Michigan's unemployment rate has been far too high for far too long. Families are struggling. Businesses are closing. In time like there, we cannot have a tax structure that punished job providers.  The Michigan Business Tax surcharge raised taxes on business. And what happened? More layoffs. Fewer employers hiring. It's simple: when Lansing raises taxes on job providers...people lose jobs. The MBT surcharge has to go!

Northern Michigan's tourism industry is a vital part of our states economy and its success generates positive benefits throughout local businesses and communities. The more we can do to encourage expansion of our tourism markets, the faster our economy and job opportunities will grow. I support giving our tourism industry the same incentives, regulatory reforms and funding as other top-tier state industries. I also fully support the Pure Michigan tourism promotion initiative.

It is essential we give our children an education that prepares them for the future and provides them with the opportunity to pursue the American dream right here in Michigan. I support policies that focus on student achievement, administrative efficiency and spending transparency.  I also support greater equity in school funding and expanding affordable post-high school educational opportunities for our children.

I support the sacred protections for the life of the unborn child. I support the ban on partial-birth abortion and human cloning. I also reject euthanasia as a response to mental and/or physical illnesses or disabilities. I will fight to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

 

    

Small business owners should not have to wait a year for a permit or pay tens of thousands of dollars for an environmental assessment before they even open their doors.

Consider the proposed coal plants in Presque Isle, Bay, and Midland counties. These are projects that could bring thousands of much needed jobs to northern Michigan.  Given the unemployment in Michigan, does our Government help these companies locate here? No, they get in the way and over-regulate!  The result? One project is scrapped, two remain on hold and jobs are lost. Government has to get out of the way of progress and prosperity.

We need to stop spending money we don't have on projects we don't need. Education, roads & bridges, and public safety - keeping police on the streets - are the main responsibilities of state government.

Yet, last year, the state laid off 100 state police troopers and then constructed a new state police headquarters that cost $4 million more per year than the old building! On top of that, the Governor released 7000 convicted felons. That, is something we don't need.

I believe in limited government, focused on providing what we need. Government needs to balance its books the same way families and businesses do - the same way you do - by cutting costs and eliminating wasteful spending.

I believe an individual has the right to keep and bear arms and that the Second Amendment conveys that individual right to every American. To erode this constitutionally guaranteed right is unacceptable.