On The Issues

Many St. Louisans are struggling under the weight of high inflation and deepening debt. Prices are too high while wages remain stagnant. Many St. Louisans have lost their jobs due to a weakening economy, job cuts by DOGE and the 2025 government shutdown. Families are sacrificing comfort for food. While on the campaign trail, Maria has met quite a few families that sacrifice a meal or two per day just to get by. Things are getting bad for the average St. Louis County resident. Maria believes it is the responsibility of the St. Louis County Council to make things better, not worse.

AFSCME in Ferguson

Maria is experienced in bringing people together and will work with state and federal lawmakers to bring critical funds to St. Louis County to build infrastructure that supports meaningful job opportunities. These funds will be used to invest in our neighborhood businesses, create jobs, revitalize the area, and position it as an economic growth leader.

Throughout her time in public service, Maria has consistently recognized the importance and benefits of project labor agreements, collective bargaining and prevailing wage measures that are progressive and prioritize worker well-being. Whether it's steelworkers, bricklayers, or laborers, Maria understands the value of apprenticeship programs and their positive impact on the entire community. While in college, she led an effort to unionize mistreated department store workers. As a former card-carrying member of the Communication Workers of America and UFCW, she knows the value of representation in challenging and sometimes toxic work environments.

Ron Fredman

Workers' rights, just like housing rights, are important to Maria. During the height of COVID, while working in St. Louis County, Maria experienced sexual harassment, retaliation, First Amendment and ADA violations from her employer. For eight months, she recorded and documented these federal and state law violations. Instead of ignoring the situation, she knew that if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. Maria made the difficult decision to stand up for herself and be an example to all public employees in St. Louis County government. She became a whistleblower and pursued two lawsuits against the responsible parties. As a state senator, Maria filibustered for 10 hours and 45 minutes on behalf of workers in Missouri who have been discriminated against. After all the weeks of preparation for that filibuster, Maria could not stand by idly now and watch the same thing happen again, even with a correction in behavior from a governmental entity. Maria says, "No more harassment of any kind. Public employees deserve to be safe from harm, period."

As Councilwoman, Maria will work to organize all County Council staff to ensure no one experiences the same discrimination she endured.

Percy Green