John, this November, the midterm elections won't be the only question on our ballots. Here in Missouri, voters will get to decide whether or not to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana.

This is an incredible opportunity for our state. And when I head to the polls, after thinking long and hard about this issue, I will be voting yes.

I'm proud to support legalization for so many reasons. You see, the revenue from marijuana sales will go toward veterans’ healthcare and funding additional resources for mental health treatment and addiction services. As a nurse, a Missourian, and a mom who lost a son to the opioid epidemic, I know that it's so, so important that we jump on opportunities to invest more resources in expanding treatment options so people can get clean and recover. 

Secondly, this ballot measure will expunge most non-violent marijuana-related offenses and explore other urgently needed reforms. This will go a long way toward healing our communities and addressing the deep racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

And moreover, legalization just makes sense for our communities. If Missourians vote yes, and we legalize the recreational sale of marijuana for adults age 21 and up, experts estimate that state and local governments will see tens of millions of dollars in new revenues. 

But this ballot measure is just one step on a long road to nationwide change. In the Senate, I will support other commonsense marijuana legalization reforms. Legalization will create new jobs, fund new programs, and stimulate real economic growth statewide. We could improve a lot of lives with resources like that. 

But I can't get to Washington alone, so please, if you agree with me, will you make a $5 donation now to support a leader who follows the science, believes in change, and fights for just, fair laws?

Together we can work toward racial equity, invest in social services, and empower the government to truly serve its people.

Thank you,

Trudy