Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I chose my career as a public servant to dedicate myself to those less fortunate and continue my never-ending fight for equality, justice and opportunity for all. Throughout my years of service, I have continuously delivered results to my district. The wins for my district have been no easy task but it highlights the fact that not only does experience matter, but relationships matter and proven leadership matters.
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 believe we must expand Medicaid coverage so millions of uninsured Texans can get the health care coverage they rightfully deserve. Texas should not be turning away valuable federal dollars that is much needed in keeping Texas healthy. I was proud to joint-author legislation to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 2 months to 12 months for women. In addition, I passed a bill that created a first responder peer support network to connect firefighters and EMS personnel to mental health support after experiencing trauma at no cost to them. I was also able to secure over $16 million to expand mental health services at the new Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD in my district.
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?
This past session, we provided $8.5 billion in new state funding for public education and $4 billion for teacher and staff pay raises; however, there is still work to be done to address the gaps in teacher pay, mental health & special education. We must improve the quality of public education for all of our school children. Investing in our children is critical for the future of Texas.
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. Three zip codes in my district have a high prevalence of patients with diabetes. Last session, I passed a bill that directed our state health agencies to make recommendations to the Legislature on the need in adding a Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered Medicaid benefit & I look forward to following-up on those recommendations. 2. We must continue to reform our criminal justice system. Texas incarcerates a disproportionate number of African- Americans & Latinos for low-level offenses. I have passed laws to help provide a path of re-entry for ex-offenders. I will be refilling the George Floyd Act.
