Maria for Missouri

Let's give St. Louis the leadership it deserves.

Maria Chappelle-Nadal | Democrat for Congress

Maria has over two decades of public service experience - fighting for Missourians and protecting our waterways and environment. Learn more about where she stands on the important issues!

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

Throughout her time in public service, Maria always put the interests and concerns of her constituents first and that is what she will continue to do in Congress. She strongly believes in answering every call, email and direct message on social media responding to the needs and challenges that residents present to her. Sometimes it is a fallen tree, the lack of refuge service, delayed unemployment checks or a disability issue. Other times it is the challenge of fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation responsible for decades of legacy nuclear waste contamination. She's done it all. Maria believes constituency work is 50% of the job. When in Congress, you will never have to worry about Maria coming back home to St. Louis. She'll be at the local gas station, library, grocery store or resale shop. Maria believes in being among the people that elect her to office.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2015-08-05/lessons-in-leadership-from-ferguson-communicate-educate-serve">From St. Louis Public Radio</a>, former "State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, was among the most prominent protesters. She said Brown’s death transformed how she did her job – and how she dealt with constituents within her diverse state Senate district, which includes Ferguson."“I am obviously a legislator. But I am continuously acting as if I am a mother and a consoler,” said Chappelle-Nadal. “There is no playbook when it comes to a human disaster. The only thing that we can depend on is our actions."

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

COMMUNICATION AND CONSTITUENCY SERVICES

As a leading voice in the fight for environmental justice, Maria knows that we are facing an environmental catastrophe. Radioactive waste can be found under churches, schools, parks, and landfills. It is in our tributaries, and can even be found in our basements, backyards and in our driveways.Since 2010, Maria has been the leading policy expert on the matter - advocating for practical policy solutions as a state representative and state senator.In two years time, Maria held 100 town hall meetings and has since interviewed over 1500 residents in the region.&nbsp;Maria has advised and lobbied local and state legislative bodies, and written a 70-year climatology study on radioactive waste pollution and migration. In addition to her ongoing research and advocacy, Maria has advised and provided individualized education to residents about the preventative health care measures they can adopt based on their home and work locations.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Maria authored an environmental syllabus guide to better inform and educate communities of interest on their environmental status and a menu of options to create institutional and governmental change.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlpr.org/podcast/politically-speaking/2021-01-05/maria-chappelle-nadal-looks-back-at-16-years-in-the-missouri-legislature">After 16 years in the Missouri legislature, Maria shared her thoughts on the environment on a podcast.</a>While the Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) must be expanded to include Missouri families as an act of Congress, Maria's friend Carol will no longer be able to benefit from the devastation that has occurred in North St. Louis County for decades. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/LAcUeLDJ-vU?si=ZtYvumOV2vB0Xaac">Carol gave it her all in her final days</a> by attending town hall meetings and producing documents for her family members and others so they are aware of the environmental dangers that exist.When Maria is in Congress, she will continue to fight for impacted residents and provide them the hope and results they deserve.

FIGHTING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT

After losing her cousin, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://graphics.stltoday.com/apps/homicide-tracker/2021/victims/isis-mahr+2021-10-17/">Isis Mahr</a>, to gun violence, Maria understands that "thoughts and prayers" is simply not enough. Congress must act NOW to enact common sense gun safety laws to keep our communities safe.Gun violence is a public health crisis that is devastating our communities and leaving many families grieving for their lost loved ones.In 2020, Missouri had the highest Black homicide victimization rate in the nation for the seventh year in a row.As a state senator, Maria fought to enact reasonable gun safety regulations. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kfvs12.com/story/20663982/lawmaker-wants-school-to-know-if-parents-own-a-gun/">She worked to hold parents accountable for recklessly storing their firearm</a> in a place where a child can easily obtain and use the firearm.Tackling gun violence is among the top issues that Maria will champion as your congresswoman. Every day we hear stories about young people having access to guns, many of them illegal, and criminals using them in violent crimes against innocent citizens.Maria believes in enacting red flag laws and orchestrating universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those suffering from mental illness.There are reasonable things we can do as a society to reduce the incidences of gun violence. Maria wants to stop the proliferation of illegal guns and ban assault weapons. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlamerican.com/news/local_news/article_0b9c392c-86dd-11e2-870f-0019bb2963f4.html">We are losing generations to gun violence and something must be done.</a>In 2013, Maria stated, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/maria-chappelle-nadal-says-gun-control-critics-dont-care-about-black-lives-being-taken-2587393">"the gun nuts in the legislature are so adamantly opposed to understanding our cultural issues in the inner city that they're unwilling to listen to my standpoint."</a> Now, in 2024, Maria will continue to fight for the stongest gun safety laws as your congresswoman regardless of what her opponents say.As a board member of the former organization, Missourians Against Handgun Violence, Maria grew her voice on this issue and is unapologetic about saving lives in the St. Louis region and across America.

