Deb Lavender is a Democratic member of the Missouri State House of Representatives representing the 90th district, which comprises all or parts of the cities of Glendale, Kirkwood, Oakland, Sunset Hills, Warson Woods, and Webster Groves, in St. Louis County. In the 2020 election cycle she is running for the Missouri Senate, District 15.
Early life and education
Lavender was born and raised in Ridgefield, CT. Her interest in government service developed while, as a teenager, she participated in Girls State, a leadership program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Through her experience with the Girls State organization, she learned to appreciate the importance and value of democratic government. In 1979, Lavender was graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She worked throughout her time in school to pay her tuition and living expenses. Soon after graduation she moved to St. Louis, MO, and has been a resident for over 35 years.
Political career
Lavender's political career began in 2006 as an intern for . Lavender ran for office the first time in 2008 as the unsuccessful Democratic candidate vying for the seat against Republican incumbent Rick Stream. In the next two general elections, 2010 and 2012 Lavender also lost to Stream. On her fourth try, she was elected to the District-90 State House of Representatives seat in 2014. She was unopposed in her party's 2014 primary election and went on to defeat Republican in the general election. Lavender was elected for a second term in 2016, winning against Republican Mark Milton. She was unopposed in that 2016 Democratic primary. In 2018, Lavender was again unopposed in her party's primary, and ran unopposed in the general election to continue for a third term as the State Representative in District-90.
Lavender is against the proliferation of guns in public spaces. In the interest of public safety, she supports effecting new gun legislation and modification of existing gun laws. For example, she proposed red flag House Bill 40, which modifies restraining orders by adding provisions that allow the confiscation of firearms from individuals a court deems to be a danger to themselves or others. Lavender voted against House Bill 575 which authorizes carrying concealed weapons on college campuses and allows campus security officers to carry weapons. She also voted against Senate Bill 656 which proposed to expand open carry allowances, restricted requirements for concealed carry permits, and expanded the Castle Doctrine.
Health care
Lavender supports increased accessibility to, and the affordability of, health care. She has supported budget priorities funding healthcare for disabled and older adults. For example, she proposed House Bills 38 and 39 to expand Medicaid services.
Public schools
Lavender supports fully funding the State public school . She believes public schools' transportation needs should be adequately funded before the Legislature effects further tax cuts. Lavender is opposed to shortening the school year. She voted against House Bill 161 which prevents the school year from starting in the Fall prior to 14 days before the first Monday in September.
Reproductive issues
Lavender is a proponent of reproductive rights. Her legislative record is aligned with reproductive rights political views. For example, she voted against House Bill 126 that would criminalize abortion services if Roe v Wade is overturned. She also opposed House Bill 1266 that prohibits abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy. Further, Lavender sponsored House Bill 2266 requiring organizations that provide pregnancy-related services to provide medically accurate information regarding reproductive health options in order to receive state funding. Also she cast a vote in favor of House Bill 487 authorizing a pharmacist to dispense self-administered oral contraceptives to a person who is 18-years or older.
Committees
At the start of the Missouri 100th General Assembly, Lavender served on the following committees:
