Michigan’s education system now ranks 42nd in the Country and is falling. I believe we must take bold action now to restructure our school funding system, expand free public education from pre-school through college, and expand technical and trade schools if we want to provide opportunity for our children and a vibrant economy for the state.
I believe every Michigan citizen has a right to quality, affordable healthcare. We must work to lower healthcare costs, expand access to care for working families and expand Medicaid coverage to include those in need.
The precious natural resources in northern Michigan are a major reason we all live here, and a key driver of our economy. Leaving our children with clean air to breathe, clean water to swim in, and a stable climate is our duty as citizens and parents. In order to do this, we must take prompt action to transition to a renewable energy economy. Line 5 poses an unreasonable risk to our drinking water and the economies of the Great Lakes region and must be shut down immediately.
40% of working families in our region struggle to afford their basic needs-- housing, food, transportation and childcare. This is unacceptable. Our state legislature must work with the business community to make sure that all employees have access to affordable childcare and paid family leave, and that companies can afford to provide their employees a fair wage with benefits. We also need to invest in infrastructure such as high speed fiber and better roads to support our business community and attract new companies that can offer high paying jobs with benefits.
I support the Second Amendment. However, as an attorney, I know that nothing in the second amendment prevents the passage of reasonable measures to protect our citizenry and children from gun violence, including vigorous background checks, mandated training and certification, and stopping the sale of military weapons to the public.
I believe we must protect women’s access to reproductive health care and the right to make choices about that care. Decisions regarding healthcare belong to women and their doctors. I support Planned Parenthood and its critical role in providing affordable healthcare to women, men and teens.
I believe money corrupts our political process and distorts public policy in favor of the funders. I will fight to reduce the influence of money in our elections.
Reforms to end gerrymandering are long overdue. The right to vote becomes meaningless if the system is rigged in favor of one party before the election begins. I support the Voters Not Politicians ballot proposal to create a fair, transparent, and impartial process for drawing voting maps.
No person should suffer discrimination because of who they are. We must amend our state civil rights act to include members of the LGBTQ community.
We must make immediate and significant investments in our roads and other infrastructure to protect the environment, working families and to build the foundation for Michigan’s economy. Fairness requires that all Michigan citizens pay their fair share to fund this investment. I oppose current proposals that place the burden of road repair on the shoulders of working families.
I believe the state should be an active partner in assisting communities to address the shortage of affordable housing in northern Michigan. Most state housing programs are designed to help urban communities but don’t work well here. That needs to change.
