Jasmine Henderson
Jasmine Henderson grew up in Gainesville, the fourth of five daughters in a family that prized education and hard work. Inspired by her mother, a school teacher, and her father, a wholesale parts manager, she earned a scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated with a degree in Rehabilitation Services. After returning home to a struggling job market, she began working in North Texas healthcare, where she saw firsthand the strain on rural hospitals and communities.
Now the Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent David Spiller in Texas House District 68, Henderson says her campaign is focused squarely on rural needs. “This campaign is about putting rural Texas back in the center of its own future,” she said.
On revitalizing rural Texas infrastructure: Ms. Henderson: Failing infrastructure is a consistent issue in District 68. Roads, water, and power are not keeping up with the constant demand. The good news is the money is there. The better news is the money can be provided when asked for. Massive funds are allocated for the needs of infrastructure in rural Texas. The Texas Water Development Board has committed more than $39.5 billion in funding for water projects throughout the state. What we need is leadership willing to advocate for constituents to be on the receiving end of these allocations, and I am the candidate that can do that. As District Representative, I want to ensure we have a chair at every table that can further the advancement of the constituents in this district.
On Olney’s loss of maternity care: Ms. Henderson: The loss of maternity care in rural districts is devastating. As a former healthcare worker, I know the importance of having healthcare that is accessible but also affordable. We cannot ask our expecting families to drive an hour for maternity care, we must ensure local access is restored. Reversing the loss and acquiring funds to provide healthcare access is only step one. Down the road at NCTC’s Graham campus, degrees in Health Sciences are being offered. I would love to see these students able to work in our communities rather than the metroplex. We can do this by creating a state-funded subsidy formula to direct funds to the hospital in proportion to the number of nurses being produced by the community college system. Medicaid expansion is the next critical step. Without insurance reimbursement, hospital doors will close and people will not receive care. Relying on government funding can be scary, but knowing your representative is committed to advocacy, providing solutions, and securing funding is not.
On rural housing development:
Ms. Henderson: Housing development is essential to keeping manufacturing in Olney. Acquiring funding allocations to address the town’s infrastructure will encourage developers to bring their business here as well. As District Representative, my goal is to continue advocating for the community of Olney and ensure these developments are affordable and obtainable. It’s time to remind the people in Austin that rural Texas is not just land. Rural Texas is a community full of people who need a place to lay their heads at night. It is my responsibility as District Representative to use my voice to get real results. I know this is not a quick fix and will take time, but I am committed to finding a solution for the great people of Olney and the rest of District 68.