Ashley Cossins

Ashley Cossins was born in Great Bend, Kansas. Cossins earned a high school diploma from Parkview High School. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My husband and I own a small business that specializes in residential remodeling. I enjoy camping, being connected with Ozarks nature, and spending time with my rescue animals.

Over a decade ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis -- A chronic pain condition that impacts around 10% of women globally. Part of my journey to overcome infertility includes extensive testing and several rounds of IVF. My experiences as a rural Missourian navigating a complex health condition inform me in the fight for reproductive freedom, including access to contraceptives and life-saving procedures without risk of prosecution.

I serve as Greene County Democrats Committeewoman for my precinct, host a peer-led support group focused on infertility and pregnancy loss, and am a member or volunteer for various community-based projects.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthcare and reproductive rights are relevant to every single one of us. I am an advocate for reproductive freedom for all, with emphasis on reducing unnecessary harms from government overreach in private decision-making. Morbid injuries and traumatic experiences are being forced onto women left unable to receive care due to restrictive bans on life-saving procedures. These intimate, life-changing decisions should only be made between patients and providers. Funding for and education on preventative care programs is absolutely vital to support our most at-risk residents. Additionally, I aim to make mental health and addiction treatment services more affordable and easier to obtain for Missouri residents and their families.Environmental justice and protection is paramount to me. I advocate for stringent environmental and sustainability standards for corporations and manufacturers in order to preserve our most precious natural resources - especially clean water. State parks must be maintained and improved to ensure safe access and enjoyment for all. I also support development and implementation of rural recycling programs that will enable countryside residents to recycle plastics, glass, and metals more easily and effectively. These initiatives safeguard our water sources and the environment to promote a sustainable future for generations to come.I am confident that economic enhancement is possible through robust support for small businesses and family farms because of the pivotal role they already play in our communities. Supporting local agriculture ensures food security while small business growth brings forth employment and wealth opportunities. These, in addition to affordable, quality housing, are crucial for well-being of residents and future generations. I will work towards eliminating taxes on personal hygiene items and groceries to lessen cost burden on working families. Doing these fosters economic growth, equity, and resilience, ensuring a thriving future for all residents. Addressing the kitchen table issues will be a priority again if Democrats are elected in November.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public school systems serve communities with significantly more than education. The possibilities and potential for students with fair access to well funded public school programs and extra curricular activities are endless, and I recognize the value public schooling has brought me, personally. Religious schools make up a significant portion of private school options available to rural Missouri residents, so I can clearly see the importance of protecting school funding from being directed towards private voucher programs.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Delegates and elected officials must display strong integrity and trustworthiness, along with empathy and a willingness to go the extra mile to serve the public. Voters select their delegates with an understanding that voter interests will be protected and that their delegate's votes cannot be bought. In any public service role, empathy serves as a bridge between different lived experiences and adds to perspective and understanding necessary to work towards solutions. These characteristics, together, form responsible and true-to-public representation that voters deserve.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My resilience is highlighted by hopeful optimism. Reflecting on challenging experiences fosters healing and imbues my life with purpose through helping others facing similar circumstances. I am confident that each experience equips me for greater achievements as I apply acquired knowledge and persistently move forward.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representatives should do exactly that -- represent. Being chosen to illustrate and explain the concerns, values, and goals of our district during the formation or modification of policy is a privilege in our democracy. Understanding or being willing to educate oneself on the underlying gaps and discrepancies in policy is a must. Therefore, elected delegates must be willing to learn about and meet constituents where they are. Officials must also refuse to put their personal interests before those expressed by the public that they represent.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"HOT TO GO" by Chappell Roan is stuck in my head, with an honorary mention to "Pink Pony Club."

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

With integrity continuing to play a key role, collaboration and cooperation with other legislators is absolutely necessary in the sharing of perspectives. Empathy and compassion for others allows legislators to expand their understanding of others' experiences, in turn providing better representation for their district. Professional relationship building with other legislators is the only way that effective policy solutions can be made.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My complete focus is currently on the Missouri House of Representatives.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

While waiting in line at a grocery checkout, a resident named Jane was describing the horrors her friend was facing after being diagnosed with cancer. Jane explained the severity of her friend's condition, and that earlier detection and diagnosis could have changed the course of treatment and her friend's prognosis. Jane said that her friend did not consistently receive necessary preventative testing and wellness exams because she was unable to afford time away from work to attend doctor appointments. When she was not working, she could not afford to pay for someone to watch her children during her exams.

Preventative and diagnostic healthcare saves lives, and I will do what I can to make getting to the doctor easier for parents and workers.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Many voters I have spoken with wonder what can be done to reduce crime and improve security. Headlines about government corruption and public resource mismanagement are easy to find, every day. Transparency and accountability are necessary components for checks and balances

to function properly, and stiff penalties when violations of occur ensure the actions taken by government are truly for the good of the people. When governments are held accountable to the people they serve, it becomes easier to spot and act upon instances of corruption, criminal activity, and systemic injustice or rights infringement. Through transparency, accountability, and action, we are building public confidence around our government's purpose and value. These are necessary components for our government to effectively address concerns around crime, safety, and security.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I oppose the blatant attacks being made on the initiative petition process and against the value of every vote. In instances where a supermajority maintains control of legislature, direct engagement through ballot initiatives is a right and responsibility of the public that must be protected in order for people to retain power over government and refute overreach.