Jasmine Henderson

Jasmine Henderson graduated from Gainesville High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2018.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Jasmine Henderson, a lifelong advocate and activist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Stephen F. Austin State University. I spent my young adulthood working in non-profits and healthcare administration. This is when I began advocating for myself and my community. I believe a majority of our state is not having their basic needs met. Our state consistently ranks low in education, healthcare, natural environment, and opportunity. I also believe our current administration is not working to fix these problems for every Texan. I believe I have a duty as a Texan to stand up and advocate for my neighbors, we all deserve better.

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?

Our students and educators are being left behind by the current administration. The school voucher program is not made for all Texans. It will not ensure every student has access to private schooling, but it will affect the funding public schools receive. Our education system is in crisis, but it doesn’t have to be. Listening to educators, we need less focus on standardized testing and more individualized focus on subjects and skills that will advance our students. Taxpayer money needs to return to the public schools, and be handled by each district. Schools are the foundation that we set for the children in this state, let’s set them up for greatness.I, and many people I have spoken to, have had trouble accessing affordable healthcare locally. I am lucky and have a small hospital where I live but still must travel 30+ miles for specialist treatment. In this state, a single health episode can bankrupt a person/family. Rural Texas feels this lack of resources every single moment. Women driving over an hour to give birth, and our elected officials are boasting about border spending. I believe we need to reallocate funds to opening, and maintaining healthcare facilities in rural districts. It is imperative we follow this up with expanding Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Rural Texas relies on these programs to receive care.AI data centers will be the end of rural Texas as we know it. We must stop these centers from taking our resources and destroying our state’s environment. Elected officials are telling the story that these centers will bring employment and prosperity to our communities, but this at what cost? There are not regulations for these centers. They sprawl across thousands of acres, use atrocious amounts of water/electricity, and produce high noise and light pollution. We will lose even more land, water, energy, and our health if we allow these centers to be built. We need to demand regulations, and ensure Texans are safe from these companies.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policy that supports Texans across the state. I want to support policies that strengthen our education system, supporting public schools students and educators. My education and career background in non-profit work also makes me passionate about supporting public policy that strengthens the healthcare system. I am passionate about better healthcare coverage, and access for Texans. Public policies about bettering our mental health system in this state is also a passion of mine. I am passionate about Texans having their needs met at the basic level - access to affordable healthcare, access to affordable mental healthcare, well funded public education, and affordable housing.