TACKLING GUN VIOLENCE

We deserve representation that is going to stand up for our allies and defend our country from invasion. Threats to peace and security can arise from any region at any time and that's why it's important to stand with our allies and protect democracy.Through the American Council of Young Political Leaders, Maria first learned the importance of global affairs and the complexity of foreign policy engagement in an interconnected global economy.&nbsp;Maria was also selected by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve as a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ksmu.org/culture/2010-03-09/missouri-lawmaker-monitors-iraqi-elections">democratic elections observer in Iraq</a>. In 2009, after returning from Israel as a guest of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/news/crowd-shows-support-for-israel-at-st-louis-solidarity-event/article_0ac4a79a-fa5a-5dd3-835a-7ed7618e3f82.html">Maria spoke and stood in solidarity with Israel</a> in establishing a two state solution.Maria has extensive experience in foreign affairs and as your congresswoman, she will continue to fight to preserve democracy throughout the world.

DEFENDING OUR NATION’S SECURITY

We need to hold our elected officials accountable and make sure they're prosecuting real criminals and doing what they can to keep us safe.Maria believes it's important to address the root causes of crime in our communities which includes poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, and under-funding of social services. Maria strongly opposes defunding the police and will work collaboratively with law enforcement on all levels of government.Every family deserves to feel safe and investing in these services can help protect our families and neighborhoods.As your congresswoman, I will continue to aggressively seek answers as to why so many of our children have gone missing between the I-55 and I-70 corridors. Together, we must stop the exploitation of women and children. There are predators on our streets and in our neighborhoods waiting for the opportunity to compromise a loved one.&nbsp; Let there be no doubt about it, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/PBtIacwLwZ7Xtwghtaae6w~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRn7B31P0SxaHR0cHM6Ly9zZWN1cmUuYWN0Ymx1ZS5jb20vZG9uYXRlL21hcmlhZm9ybWlzc291cmk_UmVmY29kZT1lbTAzMjEyNCZjZG1jPTJlU2ZQaWd5SUhEaWZrNTlFdHViNXdaSW1hMCZyZWZjb2RlMj0yZVNmUGlneUlIRGlmazU5RXR1YjV3WkltYTAmcmVmY29kZWNkbWM9MmVTZlBpZ3lJSERpZms1OUV0dWI1d1pJbWEwVwNzcGNCCmYE9ZgJZnVwcIpSHm1hcmlhLmNoYXBwZWxsZW5hZGFsQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAABtQ~~">I support public funding of law enforcement </a>to stop the exploitation of women and children in the sex trade. Enough is enough!Maria also realizes that traffic calming measures are necessary and should be expeditiously adopted into local and federal policies. There are too many people on the streets driving recklessly while under the influence, distracted or have a reckless disregard for human life. Maria proactively keeps track of traffic offenders she personally witnesses that violate the law.We all deserve safe streets and highways. Every life should be valued.

