VOTE411 Voter Guide

HOUSING: Eugene urgently needs solutions for housing and homelessness, from more immediate shelter and mental health services for the unhoused, to intentional neighborhood development that preserves existing affordability, and creates more options for families to put down roots and elders to age in place. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE: I’m proud to be endorsed by Single Payer Healthcare Advocates of Oregon and I’ll push for universal healthcare through Measure 111 implementation, while addressing immediate issues like the University District Hospital closure that left our community without an ER, and the loss of care providers related to private equity takeover of Eugene's Oregon Medical Group.

I’m a proud 4J public school mom and Co-Chair of Yes for 4J Schools. Pandemic learning loss in Oregon is roughly 2-3 times worse than national averages. We need more teachers, paraeducators, librarians, reading specialists, and mental and behavioral health specialists. It’s my understanding that there’s a group of legislators looking at how we formulate the Current Service Level (CSL) and a task force meeting on state bargaining and a statewide salary schedule. Both are promising paths forward.

Income inequality can be addressed through legislative policy changes like minimum wage increases, support for increasing union density, and progressive tax reforms - including a consideration of changes to economic forecasting and the kicker. We can also look at economic development policy that prioritizes incentivizing local small businesses over tax breaks for multinational corporations, and creates lasting wealth in our communities. These kinds of approaches will be a priority for my office.

Oregon is facing a crisis due to a lack of stable and affordable housing. In the legislature I'll work towards solutions that provide diverse housing types, affordable rental opportunities, and pathways to homeownership. I will advocate for solutions that include climate friendly housing and strong engagement with local communities.

I'll stand up for and advocate for better access to healthcare. I'll champion a health care system that is accessible to all Oregonians and easy to navigate, not controlled by insurance companies. As a state representative, I'll protect & expand access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, and I'll work to codify reproductive rights in the Oregon constitution.

Oregon K-12 public schools are facing a significant teacher shortage. This impacts schools' abilities to provide a quality education. I'll build on recent legislation to grow & strengthen our teacher workforce, including diversifying educators in our schools.

I'll champion increased investments in early learning opportunities for students, including expanding early literacy efforts and social & emotional supports. It's time for universal preschool and I'll work to make this a reality.

Increasing wealth inequality is a serious issue in Oregon. As a state representative, I will actively work to address this growing concern. Working families need good paying jobs, and I'm committed to an economy that benefits small businesses and working people. I'll advocate for investments in job retraining and workforce opportunities. Homeownership remains a critical pathway to intergenerational wealth. I'll identify solutions that increase opportunities for first time home buyers. Investments in early childhood education are important strategies to increase economic mobility, and I will champion efforts in this area. We need a more progressive tax system in Oregon to address income inequality and I'll make this a priority.