may return to their homes and communities that have experience long-standing disinvestment can begin to meaningfully recover.
STATE INCOME TAX
Missouri already has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, and our services suffer for it. Governor Kehoe's plan to eliminate the state income tax is just another example of enriching the wealthiest Missourians at the expense of the poorest. Instead of investing in the failed experiment of "trickledown economics," we should be making smart, tangible investments in the lives of everyday residents. That means public infrastructure, childcare, healthcare, education, and holistic public safety reforms.
Imposing other measures of regressive taxation if the income tax is eliminated hurts all Missouri working families and expands taxes to basic everyday goods. I strongly oppose any regressive taxes, and I am committed to fighting for the income tax and for funding decisions that benefit those who need it the most. Those decisions affect all of us.