Economic Justice for All
Too many people in our state are living paycheck to paycheck and our trapped in a never ending cycle of simply surviving from day to day. If we want Michiganders to be able to imagine a better future for the next generation we must first get people from a mindset focused on simply surviving to one focused on thriving. To do this we must create an economy that works for all of us and not continue to prioritize the profits of millionaires and billionaires. Everyone deserves to live a life where they can work and meet all of the needs of their families. Here is how I believe we create an economy that works for all of us
Maximizing State Benefits
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We should help residents transition off state benefits by fostering long-term economic independence. This includes:
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Providing financial literacy and long-term planning classes.
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Implementing gradual benefit phase-outs to avoid "cliffs" that discourage people from accepting higher-paying jobs.
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Corporate Accountability
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Large corporations should not shift the burden of low wages onto the state. We should increase taxes on companies whose employees require state assistance, incentivizing higher wages.
Invest In Our WOrkforce
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We must invest in our workforce here in Michigan so we can grow our homegrown talent, and attract more talent come and work here in Michigan
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Prioritize good paying jobs that provide benefits including things like access to healthcare, paid sick leave and paternity leave
Support Small Businesses
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As the backbone of our economy, small businesses need fewer regulations and a lower tax burden than multinational corporations to help them thrive.
Affordable Childcare
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Parents often make the decision to go down to one income households rather than pay the high cost of forcing one parent to sacrifice career growth to ensure their kid gets the support they need. We must make it easier to start childcare facilities as this will increase competition and lower prices.
Housing Justice
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Freeze rent prices and establish a commission to align housing costs with regional wages.
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Restrict corporate firms from buying single-family homes to stop them from driving up prices.
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We must implement a state-wide right to counsel for low-income tenants in evictions cases
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Establish a state-wide Right to Renew policy. Too often landlords will refuse to renew leases to make it easier for them to raise rent or simply charge their tenants a month-to-month rate and thus maximize their profits. The first right of refusal to renew a lease but sit with the tenants and not landlords.
Energy
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We must stop constant rate hikes from DTE and Consumers Energy.
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We must take back the power from appointing members to the board that approve DTE rate hikes from the Governor and place them with the legislature and thus in the hands of the people. Doing this would be able to help the people of Michigan clearly identify who stands with lowering the cost of our energy bills and who is against them.