Health Care
I fought breast cancer when most people my age were just settling into careers, and now my battle for affordable health care is more personal than ever. I know what it’s like to have to take a job just because it provides health insurance, and to work through the pain and stress of a serious illness because you still need to pay your bills. I think Michiganders deserve better. We can promote small business growth by helping both entrepreneurs and employees obtain affordable health coverage. We can preserve the health of our communities by making sure everyone, from children to senior citizens, has access to the care they need. And we can do it all right here in Michigan with a public insurance option that is affordable, compassionate, and comprehensive. We must protect those with preexisting conditions and guarantee coverage for essential benefits like emergency services, maternity care, and mental health treatment, while reducing the medical debt that hurts both patients and providers. It’s the right thing to do, and it benefits every one of us.
Environment
We’re at a turning point climate-wise: we either act now, or we leave a terrible legacy for our children and grandchildren. We’re already seeing the effects of a damaged environment, and it will only get worse if we keep being short-sighted about climate change policy. No more putting corporations before people, relaxing regulations that protect our air and water, and ignoring the very real threat of climate change. We need to take decisive action today to preserve our resources, slow down the process of climate change, and to make the world better for ourselves and for younger generations.
Education
I always enjoyed school as a child, and the quality education I received in Farmington Hills opened so many doors in my life. I want others to have the same opportunities and experiences that I was given, but to make that happen, we have to invest continuously in our schools, students, and our educators. I’ve seen how a great public education system becomes the foundation of a successful community, and I want to make sure all Michiganders have the same positive experiences I have had. We also need to provide access to a variety of higher education options and not just expect that everyone will take the college route. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and other specialized training programs are just as important as colleges and universities in preparing our youth for a bright future, and ensuring Michigan can compete talent-wise today and tomorrow.
Equality
What I love about Michigan is how many unique communities we have within a single state. I believe diversity enriches all of us, but only if we are willing to embrace it. Unfortunately, today, women, racial and religious minorities, and LGBTQ citizens are too often subject to prejudice and harassment just for living their lives. As an elected official, it is my job to promote justice and equality for all of our residents. Success is breaking down barriers and building bridges instead, and it is a privilege to work toward such important goals for our society.