Together with my campaign committee, I have spent the last several months working on the platform for the Lewis campaign.  Prior to launching the campaign platform on the website, it was important to me to be as familiar as possible with the issues that are facing mid-Michigan residents and the State of Michigan in general.  As a result, since filing in late June, I have met with numerous individuals from the private and public sectors in Midland and Saginaw county.

The Lewis campaign will focus primarily on the following four issues:

1. Education,
2. the Michigan economy,
3. Energy and environmental issues, and
4. Health care.

Education

First and foremost, I am an educator.  I have been employed in the higher education field for 24 years, and I believe that a quality education is necessary in order to function effectively in our society.  That said, if we continue to try to balance the state budget on the backs of our students and their parents, our educational system and our economy will continue to suffer and we will continue to lose valuable State Human Resources to other states.  As a State, we need to stand firm on providing a quality and affordable education for all.  In addition, as a State Legislator I will focus my energies in the following education-related areas:

• Improving high school graduation rates,
• Raising the minimum high school drop-out age,
• Providing rigorous college-level courses for interested high school students,
• Reducing class size,
• Improving school safety,
• Improving teacher pay and protecting teacher benefits,
• Supporting teachers through increased funding of mentoring and induction programs,
• Expanding early childhood education, and
• Continuing implementation of the Cherry Commission on Higher Education & Economic Growth recommendations (http://www.cherrycommission.org/)

Economy

We are all aware of the fact that Michigan is suffering through tough times and leads the Nation in the number of people moving out of the State.  The decline in the automotive sector has had a huge impact on everyone in the State and especially in the mid-Michigan region.  But, despite these tough times, I know that we are determined people.  What you want, what I want, and what I will help provide are legislators who will sit down together, regardless of party affiliation, and work together to find a solution to our tough economic issues.  We need to focus on diversifying our economy.  As your state legislator I promise to:

• Proactively work to balance the state budget,
• Protect workers’ rights,
• Increase minimum wage, and
• Proactively work to leverage the Michigan workforce skills set to bring new industries to the State.

Energy and the Environment

Experts predict that by 2030, one in four U.S. jobs will be in the alternative energy and energy efficiency industries and forecast that the hottest areas of growth will be solar, wind, ethanol, and fuel cell development.  Right here in the 98th district, we have the Dow Corning Hemlock Semiconductor, the world’s leading producer of hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries.  This expansion has led to numerous jobs and provided a real hope for future development and job growth potential.  The continued growth and expansion of both Dow Corning and Dow Chemical necessitates an energy solution that is both renewable and sustainable.

It is clear that renewable and sustainable energy is the way of the future.  The big question is how to get there and which sources of energy to pursue.  The State will have to focus time and resources in this area.  We know that we can no longer rely solely on fossil fuels, that these sources of energy are quickly being depleted and/or do irreparable damage to our environment.  We all know that we must work on reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels through conservation and development of alternative energy sources.  Getting there will take a determined leader, one who is willing to do whatever it takes to move Michigan toward a commitment to renewable and sustainable energy.  Without a doubt, I am that leader.  I will do this through collaborative teamwork with our local industry, governmental and environmental partners.

“As residents of the Great Lakes State, we know we are the guardians of a proud environmental heritage. Not only is our environment a source of recreation and pride, but three of Michigan's top industries - agriculture, tourism and timber - depend wholly on a sustainable environment for their very existence.”  (Source: http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-45414---,00.html).

As your State Legislator I will focus on:

• Investing in clean energy,
• Investing in alternative energies,
• Working collaboratively with the Michigan Environmental Council (http://www.mecprotects.org/),
• Ensuring that our automobiles and trucks are more fuel efficient,
• Defending clean air and water,
• Holding polluters accountable, and
• Maintaining our Michigan quality of life (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153--167841--,00.html)

Health care

It is shameful that there are some Michigan citizens who are hard working individuals but who have no health coverage.  Can you imagine not being able to schedule routine exams or exercise preventative health care for your child because (1) your place of employment does not provide health coverage, and (2) you can not afford anything other than emergency health care?  As a State we need to stand up for everyone and ensure that they have the basic health coverage that is needed.

As your State Legislator I will:

• Work to ensure accessible, affordable and reliable, and
• Emphasize preventative health care.