THE ISSUES | jermainetobey

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On the Issues

Across our communities—from Southwest Detroit to River Rouge—families are working hard, but too many still feel like they’re being left behind.

We’ve seen progress, but not everyone is feeling it. Too often, the benefits go to the well-connected, while working people are expected to settle for less and be told to wait their turn.

I’m running for State Representative to change that.

I believe in something simple: government should make people’s lives better in real, tangible ways. Not through slogans. Not through empty promises. But through policies that actually pass and deliver results.

Some politicians focus on appearing bipartisan, even when it weakens what they’re trying to accomplish. Others refuse to compromise at all, even if it means nothing gets done.

I take a different approach:

Set bold goals that meet the moment
Work with anyone willing to get results
Compromise when necessary—but not at the expense of progress
And when there’s an opportunity to act, take it

Because the people of this district don’t benefit from political messaging—they benefit from real results that improve their lives.

LIST OF ISSUES

Healthcare: Coverage You Can Count On

No one should have to choose between getting care and paying their bills.

I support guaranteeing healthcare coverage for every Michigander—and doing it in a way that actually works for families and protects the care people already rely on.

That means:

Expanding access to affordable coverage
Strengthening Medicaid and other public health programs
Lowering prescription drug costs
Investing in mental health services

This isn’t about labels or slogans—it’s about making sure that when you need care, it’s there.

Housing: Stability and Affordability

Housing costs are rising, and too many families are being pushed to the brink.

Whether it’s rising rents in Detroit or housing stability in River Rouge, the reality is the same: people need a place they can afford to call home.

I will work to:

Expand affordable housing development
Protect renters from exploitation
Address rising costs with smart, targeted policies
Support pathways to homeownership

Housing should be a foundation for stability—not a constant source of stress.

Education & Student Debt

Education should be a pathway to opportunity—not a lifetime burden.

I support:

Canceling student debt to give people a real fresh start
Making college and trade programs more affordable or free
Investing in K-12 education so every student has a fair shot
Expanding workforce training and career pathways

If we want a stronger economy, we need to invest in people—and that starts with education.

Environment: Clean Air, Clean Water, and Accountability

Communities like Southwest Detroit and River Rouge have carried the burden of industrial pollution for far too long.

Clean air and clean water are not luxuries—they are basic rights.

I will fight for:

Stronger protections for Michigan’s water systems
Reducing pollution in overburdened communities
Investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure
Holding polluters accountable

Where you live should never determine the quality of the air you breathe or the water you drink.

A Government That Works for You

At the end of the day, this campaign isn’t about ideology—it’s about results.

It’s about building a government that works for the people of this district, not just those with power or connections.

Because whether you live in Detroit or River Rouge, whether you’re working two jobs or raising a family, you deserve a representative who is focused on one thing:

Getting things done that make your life better.

Jobs & the Economy: Reward Work, Not Just Wealth

This is a working-class district—and it deserves an economy that works just as hard as the people in it.

Communities like River Rouge helped build Michigan’s economic strength, and neighborhoods across Detroit continue to power it forward. But too many people aren’t seeing the rewards of their work.

I believe in:

Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs
Creating pathways to good-paying jobs
Investing in workforce development and skilled trades
Ensuring corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share

Hard work should be enough to build a stable life. Right now, for too many, it isn’t—and that needs to change.

Public Safety: Smart, Effective Policing

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community—whether in Southwest Detroit, River Rouge, or anywhere else in our district.

We don’t need extreme approaches—we need smart, effective public safety policies that actually work.