Jackie’s Priorities
Effective, Transparent, and Accountable Government:
Oregonians deserve effective leadership and transparent government that will better allow us to hold state leaders accountable.
Creating effective, transparent government requires thorough communication and collaboration with those affected by policy. This includes not just hearing community concerns but also seeking out community expertise and insight and ensuring that government messaging is shared equally throughout the community and in an accessible manner. As Representative, I will proactively reach out to constituents across my district, both those in rural areas and those in urban areas. Proactive communication includes more than news briefings and social media posts. Proper communication includes meeting constituents where they are - at local events, in community spaces, by video and by phone, on evenings and weekends as needed, and even home visits when appropriate. Such communication enables strong representation of the interests of HD19 residents, ensures our voices are heard, and provides transparency that will better enable the community to hold state leaders accountable.
Protecting Our Public’s Health:
Invest in improving Oregon’s public health system
Public health involves more than doctors, nurses, hospitals, and medical clinics. It also includes access to quality nutritious foods, infrastructure that enables physical activity, violence prevention, and coordinated communication in times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic and the algae bloom overgrowth that threatens our water supply. As a Public Health Advocate, I understand the many and varied components of the health care system. Our system should be informed by the ways Oregonians live and work. Health communication and messaging must be equally provided to everyone - this means proactive communication to reach all communities in a way accessible to them.
It is time to invest in programs that have been shown to be successful – such as the use of community health advocates to link community members to much needed health information and services. Having increased access to health services improves the health of all Oregonians. Policies must be evaluated and created with a trauma informed lens. As Representative, I will advocate for affordable and accessible health services for all by reducing costs while ensuring equitable access and utilization of health services.
Oregon’s Growing Economy:
Ensuring equitable distribution and investments in Oregon’s future
To increase our economic standing, we must make smart decisions and invest in programs that encourage growth. This includes ensuring equitable distribution of resources to ensure that all Oregonians are successful – our farmers, our hard-working families, and our small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial hardship for our communities. Our farmers have had difficulty hiring workers, resulting in the loss of crops; our hard-working families have had a reduction in work hours or lost their jobs; and our small businesses have had to shutter or may have taken out a small business loan to make it. As the Executive Director of a statewide non-profit, I understand that securing funding while maintaining a balanced budget is not a small task. It requires building partnerships while competing with other organizations seeking funding from similar sources. As Representative, I will strive to bring diversified, innovative programs that invest in our future and promote long-term job opportunities.
Education Opportunities:
Providing Opportunities for Success
As a parent and community member, it is important to me that our children have opportunities to succeed when they grow up. Though our state’s overall high school graduation rate finally increased to 80%, school districts report widely different numbers. For example, the graduation rate in Salem Keizer is 79%, Turner is 94%, and Estacada School District is 66.1%. We must improve our high school graduation rates through ensuring that the necessary tools and funding are in place for Oregon’s youth to succeed. Preparing students for success in high school and beyond begins before kindergarten. Access to high-quality affordable early learning programs is vital for a strong education foundation. Preparation for kindergarten increases the likelihood of academic success for our growing families. As Representative, I will advocate for quality educational programs for all Oregonians - from early learning through twelfth grade to affordable post-secondary programs, including college and technical career training.
