After running unopposed two years ago, Republican Becky Ruth faces a Democratic opponent in her bid for a fourth two-year term representing District 114 in the state House of Representatives.
Ruth and Democrat Dennis McDonald both ran unopposed in their parties’ primary elections in August.
Ruth edged TJ McKenna by 84 votes to win her first term in 2014. In 2016, she faced no opposition in either the primary or general election
The district covers eastern central Jefferson County.
State senators and representatives receive a $35,915 annual salary plus mileage and $115 per day in expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
RUTH, 54, lives at 1205 Alexander Drive, Festus. She and her husband, Don, have four children and four grandchildren. She is a Realtor for Re-Max Best Choice and is retired after teaching for the Festus R-6 School District. A 1982 graduate of Festus High School, she attended Jefferson College, received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education from the College of the Ozarks and has two teacher certifications.
She is a member of the Jefferson County Parents as Teachers Advisory Council, the Southern Gateway Association of Realtors, the capital campaign committee for A Safe Place Domestic Violence and Abuse Shelter and the Missouri State Teachers Association Retired Committee. She also is a founding member and director of the Jefferson County Diaper Bank. She was state president of the Missouri State Teachers Association, state director of the Missouri Association of Realtors for the Southern Gateway Association and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and St. Louis Night of Superstars.
Social media: Website: beckyruth.com Twitter: @beckyruth114 Facebook: Becky Ruth State Representative District 114
McDONALD, 43, lives at 1529 Robert Thompson Drive, Festus. He and his wife, Renee, have three children. He is an instructor at Jefferson College and St. Louis Community College and a driver for Pizza Hut.
He received an associate degree from Jefferson College, a bachelor’s degree in history from Webster University, master’s degrees in history and higher education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and worked toward a doctorate degree in history at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is involved with the SIUE Faculty Forward membership outreach and was an officer of Illinois Education Association-National Education Association Grad Assistants United.
Social media: Website: mcdonaldfor114.com Twitter: @mcdonaldfor114 Facebook: Dennis McDonald for Missouri State Rep District 114
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Ruth: Currently Missourians with pre-existing conditions have health care coverage. Any changes to the national health care law should continue including coverage for pre-existing conditions. I will work with our federally elected officials to ensure that those individuals continue receiving coverage.
McDonald: This should not be an issue. We need to protect the laws that prevent folks from being denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. We should work to expand Medicaid and Medicare to everyone so people who need health care can get it. The health of our citizens should not be held hostage so insurance companies can continue to make record profits.
Missourians voted overwhelmingly against a “right to work” amendment in the August election. Legislative leaders have said they may introduce a similar bill next year. If “right to work” comes up during your term, how will you vote and why?
Ruth: During my time in the Legislature I have always stood with my district and voted no on “right to work” and will continue to do so. Missourians have made their voices heard loud and clear by overwhelmingly voting “right to work” down. That vote by the residents should be maintained and respected.
McDonald: I spent a great deal of time this summer working to defeat Prop A. I canvassed, made phone calls and campaigned on this issue. As a union member, I understand the need to protect good union jobs in our state. I would never vote for so-called “right to work.” If elected, I would work to roll back other attacks on working people including public sector unions and prevailing wage, and I would fight to increase the minimum wage. I would vote pro-labor and pro-working class 100 percent of the time.
Will you vote for or against Proposition D, the transportation tax on the November ballot? Why?
Ruth: I supported putting this issue on the ballot and allowing Missourians’ voices to be heard on this important issue regarding our state’s transportation infrastructure. This proposition will allow new resources to make much-needed improvements to our roads and bridges. It will be especially beneficial for our community because of the Jefferson County port, which I have championed. Our port will help to grow our economy and bring jobs to the county. This is an important matter, and people should decide on our future transportation needs as it is also a matter of safety.
McDonald: I will be voting no on Prop D. I do not agree with relying on regressive taxes that impact lower-income people disproportionately. In this case, we are asking taxpayers to pay more to fix our roads and fund state police work in the same year our current Legislature cut the tax revenue our state collects from the wealthiest Missourians. It is obviously important that we fix our infrastructure and fund our police, but I don’t think it is fair to ask regular folks to pay more while we cut the tax of the wealthiest Missourians.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Roe v. Wade is a state matter, what would you advocate for?
Ruth: I am a mother and a grandmother. I am pro-life and believe in protecting all lives. I am the only candidate in this race who is endorsed by Missouri Right To Life.
McDonald: I would hope this never happens. The right to privacy is a constitutionally protected right and a given state should not be able to abridge that right. If it did happen, I would advocate to keep safeguards in place that protect the right for women to make their own health care decisions in private with their doctors. I realize people have strong feelings about this issue, but it is not the job of our Legislature to decide what decisions people can make about their own health.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Ruth: I have delivered results for my district. I have been successful in expanding newborn screening, worked to cut taxes and fought for education. I passed legislation to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, to make it easier for first-time home buyers, to cut red tape for small businesses, to ensure those suffering from rare diseases get the medication they need, and for the first time put an active classroom teacher on the state Board of Education. We still have a lot of work to do on health care and mental health care in addition to fighting the opioid epidemic.
McDonald: Our legislators have lost touch with the needs of the people. I would fight to improve the lives of working people of the district. We should expand Medicaid, increase funding for education, roll back the revenue cuts that benefit the wealthiest folks in our state and forced dangerous budget cuts to essential services. I would fight to bring back the protections for workers and for the minimum wage to be raised to a living wage. I believe in a Missouri that works for everyone.