Candidate Details
OK Senate District: SD 5
Party Affiliation: Independent
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https://www.facebook.com/NesbitforSenate/
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Biography
April Nesbit received an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University in 2003 and a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2009. Her professional experience includes working as an assistant professor. Nesbit has been associated with the American Society of Microbiology, the American Chemical Society, and the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences.
Platform Issues
Children's Advocacy
Children require guidance and support to become productive citizens. The guidance includes education measures that have been demonstrated to help the students succeed with their life goals and chosen occupation. Support includes ensuring that children have adequate food, healthcare, and family care. Thus, April supports policies that improve the safety, health, and education of our children.
Financial Security
Many people are currently facing financial insecurity due to high healthcare costs, low wages, or market instability. Market instability alone has hurt our farmers, ranchers, and oil workers as well as many others. The high healthcare cost is causing individuals to avoid seeking healthcare until they have no other choice, which typically results in even higher healthcare bills. April support plans that provide stability to the people while addressing the increase in the federal deficit.
Healthcare
Access to healthcare ensures the quality of life and productivity for Oklahomans, especially during this pandemic. Oklahoma faces two major challenges to healthcare accessibility: lack of rural doctors and hospitals and rising costs. In the last decade, eight rural hospitals have closed in Oklahoma, meaning people must drive farther for regular and life-saving healthcare. As of last year, about 26% of people in Oklahoma have medical debt. This has led to Oklahomans missing work and getting sicker because they cannot afford the cost of healthcare. Healthcare reform is needed to ensure hospitals can remain open and to help rein in costs to allow people to live a prosperous and productive life.
Abortion
Abortion is a tragedy. Fortunately, there are two proven methods for decreasing abortions: education and healthcare access. Education provides support for a stable life and long-term goals. Access to healthcare ensures that young women understand family planning and reduces potential complications during pregnancy. In addition to education and healthcare, there may be a third option to decrease abortions. Women in their late twenties, in long-term relationships, and with at least one child are having abortions due to the cost of pregnancy and childbirth. The cost of pregnancy and childbirth can be decreased by reforming healthcare and providing maternity leave to prevent loss of employment. Together education, healthcare reform, and maternity leave can decrease abortions and provide stability for growing families.
Military
Supporting our troops is part of A.D. Nesbit's family. Both grandfathers fought in WWII, her father-in-law fought in Korea, her uncle fought in Vietnam, and her cousin was stationed in Japan. Our military has a proud history that deserves our support and respect. Supporting our troops and veterans requires more than just celebrating Armed Forces, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. We must consider the needs of troops to fulfill their duty, including adequate training, equipment, and salary. Our veterans need to know that we will never forget their sacrifices for this great country, and A.D. Nesbit supports them without fail.
Climate Change
Based on the Pentagon's 2019 report, climate change is one of the biggest long-term threats to American security. Farmers and ranchers will also face additional challenges as climate change bring stronger storms and unexpected heat. In order to support those who protect and feed us, we must determine the most economic and feasible options for slowing climate change. The solutions chosen should consider rural populations, urban populations, individuals, and businesses to ensure the best outcome for the most people.