ADDRESSING PUBLIC SAFETY

Maria believes that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. That's why Maria has always been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.As a state senator, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.autostraddle.com/senator-maria-chappelle-nadal-makes-missouri-history-attempting-to-filibuster-anti-lgbt-bill-331089/">Maria led a 39-hour filibuster</a> against a bill that would have legalized discrimination against gay couples.Maria believes that we have worked too hard, and come too far to allow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/09/missouri-senate-filibuster-religious-freedom-bill">extremists</a> to target our LGBTQIA+ community.Maria has also worked to connect at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth with counseling and mental health resources that prevent them from taking their own lives.Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children who are 10 to 14 years old.Even in the 21st century, LGBTQIA+ youth are mistreated and stigmatized by society which increases the risk that they'll take their own life.We must do more to protect the LGBTQIA+ community and ensure everyone maintains their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.Maria enjoys witnessing a person who proudly and comfortably lives in their own skin -- as it is a brave and bright light for us all.

PROTECTING OUR LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

Years of exposure to radioactive waste is impacting Missouri women’s ability to have children.Now, extremist Republicans are looking to ban IVF and make it harder - not easier - for families to have children.As a leading voice in the fight for environmental justice, Maria understands that there is an intersection between environmental injustice and women's ability to bear children.Maria believes that we need to keep politics out of women's reproductive freedoms. Maria believes that medical decisions should be made between a doctor and their patient and government should not interfere.Also, Maria knows firsthand how important Obamacare is to Americans with limited incomes because she currently uses it. She will openly tell you how it has benefited her life and what challenges she faces due to Republican efforts to dismantle this necessary federal health insurance program. When in Congress, Maria will work to restore provisions that conservatives eliminated. As the Director of Boards and Commissions in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Maria helped pass the MO Senior Rx Generic Drug Rebate and she's ready to continue the fight to ensure all Missourians receive the medical care they need.All Missourians need access to comprehensive healthcare and healthcare options that provide physical, dental and mental health services. Maria will fight to bring those services to Missouri. Maria strongly agrees with President Biden, health insurance is a right!

ADVOCATING COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE RIGHTS

Missouri has nearly 90,000 farms and about 90% of them are family owned. Our farms are committed to providing safe and nutritious food to all Missourians.Unfortunately, those that help feed Missouri are often left behind. That's why Maria believes in fighting for our rural community members and ensuring they have access to high speed internet, quality schools and hospitals, and other resources they need to be successful and self-sustaining.Our rural-urban divide continues to grow and it's crucial that we ensure our rural-community members have access to the same economic, educational, and telehealth resources as those residing in urban communities.Maria understands the strong connection between healthy living and open spaces. That's why she is committed to bringing federal dollars back to St. Louis that help support safe open spaces.

INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACES

Many Missourians are struggling under the weight of inflation and debt. Prices are too high while wages remain stagnant - some Missourians have even lost their jobs.Maria is experienced in bringing people together and will work with the federal government to bring critical funds back to Missouri. These funds will be used to invest in our local businesses, create jobs and revitalize economic growth.

IMPROVING OUR ECONOMY

Student loan debt is financially crippling Missourian families. We must eliminate student loan debt and alleviate the financial burden that's preventing Missourians from thriving. We must invest in our teachers by increasing their salaries. This will help us attract and retain top talent that will nourish our children's minds.

ERADICATING STUDENT LOAN DEBT

Our seniors have paid into social security for decades and should be able to retire with dignity. Instead, seniors are being forced to retire later on in life while worrying about their benefits being cut.Maria is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare. She believes in cutting drug costs and expanding Medicare benefits to cover vision, dental and hearing. She also believes in investing in affordable transportation and housing options to allow our seniors to maintain a high standard of life. Maria is especially supportive of federal funding and policies that safeguard those with dementia and Alzheimer's.Our seniors have contributed to society and it is up to us to take care of them.

