Pro-Agriculture

My family and I have spent our lives remaining committed to preserving Michigan’s agricultural heritage.  Agriculture is one of the state’s economic bright spots and critically important to Michigan and this district.  There is great opportunity for growth within the industry and I support policies that will sustain this positive momentum.

Pro-Life

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.

Pro-Second Amendment

I believe that 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.

Jobs and the Economy

Government-based solutions don't work. Private sector-based solutions do.

Our challenge is to build a vibrant, growing economy that supports businesses and encourages job-providers to invest, expand and create jobs.

Michigan's recovery is two-pronged. Not only do we need to make it easier for our businesses to create stable, good paying jobs for working families, but we also need an education system that will prepare our children for these jobs.

Small Business Support

Small businesses are the engine of our economy.  As a second-generation grocery store owner, I understand the enormous problems that face Michigan businesses. 

Excessive regulations, a burdensome and confusing tax code and high tax rates are stifling business growth and job creation in our state. My goal is to redefine the ways that the government interacts with businesses so that it provides a strong structure for economic growth.

I am committed to fixing the inherent inequities in the MBT and surcharge and removing the restrictive tax burden while managing our state's budget and I will work with the business community to overcome these challenges.

Through lower taxes and less regulation we can encourage business development and attract new businesses to our state. In addition, new policies such as my New Business Renaissance Zone legislation, will promote entrepreneurial efforts (House Bill 5202).  According tax credits to new small businesses eases the critical start-up period when most struggle to survive.

Educational Opportunities 

The greatest gift we can give to our children is an education that prepares them for the future and provides them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals. I support policies that focus on student achievement, administrative efficiency and spending transparency.  I also support policies that create more equity in school funding, increase the number of high school and college graduates and expand affordable post-high school educational opportunities for our children.
 
Our state’s economic future depends heavily on an innovative and well-educated work force.  We must make sure our children are prepared to compete for 21st Century jobs.

 
Tourism Promotion

We know that Michigan’s tourism industry is a leader in our state’s economy and that 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.

This industry also depends on quality roads and infrastructure.  West Michigan deserves an equitable distribution of state and federal infrastructure resources to help grow our economy.

Smaller, More Efficient Government

The role of government is not to manage the economy from Lansing.  Its role is to create the leanest, simplest tax structure and regulatory system possible and then step out of the way.

Government should work for us, not the other way around. I support reforming government by reducing spending, reinvigorating the economy by eliminating roadblocks that are preventing businesses from investing and creating jobs, and by reinvesting our limited resources to fund essential services - that - we - all - use - before spending a dime on anything else.