Helen Horvath
Helen Horvath (independent) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 50th Congressional District. She lost in the primary on March 3, 2020.
Horvath completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Horvath earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bowie State University in psychology and marriage and family therapy and a doctoral degree in organizational development/consulting from Alliant International University. Horvath served five and a half years as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Her professional experience includes working as a college professor, marriage and family therapist, business owner, organizational development consultant, executive coach, researcher, and behavioral analyst. Horvath has served on the San Diego Military and Veterans Advisory Council and with OneVA CAB.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: California's 50th Congressional District election, 2020
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 50
Darrell Issa defeated Ammar Campa-Najjar in the general election for U.S. House California District 50 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Darrell Issa (R) | 54.0 | 195,521 |
 | Ammar Campa-Najjar (D) | 46.0 | 166,869 | |
| Total votes: 362,390 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 50
The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 50 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ammar Campa-Najjar (D) | 36.5 | 74,121 |
| ✔ | | Darrell Issa (R) | 23.1 | 47,036 |
 | Carl DeMaio (R) | 19.9 | 40,347 | |
 | Brian Jones (R) | 10.6 | 21,495 | |
 | Marisa Calderon (D) (Unofficially withdrew) | 5.7 | 11,557 | |
| Nathan Wilkins (R) | 2.1 | 4,276 | ||
 | Jose Cortes (Peace and Freedom Party of California) | 0.9 | 1,821 | |
 | Helen Horvath (Independent) | 0.6 | 1,249 | |
| Henry Ota (Independent) | 0.4 | 908 | ||
 | Lucinda Jahn (Independent) | 0.2 | 410 | |
| Total votes: 203,220 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Matt Rahn (R)
- Larry Wilske (R)
- Sam Abed (R)
- Duncan Hunter (R)
- Bill Wells (R)
- Hunter Spears Duncan (R)
- David Edick (Independent)
- Alex Balkin (D)
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Helen Horvath completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Horvath's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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2. Women's issues - The right to choose, healthcare, family issues, and sexual assault reduction issues.
2. Reducing the cost of federal programs and government.
3. Immigration and border security
2. Legislator - research, design and development of key legislation to positively impact the community they represent or the Union.
3. Participate in committees to jointly analyze proposed laws before they are voted upon.
4. Determine what constituents want and move towards agreed upon goals during and after campaigns.
“. . .we must remember to play after every storm and to celebrate the gift of life as we have it, or else life becomes a task, rather than a gift. We must always listen to the song in our heart, and share that song with others. ”Mattie Stepanek"
Often constituents do not dig deep enough into what is being said and go along with party lines and vote for someone that is a lesser "evil" in a campaign. By educating constituents regarding issues impacting their lifestyles, Congressional Reps and Candidates are able to provide new insight into the actual issues based upon laws and regulations.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
To improve our nation's quality of life, family outcomes, and create meaningful solutions through modifications to laws and regulations. Many of the issues currently facing government and citizens are based upon the attempts to resolve issues through programs and services. Yet, the reality is that many issues facing society are tied to the previous laws and regulations that govern our nation. Is there anything you would like to add? We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.[2] |
” |
| —Helen Horvath[1] | ||
Campaign website
| “ |
The Equal Rights Amendment and you. As you read this article, do you believe that women have equal rights to men in this date and time? Is the Constitution written in such a way that guarantees women the same rights as men? I am sorry to say that women do not have the same rights as men in our community. The only guaranteed right women have is under the 19th Amendment - the right to vote. It has been more than 100 years since President Woodrow Wilson attempted passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA); to date we have not been able to pass the ERA. The male dominated power structure in our society-those who have been in power in the 50th District and other former Congressional Representative currently in this District's primary have used religion to attempt to take women's rights away. This is done by creating legislation that attacks a woman's dignity and personal rights. Once Congress erode one human right, the others can also be taken away. The Constitution only guarantees one right - the right to vote - under the 19th Amendment. Women have a presumed (legal) right under the 14th Amendment. Yet, our rights can be taken away at any time since the historical male dominated legislative power structure has used their positions to attempt to take away key rights that would be protected under the ERA. Without the solidification of the ERA as a federal amendment to the Constitution women's rights will be open to continued erosion. Would you please join our campaign to rise up and support the passage of the ERA? We will continue to play legal whack-a-mole until women have equal rights under and within the Constitution. For more information about the ERA and other women's rights issues, please click this link to my East County Magazine editorial addressing women's rights, the weakening of women's political abilities to create a stronger and more equal society, along with the double standards in Society towards women. You may not personally think you are impacted; yet, the reality is that Women's rights can be taken away until the ERA and related legislation is passed into law. Let's stop the legislative gaslighting together. I commit, as a Congressional Representative, to ensuring the equal rights of all people and commit to the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment when the fight comes back into Congress. Join us by committing to change. Educational Reform & Affordability The debate between attending College or Vocational Education: The Affordability Factors “Good apprentices are likely to make good citizens,” Benjamin Franklin Let's face it; not everyone will go to college and earn a degree. There are many trade/vocational schools that will lead to apprenticeship positions on a career path to full status in a specific career field. These career fields will provide an excellent quality of life for a student as they move into vocational positions. We all know that University educations are very expensive and not a guarantee for a successful career. Students may graduate from college with a bachelor's degree and not be able to obtain meaningful employment in their field. This is a sticking point for both vocational and college educated students desiring to succeed in life. These educational goals have led to a crisis as our nation carries over $1.6Trillion in Federal Student Loan Debt that is due to the government. There is also an estimated $119B in private student loans. This has led to a default rate that has impacted federal debt through non-repayment of student loan debt. Through collaboration with the Department of Education, as your Congressional Representative, I will work to create methods to address student loan costs through debt restructuring, reform payment options to tackle excess interest growth, and providing a more rapid path to debt repayment and restructuring. PLATFORM OF ISSUES - EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS In San Diego County we have over 200,000 veterans and over 3.3M county residents. In our communities we face economic growth and job equality issues. Our communities are faced with challenges of pay inequality, higher cost of living challenges, housing costs, and economic growth factors that hurt our quality of life and ability to move forward as families and a larger community. We need to reinvest in our communities instead of larger corporate subsidies and tax cuts. Congress should invest in American workers and the American family to provide a hand up not a hand out. Creating opportunities for individuals to thrive and sustain a better quality of life. The unemployment rate in California is 4%; yet, the 3.3% unemployment rate in San Diego County provides a snapshot of the ability to obtain employment; yet, is it the right employment for you? Are you having to take jobs that are less than your skill set or having to work multiple jobs in order to afford a reasonable lifestyle for yourself and your family? As a small business owner, I have seen the impact of financial struggles within a family and the emotional cost to the family unit. As your 50th Congressional District representative, I would focus upon creation of the right job, right pay, and right skill set in order to create and maintain employment. It is not enough to bring jobs to our communities, we must bring the right jobs that will benefit our community members through economic growth and empowerment. Through this effort, I will continue to support small and large businesses in all areas business development. This includes creation and modification of current laws and regulations governing small business utilization within the federal government contracting arena. These efforts will include ongoing support for the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and the Small Business Development Centers nationwide through grant development and continuation. PLATFORM - ENVIRONMENT "I believe that clean air and clean water are essential rights all Americans deserve—and they should never be sacrificed." Dr. Helen Horvath Protecting our environment is one of the most important responsibilities we all share. The United States must be a leader in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by investing in renewable and sustainable technologies that will power our economy for years to come. The threat of climate change is real, and San Diego is vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise and extreme weather if we do nothing to stop climate change. California is home to treasured natural resources from the white sands of our coast to the high peaks of the Sierra Mountains to the wonders of highway 101. Californians have a proud and rich tradition of conservation going back more than a century to Teddy Roosevelt, which values clean drinking water, good air quality, and public lands and green spaces that are preserved for future generations. We are blessed to have this in our lives. Let's work together to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy our natural wonders. Gun Reform - Gun Trafficking The issue. Nationally, there are approximately 500,000 weapons related crimes committed that result in approximately 11,000 homicides each year. In 9 of 10 of these crimes where the gun has been successfully traced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the person who originally purchased the firearm is not the person who committed the crime. Even with the current illegal movement of guns across state lines, as a nation we do not have federal laws that define gun trafficking as a crime. First responders and prosecutors often have to rely upon a mixed bag of individual state regulations to investigate and crack down on the criminal networks that make prosecutions difficult and often nearly impossible to convict. The solution. As your 50th Congressional District Representative, I will continue to be committed in stopping the illegal flow of guns into California and across the nation while providing law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools needed to crack down on the illegal gun trade and work to prevent gun violence. Beyond current laws, I will collaborate and create legislation that will further create deterrents to gun trafficking. By creating more legal options and providing flexibility for prosecutors and judges to successfully prosecute the crimes we will be able to increase successful prosecution through the federal criminal justice system to crack down on people who are involved in all aspects of illegal gun trafficking. Gun Reform - CLOSING THE BACKGROUND CHECK LOOP HOLES The issue. In the United States, only 60 percent of all gun sales happen after the seller completes a full background check on the buyer. The balance of the 40 percent of gun sales are conducted without a background check with no actual federal record of who the firearm is sold to. These federal background checks are often not required when purchasing a firearm online, at a gun show, or through a private seller. Federally licensed firearms dealers are permitted to complete a sale if the submitted background check is not completed in three business days. This loophole makes it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms. The solution. As your 50th Congressional District Representative, I will support universal background checks for every gun sale regardless of where the sale takes place and do not believe that sellers should be able to proceed with a sale without a completed background check. Background checks are a common sense way to decrease violent gun crimes while ensuring that the firearms do not get into the hands of those who are prohibited from having them. We have a right to bear arms; yet, we must do this sensibly to keep guns out of the hands of those who cannot pass a federal background check. Gun Reform - National Firearms Act The issue. Dr. Horvath strongly opposes efforts to eliminate gun silencers from the requirements of the National Firearms Act. Under this Act, gun silencers can only be legally obtained through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). Silencers are not readily issued and require a complete background check process and registration of the silencer with federal law enforcement to reduce the number of crimes committed with a silencer. Silencers are able to stop the sound of gunshots leading to less bystanders reporting gun crimes. It also impedes law enforcement's capability to rapidly respond to gun violence. If these restrictions relating to the sale of silencer is lifted, it may prove easier for those who cannot successfully pass an ATF background check under the National Firearms Act to obtain these gun accessories that mask potential gun related crimes. Lifting these restrictions will also diminish the ability of our County's law enforcement to effectively fight crime using technology tools such as ShotSpotter, a real time gunshot detection and alert system. There are over 100 cities nationwide that utilize this type of system. The solution. As your 50th Congressional District Representative I will support restrictions to gun silencers while increasing the use of technology and cyber terrorism techniques to reduce incidents of gun violence and death. This will support our law enforcement community to be able to create an ongoing safer living environment for our communities. IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SECURITY America was built by the contributions of immigrants, and our diversity only adds to the greatness of this country. As your Congressional Representative, I will advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that treats immigrants fairly while providing them a clear path to earned citizenship. This will be accomplished through improved and strengthened immigration reform legislation. As a marriage and family therapist, I have worked in a local federal immigration holding facility providing mental health and adjustment support to the separated minors. I have seen the immigration issue from both sides of the coin - the undocumented alien and the financial impact to the federal, state, and local government budgets in the enforcement of the current immigration policies. The media shows us images of individuals who are detained. This creates, at times, a national crisis of conscious over immigration and those not authorized to be in the United States permanently. Yet, those unauthorized migrants create a unique set of concerns for internal border security that expands the need to address the criminal elements associated with illegal immigration. There are crimes associated with the illegals, according to the interim director of Homeland Security, that are tied to drug cartels and other criminal organizations. Examples include sale of fraudulent social security numbers, birth certificates, and military personnel who are brought into human smuggling. It is time to strengthen our borders, create 100% accountability, visibility and transparency for all border security issues such as staffing of immigration holding facilities, implementation of new border security technology, border pollution, criminal elements, and family separation issues within the current laws. This will take a legislative change to federal regulations. As the 50th District Representative, I will accomplish this and more. We need to stop unauthorized entry in the back country and secure our borders. Military Family Readiness Military Families are the core to stability in the Armed Services. Spouses are often left behind during deployments to manage the family while worrying about their loved ones. Creating new programs. educational and vocational opportunities designed to increase a military family's quality of life through employment, ongoing family support, and increase military spouse employment opportunities in order to reduce unemployment and underemployment in the military community. Military Spouse Employment Military spouses face career challenges as they move around the globe in support of an active duty service member. As your Congressional candidate, I would propose changes to the career licensing regulations for military spouses in a wide variety of career fields to permit licensure in other states when a military spouse is transferred without having to reapply for licensure so long as the family member is in good standings in the state of license issuance. Create and promote legislation to improve quality of life and financial status of active duty personnel and their families. This includes opportunities for military families to participate in ongoing career transition and development services beyond what is currently offered through the military's family service offices. According to the Blue Star Families 2017 annual study, military spouse unemployment and underemployment has led to a substantial unrealized tax loss of approximately $1.06B annually for the Federal