PHILOSOPHY

"All I have ever known is hard work. That's what it takes--heart and hard work--and that's what I'll continue to give. The well-being of our people is what matters most! With God's help and input from our respected people in Yamhill and Polk Counties, we can effect positive solutions to numerous issues impacting quality livability in our District and State."

Known as the hardest-working representative in the legislature, and called "the conscience" of the Legislature for her sincere commitment and undaunting courage to stand up for her constituents--our seniors, those with disabilities, our developmentally delayed, our veterans, the disadvantaged, the hungry and homeless, our kids and their critical needs! Believes government should budget for priorities of critical needs first with dedicated funding. Knows no one whose income is growing annually as rapidly as state government at 13-17%. Believes we should be giving tax credits for credit card debit, college tuition, exorbitant medical and prescription costs, utilities, as well as incentives for building businesses--JOBS! INSTEAD of raising taxes during these tough recessionary times.

"No politics nor partisanship should prevent our State from meeting the essential and critical needs of our people. Safety and security, justice, food, education, jobs, support for our seniors, those with disabilities, our developmentally delayed, our veterans, and protection for innocent children against abuse and neglect. A healthy environment! An efficient, effective infrastructure. Affordable and quality livability. Prioritizing needs with prudent budgeting, dedicated funding sources, and prudent spending practices should prevail. When businesses thrive, the positive impact enhances lives and communities survive. The well-being of our people is what matters most! Our citizens and our families are my purpose!"

EXPERIENCE

Experience makes an important difference:
• Business executive, solid knowledge of budgeting and finance; teacher, farmer, parent, care-giver, extensive community leader;
• Served as vice-chair of Agriculture Committee, on the business, education, and transportation committees;
• Appointed to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs'
• Appointed to the National Committee on Human Services, Women's Task Force;
• Appointed to the Yamhill County Budget, Parks, and Sr. Transportation Committees, 21st Century Afterschool Committee.
• Supported most every worthy charity; founded The Yamhill County Weekend Market to help individuals make extra income in tough times.
• Grew up in small town, rural West Texas, put herself through college working full-time. Parent to 8 unique children and a single mother and caregiver. Identifies with the folks in Yamhill and Polk Counties--knows how hard it is to make ends meet, meet your responsibilities.
• Knows how hard it is to make a living farming and building businesses.
• Knows first hand the accountability as a teacher to our kids and their future.
• Has hired hundreds of kids, given them training and self-confidence.
• Named "the biggest fan" for kids during her children's schooling.
• Conducted the most widely attended Town Halls in county history.
• Only representative in current history to change the outcome of a house vote on the floor--on behalf of an Amity farmer.
• Achieved $500 million transportation funding for roads and bridges.
• Achieved largest K-12 education funding ever.
• Achieved protective lien law for farmers and right to market in farm stands.
• Achieved favorable incentives for Oregon's businesses.
• Dug in her feet, refused to allow Governor's cuts to Project Independence for our Seniors, Sheltered Workshops for our Disabled, our Veterans, our State Troopers!
• Fought for bonding capacity to fully fund K-12, Head Start, Community Colleges, and Oregon Universities and establish long-term stable, designated funding.
• Sought to end unfunded mandates on education, counties, and reduce regulation of business.
• Fought the daily battle against hunger and homelessness; waste and non-essential spending of the taxpayers' money.
• Fought for lower costs of prescriptions and health care; fought to reduce the high cost of utilities; and fought for the child care assistance program. • Worked for zero base budgeting and performance measurement of state agencies.

Please go to 2003-2004 Legislative Goals to review the primary issues and bills being championed by Rep. Nelson. To become a member of Rep. Nelson's CVS (Constituent Voice System), please go to the CVS "Count Me In!" form to register your email, fax, phone, address, and issues you would like to be involved in as part of the communications network during the Legislative Session.

Para oportunidades mejores para todas las familias.