The question of abortion access is settled in the State of Michigan. We voted to enshrine abortion rights in the Constitution. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discourages members from seeking an elective abortion or encouraging others to seek elective abortion. While I have never driven a woman to her abortion, paid for an abortion or received an abortion myself, I fully support bodily autonomy. No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy they did not explicitly agree to. There should be safe, reliable options to medically terminate pregnancy while preserving the dignity of women and their role in creating life. No one needs to be in the room with a woman and her OB--not an uninvited partner or parent and certainly not the government.

I support gender-affirming care in the State of Michigan. I support bodily autonomy above all else.

The science on intersexed individuals is real.

The science on gender dysmorphia is real.

Any person, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, should have the freedom to move about the world in whichever gender they see fit.

Gender is a social construct.

I am disappointed to learn that University of Michigan announced that it will no longer provide gender-affirming hormonal therapies or puberty blocker medications to minors. Puberty blockers are a safe and effective means for individuals to delay puberty until such time that they can legally decide to transition medically. This decision was undoubtedly made under pressure put on U of M by the Trump Administration. University of Michigan has a reputation for top-notch medical care rooted in the most recent medical science available. This is deeply disappointing. Again, the government should not be in the room with you and your doctor.

Fortunately, Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, has said the University’s decision may be illegal under Michigan law, specifically potentially violating antidiscrimination protections. Withholding healthcare based on gender identity may run counter to state laws such as the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. I believe in upholding the law. As of today, gender-affirming care for minors in Michigan is legal.

I would support a ballot measure to have the citizens of Michigan vote to enshrine access to gender-affirming care in the Michigan Constitution. Until that is put to a vote, I will defend the existing laws that make and keep gender-affirming care available to all Michiganders.

Simply put, we are long-overdue for a single-payer healthcare system. I support the Medicare For All movement. But, until the Federal Government gets back into the business of governing, Michigan may have to put it's own single-payer system in place. If it's been done, it can be done. Massachusetts currently has put the question before it's legislature. Under a single-payer system taxes will cover the cost of premiums. There still may be nominal co-pays and cost-sharing. Paychecks are still expected to increase given that many Michiganders will no longer have to pay into an employer-sponsored plan.

As your Senator, I’ll support legislation that expands Pre-K For All to include 3 years-olds and removes income limits on day care assistance.

Childcare is expensive, and I have personally felt that pinch.

In 2010, I had my first child. My baby was due in October and I had friends asking me in July what my plans were for childcare. I was living in Grand Rapids at the time. I was unaware that it takes weeks to find a daycare with an opening--let alone one I could afford. My newborn, Nadia, was 4 weeks when I had to return to work--because I had run out of paid time off. We were living paycheck to paycheck. My pregnancy was the first time I, an adult, would visit a community food pantry.

I made the heartbreaking decision to leave Nadia with my mother, 3 hours away. I would visit on weekends and mourn my missed motherhood during the week. After six months, I couldn't stand to miss any more firsts. In April 2011, I moved back to the Saginaw Area. I slept on the couch of my mother's one bedroom apartment with Nadia in a pop-up playpen next to me. By September, I had saved enough money for a first month's rent and security deposit and left the nest (again).

Mothers should not have to be forced to choose between motherhood and careers. This is why I advocate for state-paid, Birth-8-years-old childcare for all families regardless of income. Parents win. Children win. The Economy wins. Children will have more opportunities to grow socially and develop good learning routines that last a lifetime. Additionally, this plan strengthens Michigan's economy as it draws families and career-driven young people to our State. Jobs will be created as caretakers are recruited, trained and placed.

I do. Full stop.

Michigan already has a law on the books which reads, "A person shall not attempt, by means of bribery, menace, or other corrupt means or device, either directly or indirectly, to influence an elector in giving his or her vote, or to deter the elector from, or interrupt the elector in giving his or her vote at any election held in this state." --MCL- Section 168.932.

The law is pretty clear. Those who intimidate voters in Michigan are committing a felony and they will be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law. The law applies to everyone.

The bridge should be returned to public ownership. Crossing fees should be eliminated.

When has private ownership of public goods ever been a rousing success story? Private industry does not belong at the table with public infrastructure.

Sanford can tell you, first hand, that private ownership of a dam left their community devastated in May of 2020.

Private industry thinks we forget. We don’t. Their poor stewardship has upset routines—and ended lives.

If elected, I’ll support legislation that requires public goods to be returned to public ownership.

We can afford it. What we can't afford is any more losses to life, property and productivity.