IMPORTANT ISSUES

Exploited children and adults need a voice to prevent human trafficking and forced labor. Michigan ranks in the Top 10 states for human trafficking, and last year arrests were up almost 35% from the previous year. Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the state of Michigan. I will continue to raise awareness for prevention of such heinous crimes and exploitation of vulnerable children and adults. I believe in training for all medical professionals, social workers, and law enforcement officers to know the signs of these victims that often have no voice. I will work to ensure that Federal support to Michigan in the form of grants and awards from the Office of Victims and Crimes supports our anti-trafficking efforts. I will be your voice for prevention of human trafficking.

We need a voice to Strengthen Voter Integrity – Honest elections and the fundamental right to vote is the cornerstone of our Democracy and the very foundation of a representative government. I pledge to protect the voting rights of every citizen – to include their rights of conscience when they are harassed or discriminated against because of their political views or party affiliation. I will ensure ballot access for all legal voters. In the last Presidential election, more than 2.8 million deceased individuals remained on current voter registration rolls. This allows potential for fraud. Where voting procedures are open to abuse – they must be corrected. I believe in legislation to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a secure photo identification when voting. I will be your voice to strengthen voter integrity.

We need a voice that supports our Veterans and keeps our Promise – When our veterans raised their hand and took an oath, we also took an oath to care for them after their service. The burden of more than 20 years of war and conflict has taken a tremendous toll upon our Nation’s military service members and veterans. Suicide among our active and veteran population are at shocking levels. Statistics show that we average more than 20 military and veteran suicides a day – with more than 30,000 veteran suicides since September 11th. The need for treatment of post-service medical conditions, specifically in the field of mental health, requires immediate attention. We have a large number of military servicemembers, retirees and veterans that reside in the 9th District – and I will be your voice that supports our Veterans and honors the promise that we made to provide them the care they deserve.

We need a voice for common sense Immigration Policies and Border Protection. Our immigration policy must serve both State and National interests. It should not be a lawless system in which our public safety and the interests of Michigan workers are placed in jeopardy. I recently traveled to Texas where I personally witnessed the transportation of more than 300 undocumented, illegal immigrants from multiple countries. They are flown to cities all over the country – to what DHS calls “Host Destinations” – to include here in Michigan and Macomb County – without any requirement to abide by legal immigration policies or processes. Illegal immigration endangers everyone, exploits the tax payer, and insults all that aspire to enter America legally. I will be your voice that puts an end to the mockery of our immigration laws and border protection.

We need a voice for our Farmers and Agricultural Communities. Michigan is 2nd in the nation in agricultural commodities! Our state leads the nation in production of multiple crops resulting in a 100-billion-dollar industry. We are the largest agricultural exporter in the world, and Michigan agriculture exports are vital to our economy - with each dollar of an AG export generating another $1.27 in business activity. That is why I will be a voice for expanding trade opportunities and opening new markets for Michigan farmers. I will reject bogus claims and scare tactics to prevent Michigan products from foreign markets, and I will prevent AG imports with insufficient health and safety standards that our farmers meet and exceed. I will ensure fair policies that do not compromise our global competitiveness We need to combat supply chain issues and prices. I will be a voice for Michigan farmers and the agricultural community.