Summary

About

Source: Campaign page

Trudy Busch Valentine is a mother, nurse, supporter of children’s causes, and a fourth-generation Missourian running for the U.S. Senate to put people first — with honesty and integrity.
Trudy Busch Valentine was raised by parents who lived the American Dream, and they taught her the values of commitment, independence, and serving others. As a 13-year-old, she volunteered as a candy striper at a local hospital, sparking a lifelong passion for nursing and a commitment to service.

Trudy is the daughter of Gertrude Buholzer Busch and August (Gussie) Anheuser Busch Jr., who grew the Anheuser-Busch companies into the largest brewery in the world. Trudy grew up at Grant’s Farm with her six siblings and credits her parents and the workers at Grant’s Farm for forming “the village” that raised her, with many of them becoming friends, mentors, and co-workers who shaped who she is today.

Trudy’s faith and Jesuit education instilled in her the core values that she lives by to this day: “The pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity.” In 2007 Trudy earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral studies from the Aquinas Institute of Theology.

Service to her community has inspired Trudy her entire life. She graduated from Saint Louis University with a nursing degree in 1980, and she worked at the Salvation Army Residence for Children, where she cared for vulnerable and homeless children.

Trudy’s life has been touched by personal tragedy, which has deepened her commitment to support other families facing tough circumstances. Trudy’s husband John Valentine died of cancer when he was only 49 years old, leaving her a single mom raising six children. In 2020, Trudy’s oldest son Matthew died after a years-long battle with opioid addiction. Trudy is keenly aware that we need real answers to the opioid epidemic that has taken the lives of too many Missourians.

Trudy is still a nurse at heart today. Trudy serves on a nursing board and works with multiple charitable organizations that focus on children’s issues. In 2019, Saint Louis University established the “Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudy volunteered to vaccinate Missourians, and she administered hundreds of shots. And as a former nurse, she knows first-hand how precious healthcare is to families, and how important it is to get healthcare costs down so that every family can have access to quality care.

Now, Trudy is running for U.S. Senate to put politics aside, to stand up for all the families who are just barely getting by, and put Missourians first.
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“I’m running to put politics aside and to put people first.”

Democracy & Governance

ACCOUNTABILITY & VALUES
Government should be held accountable for delivering real results, and that starts with electing leaders who hold themselves to the highest standards of ethics and moral values. Trudy will hold corporations accountable, stand up to big money in politics, and put people first. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will lead efforts on campaign finance reform including overturning the Citizens United ruling, restoring congressional oversight of money in politics, and requiring donor disclosure for dark money groups

VOTING RIGHTS
The ability to freely participate in elections is the cornerstone of American democracy. But right now, dozens of states are passing legislation to make it more difficult to vote. Extremist politicians have conveniently sold the myth that voter fraud is widespread and stealing our elections. Trudy knows that our democracy is under attack right now, and we need bold leadership to keep our rights intact for future generations of Americans. Trudy will vote for and champion legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act in the Senate. Trudy will also tirelessly work to fight back against anti-democratic bills that would make it harder to vote or that would disenfranchise groups of Americans. Trudy believes that voting should be as easy and accessible as possible to all eligible, and she will work to invest more resources into local elections offices.

Economy & Jobs

STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS
Trudy’s Plan to Make the American Dream Affordable Again and Rebuild a Strong Middle Class

Dear Missourians,

Today, I am releasing my plan to bring real relief to people in our state who are struggling right now under the staggering costs of gas, groceries, housing, childcare, and more. As I travel across Missouri I’m struck by how strong our communities are. But right now we’re asking for too much from the working families who are the backbone of our country.

We are facing record high rates of inflation and soaring energy costs. We are still recovering from an urgent baby formula shortage crisis that is threatening the health and well-being of babies across the country. And while wage growth is historically high, too many Americans are struggling to keep up with rising costs.

