Deb Lavender

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix =

| name = Deb Lavender

| honorific-suffix =

| image =

| alt =

| state_house = Missouri

| district = 98th

| term_start = January 4, 2023

| term_end = January 8, 2025

| predecessor = Trish Gunby (redistricting)

| successor = Jaclyn Zimmermann

| prior_term =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|10|11}}

| birth_place = Ridgefield, Connecticut, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| profession = Physical therapist, politician

| spouse =

| children =

| residence = St. Louis, Missouri

| party = Democratic

| district2 = 90th

| predecessor2 = Rick Stream

| termstart2 = 2015

| termend2 = 2021

| successor2 = Barbara Phifer

| state_house2 = Missouri

}}

Deb Lavender (born October 11, 1956) is an American politician who served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021 and from 2023 to 2025. A Democrat, Lavender represented the 90th district from 2015 to 2021, which comprised all or part of the cities of Glendale, Kirkwood, Oakland, Sunset Hills, Warson Woods, and Webster Groves in St. Louis County.{{Cite web|url=https://house.mo.gov/MemberDetails.aspx?year=2018&district=090|title=Representative Deb Lavender|website=house.mo.gov|access-date=2019-09-21}}{{Cite web|url=https://ogi.oa.mo.gov/LEGIS/LegislativeDistrict/index.html|title=Missouri Legislative Districts|website=ogi.oa.mo.gov|access-date=2019-09-21}} In 2020, she unsuccessfully ran for the Missouri Senate against incumbent Republican Andrew Koenig.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/voter-turnouts-in-st-louis-area-were-large-but-not-record-breaking/article_9e3a805b-af43-56bf-bb4c-0c98ba6ff24d.html |title=Voter turnouts in St. Louis area were large, but not record-breaking |quote=The biggest surprises for Evans: The 9,000-vote margin of victory for state Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, over state Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Kirkwood. |date=November 24, 2020 |last=O'Dea |first=Janelle |website=The St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=December 1, 2020}} In 2022, she was elected to the House again from District 98, which includes the cities of Manchester, Twin Oaks, and Valley Park.

Early life and education

Lavender was born and raised in Ridgefield, Connecticut. 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 Lavender moved to St. Louis, where she has been a resident for over 35 years.{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/missouri/kirkwood/deb-lavender-candidate-profile|title=Deb Lavender, Democratic Candidate for Missouri House of Representatives 90th District|last=Skoler|first=Owen|date=July 28, 2012|website=Patch|access-date=August 31, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://house.mo.gov/MemberDetails.aspx?year=2017&district=090|title=Representative Deb Lavender|website=house.mo.gov|access-date=2019-08-31}}

Political career

Lavender's political career began in 2006 as an intern for [https://house.mo.gov/memberdetails.aspx?district=083&year=2004&code=R Missouri State Representative Barbara Fraser]. Lavender ran for office the first time in 2008 as the unsuccessful Democratic candidate vying for the [https://statisticalatlas.com/state-lower-legislative-district/Missouri/State-House-District-90/Overview Missouri State Representative District-90] seat against Republican incumbent Rick Stream. In the next two general elections, 2010 and 2012 Lavender also lost to Stream.{{Cite web|url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/politically-speaking-state-rep-deb-lavender-gives-democratic-view-session-s-final-week|title=Politically Speaking: State Rep. Deb Lavender gives Democratic view of session's final week|last1=Mannies|first1=Jo|last2=Rosenbaum|first2=Jason|website=news.stlpublicradio.org|date=5 May 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}

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 [https://ballotpedia.org/Gina_Jaksetic Gina Jaksetic] 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.{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_House_of_Representatives_District_90|title=Missouri House of Representatives District 90|website=Ballotpedia|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}

After her unsuccessful run for Missouri Senate District 15, she moved to a new home a few miles west in the city of Manchester, and then ran for the House for a fourth time, winning in 2022. Because of term limits, this will be her last term in the House.

Political views and accomplishments

= Gun control =

Lavender is against the proliferation of guns in public spaces.{{Cite web|url=http://websterjournal.com/2018/05/08/moms-demand-action-fights-stricter-gun-laws-missouri/|title=Moms Demand Action fights for stricter gun laws in Missouri|last=Woods|first=Matt|date=2018-05-08|website=websterjournal.com|access-date=2019-08-31}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB40/2019|title=Missouri HB40 {{!}} 2019 {{!}} Regular Session|website=LegiScan|language=en|access-date=2019-08-31}} Lavender voted against House Bill 575 which authorizes carrying concealed weapons on college campuses and allows campus security officers to carry weapons.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/MO/text/HB575/id/1982764|title=Missouri HB575 {{!}} 2019 {{!}} Regular Session|website=LegiScan|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/|title=The Voter's Self Defense System|website=Vote Smart|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21}}

