Rachel D'Souza

If we haven’t had a chance to meet at your door, my name is Rachel D’Souza. I’m a mom, small business owner, and enthusiast candidate for State Representative in Missouri’s 79th District.

I decided to run because my son looked me in the eye one day as we were listening to the news and said “Well. What are you going to do about it?”

Over the last several months, I’ve knocked thousands of doors- in the snow flurries, wind, ran, and excessive heat. I’ve heard from renters and homeowners, older adults, parents with young kids (and the young kids too!), teenagers who are about to vote for the first time, and workers in their early career. Whether hopeful or disgruntled, everyone I’ve listened to understands that we deserve more from our government than what we’ve been getting.

My neighbors and families in my district are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, utilities, groceries, childcare, and transportation. My own health insurance nearly doubled from last year to this year. When the federal government makes decisions that hurt working families, kids and the elderly, it is the job of the Missouri legislature to be the last line of defense for its citizens.

Instead, the Republican supermajority in our state continues to underfund public education, refuse to legislate what our voters call for and wants us to believe abolishing the income tax will be good for our state. My community is struggling because of state government is working for wealthy and corporate interests and NOT for the rest of us.

I believe that everyone should have access to the healthcare they need regardless of their sex assigned at birth, gender or marital status. Healthcare costs should be affordable for all.

I believe that public schools should be fully funded and extra resources should be provided for teacher training, student wrap-around supports and special education services. Our tax dollars should not be directed to vouchers for private schools.

For nearly 20 years, I have served and worked alongside our nonprofit community. I am eager to bring my commitment to equity & justice to Jefferson City. I hope to earn your vote on August 4th.