It’s become clear to me that we need a new kind of politics: one that puts ego and divisions aside and puts the good of all people first. We need leadership that’s focused on fighting for real results for real people. We need people in Washington who will look out for single parents, small business owners, and farmers–and who will be willing to stand up to special interests and corporate lobbyists.

That’s why I’m releasing this plan. This is my commitment to put the people of Missouri first and work for real solutions and real relief.

With Gratitude,

Trudy Busch Valentine

LOWERING COSTS FOR MISSOURI FAMILIES 

From inflation to supply chain issues, Missouri families have seen the cost of gas, groceries, housing, and more rise significantly. Inflation is at its highest rate in over 40 years. Too many Missourians and Americans are living in a state of financial crisis. In fact, 64% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. We need real solutions, not more political talking points.

Trudy knows we need to do more to lower costs for Missourians. That’s why she supports:

➔ Preventing another supply chain crisis like the baby formula shortage. Nothing has made the fragility of our supply chain more apparent than the baby formula shortage, which continues to affect millions of families across America. We must prevent the next crisis by investing in American manufacturing, breaking up corporate monopolies, and ensuring our negotiated trade agreements allow for the quick import of basic necessities like baby formula.

➔ Increasing support for American farmers and bringing food prices down. The supply chain crisis is affecting every sector of our economy, and Missouri’s farmers are no exception. Products needed to grow and protect healthy crops, like fertilizer, are snared in ongoing delays. This year, American farmers are slated to spend $40 billion more in farm production expenses, as compared to 2020. These cost increases are already translating to increases in food prices. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will prioritize fixing supply chain issues that impact our farmers, so that the cost of everything from farming equipment to crop production to food prices come down.

➔ Lowering the cost of prescription drugs. As a nurse, Trudy knows that everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare, including prescription drugs. In the U.S. Senate, she will champion legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies just like private insurance companies do. This will significantly lower the cost of prescriptions for Missourians. Trudy will also push to allow imports of high-quality drugs from Canada and other nations, which will introduce competition and also drive prices down.

➔ Limiting the cost of insulin to $35. More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes, including at least 685,000 people in Missouri. On top of that, nearly 1.6 million people in our state — one third of the total adult population — have prediabetes. As too many families know, living with diabetes can be very expensive. That’s why Trudy supports capping the cost of insulin to $35 a month. Missourians shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their basic necessities.

➔ Making housing more affordable by expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program and investing in the National Housing Trust Fund. Affordable housing is becoming harder and harder to find for too many Americans. Rent is rising at the fastest rate in decades, leaving families with few options and on the brink of homelessness. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher program, which is administered at the local level,

helps low-income families, elderly people, and the disabled afford housing. Similarly, the National Housing Trust Fund works to build and rehabilitate homes for low-income people. Trudy supports further investments into these programs so that no Missourian has to wonder whether they can put a roof over their head.

➔ Giving Missourians relief at the gas pump by enacting a federally administered emergency gas rebate program. Missourians are seeing energy costs rise when they can least afford it. Gas prices are at record highs, further squeezing families who are living paycheck to paycheck. Trudy knows that we need to provide real relief in the form of direct payments to Americans struggling with gas prices. Especially for lower-income families, a rebate program can be a particularly effective way to provide economic relief.

➔ Standing up to gas price gouging. Americans continue to face high gas prices, which, coupled with supply chain issues, is resulting in higher costs of food and groceries. Meanwhile, Big Oil is racking in major profits. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will support legislation that would prohibit companies from taking unfair advantage of an international oil crisis to jack up gas prices unreasonably, and empower the Federal Trade Commission to enforce this law.

STANDING UP FOR WORKERS AND BUILDING A STRONG MIDDLE CLASS

Trudy knows that a strong middle class is the heart of a flourishing America. Trudy grew up watching her father, August “Gussie” Busch Jr. build one of the most successful brewing companies in the world by making sure workers had union jobs where they were treated with respect, and paying a fair wage that allowed them to raise families and afford a quality, middle class life.

