Women's Rights

Women in Michigan’s 1st District are the heart of our communities, and it’s time we ensure they have the rights, opportunities, and protections they deserve. Whether they’re running small businesses, raising families, or working on farms, women in Northern Michigan are facing unique challenges that must be addressed. From equal pay to access to healthcare, affordable housing, and workplace protections, I’m committed to policies that empower women and create an environment where they can thrive.

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Here’s my plan to support women in Michigan’s 1st District:

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• Equal Pay for Equal Work: Women in Michigan continue to face significant wage disparities across many industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, which dominate our region. I will fight for pay equity laws that ensure women are compensated fairly for their work, and work to eliminate wage gaps that disproportionately affect women in rural areas.

• Affordable Childcare: One of the largest barriers for working mothers in our district is the high cost of childcare. I will work to expand access to subsidized childcare and early childhood education programs, ensuring that women have the resources to balance work and family without financial strain. Affordable childcare is crucial to fostering both economic security and family stability.

• Healthcare Access for Women: Access to affordable healthcare is a basic right, and women in rural areas often face unique challenges accessing maternal care, mental health services, and OB/GYN services. I will fight for expanded healthcare access, ensuring that women in Michigan’s 1st District, particularly in rural areas, can receive the care they need, without having to travel long distances or face financial burdens. This includes supporting Medicaid and Medicare and ensuring that healthcare policies prioritize women's health needs.

• Support for Women Entrepreneurs: Women in our district are leading small businesses and driving our local economies, but they face barriers to capital and resources. I will work to ensure that women have access to the funding, mentorship, and support they need to grow their businesses. Whether it’s in agriculture, technology, or manufacturing, women must have the tools to succeed and create new economic opportunities for their families and communities.

• Workplace Equality and Family Leave: Every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive in her career and at home. I will fight for paid family leave, workplace protections, and equal treatment for women in the workforce. Whether it’s ensuring women aren’t discriminated against for pregnancy or childcare responsibilities, or ensuring that paid family leave becomes a national standard, I’ll work to make sure women are supported in both their careers and their families.

• Protection from Violence: No woman should live in fear, and I’m committed to ensuring that domestic violence and sexual assault survivors have the resources they need to rebuild their lives. This includes supporting safe housing, mental health support, and legal protections to keep women safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

• Reproductive Rights: I believe that every woman has the right to choose what’s best for her body, and I’ll work to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare. While the state of Michigan has enshrined a woman’s right to choose in our constitution, I’m committed to making sure women in Northern Michigan have access to safe, legal services and family planning resources to make informed decisions about their health.

• Economic Security for Women: Women in our district deserve financial security and the ability to support themselves and their families. I’ll advocate for policies that ensure women have equal access to job opportunities, pay equity, and affordable housing. I will also work to expand tax credits and support programs that allow women to achieve financial independence, whether they are entering the workforce or starting their own businesses.