SAFEGUARDING SENIORS

Wesley Bell has a long history of his “war on women” during his tenure as St. Louis County’s prosecuting attorney.Jennifer Coffin, a long term civil servant, was wrongfully terminated by Wesley Bell immediately after he was sworn into office in 2019. However, she pushed back and stood up for herself. In her settlement agreement, Ms. Coffin's files “shall reflect a voluntary resignation”. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3e/63e3d796-e2b4-570e-8678-4c957121255e/5d600e73ea5a5.pdf.pdf">Clause 3.08 of the settlement agreement basically states that she can not apply for a position in the prosecuting attorney’s office until Wesley’s tenure is over.</a> Ms. Coffin and Wesley Bell settled for $70,000.Kathy Alizadeh - considered a “veteran assistant prosecutor” - settled for $25k. In her settlement agreement, Section 3.01 (f) Wesley agrees to withdraw the pre-termination letter which becomes null and void in the settlement.&nbsp; Section 3.03 states the “employee shall provide a resignation letter.” Exhibit A, dated January 31, 2019, Wesley signs a letter “thank you for your many years of service to St. Louis County.” Section 3.06 states that the “employee shall not apply for or attempt to apply for a position in the prosecuting attorney’s office unless invited to do so.” In the daily paper, Ms. Alizadeh stated,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/8qcYEX-0Na7wUzp0W9hIig~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoQXcdP4QeAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0bHRvZGF5LmNvbS9uZXdzL2xvY2FsL2dvdmVybm1lbnQtcG9saXRpY3MvbG9uZ3RpbWUtcHJvc2VjdXRvci1vdXN0ZWQtYnktd2VzbGV5LWJlbGwtc2V0dGxlcy13aXRoLXN0LWxvdWlzLWNvdW50eS9hcnRpY2xlXzc2NjYwNjVlLWRmYzItNTc2OS1hNjU2LTE1MTE0MTM0NjE3Ny5odG1sP2NkbWM9MmhPRkhQV1V6U3JKejVQdzI2dXpnakVLQUxOJnJlZmNvZGUyPTJoT0ZIUFdVelNySno1UHcyNnV6Z2pFS0FMTiZyZWZjb2RlY2RtYz0yaE9GSFBXVXpTckp6NVB3MjZ1emdqRUtBTE5XA3NwY0IKZlUd8l5mHYdEm1IebWFyaWEuY2hhcHBlbGxlbmFkYWxAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAG1"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/longtime-prosecutor-ousted-by-wesley-bell-settles-with-st-louis-county/article_7666065e-dfc2-5769-a656-151141346177.html">“I had no idea what they were talking about,” she said of Bell’s reasons. “Obviously the county counselor’s office found there weren’t grounds because they withdrew the letter and paid me.”&nbsp;</a>Kimberly Kilgore left her position as an assistant prosecuting attorney, too. Known for her diligence, passion and persistence, Ms. Kilgore is known for her work in trying murder cases. But for some reason, at the beginning of the new administration in 2019, there was a new internal bottleneck that caused some murder cases to never get followed up on as per previous protocols. Ms. Kilgore moved on in 2019 as well.&nbsp;Chelsea Draper left her position as deputy chief of staff. While I do not know the specific circumstances, I do know that her voice was repeatedly ignored. As I have reviewed publicly available documents, Ms. Draper was approached by advocates of a grieving mother – Melissa McKinnies – who lost her son by hanging. Ms. McKinnies was seeking a meeting with the prosecuting attorney’s office because she did not agree with the conclusion of the police investigation and wanted Wesley to thoroughly investigate.This is among the many sad stories from Wesley’s office that I’ve heard over the years or have been privy to via documentation. As you may know, Chelsea is the daughter of two former respected and distinguished judges. Indirectly, I was familiar with Miss Draper as a St. Louis County employee and previously as an elected official. I had the honor of being in her family’s presence from time to time at community events and on special public occasions.