But now the American Dream is out of reach for too many. Wage gains haven’t kept pace with inflation and families are losing ground. Too many politicians are looking out for corporate interests and failing to prioritize the needs of working families, small businesses, and ordinary Missourians trying to get by.

In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will be a leader who can’t be bought. She will be focused on delivering real results for every Missourian. That starts by:

➔ Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. No one should have to work multiple jobs just to afford groceries or a roof over their head. The federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised in 13 years and it’s far past time to invest in a living wage for all Americans.

➔ Guaranteeing paid sick leave. Trudy believes we must ensure no one has to choose between keeping their job and looking out for their health and protecting their loved ones. Paid sick leave is also good for the economy and ensures that illnesses are not rapidly spread through job sites.

➔ Guaranteeing equal pay for equal work. Trudy believes people who do the same work should receive the same pay, regardless of their gender. Equal pay is also good for our economy. If women were simply paid the same as men, we could cut poverty among working women in half.

➔ Championing labor unions — the backbone of the middle class — by supporting the PRO Act. We’ve seen a decline in worker protections that has occurred in tandem with the decline of labor unions across the country. This decline has been brought about by a sustained, systemic assault on labor unions and their ability to stand up to corporate interests on behalf of workers. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will be a fearless advocate for the right of all workers to unionize. That starts with supporting the PRO Act which would require employers to allow employees to communicate about and conduct organizing efforts.

➔ Ending the disastrous corporate tax cuts that unfairly benefitted wealthy CEOs while squeezing out workers. Trudy is running for the U.S. Senate because we need more leaders in Washington who can’t be bought. Trudy will look out for small businesses and working families. That starts with ensuring that massive corporations and billionaires pay their fair share.

MAKING IT EASIER FOR HARDWORKING FAMILIES TO GET BY 

As a mom and grandmother, Trudy will always be a champion for our children. Trudy knows that supporting families and promoting positive outcomes for kids is the best investment we can make in the future of our country. But right now, families are struggling to get by. Raising small children and caring for our elders is squeezing out families on both sides. We need leadership who will put politics aside and put the people of Missouri first.

In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will be a champion for working families. That’s why she supports:

➔ Investing in in-home and community based services for elders under Medicaid. American families are also facing financial strains at the end of life. Medicare, which covers over 60 million older Americans, doesn’t cover the long-term daily care — whether in the home or in a full-time nursing facility — that millions of aging Americans require. The median yearly cost of in-home care with a home health aide in 2020 was $54,912, and the median cost for a private room in a nursing home was $105,850. By increasing access to in-home and community services, we can ensure that low-income seniors have access to compassionate care at the end of life.

➔ Paid family leave, so that every parent can have the option to spend time at home with their newborn children without worrying about losing their job or endangering their health. America is the only developed country without guaranteed paid family leave, meaning millions of Americans struggle to choose between a career and raising children. Trudy knows we need to fix this because it’s good for families and our economy when parents can fully participate in the workforce.

➔ Renewing and permanently extending the Child Tax Credit, which helped lift millions of children out of poverty. The American Rescue Plan temporarily expanded The Child Tax Credit, providing hardworking families with major tax relief. The CTC helped families make ends meet and lifted 3 million children out of poverty. However the expanded tax credit expired and has not been renewed. Trudy believes that lowering childhood poverty is good for all of us and will be a champion for expanding this tax credit once again and making the expansion permanent.

➔ Bringing down the cost of child care by introducing a sliding scale limit on child care costs for families. The cost of childcare for too many Americans can be prohibitively expensive, forcing parents to make more difficult decisions. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, childcare costs have gone through the roof. Across the U.S. parents are seeing an average annual cost increase of 41% for center-based child care providers, and spending an average of $14,117 annually, up from $9,977 pre-pandemic. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will support legislation to lower the cost of child care so every parent can access quality care for their child.