government and an undetermined amount for each state tax revenues. Resolve issues surrounding Status of Forces country specific agreements and those issues during overseas deployment that will encourage appropriate employment for military spouses based upon education and experience. Additionally, coordinate with federal agencies the ability of military family members to participate more readily in telework opportunities to permit military spouses to work from home when transferred due to military duty. This in place of being required to quit federal jobs and then get rehired once a position opens. Military Healthcare Continued support for military healthcare initiatives impacting military families and veterans through legislative improvements and government oversight of contract vehicles that manage healthcare. Transition GPS/Military Career Transition Currently, as of Fiscal Years 2017/2018, Department of Defense spent approximately $323M to transition service members into the civilian community in an effort to save $303M in unemployment costs at the end of a service member's contract. With five to seven major Fortune 100 firms working on the program as contractors, the costs continue to grow annually. In 2019, Department of the Army raised the value of the Transition GPS contract from $20M to $48M. These costs did not include additional subcontracts with firms nor promote program cost savings. As your 50th District Congressional Representative, I will collaborate with Department of Defense to create cost savings to the program while improving services for military families relating to career transition. Based upon current research it is estimated that a cost realization of $50-$100M per year can be obtained through modifications to the program. This would create cost reductions to the government while improving services to active duty personnel, family members, and veterans. American does not have a blank check for programs and services - fiscal responsibility is required in order to reduce the national debt while providing quality services. Let's Talk some more!!! Tribal Sovereignty As an Alpine, CA community member, I am available for all communities. I run for office because I would like to represent both tribal and general population members. Yet, I do believe that Tribal Nations should have sovereignty with guaranteed rights and the right to self govern without fear that the sovereignty laws will change. I am concerned with the overall family and tribal issues outlined below. I am a "warrior woman"; a veteran and advocate. When I read Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, I become concerned over the words used to conveny tribal sovereignty and the later relationship between the Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. If there is true sovereignty, then the complexity of the relationship between the federal government and the Tribal Nations must be examined to protect the rights of the Tribes. Legal cases have both clarified and solidified routes to sovereignty; yet, more work needs to be done. As I said, I am always here for the Tribal Nations and communities. Let's speak about this some more. Other Challenges. Tribal government and tribal members have experienced change as each year passes. Nationwide tribes face economic and environmental challenges that impact lives on the reservation and also the non-tribal communities. There are a variety of businesses operation on and off tribal lands. Examples of this are business partnerships between local and national tribes, such as the Four Fires LLC created by the Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin, Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians or the development of a business relationship between Sycuan Tribal government and Marriott in the management of the Grant Hotel. Business on tribal land is not just limited to hotels, casinos, and services; rather, other tribal business involves agriculture and land management for future generations. An example of this is the Pauma Tribal Farms Olive Orchards who is expanding operations by leasing non-tribal land. Each tribal business is impacted by the quality and availability of products, services, water and other natural resources in all communities. The external non-tribal government costs continue to increase in pace with the California economy. Costs such as electricity, access to water, healthcare services, and basic family needs have increased over the past ten years. Tribes compete with local communities, at times, for the same resources. Healthcare. Indian Health Services (IHS) or the Tribal Health Plan provides care to the tribes in many cases. This brings us to the issues related to veterans. Veterans. Often veterans return from military service with disabilities and mental health issues as a result of war and service. These veterans are honored throughout the community. Yet who will provide healthcare for the wounded warriors? What economic impact will the veterans' healthcare have upon the cost of tribal healthcare? The key is to ensure that the veteran register with the Veterans Administration (VA) prior to leaving service or as soon as possible after service. Veterans who are authorized healthcare under the VA and IHS Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2010, the VA will provide reimbursement to the IHS or THS through a claims reimbursement process. For more information about this issue please contact the VA's Office of Government Tribal Relations. Mental Health and Addiction. The World Health Organization states that 1 in 4 people globally have mental health disorders. This number is higher within the veteran population. Family is important to our communities. Mental health and addiction is not a problem limited to veterans; rather, it is a family issue throughout the tribes. Honoring those who have become sober is critical; yet, helping those with addictions in the tribes and non-tribal communities is vital to the continued success of tribal families and tribal governments. Let's talk and get to know each other. MENTAL HEALTH AND DEGENERATIVE BRAIN DISORDERS During the 2015 fiscal year, San Diego County had an estimated 84,405 residents over the age of 55 who were living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia (ADOD) which are degenerative brain disorders. