A little personal history:

I was a low-income kid. I got through college on scholarships, grants, loans, 3 jobs, & even did a medical study to earn extra cash.

After my parents divorced, my aunt and cousin moved in to share expenses. Two single moms and 6 kids. /1

At 12 years old, I was responsible for my younger brothers and cousins. While my friends were out having fun, I was cooking, cleaning and taking care of 5 little hellions.

I babysat in the neighborhood to make extra money and got a job at Target the day I turned 16. 2/

My husband was also a low-income kid. After his dad left, his mom and her friend combined households to make ends meet. Two single moms and four kids. He was on food stamps. His grandparents helped when he needed a winter coat. 3/

We both went to state universities and did well.

Fast forward a few decades & we're in a much different place. We've had great careers & made good decisions. We're in our 50s and are financially secure. We feel very fortunate. Our kids do not have the same insecurity we had. 4/

With all that said, I would be HAPPY to pay more in taxes to help less fortunate people climb the same ladder we climbed. I want to give people the assistance and support they need to be healthy, happy, and financially secure.

That's why I'm a Democrat. /end