Priorities

FIGHT INFLATION AND LOWER THE COST OF LIVING 

Kevin Whiteford is the only candidate for State Representative who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a master’s degree in taxation, and he understands the crushing effects of rising inflation and taxes on hard-working families and seniors living on a fixed income. He is running to end reckless government spending and help people keep more of their paycheck. This is the kind of experience and leadership we need right now. ​​

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"Politicians are making it harder to get by and get ahead no matter how hard you work. I am running to help people keep more of their paycheck and make life better. As a CPA, I know how to do that."

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State government must prioritize and balance the budget without raising taxes. Michigan’s budget has increased by tens of billions of dollars over the last couple years, now at $82.5 BILLION, and state politicians also burned through a $9 BILLION surplus in just a few months. Now we are all forced to pay more state income taxes and fees to fund this reckless spending that will further cause inflation and hurt hard-working people and seniors. If there ever were a time to send a CPA to Lansing, that time is now.

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PROTECT FREEDOM 

Too many politicians want to dismantle the Constitution and erode our rights. Freedom is worth fighting for and as your State Representative, Kevin will take an oath to defend our shared values, democracy, and civil rights.

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MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE OPEN AND HONEST 

Kevin Whiteford believes our state government needs to be more open and honest with the people it represents. Our current State Representative violated the people’s trust when he sponsored and passed controversial legislation that conflicted with a business that he owns. We deserve better.

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•    Expand Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor’s office and the Legislature. Michigan is the only state to statutorily exempt its governor's office from the freedom of information act. Lansing shouldn’t operate in secrecy and the people of Michigan should have access to the records of their elected officials. ​

 •    Change to a part-time legislature like 40 other states​

 •    Prevent legislators from voting on bills when there is a clear conflict of interest

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STRENGTHEN EDUCATION AND EMPOWER PARENTS

As a dad and grandfather, Kevin understands that parents work hard, and they deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their kids are getting a safe and quality education - one that prepares them for success in a career and in life. That’s why Kevin supports investing in our local schools and making sure the money goes to the classroom. This means paying teachers well, so Michigan attracts the best, and making sure students and teachers have the necessary resources to achieve.

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Recently, state politicians cut $300 million in classroom safety and student mental health funding (92%) from this year’s budget, and they raided $670 million from the teacher retirement fund. Kevin will fight to restore this critical funding for our educators and kids.

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Educating our children shouldn’t be about politics or government mandates. Kevin will keep fighting to put decisions in the hands of parents, educators, and local taxpayers.

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SECURE ELECTIONS

Michigan has more registered voters than citizens of voting age. Michigan has 8.3 million registered voters, while U.S. Census Bureau estimates Michigan has 7.9 million citizens of voting age. We need to strengthen the integrity of our elections to ensure a more secure process that gives all of us confidence in the results.

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•    Allow only American citizens to vote

•    Remove dead voters from voter rolls

•    Count every legal vote

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PROTECT OUR LAKESHORE, ENVIRONMENT, AND PROPERTY RIGHTS

Protecting our land and water quality is essential to every aspect of life in southwest Michigan from outdoor recreation to job creation, tourism, housing, commercial development, and agriculture.

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•    Ensure clean, safe water for all

•    Protect from shoreline erosion and flooding

•    Stop polluters and invasive species from harming our health and local economy 

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SAFE COMMUNITIES

Law enforcement place their lives on the line every day to protect and serve. We should be doing everything we can to ensure their safety as well as prioritize the funding that is needed to properly protect our communities.    ​​​​​

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•    Protect police and fire funding

•    Stronger punishment for human traffickers, sex offenders, and drug smugglers

•    Stop illegal immigration and sanctuary cities

•    Prevent the early release of violent criminals from prison

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