➔ Giving every child the opportunity to succeed with two years of universal preschool. As a mom and grandmother, Trudy wants every child to receive a quality education from the start. Nearly half of all 3-year-olds and a third of all 4-year-olds in the United States were not enrolled in preschool in 2019, largely because parents could not afford it. It’s time we make a quality education within reach of every family, regardless of where they live or what their background might be.

AFFORDABILITY & THE MIDDLE CLASS
Families can’t keep up with skyrocketing inflation and need real relief now. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will fight to make the American Dream attainable again, by lowering the cost of basic necessities like gas, groceries, housing, and education. Trudy believes we need to invest in an economy that works for everyone, where the very wealthy pay their fair share and the middle class isn’t bearing the greatest burden. She will also work to boost Missouri’s economy by investing in new industries and building a well-trained and skilled workforce. A friend of labor, Trudy will support policies to promote safe workplaces where no one is exploited and where hard work earns a living wage. She will fight to raise the federal minimum wage and support legislation to bolster labor unions.

Environment & Energy

Protecting the Environment
Trudy knows climate change is an undeniable scientific fact and that addressing this crisis must be a top priority in Washington DC.

Here in Missouri, the effects of climate change will impact our way of life as temperatures rise, lakes and ponds dry up, and farmers have an increasingly difficult time growing crops. Climate change is also a public health crisis as we adapt to higher temperatures and more contaminated air.

Trudy believes that we need to reduce our carbon emissions drastically,  ensure clean air and water, and transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources–like the solar power her own ranch in Missouri uses.

Renewable energy sources aren’t just good for the environment–they also cut costs long term, create new industries and new jobs, and lower our dependence on other countries for oil.

In the U.S. Senate Trudy will always have the courage to stand up to protect our climate and promote Missourians’ health and well-being.

Health & Education

HEALTHCARE
Trudy believes that every American deserves quality, affordable healthcare. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will protect healthcare coverage for Missourians, cut the cost of prescription drugs, and hold big insurance and pharmaceutical companies accountable for jacking up prices. She will also fight attempts to strip Missourians of their health care or to remove protections for insurance coverage for people with preexisting conditions. As a nurse and a mother of six, Trudy knows that women deserve compassionate healthcare in every phase of life. Trudy will work to ensure families have access to birth control, abortion, family planning, and maternal healthcare without stigma or shame. Trudy also believes that good healthcare is more than just the care of our physical bodies. We need an investment in mental health services so Americans can flourish and lead productive, healthy lives.

OPIOIDS & ADDICTION
Shame and stigma prevent too many Americans from receiving the help they need when struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. Trudy will champion individuals and families struggling with addiction, invest in recovery, and stand up to the pharmaceutical industry for their part in the opioid crisis. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will prioritize funding to make opioid treatment more accessible, especially in rural communities. As a nurse Trudy worked directly with first responders, so she knows the vital role they play in our communities. That’s why Trudy supports funding for local police departments to investigate and enforce drug trafficking laws.

Trudy believes we need to change how the healthcare industry approaches opioids by training and supporting healthcare providers in alternative forms of pain management and responsible opioid prescription practices. And finally, Trudy will never hesitate to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their part in creating the opioid crisis.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Trudy will protect our future by investing in children and supporting families. She supports quality, affordable childcare and knows that our economy can only flourish when women can fully participate in the workforce. As a nurse and grandmother, Trudy knows that early childhood is one of the most crucial phases of life. That’s why Trudy supports robust funding for early childhood development programs and prevention programs to bolster families that are struggling to raise young children. Finally, Trudy is a strong advocate for victims of domestic violence and will fight to end the scourge of domestic violence in America.

Standing with Seniors
Trudy will always stand up for seniors. Trudy believes that every American deserves the right to age at home for as long as they safely can. But right now, American families are facing financial strains at the end of life. Medicare, which covers more than 60 million older Americans, doesn’t cover the long-term daily care that millions of aging Americans require to remain safely at home. The median yearly cost of in-home care with a home health aide in 2020 was $54,912. That’s why in the Senate, Trudy will invest in in-home and community-based services for seniors under Medicaid. By increasing access to in-home and community services, we can ensure that low-income seniors have access to compassionate care at the end of life.

