Age: 63
Address: 1925 Dakota St., Lincoln
Occupation: Attorney, Nebraska state senator
Political party: Democrat
Website:
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I have a record of making positive change. From co-chairing Lincoln’s Union Plaza Campaign, the Centennial Mall renovation and the LPS 2007 school bond to serving two terms in the Legislature, I know how to lead. I have achieved results in our battle against human trafficking, addressed workforce development, helped children with dyslexia, achieved nationally recognized juvenile justice reforms, addressed women’s equal pay, assisted veterans, made our state more welcoming to our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and a lot more.
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Why do you want to be a member of the House and what would be your priorities?
Helping people is what it means to be a Nebraskan. My father, a member of the Lincoln City Council and WWII veteran, and my mother, a Lincoln Public School Board member, taught me the importance of service. As a state senator, I have achieved real results for working families. In Congress, I will work to make health care more affordable and accessible and help communities enhance workforce development, infrastructure and housing challenges while ensuring economic prosperity in our agriculture industry.
What role would your party affiliation, party leadership within the House and your party’s House caucus play in determining how you would vote?
It will play no role — zero. Party politics has no business interfering in the relationship between a representative and her constituents. I will work to bring Nebraska’s nonpartisan system to Washington, and I will continue to do what I have done in the Legislature: listen to all sides, work with all colleagues, and do what’s right for all people. It’s time to stop the partisan grenade launching and work for the people. This is the crux of my run.
What are the major issues that Congress needs to confront now?
One of the most immediate issues is inflation. The rising prices of goods and services are hurting families and small businesses. To address inflation, we need to lower prescription drug prices, lower premiums under the ACA, continue to release petroleum reserves and stop price gouging. Other measures are also crucial to those struggling to get by, including expanding Medicare to cover hearing, dental and vision. We also need enhanced student loan forgiveness so young people can live the American Dream.
What specific legislation and priorities would you pursue in the interest of Nebraska and your congressional district?
As a working mom, I understand the challenges of balancing family and work. My legislative priorities will include legislation to ensure accessible, affordable child care for working families. We must expand existing child care centers, open new ones, address workforce challenges and reduce costs of enrollment. These kinds of investments in child care, as well as those in affordable housing and other sectors, will be among my top priorities because they are critical to our communities, which need the workers.
Are there challenges for the country that you would like to address?
Our country faces big challenges. Technology and culture have changed the way we work, live and communicate. We need policies that promote our renewable energy future, rural broadband from coast-to-coast, transportation systems for our modern world and national security enhancements that protect our people and our elections. But the root problem is toxic partisanship and division. That is what prevents us from addressing our challenges. The only way to fix it is to send different kinds of leaders to Washington.