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 115,000 San Diegans age 55 years and older will be living with ADRD, an increase of 36% from 2015. According to the published 2018 County of San Diego Department of Health and Human Services Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Reports in San Diego, the following factors impact our communities in San Diego County (Source aforementioned report, page IV): - "The East Region of the County had the greatest number (21,901) and proportion (16.7%) of residents age 55 years and older living with ADRD" - "Similarly, East Region had the highest rate (5,832.1 per 100,000 residents) of residents discharged from the ED or hospital with any mention of ADRD." - "North Coastal Region had the smallest population age 55 years and older living with ADRD (10,626)." - "North Central Region had the lowest proportion (6.8%) of its 55 years and older population living with ADRD." - "North Inland Region had the lowest rate (3,727 per 100,000 residents) of residents discharged from the ED or hospital with any mention of ADRD." According to the County of San Diego, there are over 5,800 veterans with ADOD with over 1,500 veterans receiving treatment from the Veterans Health Administration. According to the County of San Diego, our communities along with the State of California, will become "ground zero" for the ADOD crisis by 2030. I believe, based upon my meetings with the County officials, that our communities need to be proactive in order to stem the tide of ADOD along with other degenerative brain disorders and mental health issues across the nation. When our communities examine the economic and emotional impact of ADOD to our communities, the numbers can be daunting. As we add in related medical and legal issues of additional degenerative brain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries found in service members, veterans, children who play contact sports, and professional athletes, the picture of potential financial and community impact expands. Supporting this effort by our communities is invaluable as we work to create preventative measures that integrate healthy living with research and development for solution focused services and solutions to Alzheimer's, Mental Health and Degenerative Brain Disorders. As your Congressional Representative for the 50th District, I will work with the community to create legislation, work with subject matter experts to create solutions through research, collaborations within the County, grant funding for further research for a cure, and improvements to the healthcare system for the aging population so that we can all live a longer and independent life. Let's talk. Defense Spending and National Debt: Designing Debt Reduction As the 50th District Congressional Representative, I will work to ensure that Defense spending is held in check using innovative methods to create change within the services. Examples of this would include methods to reduce the cost of the Transition GPS (military career transition program) while improving services to service members and families; reduction in military sexual assault and harassment (currently 30,000 instances in 2018); and continued development of methods to systematically improve the Department of Defense. As part of this, I will work collaboratively with other Congressional offices and federal agencies to ensure that expenditures are based upon actual need not contractor promoted projects. I will participate, as the 50th District Congressional Representative, in the evaluation of key financial factors that lead to increase annual national debt. My commitment to you is to work to reduce the national debt while improving services. Ask me how...I have a well researched plan. Term Limits Career Politicians have been running the federal government for generations. Examples include Stenny Hoyer who has been a Maryland Congressional Representative for 40+ years. There are others; yet, the point is that we need "fresh ideas" to run the country. Currently, laws and regulations are written that benefit specific groups of people and/or businesses. Yet, the reality is that this has run our nation into the financial debt that we face. In 2019, we are faced with key issues as a result of this factor. Career politicians have created key issues relating to how we operate our government through Congress. We see the results of infighting and division by party lines that has, at times, stopped our progress as a nation and also increased the cost of doing government business. In order to create more opportunities for Americans to participate in the change and government process, I proposes a six term limit for service for Congressional Representatives and a two term limit for Senators for a total of 12 years of service through Congress. Women's Healthcare and Right to Choose - are we debating health or religious beliefs? Let me begin by saying, I believe in God. My God is a forgiving God who loves me no matter what decisions I make. He guides me and fills my heart daily with joy. I don't force my Christian views upon anyone at any time. When asked, I state my beliefs and then move on. I honor an individual's right to choose their lives and what they believe in. Let's face the facts, in our community we face larger problems than the right to choose our own destiny and live with our choices. Some San Diego County residents are barely surviving in the high cost of living that is San Diego. We worrying about employment, housing, and homelessness. Many County residents are just one paycheck away from losing their home or are considered marginally homeless by couch surfing with family and friends. Other County residents have experienced trauma and mental health issues that impede their ability to live successfully. These are critical and economic issues that impact each of us. Yet, as a community, we seem to draw the line in politics by telling women what they can and cannot do with their bodies. I value life; yet, I remember those times when women were dying from using coat hangers to complete an abortion or back room abortions that ended in the death of the mother. Are we, as a nation, moving backwards in an attempt to legislate a women's right to choose? One of the greatest problems with the abortion debate is that the two sides are not in direct opposition; there