Priorities

During my time in the Michigan state house, I had the privilege to be Vice Chair of the Health Policy Committee. There, I advocated for policy that would make positive change in the healthcare system in Michigan. All Michiganders should have access to affordable healthcare, and no one should be denied because of pre-existing conditions. In addition, in the State Senate, I plan on championing causes like paid sick leave that gives workers the option to stay home when they are sick, instead of choosing between prioritizing their health and paying the bills.  I will also fight to ensure that pharmaceutical companies don’t take advantage of people across our state who need affordable prescription drugs. People should not have to choose between filling their much needed prescriptions and putting food on their table. In addition, I'm committed to protecting a women's right to healthcare and their bodily autonomy. Together, these assurances provide security to Michigan families.

Michigan citizens  deserve to know what is happening with their tax dollars and the factors influencing their elected officials. Michigan ranks the worst in the country on accountability and transparency, earning an F from Center for Public Integrity and other watchdog groups. If elected to the State Senate, I will be a proponent of bringing light to these issues and to the things Michiganders want to know. 

It is easy to see that Wayne county has an infrastructure problem, and it is imperative that we invest properly to resolve this issue. It is important to note that this issue goes much further than increasing funding for road repairs and reconstruction. We must also focus on increasing funding to fix our crumbling storm water and sewage systems. I will hold utility companies accountable for outages; push to Invest in healthy drinking water; and contaminated site clean-up. Rebuilding our communities would be a top priority for my office.

During my time on the Allen park school board, I saw first hand how our system is not only failing our students but also failing our teachers and support staff. We must fund public schools across the board to ensure every kid in every ZIP code has access to a quality K-12 education. This  includes laptops and broadband, functional water fountains, mental health services, along with skills and career training. Supporting our amazing teachers and staff is also a top priority for me. Michigan Schools need to increase teacher recruitment and retention by increasing salaries; offering competitive benefit packages; and implementing retention bonuses for educators. Most importantly, we need to listen to our educators and make sure they have a voice in Lansing.

If elected, I will prioritize protecting worker’s rights, including the right to organize and collective bargaining, as well as push to repeal the right to work law. I also think it's important that Michigan invests in workforce development, apprenticeships, and training programs to ensure Michigan workers are equipped for the future.

I believe we are called on to protect vulnerable populations, which is why I introduced legislation like  HB 4566 which would allow for drivers’ licenses to have a designation for people with a communication impediment. I also take great pride in sitting on the board of directors for the Fragile X Association. If elected to the Michigan State Senate, I will continue to sponsor legislation that will support people with a range of special needs, from autism to dyslexia, and all those who need our protection.