Issues
Affordable Child Care: Supporting Working Families, Strengthening Communities
Child care issues result in billions of dollars of losses for Michigan’s economy, significant strain and missed opportunities for working parents. Children deserve a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow. Every parent deserves the opportunity to work or pursue education without being held back by the high cost or inaccessibility of quality child care.
The majority of Michigan’s 32nd State Senate District is classified as a childcare desert – there are more children in need of daycare than open spots available in daycares. Child care expenses can be higher than rent or mortgage payments for some families, making it difficult to afford.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Expand child care subsidies and tax credits for low- and middle-income families.
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Ensure child care workers earn a living wage with access to benefits to incentivize recruitment and retention.
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Find innovative ways to fill child care gaps, like supporting home-based child care, partnering with community centers to expand care options, and incentivizing employers to create on-site care centers.
Child care is infrastructure. When families can access affordable, quality child care, parents, especially mothers, can work, businesses can thrive, and children are better prepared for school and life. Investing in child care is investing in our future.
Protecting Our Outdoors: Hunting, Land, and Legacy in the 32nd District
In northern and west Michigan, the outdoors is more than scenery – it’s our heritage, our economy, and our way of life. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are important to our way of life. As your State Senator, I will protect the land we love, the traditions we pass down, and the natural resources that sustain our communities.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Pass stronger protections for Michigan’s rivers, wetlands, and lakes, and fund conservation programs that protect our natural resources.
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Defend the rights of hunters, anglers, and responsible firearm owners, whether it’s their Second Amendment rights or public access to the land and water they rely on.
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Invest in rural parks, trails and campgrounds, to help boost our local economies and keep our families active and connected to the outdoors.
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Advocate for the preservation and protection of Native lands and natural resources, recognizing their cultural significance.
We must stand up to polluters, whether it’s corporate agriculture contaminating groundwater or developers threatening wetlands. And we must hold Lansing accountable when it tries to cut corners at the expense of our environment and outdoor access. I believe we can honor tradition and protect our future by supporting hunting and recreation while being good stewards of the land we call home.
Supporting Unions: Empowering Workers for a Fair Future
Unions are the backbone of our communities, setting the standard for wages, safety, and opportunities across the board. I will always stand with working people to ensure Michigan continues to invest in skilled trades and good paying jobs. Strong unions contribute to economic stability and enhance the overall quality of life for workers and their families.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Support legislation that protects workers' fundamental right to organize and negotiate collectively without fear of retaliation.
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Stand against policies, like so-called “right to work” laws, that undermine union strength and the ability of workers to negotiate fair wages and benefits.
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Advocate for policies that ensure workers receive prevailing wages, which reflect the local standards for pay in specific industries.
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Invest in programs that introduce youth to skilled trades, offering educational resources and mentorship opportunities to equip them with the skills necessary for successful careers in high-demand fields.
Supporting unions is crucial for creating a successful economy and a strong middle class.. When workers are empowered and supported, they can thrive, and communities as a whole benefit from increased stability and prosperity.
Health Care That Works, for Everyone
In Michigan’s 32nd District, access to health care is a growing crisis. Too many rural families are driving hours for basic services or going without care entirely. The status quo isn’t working. And the solution is simple: we can invest a little now, through fair taxation, to ensure every Michigander has access to care when and where they need it. As your State Senator, I will fight for a healthcare system that puts people over profits.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Expand access to primary care, urgent care, and mental health services in our communities.
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Support rural hospitals and clinics so they can stay open and staffed, especially in areas losing providers to urban systems.
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Use state funds to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid delivery, making sure the people these programs were designed to protect can actually use them, without long waits or out-of-pocket surprises.
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Improve maternal and infant health outcomes by expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care, and supporting birthing centers in rural areas.
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Support innovative solutions like mobile health units, expanded telehealth, and state-level incentives for rural doctors and nurses.
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Push for improved funding and access to healthcare services for Native American communities, including mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Every small town deserves access to the same quality care as our cities. Health care shouldn’t be a privilege tied to where you live or how much you earn. We can choose a future where rural families are healthier, hospitals stay open, and no one skips care because of cost. We just have to stop pretending the broken system we have is good enough. Let’s invest now, and build a healthier Michigan for all of us.
Affordable Housing for a Stronger Michigan
In Michigan’s 32nd Senate District, we’re seeing a clear problem: hardworking families, seniors on fixed incomes, and young people starting out can’t find housing they can afford – not in the communities they grew up in, and not near the jobs and schools they rely on. This isn’t just a housing crisis. It’s an economic crisis.