are similarities in the debate that is crushed under legislation. The pro-life movement seeks to force their moral beliefs on others - grounded in their own religion or personal philosophy. The pro-choice movement does not use morality of abortion and women's healthcare. Rather this is left as an individual choice for every woman faced with an unwanted pregnancy. If the woman feels abortion is wrong and they want to give their child up for adoption, or keep it, it is a personal decision that is supporting and compassionate. Pro-life people say "Abortion is wrong-no exceptions;" Pro-Choice only say "Abortion is." Making abortion illegal won't stop abortions from happening; rather, it will only stop abortions from being safe. Unsafe abortions are the leading cause of death during pregnancy and childbirth. Most unsafe abortions happen as a result of taking away a women's right to choose. I recently attended a Republican meeting while deciding if I would run for office as an independent. I have never ascribed to one specific political ideology; rather I ascribe to things that faith has led me to and through. During the Republican meeting, the Chair and others stated to the crowd in order to participate in the party, candidates and party members had to be pro-life. Yet, the reality is no one should be able to tell any woman how she cares for her body and what she does with her life. That is what legislating abortion does force individual ideologies upon a woman. Changing laws to benefit pro-life people by denying women the right to choose doesn't solve the problem; it just takes us back in history to those unsafe abortions. Forcing women to "carry" a child in the cases of rape and incest creates a potentially lifelong experiences to relive the trauma of the sexual assault as a child, soldier, or family member. Creating the potential to relive the trauma experience again and again. The solution to the abortion issue whether through sexual assault or incest or by shear choice is to not take away choice; rather as a community we continue to improve access to healthcare, education and parental planning. Thus, Planned Parenthood is so much more than abortions; it is women's healthcare and family planning. The program and services provide access for low income families to obtain women's healthcare, contraception, and a safe harbor for women deciding their next steps - abortion or not. By increase women's health education, creating affordable healthcare, and developing a network of supportive and caring professionals as a society our communities will be much further than just one issue. If, as a nation, we are to maintain the separation of church and state so central to our nation's identity, we cannot have some people using a woman's right to choose as a key factor that forces their beliefs on us all. Women should have the right to choose their own healthcare treatments, destiny and outcomes. This is especially true in the cases of incest and sexual assault. As your 50th Congressional District Representative, I will work to preserve a woman's right to choose her life, career, education, and lifestyle - choice is critical to thriving in society - exercise yours. Let's discuss this some more. VETERANS INITIATIVES Department of Veterans Affairs As an active member of the San Diego County Veterans' Community and former member of the San Diego OneVA Community Advocacy Board, I have gained a unique insight into the operations of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). As your 50th Congressional District Representative I will continue to examine methods to improve upon the quality of veterans disability and benefits services through examination of processes and methods to increase successful veteran benefits outcomes when applied for. As a veteran I commit to ensuring that the VA is fully funded for both benefits and medical center staffing along with required new healthcare equipment. I would like to use my knowledge, expertise, and organizational development skills in Congress to improve the overall organizational system within the VA. Representing you means that I will work to be on the House Veterans Affairs Committee to provide an insider's knowledge of VA. As your Congressional Representative,. I will use my insider's knowledge of the VA to provide Congressional oversight as well as assist Veterans at home facing difficulties with healthcare access and disability claim approvals. I am committed to having highly qualified staff respond and resolve Veterans' issues within the community. As part of our support for the Veterans Health Administration, I will continue to support quality improvements to the current healthcare system under the Missions Act and work to continue to create improvements to benefit the veteran community. Department of Veterans Affairs and Tribal Governments Veterans of Native American Tribes across the country face a unique and complex set of challenges nationwide. These include obtaining urgently needed VA vocational rehabilitation, VA healthcare and VA disability benefits earned by virtue of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. As your Congressional Representative, I will work with the National Congress of American Indians along with local tribal leaders to advocate relating to key veteran and military service factors impacting the tribal veterans and families. I will work to improve tribal veterans service officers (TVSO) training and accreditation for those TVSOs serving the veteran communities in tribal areas. Military Sexual Trauma and Harassment Each time that a recruit enlists or becomes an officer, there is a possibility of sexual assault or harassment. Not every unit or service member experiences these issues; yet, in 2018 according to the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) there were more than 7,000 men sexually assaulted while serving and more than 23,000 women who experienced sexual assault. These were only the reported instances - the number of unreported instances of sexual assault and harassment in the military is unknown.[2] |
” |
| —Helen Horvath's 2020 campaign website[3] | ||
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on August 12, 2019
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Helen Horvath's 2020 campaign website, "Platform," accessed January 30, 2020
