Issue Position: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Issue Position

Gun violence. Legal marijuana. In Michigan, we're faced with difficult challenges and complex opportunities. It's crucial we bring all voices to the table to forward real solutions, without the influence of special interests taking precedence over the interests of residents.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

Michigan ranks among the top states nationwide in the number of threats to schools in the wake of the Parkland school shooting, leading to many closures and lockdowns throughout Oakland County which disrupt school. High schoolers and students frequently tell me they feel unsafe and operate knowing their school may be next.

Suicide is the #2 cause of death for young people ages 10-24 in Oakland County, made significantly more dangerous by easy access to a firearm.

Abused women are five times more likely to be killed if their abuser owns a firearm, and domestic violence assaults involving a gun are 12 times more likely to end in death than assaults with other weapons or physical harm.

A majority of Michigan residents support legalizing recreational marijuana, which could produce a valuable new source of revenue to fund schools and infrastructure repair.

WHAT WE CAN DO

Move forward on common-ground legislation requiring enhanced universal background checks for firearm purchases

Increase the number of counselors and psychologists in schools to provide support to students outside of the classroom

Support "Red Flag legislation" proposed by state Representative Robert Wittenberg to temporarily remove firearms from those deemed a danger to themselves or others

Support the ballot initiative to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol

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