Vicky Wors
DemocraticQ1 In their 2024–2025 report, the Missouri Office of Rural Health reported that 42% of counties in MO do not have a hospital. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement to address access to health care, primarily in rural areas?
“To begin we need to expand telehealth to a larger rural footprint. Secondly, we need to rethink the administration’s approach to funding of rural hospitals and clinics by rolling back unneeded tax cuts for Missouri’s wealthiest citizens and reallocate these funds to save current and future hospitals.We have to roll back the unmercenary tax cuts for Missouri’s wealthiest and the TIF’s awarded to companies doing business in Missouri. These funds are necessary for funding telehealth, medical clinics staffing, and Medicaid expansion are necessary for the continued health of our farmers. small town residents and our aging communities.”
Q2 The Missouri Department of Agriculture has reported that Agriculture and related industries have contributed 93.7 billion dollars in economic output and 456,618 jobs to Missouri in 2021. Would you continue to develop and support agtech business in Missouri as well as the education and scientific training for Missourians to contribute to this industry? Why or why not?
“This is top economic generator in Missouri maintaining the continuation of the family farm as well as the education of the next generation of farmers is essential to Missouri’s economic health. We must redirect Missouri general revenue to support education and training of our farming communities. The development of programs meant to incentivize interested young people to seek careers in agriculture and farming.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. In your opinion, what are the costs and benefits of new data center construction in Missouri and how would your policies accomplish a balance between them?
“It is essential that data center developers be regulated starting before the first drilling rig arrives on the premises. All proposed development must be presented to local citizens which will include geological surveys, where the developer will acquire water, electricity, and manpower to build and operate the facility. Developers must put in escrow cost of remediation in escrow. NDA’s are invalidated. All data center developers must submit plans for proposed data centers which identify the geological studies of the land where the proposed center will be built before the firft drill arrives on the scene, The plans must also include how the developer will provide for the resources necessary to operate a center, where the labor force will be recruited from and include a commitment to hire union labor. the commitment to place funds for remediation in escrows should the site close.”
Q4 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“If a question arises which requires validated and relevant scientific data to develop plans, divisions that impact the greater good, I will actively solicit and adhere to recommendations from the scientific community. In instances where decisions regarding state wide health, environmental issues and decisional on allowing new industries into the state; I will consult with experts in the fields and utilize their recommendations. I believe in science and will encourage scientific study were necessary.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to improve the public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“Encouraging and fostering the natural inquisitiveness of the young mind is imperative to insure future scientific exploration in many fields. Students showing a mental capacity and basic interest in STEMS should be fully funded. The study of science develops critical thinking therefore the establishment of screen related study is important for creating intelligent future generations. Starting scientific education and training as early as possible helps children solve problems in the classroom as well as in daily life,”