&nbsp;After the November 16, 2021 budget hearing, there was a different Chelsea. It was the night that Wesley faced strong criticism from the public for his lack of follow up with a grieving mother who lost her son. His immediate instinct was to remove himself from the council chamber as citizens spoke and that’s when Chelsea urged him to stay seated to listen to the comments. [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdmZ6_Xztgs&amp;t=11s">The public comments regarding the budget of the prosecuting attorney's office begins at 4:12:54 on YouTube.</a>]When citizen comments concluded, Wesley's demeanor changed as he exited the council chamber and walked into the hallway. Waiting in the hallway were Ms. McKinnies support system who were pushing for a meeting with Wesley that they had been working towards as a follow up. I know this because I sent a certified letter from the Missouri House of Representatives to Wesley requesting that he meet with Ms. McKinnies in 2020 and I kept tabs on the situation. In full disclosure, in November of 2021, I encouraged citizen participation at Wesley’s budget hearing because I could not understand why he would not follow up with a grieving mother and conduct a follow up investigation as Ms. McKinnies and her family requested.Meanwhile, as Chelsea left the budget hearing in the council chamber, walked through the hallway, she hurried herself into the elevator and began crying. I couldn’t understand it until I became privy to documentation relating to how Wesley responded to the citizens that spoke that evening.For several months after the prosecuting attorney’s budget hearing in November of 2021, Melissa McKinnies - a mother who lost her son - and her advocates continued emailing with Chelsea back and forth in the hopes of setting up a meeting with Wesley.The email follow-ups show that the deputy chief of staff, an attorney in her own right, and the daughter of two prestigious judges, had no power to influence her boss on behalf of a grieving mother. By 2023, Chelsea Draper also left Wesley’s office.Susan Petersen, a 21-year veteran in the prosecuting attorney’s office, was also wrongfully terminated on day one of the new Wesley administration. A lawsuit was filed in 2020 for sex discrimination claims. During deposition, Wesley refused to answer questions relating to him sleeping with both male and female subordinates.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/8vfN0bXKp32ILJpgqP2sdQ~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoQXcdP4Q1AWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0bHRvZGF5LmNvbS9uZXdzL2xvY2FsL2NvbHVtbi9qb2UtaG9sbGVtYW4vaG9sbGVtYW4td2VzbGV5LWJlbGwtcy1vZmZpY2Utc2V0LXRvLWFuc3dlci1zZXh1YWwtcmVsYXRpb25zLXF1ZXN0aW9ucy1pbi1kaXNjcmltaW5hdGlvbi1zdWl0L2FydGljbGVfOWQxMTUzZmUtZWJiNC0xMWVlLTgwOTctNTdjOTBhM2NiMTUzLmh0bWw_Y2RtYz0yaE9GSFBXVXpTckp6NVB3MjZ1emdqRUtBTE4mcmVmY29kZTI9MmhPRkhQV1V6U3JKejVQdzI2dXpnakVLQUxOJnJlZmNvZGVjZG1jPTJoT0ZIUFdVelNySno1UHcyNnV6Z2pFS0FMTlcDc3BjQgpmVR3yXmYdh0SbUh5tYXJpYS5jaGFwcGVsbGVuYWRhbEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAbU~"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/joe-holleman/holleman-wesley-bell-s-office-set-to-answer-sexual-relations-questions-in-discrimination-suit/article_9d1153fe-ebb4-11ee-8097-57c90a3cb153.html">The petitioner’s attorneys later added to court files, public documents on CaseNet, that Wesley Bell did indeed dodge the questions regarding his intimate entanglements with subordinates in his office.</a> Fortunately, the judge forced him to answer these questions, which he did. Unfortunately, the petitioner’s attorneys needed to continue the case until January 2025 for personal reasons.Believe me, Wesley is excited he dodged yet another bullet before Susan Petersen’s sex discrimination case is more widely known among primary voters.