Currently holds the office of Oregon House of Representatives - District 53 until January 13, 2025.
Candidate for Oregon House of Representatives - District 53 in 2024 Oregon General Election.
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Get StartedI am the only pro-choice candidate in this race. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, state legislatures have become a battleground for reproductive rights. I will always protect a woman’s freedom to make her own healthcare decisions. Learn more
It is important that we continue to diversify our economy, specifically new energy jobs that strengthen our local economy and grow our workforce. We must create an environment where business and innovation can thrive. Affordable childcare is an important component of the solution and I am proud to have worked to secure funding for more Head Start preschool spots in Redmond starting in 2024. Learn more
Central Oregon can and must be a leader in innovative manufacturing so that people who work here can continue to have opportunity for growth. I believe in building up middle class jobs. Learn more
Public education is so important in our community. Our schools in Deschutes County should be preparing students for the changing world by increasing trade programs, technology programs and life skills training. Kids should have the option to go to college and they should also have an option to pursue an apprenticeship, which allows students a career in the trades without acquiring debt. Learn more
Oregon has underfunded Special Education for decades. Emerson supports a significant change in the way we fund Special Education programs, including lifting the current cap on Special Education funding and allowing schools to seek full reimbursement for services. Learn more
My school safety strategy includes improving emergency response times in schools, increasing school-based health and mental health centers for students, and risk assessments for school entrances and exits. Learn more
I have been a champion of addressing climate change by building clean energy projects here in Oregon. Learn more
Preserving our natural resources and the beauty that central Oregon holds is incredibly important to me. In Oregon, and especially in Central Oregon, it is important that we manage our resources well. Learn more
I believe that healthcare reform should achieve three goals: better care, better care for more people, and better care for more people at a lower cost. I am a champion for rural healthcare, including expanding tele-health access for those who are far away from a primary care doctor. Learn more
As an advocate for primary care, I believe that no one should be without access to needed medical care, which includes dental care. I am a strong believer in expansion of mental health services in Deschutes County. Currently there is a huge need for mental health services and very long wait times. We need to get people help when they need it. Learn more
Transportation safety is paramount to our commitment to the well-being of our community and state. We are facing big challenges in our transportation system, including the epidemic of traffic deaths. We experienced more pedestrian deaths in Deschutes County this year than in the last 20 years. With the upcoming transportation package, we must prioritize transportation safety and address crumbling infrastructure and bridges. Learn more
Additionally, I am proud to champion multi-modal transportation reforms like e-bikes and will be introducing Trenton’s Law in the 2024 Session, which addresses our outdated e-bike laws. Learn more
I will continue to be an avid supporter of increased funding for infrastructure projects, with the state as a partner to build sewers, roads, and pipes, we can bring down the cost of housing for working families. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.