Priorities

Trains, Roads, Bridges, & Infrastructure

Our roads, train crossings, bridges and water systems impact Downriver residents everyday. We need to invest in the deteriorating infrastructure. Downriver faces various challenges when it comes to infrastructure in disrepair. I am committed to finding creative solutions to fund projects to repair our bridges, roads, water systems, and ensure rail safety. Furthermore, it is time to start planning ahead to create a shared vision for how to build our infrastructure to last and withstand environmental changes that we may face in the future.

Elevate Education

Invest in our Students, Schools, and Educators

As a public school teacher, I know how the underfunding of public education has made me feel devalued as an educator.  When budgets are tight, public schools are often not prioritized. Our students, educators, and schools are worth investing in. The profession of education is at a turning point. For far too long the legislature has slowly defunded education. If we do not make necessary changes we will not be able to retain highly effective educators to teach our students. 

Reading Intervention and Universal Pre-K to address the Literacy Crisis

It is “estimated that over 15% of students struggle with reading.”  When students struggle to achieve in reading there can be long lasting effects on their self-esteem and academic performance. Michigan’s student reading performance is still not up to par. We should have reading intervention and social-emotional support in all elementary buildings. Additionally, our students need to be exposed to literacy from a younger age. The literacy crisis needs even more support and evaluation. I support the exploration of Universal Pre-K, where students can enter public school at a younger age. This would make learning to read more equitable for all families and increase literacy exposure and development for all Michiganders.

The Economy

Support Small Businesses

Small businesses are the fabric of our community. They provide countless jobs and help to create a robust economy. The State Legislature should be helping entrepreneurs and small business owners get ahead. Oftentimes, these businesses lack the resources they need to protect themselves and thrive. I want to provide small businesses with the tools they need to be successful. We need to facilitate more public input from our business owners to inform decisions made in Lansing. Businesses may benefit from tax deferred savings accounts and fraud/criminal protections. Providing investments in our communities is important. 

Help Working Families

We should focus on our attention on how to grow opportunities for the middle class and small business instead of corporate interests.  Hard working families often struggle because their jobs do not afford them adequate wages. I would like to advocate for a higher minimum pay in Michigan. Additionally, we should be working towards lowering taxes for working families and protecting their pensions.

Healthcare

Access to Quality and Affordable Care

All citizens deserve access to quality health services now during the pandemic and in the future. Prescription drug companies benefit greatly from inflated pricing, I think these costs should be lowered for citizens. Health care service plans need to be more accessible and supportive of Michiganders. Health care plan enrollees should be given the information about prescriptions drugs, as well as made aware of any cost sharing information that may lower the enrollee’s out-of-pocket expense. 

Equity of Care

We should work to accelerate reform to identify innovative technologies, care models, and business models to improve health care services for women across races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Policymakers have the opportunity to explore partnerships with investors, clinical leaders, and entrepreneurs to identify critical needs, bring about necessary changes, and achieve more responsive primary health care services for all women.  All women deserve access to affordable, proactive, and prevention-focused care. I will advocate and protect a woman’s right to choose.

Protecting Our Environment

Keeping our Great Lakes, air, and land clean is important. Water is a vital resource. Water is now being traded as a commodity. I believe access to clean water is a human right and it should not be in the hands of investors and financial institutions. People deserve better. It is up to us to ensure that residents have access to clean water and are educated on contaminants on our water systems. I will also advocate for environmentally friendly and sustainable operations. I want to make sure that corporations pay for using Michigan’s natural resources and are held accountable for the impacts they have on our environment. I am committed to keeping Michigan protected.

The People 

Veterans

Our veterans make the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this country. They deserve support from the state and federal government. I would like to advocate for funding of programs for veterans, service members, and their families. I care deeply that veterans have timely and quality access to health care services, disability insurance, and transition assistance.

Rights of Workers

Supporting the rights of workers to collectively bargain is important. Workers should have the right to advocate for the terms and conditions of their employment. Additionally, it is important to support the expansion of skilled trades training to help Michiganders find better paying jobs.

Child Care and Senior Care Support

I support the expansion of state assisted programs focused on supporting caregivers of our senior population. Our child care facilities also deserve to be invested in. 

Human Rights

The citizens of Michigan should always feel safe and supported by their community. I am committed to preserving and extending the rights to people who have historically been denied rights or discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion. 

Narrow the Gender Gap

Women continue to be underrepresented in the labor market. Oftentimes, they earn less than men. Many men and women have proportionate levels of ambition but our cultural norms of family responsibility disproportionately rest on the majority of women in such a way that reduces their ability to work in the same capacity as men. I am committed to examining and exploring possible solutions that narrow the gender gap. 

Lower the Cost of Auto Insurance

Michigan has some of the highest minimum coverage rates in the country. Since Michigan is a no-fault state, drivers are required to purchase Personal Injury Protection to pay for injuries after a crash regardless of who is responsible. The high cost of auto insurance has made it unaffordable for many Michiganders. This contributes to fewer insured drivers which in turn drives up the cost for insured drivers. The instances of fraud are also increased because of Michigan’s rates. Michigan drivers deserve more reasonable insurance rates.