Improving Our Economy
One of the best ways to improve Missouri’s economy is by ensuring that we have a well-trained and well-educated workforce. Investing in job development and training will give workers the tools they need to be competitive. Working to curb the rising costs of health care insurance will help promote small businesses in the area. We also need to reward entrepreneurship by promoting flexible loan and grant programs and being smart about how we attract businesses and employers to our neighborhoods.

Excellence in Education
I support a fair distribution of public funds to support the success and improved outcomes of our students and teachers. We need to make sure that resources make it into the classroom to give teachers and students the tools they need to achieve. Students will thrive in an environment that is centered around learning and critical thinking, and we can achieve that by improving working conditions for teachers and students. Education is a life-long process, which is why I believe we need to work hard to make college more affordable for all Missouri families and to provide support for individuals that desire to continue their education.

Quality Affordable Health Care
We need to work on finding access to quality affordable health care for all Missourians. I have worked to educate citizens on health care resources available to everyone, insured or uninsured. Last session, I co-sponsored legislation mandating prosthetic parity in insurance coverage. For too many years, Missouri has gone in the wrong direction on health care. That is why I support restoring the cuts to the state’s Medicaid program, ensuring that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is comprehensive and fully funded. Enacting comprehensive healthcare reform means that we remain compassionate for the most vulnerable in our society.

Protecting Our Seniors
I serve as a member of the Senior Citizen Advocacy Committee and just last year sponsored a bill creating the Missouri Alzheimer's State Taskforce Plan (HB 272). Additionally, I served as the Senior Advocate within Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell’s office and helped pass the Senior Care and Protection Act of 2003. While many nursing homes still have serious quality of care violations and need improvement, we must remain steadfast in creating safe and secure environments for our seniors. We need to do more for our seniors who have built our communities and neighborhoods and made them strong. They deserve to live with respect and dignity with the highest level of care and comfort possible.

Civil Rights of ALL Missourians
I work hard in Jefferson City to make sure that all Missourians have a voice. In the Senate, I will continue to fight for social and economic justice for all minorities and to protect the rights we already have. We need leadership in Jefferson City that is not afraid to advocate for equality under the law for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. As your state senator, I will remain a stalwart for a woman’s right to choose.

Protecting Our Environment
Protecting our environmental is a top priority. Environmentalism is not just about the energy needs of tomorrow, but our security needs of today. Indeed, we need to aggressively work to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The best alternative today and most readily available renewable resource is personal choice and conservation. However, Missouri needs to invest in alternative energy sources like ethanol, biodiesel, wind and solar power. This will take real leadership and commitment from our government.