Protecting women's reproductive rights is not just a matter of equality; it's essential for the socioeconomic well-being and overall health of women and families. These rights encompass access to prenatal services, safe childbirth, contraception, and legal and safe abortion. Attempts to restrict these rights not only violate women's fundamental rights but also infringe on their right to be free from violence, to privacy, to family, to health, and even the right to life.
Despite the overwhelming response from Kansans to protect these rights on August 2, 2022, unjust attempts to restrict reproductive access persist. As your representative, I will champion inclusive reproductive policies that honor individual and family choices and rights. I trust women and families to make personal decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of their families.
Freedom for Women's Reproductive Rights
Access to affordable healthcare should not be determined by one's zip code or income. Yet, rural communities are grappling with hospital closures, doctor shortages, and limited insurance options—a healthcare crisis affecting countless families. As your representative, I prioritize Medicaid expansion to bridge the coverage gap and extend healthcare access to more Kansans who continue to face financial strain due to these healthcare challenges.
Additionally, I am committed to addressing the alarming rates of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality that continue to affect many families across our state due to factors where the adoption of policies and dedicated funding could help to address:
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Reproductive healthcare (access to family planning and reproductive services)
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Physical Environment (environmental factors that influence maternal outcomes such as crime rates, housing conditions, and access to transportation)
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General Healthcare (accessibility, affordability, and utilization of healthcare including insurance coverage and the state's Medicaid expansion status)
These factors contribute to these challenges and must be urgently addressed to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.
Medicaid expansion and rural healthcare protection
Rebuilding our economy and addressing infrastructure challenges are crucial for our community's prosperity. I'm dedicated to sparking a transformation by repairing roads, modernizing schools, investing in high-speed internet and clean energy, and ensuring safe and accessible housing opportunities. These efforts will not only future-proof our economy but also attract innovative businesses and create jobs for years to come.
Enhancing our local economy and infrastructure
Ensuring access to quality education is not just about the present; it's about building a brighter future for generations to come. While progress has been made, challenges such as workforce shortages and limited professional development opportunities persist in our public and early education systems.
As your representative, I am committed to advocating for increased incentives, including higher pay and better resources, for critical education positions. This includes addressing workforce shortages, providing professional development opportunities, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all students. Investing in education is an investment in our future workforce and economic prosperity. By prioritizing public and early education funding and addressing workforce shortages, we can improve student outcomes, provide better support for educators, and empower our children to reach their full potential.
This strategic investment in education not only benefits students and educators but also has broader societal and economic benefits. It leads to a more skilled and competitive workforce, reduces unemployment rates, and attracts businesses and investments to our state; fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and creating a positive cycle of growth and development.