Education is the foundation of our future, and in Michigan’s 1st District, we must ensure that every student—whether in a small rural town or a larger community—has the opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately, many of our schools are underfunded, teachers are overworked, and students face barriers to accessing the resources they need. Too many students in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are falling behind simply because they don’t have the same opportunities that their peers in larger cities do.

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I’m committed to using the federal government’s power to make sure every student has access to a high-quality education, no matter their zip code. While education is largely a state and local responsibility, the federal government has a critical role in supporting and funding initiatives that ensure equitable access to education and strengthen our school systems across Michigan’s 1st District.

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Here’s my plan to improve education in Michigan’s 1st District:

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• Increase federal education funding: Public education must be adequately funded. I will fight to increase federal funding for schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, through Title I and other federal education programs. This means better resources, more teachers, and the ability to provide students with the opportunities they deserve. I will also work to ensure that federal funding reaches rural districts, so schools in Northern Michigan aren’t left behind.

• Support for teachers: Teachers are the backbone of our education system, but they’re often underpaid and overworked. I’ll fight for federal support for teacher salaries, professional development, and additional resources to ensure they have the support they need. I will also advocate for student loan forgiveness programs for teachers working in rural areas, making it easier for them to stay in the profession and continue to serve their communities.

• Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE): The future of education lies in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, especially in fields like clean energy, technology, skilled trades, and healthcare. I will push for increased federal funding to support  (CTE) programs, helping students gain real-world skills that will set them up for long-term success. This will also include collaborating with local schools to create pathways to high-demand careers that don’t require a four-year degree.

• Invest in broadband and technology for rural schools: Too many students in rural Michigan lack access to reliable internet and modern technology. As Congress pushes for federal investments in broadband infrastructure, I will ensure that rural communities get the resources they need to close the digital divide. This means increasing access to technology, which will help students connect with educational tools, participate in online learning, and access remote healthcare services.

• Support for special education: Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that includes children with disabilities. I will advocate for increased funding for special education programs, ensuring that students who need additional support have access to the resources and accommodations they deserve.

• Protecting and expanding access to higher education: I will fight to make higher education more affordable, especially for students in Michigan’s 1st District. This means increasing funding for Pell Grants, expanding student loan forgiveness programs, and supporting community colleges and technical training programs that provide critical pathways to employment. No student should be burdened with unmanageable student debt, and higher education should be accessible to all.

• Working with state and local leaders: While much of education policy is determined at the state and local level, I will work closely with Michigan’s state legislators and local school districts to ensure that federal policies align with local needs. This means partnering with school boards, teachers unions, and local officials to ensure that federal funding is used effectively and that policies are shaped to meet the unique needs of students in rural communities.

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Your zip code or family income should never limit education. I will fight for a strong, accessible, and affordable education system in Michigan’s 1st District, one that provides every student with the opportunity to succeed. Through federal investments, collaboration with state and local leaders, and a focus on equity, we can ensure that every child has the chance to build a future for themselves and contribute to the future of our communities.