Melissa Jo Viloria MO HD4

Education
Missouri's twenty years of GOP supermajority have waged war on public education. Missouri is currently ranked 49th in school funding and 50th in teacher pay. We cannot afford to keep losing our veteran teachers to surrounding states because the legislature refused to pay them what they deserve. Missouri teachers deserve a higher and livable wage. Our children deserve access to literature that have shaped the country and broadened minds to reach for the stars.  
Rural schools need to keep a five-day school week so we don't burden working families with needing additional, costly childcare. With some school districts implementing four-day school weeks this is a hardship for working families across the state. 
School vouchers are a scam. School districts are not businesses and should not be run as such. Our bottom line should not be a profit; our students growing up to become productive, educated members of society, that should be our goal. Book bans and excessive outside oversite is not necessary in running a successful school district. The youth should have opportunities to read, learn and experience different ways of thinking. Teachers and school administration are trained in how that needs to be delivered in an efficient and effective way. Government should LET them. 

Abortion Rights

With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Missouri's trigger law has some of the most restrictive language for abortion care. Missouri does not allow an abortion even in cases of rape, incest or if the life of the mother is threatened. Missouri Uteruses deserve Better!!! How dare a legislative body interfere in a patient's care. These restrictions were not written by physicians or even with their guidance. They are all about control; plain and simple.  

Job Growth

Northeast Missouri has a lack of opportunities for those wanting to start businesses in the area. We need to partner with local colleges, universities, and industrial outlets to encourage innovation and job creation.