| My name is Crystal Quade and since my election in November 2016, I have proudly represented the values of the 132nd Missouri House District. On every single day that I walk into the capitol building in Jefferson City, I fight to uphold the needs of the ordinary, hard working Missourians who make up our district.
I have committed my career to helping Missourians overcome challenges. My first position after college was with the U.S. Senate helping Missourians cut through red tape with Federal agencies. I have worked in Springfield's collaborative nonprofit world to help provide children with their basic needs so that they can focus on learning. Since my election, I have sponsored bills that combat the child care cliff effect, giving parents a way to work their way to success, ethics reform bills, and bills to combat the opioid epidemic. I truly care about the needs and concerns of my constituents and the bipartisan legislation that I push in Jefferson City proves this.
I grew up watching my mother balance working overtime while trying to feed two children. I later saw my stepfather work his way up the factory ladder, his work ethic and dedication to our family driving me forward. I was the first in my immediate family to graduate high school and went to MSU, completing a Bachelor's in Social Work. As a senior in college, I completed my social work internship in Jefferson City as a legislative intern to learn more about policy's impact on the profession. Within a few weeks, I knew that I would one day run for office. I learned very, very quickly that not enough legislators understood the realities of poverty. With social services making up the bulk of our 27 billion dollar budget, and with laws that dictate how services are offered and/if folks are able to break the cycle-we need legislators who understand the implications of policy. I knew immediately we didn't have enough of those so I ran to bring my unique perspectives to Jefferson City.
I am committed to the 132nd. My husband and I are proud to raise our children here. I serve with many area organizations and committees working to break down communication barriers while helping families find tools to combat generational poverty, I have served on my neighborhood association board, and I am a dedicated supporter of the local businesses in our district. I live, work, and volunteer among you for our community. Each weekend, I travel from Jefferson City back to Springfield to drink coffee with my constituents, speak at events that matter to you and your families, and to pour into our community.
My husband had kids at a young age and has worked hard to provide a better life for our children. We have a mortgage. We have student loans. We have sold our furniture on Craigslist to pay the bills. I represent thousands of hard working Springfieldians in our district, a district I have lived in all my adult life. I have a life experience that is sorely lacking in Jefferson City, one that truly represents our community.
I have been and will continue to be a voice of equality and equity in Jefferson City for so many of you in the 132nd who don't feel heard or simply don't have the time to be as active as you'd like. I know the struggles you face and the goals you have for your families. As your representative, I will continue to fight every day for the issues that are important to you because those issues are also important to me. |