While seniors are struggling to pay the bills, Republicans have said aloud that they want to cut Medicare benefits and privatize Social Security. Trudy knows that this is a direct insult to millions of Americans who have worked hard all their lives under the belief that their futures would be secured through these benefits. In the Senate, Trudy will tirelessly stand up against these cowardly attacks on Medicare and Social Security. Trudy will never support cutting a single dollar from these benefits or raising the retirement age by a single day.

Human Rights

Standing with the LGBTQ Community
Trudy is proud to stand with and for the LGBTQ community. Over the last few years, there has been an absolute assault on the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals. While LGBTQ communities are facing an increase in hate crimes and discrimination, political leaders need to stand with them–not just in words but also in meaningful action.

As a nurse, Trudy cared for families and children during difficult and complicated situations and learned that tough decisions are best made by families and doctors. Politicians have no business interfering in private medical decisions. Every healthcare worker deserves to be able to share information freely and counsel families on their options without fear of prosecution or threats.

The best thing a politician can do regarding tough decisions made by families? Get out of the damn way.

Trudy believes that transgender children should be able to access gender-affirming care in line with the recommendations of medical experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s why as a Senator, she will get out of the way, let families and doctors make their own medical decisions, and vote against any legislation that would block families and medical providers from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care.

In the Senate, Trudy will be proud to co-sponsor the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. Trudy will support legislation to protect marriage equality because love is love. Trudy will also champion full funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide compassionate, quality care for LGBTQ patients.

Standing with the LGBTQ Community
Trudy is proud to stand with and for the LGBTQ community. Over the last few years, there has been an absolute assault on the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals. While LGBTQ communities are facing an increase in hate crimes and discrimination, political leaders need to stand with them–not just in words but also in meaningful action.

As a nurse, Trudy cared for families and children during difficult and complicated situations and learned that tough decisions are best made by families and doctors. Politicians have no business interfering in private medical decisions. Every healthcare worker deserves to be able to share information freely and counsel families on their options without fear of prosecution or threats.

The best thing a politician can do regarding tough decisions made by families? Get out of the damn way.

Trudy believes that transgender children should be able to access gender-affirming care in line with the recommendations of medical experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s why as a Senator, she will get out of the way, let families and doctors make their own medical decisions, and vote against any legislation that would block families and medical providers from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care.

In the Senate, Trudy will be proud to co-sponsor the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. Trudy will support legislation to protect marriage equality because love is love. Trudy will also champion full funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide compassionate, quality care for LGBTQ patients.

Public Safety

PUBLIC SAFETY
Trudy believes that public safety is a fundamental right for all Missourians. Our communities can’t flourish with skyrocketing crime. In the U.S. Senate, Trudy will support robust funding for law enforcement and first responders to crack down on violent crime, conduct long term investigations into drug trafficking, and promote community-oriented policing programs. Trudy is a fierce advocate for victims of crime and will vigilantly support the rights of survivors in the criminal justice process. Trudy also knows the power of treatment courts in lowering recidivism and will invest in funding to expand the number of treatment courts available across the country.

GUN VIOLENCE
We face a gun violence epidemic in our country. There have already been more than 200 mass shootings in 2022. Nearly 60 percent of Americans know someone who has experienced gun violence. And today, guns are the leading cause of death for children in our country.

Time and time again, our elected leaders have shown a lack of willingness to work together to get things done. Americans shouldn’t have to worry about being shot at school, at the grocery store, in a house of worship, or anywhere else.

Trudy respects the Second Amendment, and believes that law-abiding Americans have the right to own guns for hunting, sport, and self-defense. At the same time, military-style weapons don’t belong on our streets or in our communities.

In the U.S. Senate Trudy will support common sense gun safety reforms like background checks, red flag laws, and preventing people who have been reported as dangerous to law enforcement by mental health providers from purchasing guns.

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