We must invest in affordable, accessible, and workforce-connected housing that helps our region grow stronger from the ground up.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Create affordable housing by expanding rural housing tax credits, state-local developer partnerships, and using vacant or underused properties for housing.
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Reform zoning laws and support adaptive reuse to make it easier to convert old buildings, second-story downtowns, and surplus land into housing.
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Invest in infrastructure, like water, sewer, and broadband to make new housing projects viable in rural towns.
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Prioritize housing near schools, jobs, and healthcare, so we keep teachers, nurses, first responders, and young families living locally.
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Protect renters and homeowners with fair housing laws, property tax relief for seniors, and support for first-time homebuyers.
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Help seniors age with dignity by expanding property tax relief, supporting senior-friendly housing, and keeping homes affordable in rural communities.
We can’t attract new talent, retain young families, or support growing businesses if our region doesn’t have housing people can afford. Affordable housing is the foundation of a thriving economy, strong public schools, and safe, vibrant neighborhoods. Let’s revitalize our small towns, bring our young people home, and ensure every Michigander, no matter their income, has a place to call home.
Standing Strong for Michigan's Public Schools
Every child in Michigan deserves a world-class education, no matter their zip code, family income, or ability. As your State Senator for the 32nd District, I will fight to keep public education truly public – because my kids’ futures depend on it. That means fully funding our neighborhood schools, not funneling taxpayer dollars into private and for-profit schools.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Fund teachers, not tax breaks, to ensure educators have the pay, tools, and classroom support they need to teach effectively.
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Provide every child with what they need to succeed, including free school lunches so no student learns on an empty stomach.
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Guarantee free, high-quality preschool for all Michigan children, laying the foundation for lifelong success.
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Invest in rural school transportation, so every student, no matter how far they live from their school, can get to class safely and on time.
Let’s put our children first. Let’s keep public education public, and support all families working to give their children the best possible start.
Standing Strong for Michigan's Public Schools
Every child in Michigan deserves a world-class education, no matter their zip code, family income, or ability. As your State Senator for the 32nd District, I will fight to keep public education truly public – because my kids’ futures depend on it. That means fully funding our neighborhood schools, not funneling taxpayer dollars into private and for-profit schools.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Fund teachers, not tax breaks, to ensure educators have the pay, tools, and classroom support they need to teach effectively.
-
Provide every child with what they need to succeed, including free school lunches so no student learns on an empty stomach.
-
Guarantee free, high-quality preschool for all Michigan children, laying the foundation for lifelong success.
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Invest in rural school transportation, so every student, no matter how far they live from their school, can get to class safely and on time.
Let’s put our children first. Let’s keep public education public, and support all families working to give their children the best possible start.
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community: Promoting Equality
Despite significant progress, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face systemic challenges that hinder their access to essential rights, resources, and opportunities. Discrimination, stigma, and lack of representation can lead to adverse outcomes in health, employment, and overall well-being. Everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear of judgment or discrimination.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Advocate for Non-Discrimination Policies: Push for laws that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
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Increase Access to Healthcare: Support initiatives that ensure all LGBTQIA+ individuals receive comprehensive healthcare, including mental health services.
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Enhance Mental Health Resources: Provide funding and access to mental health services tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Combat Homelessness: Support targeted programs to address and prevent homelessness among LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.
When we invest in inclusion and understanding, we create a world where everyone can thrive, live authentically, and contribute positively to our communities.
Strengthening Native American Communities: Promoting Well-Being and Opportunity
Native American communities continue to face significant challenges stemming from historical injustices and ongoing systemic inequalities. Despite rich cultural heritage and contributions to society, many Native Americans experience disparities in health, education, and economic opportunities. It is essential to recognize and address these issues to support the well-being and empowerment of Native peoples.
As your next State Senator, I'll fight to:
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Advocate for Tribal Sovereignty: Support policies that respect and uphold the rights of tribal nations to govern themselves and manage their resources.
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Increase Access to Healthcare: Push for improved funding and access to healthcare services for Native American communities, including mental health and substance abuse treatment.
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Support Education Initiatives: Invest in educational programs that respect and incorporate Native culture, language, and history into curricula.
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Promote Economic Development: Encourage investment in sustainable economic opportunities for Native communities, including support for tribal businesses.
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Protect Land Rights: Advocate for the preservation and protection of Native lands and natural resources, recognizing their cultural significance.
Supporting Native American communities is vital for fostering justice, equity, and dignity. By investing in their rights and heritage, we contribute to a more inclusive society where all voices are heard and respected.