Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I have a master’s in public administration from the University of Houston, which I earned through a rigorous program focused on policy and data analysis, public management, budgeting, and administrative law. In other words, I understand the tools the public sector has at its disposal and how to use them to deliver results for working people. I am also dedicated to serving my community. I ran for this seat last cycle and personally knocked on more doors than any other candidate in Harris County. At my day job, I serve as an RBT, helping kids with autism build their life, social, and school readiness skills. As State Representative, it would be my honor to be your voice and advocate. I promise to be present and lead with compassion.
Healthcare
Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. What steps would you take as a state representative to ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, for residents who are currently uninsured or underserved in your district?
As someone who had a health scare on their 26th birthday, I understand what it is like to fear your own mortality at a moment’s notice, without the guarantee you will receive the care you need. I believe healthcare is a human right. We deserve new leaders who will prioritize expanding access and increasing affordability. I support expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, as we are one of the only states that have yet to expand coverage. This alone would insure millions of Texans and grant peace of mind, something you can’t put a price tag on. As for affordability, I am also in favor of price caps for certain drugs and procedures, especially those in which the industry has been found to be price gouging.
Education
What measures would you support to ensure adequate state funding for public schools and accountability for taxpayer funds used in voucher or education savings account programs?
I view public education as the cornerstone of our economy and democracy. Fully funding public schools and repealing the voucher scam is my top priority. Kids in my district went without buses for a year due to budget cuts, as the state is not keeping up with its fair share of the funding. Texas has not raised the basic allotment since 2019 and over 70% of Texas teachers are considering quitting. I am 26 years old; I was a bus rider in this district not more than ten years ago. As a product of public schools, I recognize the opportunities that were afforded to me, and I am angry those same doors that were opened for me have been shut for the generation following right behind me. I will work tirelessly to open those doors again.
Issues
What are the two most pressing issues unique to your district, and what specific, measurable actions would you take to address them during your term?
1. The economy and workers’ rights. Our leaders spit in the face of the working class when they ended mandatory rest breaks for construction workers. We are also the only state that does not require workers compensation insurance. We need sweeping labor reforms that raise the minimum wage and establish the right to collectively bargain for good wages and benefits. 2. Housing affordability. I support banning corporate ownership of housing, increasing affordable housing construction, and increasing the Homestead Exemption so families are not priced out of their homes. I am against eliminating property taxes entirely as they help prevent corporations from hoarding multiple properties. Homes are for the benefit of people, not corporations.
