Economic Stewardship

Michigan's economic success depends on creating strong trade policies that take into account the needs of American manufacturers and workers, addressing the health care crisis, advancing renewable energy policies that help create jobs and protect our resources, and tackling this foreclosure crisis.

The Bush Administration and the Republicans in Congress have refused to enforce or pursue strong trade policies and the outsourcing crisis. I would join with Senators Levin and Stabenow as well as Michigan's Congressional delegation to demand a strong stance on trade – one that protects jobs and allows Michigan--and the United States--to compete.

In the state Senate, I have worked to bring business and labor together to protect and expand jobs in our area. I've worked with Michigan companies like Kellogg's, Duncan Aviation, Michigan International Speedway, Sparton Corporation, Eaton Aerospace and others, helping them to stay in Michigan and grow their businesses. And I have always supported Michigan workers – voting for an increase in the minimum wage, fighting to protect the earned income tax credit that helps low-income workers, and teaming up with former Congressman Joe Schwarz to save the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.