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/Ac1k5_WAB6BighF2-BCc_w~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoQXcdP0SxaHR0cHM6Ly9zZWN1cmUuYWN0Ymx1ZS5jb20vZG9uYXRlL21hcmlhZm9ybWlzc291cmk_UmVmY29kZT1lbTAzMjEyNCZjZG1jPTJoT0ZIUFdVelNySno1UHcyNnV6Z2pFS0FMTiZyZWZjb2RlMj0yaE9GSFBXVXpTckp6NVB3MjZ1emdqRUtBTE4mcmVmY29kZWNkbWM9MmhPRkhQV1V6U3JKejVQdzI2dXpnakVLQUxOVwNzcGNCCmZVHfJeZh2HRJtSHm1hcmlhLmNoYXBwZWxsZW5hZGFsQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAABtQ~~"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mariaformissouri?Refcode=em032124&amp;cdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcode2=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcodecdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN">So, I’m telling you now.</a>Here's the thing, in the 5 years Wesley has served as prosecuting attorney, many talented and qualified women have left his office. You should ask yourself why.Furthermore, when it comes to policy, at the beginning of his term, Wesley sent a letter throughout the prosecuting attorney’s office stating that he would no longer prosecute child support cases. The irony is that public documents show he has multiple six figure salaried employees that are or have at some point been in arrears on child support payments themselves.&nbsp;The last time I checked, it takes two people to create a child and any custodial parent not receiving the necessary child support payments is the beginning of how families are torn apart. It’s the beginning of children falling behind in school. It’s the beginning of children seeking attention from dangerous actors. In many cases, but not all, it is our mothers that have to make the extra sacrifice to fill in the missing income. That means taking an extra job and having to pay more for child care. That means instead of mom walking to the bus stop with her child in the morning, she sends her child to school in a rideshare because she must leave for work earlier in the morning.&nbsp;I personally believe child support should be paid to custodial parents. If nothing else, having a child comes with guaranteed obligations. As the daughter of a single parent, I know first-hand what it means when mom isn’t home because of work and other obligations.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/Ac1k5_WAB6BighF2-BCc_w~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoQXcdP0SxaHR0cHM6Ly9zZWN1cmUuYWN0Ymx1ZS5jb20vZG9uYXRlL21hcmlhZm9ybWlzc291cmk_UmVmY29kZT1lbTAzMjEyNCZjZG1jPTJoT0ZIUFdVelNySno1UHcyNnV6Z2pFS0FMTiZyZWZjb2RlMj0yaE9GSFBXVXpTckp6NVB3MjZ1emdqRUtBTE4mcmVmY29kZWNkbWM9MmhPRkhQV1V6U3JKejVQdzI2dXpnakVLQUxOVwNzcGNCCmZVHfJeZh2HRJtSHm1hcmlhLmNoYXBwZWxsZW5hZGFsQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAABtQ~~"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mariaformissouri?Refcode=em032124&amp;cdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcode2=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcodecdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN">Luckily, I became a state representative, a state senator and a school board member and now I’m running for Congress because I want to protect custodial parents and provide them necessary resources, including a strong educational foundation for their children, reduced childcare costs, and tax exemptions for rideshare use related to parenting and adult daycare.</a>I know this is a long email, but it is my duty to present this information to residents and voters who seek to be informed with facts. I am a supporter of women’s rights in and out of the workforce. I have proven myself as a supporter of women in all walks of life for the entirety of my life.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mariaformissouri?Refcode=em032124&amp;cdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcode2=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN&amp;refcodecdmc=2hOFHPWUzSrJz5Pw26uzgjEKALN">You deserve to have a person in Congress that is responsive, respectful and trustworthy.</a>

