I believe that as we work through the challenges facing the State, we cannot afford to ignore the opportunities that surround us. This world we live in and these communities we call home are not only ours for today; they represent the stepping stones to a new future. We must not falter, we must work together to create a sustainable future.

I have identified several keys to creating good jobs and a robust economy and envision a sustainable future identified by:

• Thriving Children
• Empowered Families
• Prosperous Communities
• An Inviting Environment

My goals are all about building capacity in these areas and helping the men, women, and children of Michigan live better lives.

Fighting to create good-paying jobs and protect our workers

As your State Representative, my top priority is creating opportunities for our workers to get good-paying jobs now. I support a plan that gives priority for economic development projects to companies that employ Michigan workers. I sponsored a plan that cut personal property taxes for businesses, encouraging them to create jobs here. I am fighting to expand the No Worker Left Behind program so folks who have lost their jobs can train for new careers. I helped create a program that is expanding the marketing of our state and our products to attract more tourists and good-paying jobs.

Fighting to capture renewable energy jobs and investment

I am working hard to ensure that the Thumb's stake in the growing renewable energy industry translates into good-paying jobs for our workers, new income for farmers and landowners, and revenue for our communities. I voted for an aggressive plan to help attract more high-quality investors in wind energy, biofuels, and waste-to-energy technologies. By diversifying our renewable energy production, we will capture more of the thousands of “green-collar” jobs being created in this growing field.

Fighting to protect our way of life

I am fighting to protect our Great Lakes, our rich agricultural land, and the other natural resources that make living here so special. I am taking action to protect our waters and the thousands of jobs they generate in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. To begin solving the longstanding muck problem, I proposed a plan that limits the use of phosphorus fertilizer on lawns. I also voted for a tough plan that will stop the flood of trash pouring in from Canada and other states.