Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I am a native Houstonian who was born and raised in House District 138 and serve as the State Representative. I attended Spring Branch ISD schools before earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Houston. First elected to the Texas House in 2020. I currently serve as Chair of the Texas House Committee on Human Services and on the House Committee on State Affairs, and the State Affairs Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband. I also serve as the House’s ex officio member on the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families, the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors.
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?
I have a strong record of expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare. As Chair of the House Human Services Committee, I oversee programs serving Texans with disabilities. I supported HB 109 to expand mental health treatment options and authored HB 136 to provide Medicaid coverage for lactation services and HB 26 to expand nutrition counseling. I also supported protections preventing insurers from forcing stable mental health patients to switch medications. Lowering healthcare costs through greater price transparency will be a priority next session. I have partnered with Federally Qualified Health Centers, including Spring Branch Community Health Center, and understand their vital role in providing affordable care.
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 voted for House Bill 2 that made significant investments in Texas Public Schools. I supported teacher pay raises for public school librarians, counselors, nurses and teachers who take on challenging teaching jobs. This bill also supported special education and expanded early literacy and school safety initiatives. I also believe taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly. Education Savings Accounts should include strong accountability measures, including financial oversight, audits, and safeguards to ensure funds are used only for approved educational purposes.I also passed a bill that protects our children online by limiting what they can access on social media and preventing sexual predators and Big Tech from preying on them.
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?
The most pressing issues facing District 138 continue to be public safety and infrastructure, including flooding. I am proud to be supported by the members of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, and I work closely with law enforcement to address crime and to keep our communities safe. Dangerous criminals must be held accountable, and we must continue fighting the distribution of deadly drugs, especially fentanyl, which is devastating families and taking the lives of our children. I worked for our community to get drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations to hold them accountable for poisoning our kids with fentanyl. I am proud that I secured $5 million dollars for the Spring Shadows Drainage and Paving Project to reduce flooding.
