This week’s Woman Crush Wednesday is Rachel Prusak, the Democratic Nominee for Oregon House District 37. Rachel is a fierce advocate for working families in her district. Since the moment I met Rachel I knew that she was bringing something new to the table in the fight to keep Oregon blue. Rachel’s opponent is incumbent Representative Julie Parrish, one of Oregon’s most conservative State Representatives-in a stark contrast to a healthcare advocate like Rachel, Parrish is responsible for spearheading the No on 101 Campaign to take away healthcare from Oregon’s most vulnerable populations. Julie was also responsible for running misleading attacks on Val Hoyle in the recent Labor Commissioner race.
I’m proud to support Rachel in this election. Her constituents deserve a Representative in Salem who will look out for their best interests-not the interests of big business.
Rachel tells her story best:
For more than 20 years I have worked as a nurse in communities across America. Oregon’s reputation as a healthcare leader and its natural beauty drew me here.
I’m running for State Representative because It is time for a change in our district. We deserve a representative who is committed to building a healthy community, who understands that our community is stronger when we work together and take care of each other.
Currently I serve disabled and elderly homebound patients and specialize in palliative and hospice care. You learn a lot about what’s important by spending hours in living rooms and bedsides, listening to their dreams and fears, sharing their faith, and giving them hope. But I’ve also seen a darker side, in my work and in our community.
I WATCH my elderly patients worry about seeking care because of the costs.
I SEE them in their kitchens rationing their medication.
I WATCH families rely on food banks to keep from going hungry.
I’m tired of elected officials that don’t believe there is a need for government to address these issues.
I have seen for myself the importance of support services. When I was young, my father was diagnosed with cancer. To survive, he depended on Medicaid – and for our family to make ends meet, we depended on social services.
I recall my mother’s embarrassment when she used food stamps to feed us. I also remember, even at that early age, thinking that it was sad my mom felt shame. It’s a terrible thing when people in power – people who claim to represent us – would deny those in need instead of reaching out to help.
As State Representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Oregonians have access to every opportunity for success. I will fight for the underserved in our communities, and I will be a fierce advocate to pass legislation surrounding access to affordable healthcare, investment in education, and living-wage job creation. I will take on the challenges of Salem just as I have throughout my nursing career.
I am proud to be a strong advocate for my patients. As an Oregonian and your neighbor, I will fight just as hard for our shared values in Salem. My name is Rachel Prusak and I am running to become your state representative in District 37.
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