Together, we will build a Michigan that works for us all.
A Michigan that works for all of us means that we focus on policies that do the most good for the most people. It means that we focus on building:
A worker-centered economy.
Every worker deserves a thriving wage for hard work - one that allows them to fulfill their basic needs, pursue personal interests and live a fulfilling life. The right of self-determination in choosing where to work and the ability to demand fair compensation for labor must be protected and reinforced.
Abbie will work to
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Raise the minimum wage while making shifts in how we incentivize and support small business so that they can afford to pay thriving wages
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Establish a paid family leave program and work toward universal childcare so that parents don't have to choose between raising a family and building a career
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Free workers from non-compete clauses so that they can move and progress within their chosen career pathways without having their livelihoods threatened
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Increase protections for workers in forming and joining unions so that the benefits of solidarity cannot be blocked through threats to job security
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Restore the right of municipalities to set local labor standards so that communities can establish additional worker protections based on local context
Adequate, affordable and accessible housing.
Too many folks are paying too much money for housing that is inadequate for their needs. Michigan needs more housing - and more housing that's affordable and accessible across budgets and stages of life.
Abbie will work to
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Change existing laws to remove subjective and arbitrary zoning standards and legalize housing that builds communities - including accessory dwelling units, duplexes and other "missing middle" units that fit into existing neighborhoods
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Repeal Michigan's prohibition on rent stabilization so that policies can be enacted to limit rent increases to predictable and manageable amounts
An excellent public education for all children.
Every child deserves an excellent education - and Michigan has the resources and the talent to make it happen.
Abbie will work to
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Finally fund our schools adequately and appropriately, both by adding dollars to the education budget and putting an end to the raiding of the State School Aid Fund to pay for other programs
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Prioritize professional pay for our educators - including teachers, paraprofessionals, building administrators and support staff - that reflects the value they contribute to our society
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Ensure that all schools provide safe and comfortable learning environments, including small class sizes that provide the individualized attention students need to be successful
Healthy and thriving communities.
Individual health and wellbeing (both physical and mental) is the precursor to healthy communities, and the precursor to individual health and wellbeing is universally accessible and affordable healthcare.
Abbie will work to
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Establish either a public healthcare option or a single-payer system to ensure that the most basic of basic needs - physical health - is met for every person in our state
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Ensure that within that system, the bodily autonomy of every person is upheld and respected
Healthy and thriving communities prioritize wellbeing by correcting systemic inequities and focusing on real threats to the health and safety of individuals and families.
Abbie will work to
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Build people-centered infrastructure and transportation systems that ensure everyone can safely get where they need to go, however they want to get there
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Make significant and enduring progress in gun violence mitigation
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Put an end to the cash bail system
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Ensure safe drinking water and prioritize clean energy to power our communities
A Michigan that stands strong in protecting our people and our democracy.
We are living in an unprecedented time where basic rights, structures and benefits that we have long taken for granted as integral parts of our society are consistently under threat. Our state government is the most important bulwark in protecting Michiganders from the loss of basic services and protections by the actions of an unpredictable federal administration.
While engaging on the hard work aligned to the priorities above, Abbie brings a readiness to pivot whenever necessary to ensure that our state government fulfills this role and acts quickly and decisively to prevent hardship and suffering due to the erosion of federal stability.