Priorities
Rural Infrastructure
The State of Michigan has been doing a great job of rebuilding our freeways and state highways. Larger communities have passed millages to rebuild their roads. Meanwhile, our townships and smaller communities do not have the tax base necessary to invest in their roads. As a result, the roads around the state continue to deteriorate. Investment in our infrastructure has not kept up with the skyrocketing cost of construction.
Most of Michigan’s road funding comes from two sources: motor fuel taxes and registration taxes. Our motor fuel tax is calculated per gallon sold - not as a percentage of cost. As our vehicles have become more efficient, and with an increase in electric vehicles, our funding for roads has greatly lagged behind use. If we are to sufficiently maintain our rural roads, we must find ways to diversify revenue.
Childcare
Working families need access to adequate childcare. Dual income is a necessity for most families. As such, parents need support so they can focus on putting food on the table.
Access to daycare has a major impact on the Michigan economy. Inability to acquire childcare is the leading cause of underemployment in the State. Parents who are unable to access childcare experience undue challenges making end’s meet. As a Board Member of Marshall Kinderhaus, I am fully aware of the challenges of providing quality education for children from birth to kindergarten. I’ll work to make childcare available and affordable for working families.
Reproductive Healthcare
The voters of Michigan have spoken. Reproductive healthcare decisions should be left to you and your healthcare professionals. Politicians like my opponent would have us return to the 1930’s. Michigan’s 1931 law made all abortions illegal and subject to up to 4 years imprisonment for both the mother and medical personnel with few exceptions. My opponent voted against repealing this law that would force women to carry life-threatening, non-viable pregnancies to term. My opponent would make victims of rape and incest carry to term the results of that attack. My opponent is extreme and out of touch with the wishes of the voters of the State of Michigan.
Blue Oval
Ford’s Blue Oval battery plant is happening. Marshall and its neighbors must come together to make sure the impact on the community is minimal. We need monitoring systems in place to protect the environment. It is imperative that the State, community, and Ford be proactive in the design and building of this facility. I am calling on The Ford Motor Company to take the following steps:
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Use the knowledge they have gained at their Rouge facility to utilize green infrastructure, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and a green roof (which can reduce runoff by as much as 60%).
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Share with the community their spill prevention plan and how they will protect the Marshall Wastewater Treatment Plant from contamination.
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Plant additional trees and native plants.