Wesley Bell's "War on Women"

In the last few weeks, a very interesting scenario occurred with my opponents that was documented in the <a href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/ZqGmFasAxqoqT7TVHirNdw~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoLP7dP4QgAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0bHRvZGF5LmNvbS9uZXdzL2xvY2FsL2NvbHVtbi9qb2UtaG9sbGVtYW4vaG9sbGVtYW4tY29uZ3Jlc3Npb25hbC1jYW5kaWRhdGUtZm9ydW0tbG9va3MtbGlrZS1uby1idXNoLW5vLWJlbGwtYWZmYWlyL2FydGljbGVfMTI0NWMxZGEtMDcxOS0xMWVmLTkxZGItMDM0NWJlODgzNjE5Lmh0bWw_Y2RtYz0yZ2hoOHV2ZWZVcUZZYjBNcWlwbUFYamw4bVQmcmVmY29kZTI9MmdoaDh1dmVmVXFGWWIwTXFpcG1BWGpsOG1UJnJlZmNvZGVjZG1jPTJnaGg4dXZlZlVxRlliME1xaXBtQVhqbDhtVFcDc3BjQgpmRt15SmZCCAcUUh5tYXJpYS5jaGFwcGVsbGVuYWRhbEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAbU~" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(77, 44, 121); color: rgb(77, 44, 121)">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a> and Donnybrook on The Nine Network.One opponent said he was not going to attend the joint Clayton and Hadley township forum unless the current congress member would attend. It was a really weird statement since there are multiple candidates. The current congress member simply never responded to the original request for attendance or inquiry. The forum was held for 90 minutes. Each person had the opportunity to speak for 5 minutes and then answer questions. I showed up before the doors opened at 7pm. As residents arrived, I introduced myself to voters, one by one. Cori Bush didn't arrive until 8:03pm, which gave me the opportunity to speak for about 30 minutes and answer questions. Astonishingly, Wesley Bell arrived approximately twelve minutes before the forum was over at 8:30pm. What gives?That same evening, at 7:17pm, the Donnybrook Twitter/X page posted a survey question. “Maria Chappelle-Nadal is the only candidate participating in a 1st Congressional District candidate forum tonight. …The other two candidates, U.S. Rep. Cori Busch and STL County Prosecuting Attorney declined the invitation. …Do you think they should attend?”&nbsp;<a href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/OjL0xiSCqTnVTYi9l7hP3w~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoLP7dP0SqaHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9Eb25ueWJyb29rU3RsL3N0YXR1cy8xNzg2MTg4MzUzNzgxNjAwNzM5P2NkbWM9MmdoaDh1dmVmVXFGWWIwTXFpcG1BWGpsOG1UJnJlZmNvZGUyPTJnaGg4dXZlZlVxRlliME1xaXBtQVhqbDhtVCZyZWZjb2RlY2RtYz0yZ2hoOHV2ZWZVcUZZYjBNcWlwbUFYamw4bVRXA3NwY0IKZkbdeUpmQggHFFIebWFyaWEuY2hhcHBlbGxlbmFkYWxAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAG1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(77, 44, 121); color: rgb(77, 44, 121)">A whopping 84% of the survey respondents agreed that each candidate should attend.</a>&nbsp;First of all, I’m glad my opponents responded to social media survey results on the evening of a congressional candidate forum.&nbsp;To add insult to injury, just last week, Cori Bush confirmed she will not be participating in any debates saying, "I don't see that being a thing." She doesn't even show up to neighborhood association meetings.Secondly, and more importantly, every voter deserves to hear from all the candidates and it is our obligation as candidates to answer questions posed by voters. After 16 years of serving in the Missouri Legislature and 5 years on the University City School Board, it has always been expected that debates would be held in order for residents to get a better understanding of what is at stake. Striving for a job in Congress where debating is also expected, you’d think my opponents would want to eagerly show up on time for the job interview.&nbsp;As I stated at the forum, I’ve been elected and re-elected 8 times because I respond to residents in need of answers. But after 20 years of public service, I’m trying to figure out exactly when political debates with your opponents had an “opt-out” button. It’s simply not democratic!&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mariaformissouri?Refcode=em032124&amp;cdmc=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT&amp;refcode2=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT&amp;refcodecdmc=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(77, 44, 121); color: rgb(77, 44, 121)">There is a lot at stake!</a><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mariaformissouri?Refcode=em032124&amp;cdmc=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT&amp;refcode2=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT&amp;refcodecdmc=2ghh8uvefUqFYb0MqipmAXjl8mT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> </a>Let’s start with women’s reproductive healthcare services. We need a congress member willing to debate. As the only candidate that talks about gun violence and sensible gun safety measures each and every single day, we need a congress member willing to debate. When it comes to public education, we need a candidate willing to debate. When it comes to the United States Supreme Court, we need a candidate willing to debate.&nbsp;<a href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/oNJsgV07VQaKCfunwnNcNQ~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRoLP7dP0SxaHR0cHM6Ly9zZWN1cmUuYWN0Ymx1ZS5jb20vZG9uYXRlL21hcmlhZm9ybWlzc291cmk_UmVmY29kZT1lbTAzMjEyNCZjZG1jPTJnaGg4dXZlZlVxRlliME1xaXBtQVhqbDhtVCZyZWZjb2RlMj0yZ2hoOHV2ZWZVcUZZYjBNcWlwbUFYamw4bVQmcmVmY29kZWNkbWM9MmdoaDh1dmVmVXFGWWIwTXFpcG1BWGpsOG1UVwNzcGNCCmZG3XlKZkIIBxRSHm1hcmlhLmNoYXBwZWxsZW5hZGFsQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAABtQ~~" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(77, 44, 121); color: rgb(77, 44, 121)">I am running for Congress and I am asking for your vote and financial support.</a>&nbsp;You’ll never have to worry about me showing up for a good debate on your behalf.

