By: State Rep. Greg Markkanen

Fighting for the priorities that matter most to our families, friends and neighbors in the Western U.P. is what you sent me to Lansing to do in November. I will continue to work hard to defend our U.P. values. Top priorities that will improve our daily lives include reducing car insurance rates, fixing our roads, advancing career technical education and having more access to resources for mental health.

Michigan drivers should not have to pay the highest car insurance rates in the nation. We have to make common-sense reforms that will protect drivers and keep more of their own money in their pockets. We must reduce rates now, not next term, and we are working together as a bipartisan Legislature to find a solution.

Repairing our Michigan roads is essential for drivers and to our economy. I am committed to making sure our Michigan roads are fixed on budget and on time. Fixing our roads is imperative to the U.P. and we must ensure that all Michigan drivers are safe on the roads.

All students no matter where they live or what their background is should have the opportunity to succeed. Whether it be at a college, university or in skilled trades, there needs to be resources available to them to help make their transition from school to a career an easy one.  Many students today are using technical skills to advance their careers. It’s important that we support students who want to further their careers, and I will back policies that encourage all students’ career interests.

We also must continue to help those who need help the most. I am committed to improving our public health system and giving residents the additional resources and services they need in our communities. I have heard stories from our neighbors having to travel many miles to the lower peninsula to get mental health resources. We must ensure these residents are given the local care they deserve where it’s convenient and accessible to them.

I will continue to work with my Michigan House colleagues on these key priorities to make our home an even better place to live.

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