ENVIRONMENT
It is no longer a secret radioactive waste has contaminated multiple sites in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our federal government has a responsibility to make every resident aware of previously disposed of radioactive waste and provide resolutions to families that are negatively affected.

Climate Change is causing Mother Earth to get warmer. There are many indications that lead to this occurrence. Congress must work with leaders around the world to design a unified plan.

In today's world, Maria understands the environment has everything to do with the manner in which society progresses.

EDUCATION
Every child deserves a chance to be the best. As a congresswoman, Maria will continue to advocate for resources to cultivate the best in all of our children. Maria has fought hard for policies that would ensure quality education. As a state senator and former school board member in University City, Maria rolled up her sleeves, put in long hours and hard work into building consensus in the general assembly.

For Maria, education is the cornerstone of all building blocks in a sustainable community.

HEALTH & SOCIAL EQUITY
There is a strong and direct correlation between the social conditions of a community and the health status of that same community. Maria recalls her time on the streets of Ferguson talking to young people and second chancers who had very little hope. She also recalls the cries of students and parents wanting to attend fully accredited school districts. And as large corporations pay hefty bonuses to shareholders, St. Louis families are paying the price for bad decisions made during and after World War II.

It is impossible to have a healthy society if we are not willing to ensure social equity across the board. The sustainability of the St. Louis region depends on innovation that will give every individual an ability to realize the same dreams as those who come from privileged backgrounds.

Maria believes that all things are possible as long as everyone is willing to work hard on their own individual behaviors and acknowledge that each person has a unique life experience that should be respected, honored and uplifted.

INFRASTRUCTURE & THE ECONOMY
When it comes to state-of-the-art infrastructure, our national security may depend on it. Maria believes we should invest in our crumbling infrastructure. It is important the federal government help offset some of the costs burdening local and state governments.

Also, in today's society, individuals will have multiple jobs. We need to ensure every person has access to an evolving job market. Too many people have been displaced while transitioning into other fields of employment. This is causing enormous strain on St. Louis families, who far too often double or triple up their living quarters.

Maria is committed to pushing for solutions that reduce the number of displaced workers in the St. Louis region. She is committed to helping families live independently without them worrying about the availability of basic resources.