Candidate for Michigan House of Representatives - District 108 in 2024 Michigan General Election.
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Get StartedThe U.P.'s natural beauty and quality of life make it an ideal location for remote work. To capitalize on this, I propose marketing campaigns to promote the U.P. As a premier destination for remote workers. Additionally, offering relocation incentives such as tax breaks and housing assistance can attract remote employees and their families to our area, boosting the local economy. This would also create an entirely new realm of possibility and opportunity for our young Yoopers, giving them the opportunity to stay in our communities instead of looking for opportunities elsewhere. Learn more
Reliable high-speed internet is essential for both businesses and residents. I will advocate for state and federal funding to expand broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Partnering with local ISPs to enhance broadband services will ensure that everyone in the U.P. Has access to fast and reliable internet, supporting remote work, online education, and business operations. Learn more
Economic growth in the Upper Peninsula is essential for creating sustainable and prosperous communities. My policies focus on attracting higher-paying jobs, making the U.P. A hub for remote work, improving broadband access, enhancing public transit, supporting local businesses, and bolstering workforce development. Learn more
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We should expand and enhance mentorship programs and business development services that provide entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, including how to access grants and leverage already available resources. I am also in favor of providing financial support through grants and low-interest loans, as well as offering tax incentives to encourage business growth. Learn more
To address teacher shortages, especially in rural areas, I will fight to defend and expand incentive programs such as better pay, expanding the free lunch program to include school staff, tuition support, and loan forgiveness programs. These measures will encourage new teachers to enter the profession and experienced educators to return. Learn more
Reliable internet access is crucial for modern education. I have personally had to navigate providing quality education and opportunity to students without access to the endless resources of the internet. By increasing access to fast and reliable internet, we can ensure that students in rural areas have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. This will enable access to online resources, virtual learning, and advanced educational tools. Learn more
Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community and a bright future. Every child deserves a quality education, regardless of where they live. To achieve this, I am committed to securing more resources for our schools, enhancing teacher support, and ensuring reliable broadband access for rural areas to bridge the digital divide. Learn more
Teachers are the backbone of our education system. To attract and retain talented educators, we must offer competitive pay and benefits. Additionally, I support providing ongoing professional development opportunities and resources such as state-wide curriculum libraries. These libraries, adhering to state standards, would allow teachers to share and access a wealth of educational materials and collaborate with other Michigan educators. Learn more
Rural schools have unique needs that require tailored solutions. These schools often face challenges such as smaller student populations, limited access to advanced courses, and fewer extracurricular opportunities. By advocating for increased state and federal funding, we can provide rural schools with the necessary resources to address these challenges. This includes funding for modern technology, infrastructure improvements, and specialized programs that cater to the diverse needs of rural students. Learn more
To increase the availability of affordable housing units, I propose increasing tax credits and incentives to developers who build in high-need areas. By reducing the financial barriers to constructing affordable housing, we can encourage more developers to invest in these projects. Leveraging public-private partnerships can also amplify our efforts, combining public funding with private investment to create more housing opportunities. Learn more
Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services that help individuals live independently and improve their quality of life. These services include job training, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment. By expanding supportive housing services, we can provide comprehensive assistance to those in need, particularly the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. This holistic approach not only provides a stable living environment but also addresses underlying issues that contribute to housing instability. Learn more
Protecting renters' rights is essential for maintaining a fair and stable housing market. I support policies that enhance tenant protections, such as implementing just-cause eviction laws and capping unreasonable rent increases. Ensuring that renters have secure and affordable housing options is crucial for their stability and well-being. Learn more
Rental assistance programs are vital for helping low-income families afford housing. I advocate for expanding state-level rental assistance initiatives to complement existing federal programs. By increasing funding and accessibility to these programs, we can ensure that more families receive the support they need to maintain stable housing and avoid eviction. Additionally, implementing outreach programs to inform people about available rental assistance services is crucial. This includes community workshops, informational campaigns, and collaboration with local organizations to ensure that all eligible residents are aware of and can access these vital resources. Learn more
Access to affordable, safe, and stable housing is a fundamental right that significantly impacts the well-being of individuals and the health of our communities. As a candidate for the Michigan State House of Representatives for District 108, I am committed to addressing the housing challenges faced by our residents. My housing policies focus on expanding supportive housing services, incentivizing affordable housing development, enhancing rental assistance programs, and advocating for renters' rights. Learn more
Improving public transit options is crucial for connecting rural communities with economic hubs. I would propose investing in more public transportation options to connect communities across the U.P providing better access to hospitals, local storefronts, and the freedom to seek opportunities across the U.P. Reliable transportation can significantly boost local economies by facilitating workforce mobility and access to markets. Learn more
Early childhood education is fundamental for a child's development and long-term success. I advocate for universal Pre-K programs to ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has access to early learning opportunities. This investment in our youngest learners will pay dividends in the form of better educational outcomes and a more skilled workforce in the future. Learn more
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is crucial for families and a thriving community. Ensuring that every family has access to reliable childcare allows parents to work and pursue education while knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment. To achieve this, I am committed to working towards universal Pre-K, providing grants and incentives to childcare providers, and integrating early childhood development programs into high schools. Learn more
Integrating early childhood development programs into high school curriculums can provide hands-on vocational training for students while serving the community’s childcare needs. These programs not only prepare students for careers in early childhood education but also help address the shortage of qualified childcare providers. Learn more
Childcare providers face significant operational costs that can drive up the cost of daycare for families. By providing grants and subsidies, we can help lower these costs and make childcare more affordable. These financial supports will also enable providers to improve the quality of care they offer, benefiting children and their families. Learn more
Encouraging businesses to support their employees' childcare needs is another critical component of my plan. By offering tax incentives to businesses that provide on-site childcare or subsidies for their employees’ childcare expenses, we can create a supportive work environment that helps parents balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Learn more
Investing in workforce development is key to economic growth. I support creating paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities through tax breaks for local businesses. Expanding vocational and technical training programs will equip our workforce with the skills needed for high-demand industries. Learn more
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