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PLATFORM

The people of Michigan’s 1st District have worked hard for generations to build this community, and it’s time we make sure that the policies in Washington reflect those values. As your representative, I’ll fight for fair wages, affordable healthcare, support for small businesses, and a stronger economy that benefits everyone. Together, we can ensure that the American Dream is accessible to all—no matter where you live.

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  • Affordable and Accessible Healthcare: No family should go bankrupt because of medical bills. Access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental right. I’ll work to strengthen Medicaid and Medicare, ensure that rural healthcare facilities stay open, and fight for lower prescription drug prices. For families in the U.P. and across our district, I’ll push for policies that make healthcare affordable and accessible, so that you can take care of your health without the fear of financial ruin.

  • Raising Wages and Supporting Local Jobs: We need to make sure that working families in our district are earning wages that reflect the cost of living. I support raising the federal minimum wage so that no one has to work full-time and still struggle to provide for their family. In addition, I’ll work to ensure that good-paying jobs in manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled trades are accessible to everyone, particularly in rural communities like ours. We have an abundance of resources, and it’s time to put them to work for the people here.

  • Affordable Housing: Housing costs have skyrocketed, making it harder for families to afford a place to live. I’ll work to expand access to affordable housing programs, invest in housing development that fits the needs of working families, and ensure that federal policies prioritize affordable and sustainable housing options in rural and underserved areas.

  • Support for Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I’ll make sure they have the resources they need to succeed. Whether it's providing access to low-interest loans, tax incentives, or reducing regulatory burdens, I’m committed to helping local entrepreneurs thrive. This includes ensuring that rural businesses get the support they need to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

  • Affordable Childcare and Family Leave: Working families are under immense pressure, especially when it comes to childcare costs. I’ll push for policies that lower the cost of childcare and provide access to quality care for families across the district. Additionally, I will fight for paid family leave policies that allow parents to take care of their children and family members without sacrificing their income.

  • Investing in Rural Infrastructure: Many families in Michigan’s 1st District face barriers to access because of poor infrastructure. I’ll fight for increased investment in rural broadband to ensure that every home, school, and business can stay connected. Additionally, I’ll work to improve roadways, public transportation, and water systems to ensure that communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive.

  • Protecting Social Security and Medicare: For working families in our district, Social Security and Medicare are critical lifelines. I will fight to protect these programs from cuts and ensure they remain strong for future generations. Everyone who has worked hard and paid into the system deserves to know that their benefits will be there when they need them.

  • Affordable Education and Workforce Training: Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving upward mobility. I’ll advocate for increased funding for public schools, especially in rural areas, and push for lower college tuition through Pell Grants and student loan forgiveness. I will also focus on expanding workforce development programs that provide skills training for high-demand fields, such as clean energy, technology, and the skilled trades.

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For more details on my Core Values and positions, see below.

CORE VALUES
Local Representation

Michigan’s 1st District deserves a representative who is fully committed to the people here, who understands our values, our challenges, and who spends time on the ground, listening to real concerns. Unfortunately, our current representative, Jack Bergman, is often referred to as “Louisiana Jack” due to his lack of presence in the district and evidence suggesting he maintains his primary residency in Louisiana instead of Northern Michigan. This kind of disconnect between a representative and their community undermines the trust and accountability that should be at the heart of our democracy.

Environment​​

Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are home to some of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes in the country. From the Great Lakes to our vast forests and wildlife, these natural treasures define who we are and are essential to our economy, way of life, and future. As a devoted steward of the land, I am committed to ensuring that we protect Michigan’s natural resources for future generations. This includes fighting for policies that will preserve the Great Lakes, safeguard our forests, and protect wildlife, all while making sure we have a safe, reliable transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. But we must do this in a way that protects jobs and supports working families. I’m committed to policies that: Ensure reliable energy sources year-round: We cannot afford to jeopardize the reliability of our energy during Michigan’s harsh winters. I will fight for a balanced approach that ensures reliable, affordable energy while transitioning to more sustainable sources. Support good-paying jobs: We must grow the clean energy sector while protecting Michigan’s working-class jobs. I will advocate for policies that create high-quality jobs in the renewable energy sector without sacrificing the livelihoods of those who depend on traditional industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and natural resource management. Promote responsible energy development: I’ll work to ensure that Michigan’s energy policies are sustainable, focusing on wind, solar, and energy efficiency programs while being mindful of local needs, jobs, and the balance with our environment. Protect our Great Lakes and waterways: I’ll advocate for stronger protections against pollution, invasive species, and contamination in the Great Lakes—because clean water is not just a right; it’s a lifeline for Michigan families. Michigan’s 1st District is uniquely positioned to lead the way in balancing energy security, job growth, and environmental protection. I’m committed to ensuring we protect our environment while providing the energy and jobs we need to thrive. Together, we can build a sustainable future that works for everyone.

Education​

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.