Debates Should Be Mandatory

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<h2>Maria Chappelle-Nadal</h2>Maria Chappelle-Nadal is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and champion of social justice. Born and raised in University City, Missouri, Chappelle-Nadal is the daughter of a small business owner and public housing activist. From a young age, Maria’s parents taught her how to bring people together and solve the problems of her community.Before being elected to the Missouri Senate, Maria served as the Director of Boards and Commissions in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. In this role, she helped pass the Senior Care &amp; Protection Act and the MO Senior Rx Generic Drug Rebate. Maria served 8 years in the Missouri House of Representatives, 8 years in the Missouri State Senate and 5 years as a Board of Education member in University City.Her commitment to public service spans more than two decades, Maria’s commitment to the people of Missouri is self-evident. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/us/emboldened-by-protests-black-lives-matter-activists-move-from-street-to-ballot.html">In 2014, she was at the center of the Ferguson Uprising protests. </a>These protests shed light on the inequities found in the municipal justice system that are still ingrained and reflected in our government today. Maria continues to speak up about the institutional and systemic inequalities that persist.She is a multidimensional legislator whose legislative record is marked by her bold stances on issues like healthcare, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2015-05-07/missouri-legislature-sends-municipal-court-changes-to-the-governor">criminal justice reform</a>, and economic empowerment. Maria is a leading voice, educator and policy expert in the fight for environmental justice and conservation. She has distinquished herself by fighting to raise awareness of the massive radioactive waste problem in Missouri and the severe health issues it’s caused the people living in the St. Louis region for 14 years. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stltoday.com/print/editorial/robberson-assessing-st-louis-nuclear-legacy-on-a-grim-anniversary/article_1b1e4134-a0bb-598d-a2bf-414d9b8ec28b.html">Her work has also highlighted how Missouri’s radioactive waste issues</a> have led to economic disparities, which negatively impacts families’ ability to have children, and further increases socio-economic inequality.Maria is a courageous leader—<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/maria-chappelle-nadal-basks-in-controversy/article_e5629ea4-e504-5be6-a3a9-26ecc893146a.html">unafraid to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo</a>— in pursuit of a more just and equitable society. As your Congresswoman, Maria will fight for a healthy environment for all Missourians and bring much needed resources back to Missouri by working with her congressional colleagues and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://patch.com/missouri/universitycity/state-sen-chappelle-nadal-attends-white-house-recepti61d484c603">President of the United States</a>.

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"I’ve spent the last twenty years of my life serving the working people of St. Louis, fighting for our planet, and standing up for our freedoms. That's what I'll continue to do in Congress."Maria Chappelle-Nadal

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