Elect Ashley Cossins

I believe that healthcare decisions should be made within the privacy of the physician-patient relationship. Preventing the administration of medications and procedures, threatening providers and patients with persecution, and lacking basic knowledge of reproductive biology are unacceptable. These are real examples of government overreach into very personal matters. I have researched extensively for the last 10 years trying to resolve my own infertility. I have received the highest standard of care, up to and including IVF. I am prepared to approach reproductive health legislation with a clear understanding of what a representative should do to protect everyone’s rights to healthcare, including access to abortion, and understand the damage being done by restrictive legislation.

Healthcare needs to be accessible, affordable, and respected. One-third of hospitals in rural Missouri face closure, putting Missourians at risk by eliminating timely access to emergency services, maternity and primary care, and laboratory services. I stand with patients, caregivers, and physicians who recognize the value of important health decisions that are not dictated by cost or distance. Additionally, private health choices should not be influenced by government overreach or corrupt policy, and need to be kept between the providers, the patients, and their families.

Public schools and libraries are key aspects in developing children into educated and productive members of society. Participation in private school choice is not a reality for most rural Missourians. I stand with teachers, librarians, bus drivers, and other education workers to support public school funding. Missouri ranks towards the bottom in the nation for teacher pay, so working to raise wages for teachers while increase funding for supplies and textbooks are priorities in education.

Contamination from industrial manufacturer waste mismanagement has directly impacted our district, leaving several with well water that can have significant effects on their health. My private well was included in the decades-old investigation, which opened my eyes to the downstream impacts of unregulated manufacturing and farming waste disposal. I support bills proposed to enhance the assessment and protection of soil and waterways, and mitigate danger to workers while preventing additional contamination during development.