Healthcare​​

Healthcare in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula is a crisis. In rural communities, access to healthcare is already limited, with long travel distances to the nearest hospital and a shortage of healthcare professionals, making it harder to get care when it’s needed most. In fact, nearly 75,000 residents in Michigan’s 1st District rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Across the state, over 600,000 Michiganders rely on Medicaid, a number that continues to grow as families face economic hardships. If we don't act, many rural hospitals across the district, which are already financially strained, could close, leaving families without critical care. As someone who’s lived the struggle, I refuse to stand by while families face the impossible choice of medical bills or food on the table. No one should have to go bankrupt simply because they fall ill or require life-saving treatments. It’s time for a healthcare system that works for everyone, regardless of their income, location, or status. I am committed to ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and my plan includes: Expanding access to healthcare in rural areas: Our rural hospitals are critical to the health of communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. I will fight to ensure adequate funding for rural healthcare systems, making sure they stay open and accessible. This includes investing in telemedicine to improve access to care for people in remote areas. Protecting Medicaid and Medicare: Medicaid and Medicare are lifelines for our seniors and low-income families. In Michigan’s 1st District, nearly 75,000 residents depend on Medicaid. I will fight to protect these vital programs, ensuring they remain intact and adequately funded so every Michigander has access to affordable healthcare, no matter where they live. Lowering prescription drug costs: Too many families in Michigan are forced to choose between prescription medication and other essential needs. I will work to lower prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and bringing transparency to drug pricing. Ensuring affordable healthcare for all: I will advocate for a healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage for every American, including access to mental health care, which remains a significant issue in rural communities. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, can get the care they need without the risk of financial ruin. Supporting preventive care: Prevention is key to improving health outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs. I will work to increase access to preventive care, including routine screenings, vaccines, and wellness programs that will help reduce chronic conditions and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Healthcare in Michigan’s 1st District shouldn’t depend on your zip code. It shouldn’t depend on the size of your paycheck or whether or not you can afford to drive hundreds of miles to get care. I am committed to building a healthcare system that works for all of us, from the lakeshore to the forests, ensuring that everyone in Northern Michigan can access the care they need without breaking the bank.

Housing and Cost of Living​

Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are known for their beauty and charm, but rising housing costs and the high cost of living are becoming major burdens for many families. The reality is, too many people in this district are struggling to make ends meet, and too many hard-working families can’t afford decent housing. In Michigan’s 1st District, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is climbing well above what many families can afford, and the lack of affordable housing options is driving people out of the communities they love. It’s not just about rising rent—it’s about the increasing cost of living in an area that is already rural and underserved. Wages in our district often don’t match the skyrocketing prices of everyday essentials. Too many families are being forced to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. The housing affordability crisis in Michigan’s 1st District is pushing people further into financial hardship, and the status quo isn’t cutting it anymore. As someone who’s seen firsthand what it’s like to struggle with making ends meet, I’m committed to making housing more affordable for families in Northern Michigan. My plan to tackle the housing crisis includes:

Tribal Sovereignty​

Michigan’s 1st Congressional District is home to several Native American tribes, each with a unique history, culture, and vital contribution to the fabric of our community. As a proud representative of this region, I recognize that the tribal communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have faced centuries of systemic injustice, including displacement, denial of rights, and a lack of recognition. It is time we ensure that Native American tribes are treated with the respect, dignity, and fairness they deserve, and that their rights and sovereignty are fully recognized and protected.

Immigration​

Michigan’s 1st District is a proud, hardworking region—home to families who’ve been here for generations, as well as communities that welcome newcomers seeking a better life. I’m committed to ensuring our immigration system works for Michigan’s families, workers, and communities while keeping our borders secure and upholding the rule of law.

Seniors​

Michigan’s 1st District is home to a large and growing population of senior citizens who have built this community, raised families, and worked hard for the future we all share. From our rural farms to our lakeshores, seniors are at the heart of our communities—they’ve shaped our way of life, and it’s time we make sure they receive the support and respect they deserve.

Government that works for YOU

The Citizens United decision in 2010 opened the floodgates for corporate money to dominate our elections, allowing the top 0.01% of wealthiest Americans and special interests to exert unprecedented influence over our government. Since then, the voice of working families here in Michigan’s 1st District has been drowned out by the super-rich who use their massive wealth to push policies that don’t serve our community. Decisions are being made by those who can afford to flood our elections with millions of dollars—not by people like us, who are struggling to get by, make ends meet, and protect our way of life.

Small Bussiness​ and Economic Growth

Small businesses are the backbone of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. From the mom-and-pop shops in our small towns to the local farms and manufacturers that power our economy, small businesses provide not just jobs, but a sense of community. However, small business owners across Michigan’s 1st District are facing increasing challenges—rising costs, complex regulations, and lack of access to capital are making it harder for them to thrive

Agriculture​

Agriculture is the backbone of Michigan’s 1st District—our farms and ranches are vital to the local economy, providing food, jobs, and a way of life for thousands of families. From the cherry orchards of Traverse City to the dairy farms and greenhouses across the Upper Peninsula, agriculture in this region is as diverse as it is essential. But for too long, farmers have faced an uncertain future: rising costs, changing weather patterns, trade disputes, and a shortage of workers have all made it harder to succeed.

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.

National Security

National security is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation, and ensuring the safety of our citizens, communities, and way of life is of the utmost importance. In Michigan’s 1st District, we understand the value of strong, secure borders, the necessity of a robust defense infrastructure, and the critical need to address emerging threats, both abroad and here at home.

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