Pamela Pugh

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

In the face of escalating gun violence and tragic mass shootings, Pamela is firmly committed to taking decisive action to protect our communities and save lives. As a federal official, she’ll work hand-in-hand with local leaders to support community investments that will curb gun violence, enhance public safety, and create a society where everyone can live without fear. Learn more

The safety and security of people must be a top priority. That means improving de-escalation protocols and practices and incentivizing the use of non-lethal solutions. Pam will prioritize investment in mental health and survivor benefits for first responders. Learn more

Economy

In Congress, Pam will support policies that allow small businesses and big businesses alike to hire more Michigan workers and pay them higher salaries. One important aspect to ensuring we have workers prepared for 21st century jobs is to support initiatives that provide affordable and equitable access to job training and development, including vocational and apprenticeship programs. Learn more

Education

Student loan debt has become an oppressive burden for many graduates, hindering their ability to thrive and contribute fully to society. Pam is committed to finding comprehensive solutions to alleviate this debt crisis, like capping interest rates, expanding loan forgiveness programs, fixing loopholes in student loan debt forgiveness programs, and enhancing financial literacy to prevent future generations from facing similar challenges. Learn more

At the heart of Pam’s vision for a prosperous and equitable future lies a commitment to transforming our education system. In Congress, she will be dedicated to advocating for public education policy that prioritizes the well-being and success of every student, fosters an environment of learning and growth, and eradicates the systemic barriers hindering their progress. Pam supports a federal Ban on Book Bans, meaning no state or locality can divert educational resources to promote censorship or erode students’ freedom to read. Learn more

As a state education official, Pam knows that federal support for education is paramount. She will make it a priority to invest substantially in our schools, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to provide a high-quality education for all students to learn in healthy, safe, and supportive learning environments. Learn more

Not every student will choose to go to college. But for those that do, it should be accessible, regardless of economic background. As your representative, Pam will work to reduce the burden of college costs by increasing financial aid, expanding scholarship opportunities, and supporting community colleges. By making college more affordable, we will open doors of opportunity and empower students to pursue their passions without the weight of crushing debt. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Pamela recognizes the importance of building resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change. In Congress, she will prioritize investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood protection systems, heatwave mitigation strategies, and green spaces in urban areas. This means working hand-in-hand with state and local leaders, as she has done for the past two decades. Learn more

We need a future powered by clean, renewable energy sources. And we must acknowledge that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities and exacerbate existing health disparities. Pam will lead bold climate action policies, including transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, investing in renewable infrastructure, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She’ll also empower unheard voices in decision-making processes to ensure that those with the most to lose, like farmers, communities of color, and low-income populations, have a seat at the table when creating solutions. Learn more

The climate crisis is global and the U.S. Congress needs to be the global leader in tackling its detrimental impacts. This means more international cooperation and diplomacy. Pam will forge strong global partnerships to address climate change and its impacts on public health and food and energy security. Learn more

Guns

Assault weapons have been repeatedly used in some of the deadliest mass shootings in our country's history, resulting in countless lives lost and families devastated. That’s why we must remove weapons of war from our streets and ban untraceable guns. Pam will support a full and permanent ban on assault weapons that have no place in the hands of civilians, while ensuring that second amendment rights to protect one’s family remain unimpaired. Learn more

Healthcare

Pamela knows the critical role that healthcare professionals play in delivering essential, quality care. She will support initiatives to enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of health care providers, from physicians, to nurses, to therapists and everything in between. We must strive to create a supportive and equitable work environment for healthcare professionals, ensuring their well-being and job satisfaction. Learn more

Pamela believes that access to quality health care is a fundamental human right, and an individual's financial status should never determine it. She is dedicated to championing affordable healthcare for all, recognizing that a healthy population leads to stronger and more prosperous communities. She’ll aim to address the complex challenges faced by our current healthcare system, ensuring that no one is left behind and that everyone has access to the care they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Learn more

Gun violence is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and access to assault weapons is just one piece of the puzzle. As a former city official, Pam knows the negative impact of disinvestment in our local communities and that investing in mental health services and community support systems to address the root causes of violence and provide assistance to those in need can have a profound effect in lowering violence levels and increasing beneficial outcomes. Learn more

The current healthcare paradigm is broken. We need a system that provides coverage for all individuals, full stop. Every American should be able to access healthcare without the fear of going bankrupt. Pam believes this system needs to cover preventive care, mental health support, and treatment for chronic illnesses. Learn more

We must collectively acknowledge the existing disparities in health outcomes among different communities, whether racial/ethnicity, socio-economic, or geographical. Pam knows that she alone cannot change our healthcare system, but she can help it change direction with a focus on a health equity approach to policy making decisions. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

For too long, Congress has abdicated their responsibility to protect workers health and future. As a former union member, I will be a vocal supporter of workers' right to collectively bargain, standing up to corporate greed and ensuring workplaces are healthy and safe. I will also ensure that workers have what they need to succeed. That means affordable childcare to enter the workforce and expanding the Child Care Tax Credit so more workers can participate in our growing economy. Learn more

Pam recognizes that a fair and sustaining wage is essential for individuals and families to thrive. She is committed to crafting policies that ensure every workers’ wage covers their basic needs, including housing, healthcare, education, and a secure retirement. Pamela will continue to support efforts to increase the minimum wage and promote fair compensation practices that narrow income inequality gaps. Learn more