= Health care =

Lavender supports increased accessibility to, and the affordability of, health care.{{Cite web|url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/no-pass-fail-here-grading-missouri-lawmakers-2017-regular-session|title=No pass-fail here: Grading Missouri lawmakers on the 2017 regular session|last=Griffin|first=Marshall|website=news.stlpublicradio.org|date=23 May 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://mohouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=1209&starttime=1546&stoptime=1862&autostart=0&embed=1|title=Missouri House Veto Session-Video|last1=Lavender|first1=Deb|last2=Mackey|first2=Ian|author-link2=Ian Mackey|year=2019|website=mohouse.granicus.com|publisher=Missouri House of Representatives|location=Jefferson City, MO|format=MediaPlayer.php|access-date=2019-09-21}} She has supported budget priorities funding healthcare for disabled and older adults.{{Cite web|url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/missouri-house-sends-28-billion-budget-senate|title=Missouri House sends $28 billion budget to the Senate|last=Griffin|first=Marshall|website=news.stlpublicradio.org|date=30 March 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}} For example, she proposed House Bills 38 and 39 to expand Medicaid services.{{Cite web|url=https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB38&year=2019&code=R|title=Missouri House of Representatives - Bill Information for HB38|website=house.mo.gov|access-date=2019-09-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB39&year=2019&code=R|title=Missouri House of Representatives - Bill Information for HB39|website=house.mo.gov|access-date=2019-09-01}}

= Public schools =

Lavender supports fully funding the State public school [https://dese.mo.gov/communications/frequently-asked-questions-and-educational-topics foundation formula].Mannies Jo, Rosenbaum Jason, McDaniel Chris (19 November 2014). "Politically Speaking: Rep.-Elect Lavender Discusses Long, Long Road To The Missouri House". news.stlpublicradio.org (Podcast). National Public Radio. Event occurs at 24:36. Retrieved 9 September 2019 She believes public schools' transportation needs should be adequately funded before the Legislature effects further tax cuts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/you-guys-made-a-mistake/article_86567d62-6ce1-11e9-9a1b-23d57f542790.html|title=You Guys Made A Mistake!|last=Corrigan|first=Don|date=3 May 2019|website=Webster-Kirkwood Times|access-date=9 September 2019}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/MO/rollcall/HB161/id/814987|title=Missouri HB161 {{!}} 2019 {{!}} Regular Session|website=LegiScan|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}

= 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.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/MO/rollcall/HB1266/id/745757|title=Missouri HB1266 {{!}} 2018 {{!}} Regular Session|website=LegiScan|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://house.mo.gov/MemberDetails.aspx?year=2018&code=R%20&district=090&category=sponsor|title=Representative Deb Lavender|website=house.mo.gov|access-date=2019-09-01}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/MO/rollcall/HB487/id/818529|title=Missouri HB487 {{!}} 2019 {{!}} Regular Session|website=LegiScan|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}

Committees

At the start of the Missouri 100th General Assembly (January 2019-January 2021), Lavender served on the following committees:

Agriculture Policy
Budget
Conference Committee on Budget
Rules - Legislative Oversight, Ranking Minority Member
Subcommittee on Appropriations - Health, Mental Health, and Social Services, Ranking Minority Member
Joint Committee on Legislative Research
Joint Committee on Legislative Research - Oversight Subcommittee

Electoral history

=State representative=

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 4, 2008, District 94{{cite web|title=All Results; Official Election Returns|url=https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/AllRacesGeneralNovember2008.pdf|publisher=Missouri Secretary of State|access-date= April 21, 2020}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 9,828

|percentage = 45.82%

|change = -3.00

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Rick Stream

|votes = 11,623

|percentage = 54.18%

|change = +3.00

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 2, 2010, District 94{{cite web|title=All Results; Official Election Returns|url=https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/AllRacesGeneralNovember2010.pdf|publisher=Missouri Secretary of State|access-date= April 20, 2020}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 7,267

|percentage = 43.80%

|change = -2.02

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Rick Stream

|votes = 9,326

|percentage = 56.20%

|change = +2.02

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 6, 2012, District 90{{cite web|title=All Results; Official Results|url=https://enrarchives.sos.mo.gov/enrnet/default.aspx?eid=750002497|publisher=Missouri Secretary of State|access-date=April 21, 2020}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 11,172

|percentage = 49.41%

|change = +5.61

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Rick Stream

|votes = 11,438

|percentage = 50.59%

|change = -5.61

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 4, 2014, District 90}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 7,597

|percentage = 51.51%

|change = +2.10

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Gina Jaksetic

|votes = 7,153

|percentage = 48.49%

|change = -2.10

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 6, 2016, District 90}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 12,844

|percentage = 55.70%

|change = +4.19

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mark Milton

|votes = 10,214

|percentage = 44.30%

|change = -4.19

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 6, 2018, District 90}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 15,809

|percentage = 100.00%

|change = +44.30

}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 8, 2022, District 98{{cite web|title=Election Results; Official Election Returns|url= https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/2022GeneralElection.pdf|publisher=Missouri Secretary of State|date=December 9, 2022|accessdate=January 5, 2023}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Deb Lavender

|votes = 8,213

|percentage = 51.51%

|change = -48.49

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Ryan Higgins

|votes = 7,733

|percentage = 48.49%