BRAD ON THE LOCAL ISSUES
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Strengthen Our Education
Brad is the Republican leader of the bipartisan educator's caucus. Education policymaking should not be a partisan issue and he has worked across the aisle extensively to find solutions to support learners, their parents, and teachers. Brad is also on the MISTEM advisory council to the governor to promote STEM learning in this 21st Century environment. Ultimately, he believes it is time for a "people-driven" system of education and this begins by reshaping the role of the Michigan Department of Education. Follow the bipartisan bill package of HB 5833 and HB 5834 for more information |
Empower Localities
To ensure the innovative governing system envisioned by the Founders, responsible local community leaders and officials are to be empowered. This principle is simple. No person spends money more responsibly than one who spends his own. Since the 2008 Great Recession, property taxes have been on the decline in Michigan, and although the State Government has been able to recover, local governments have been hardest hit. Brad has been on several revenue sharing workgroups and also promotes bipartisan collaboration within the municipal caucus. Policy-makers can revise the standards of statutory revenue sharing to give localities increased power of the purse. Those who know their community best should be given the freedom to make decisions and spend tax dollars as they envision, while also being held accountable for their choices. Policy out of Lansing should first consider how to empower Active Citizens as the number one priority in any legislation. After all, Michigan's Constitution states that law concerning counties, cities, townships, and villages shall be liberally construed in their favor.
To ensure the innovative governing system envisioned by the Founders, responsible local community leaders and officials are to be empowered. This principle is simple. No person spends money more responsibly than one who spends his own. Since the 2008 Great Recession, property taxes have been on the decline in Michigan, and although the State Government has been able to recover, local governments have been hardest hit. Brad has been on several revenue sharing workgroups and also promotes bipartisan collaboration within the municipal caucus. Policy-makers can revise the standards of statutory revenue sharing to give localities increased power of the purse. Those who know their community best should be given the freedom to make decisions and spend tax dollars as they envision, while also being held accountable for their choices. Policy out of Lansing should first consider how to empower Active Citizens as the number one priority in any legislation. After all, Michigan's Constitution states that law concerning counties, cities, townships, and villages shall be liberally construed in their favor.
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Improve Our Roads and Infrastructure
Getting to and from work everyday can be treacherous when a Michigan Motorist dodges one pothole to tumble into another. Over the term of the 100th legislature, Paquette has supported devoting all additional funding to roads, but it was vetoed. This would have brought millions of much needed dollars to Cass and Berrien Counties. Roads should not be political, but after the Governor's 45 cent gas tax proposal and refusing to bend from the suggested increase, it has become a contentious issue. The gas tax increase also generated a new formula that would send that vast majority of the funding to Detroit. Finding consensus with the governor is required, but we must do so with those from Southwest Michigan in mind. |
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Uphold the 2ndBrad will uphold the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms. He will in no way start down the slippery slope of revoking weapons either. Paquette trusts law-abiding citizens. It is as simple as that.
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Paquette is a Champion for LifeNot only will Brad uphold and seek out policies that protect life, he is a leader who takes action on the ground floor. He supports and advocates for local organizations, neighbors, and students who are actually in the process of making impactful pro-life decisions.
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Improve Our Health Care
Paquette believes that investing in Direct Primary Care is a great way to move toward reform in health care. It allows for doctors to be freed up from dealing with the middleman by having to barter with insurance agencies to be compensated and allows them to spend more valuable one-on-one time with patients. Also, it enables patients to know exactly what they are being billed, before they get to their appointment. Paquette sponsored legislation HB 5945 to ensure transparency during his first term and it is currently pending in the Michigan House. The road to healthcare reform will be a long one, but simple steps are the way to get there. For example, Michigan is one of a handful of states that has the most restrictions on Nurse Practitioners. Enabling our Nurse Practitioners to provide care will cut costs immediately for patients. Allowing for flexible short term health plans is another method to find feasible options for those searching for health care that works for them. |
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Reform Our Auto Insurance
We got this done last term... July 1st we will have relief by means of options in choosing coverage! Shop around and head to www.reducemiratesnow.com to learn more. |
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Overcome Sex Trafficking
More can be done to combat this evil enterprise of sex trafficking. The rate of cases has doubled since 2015 and these are only the cases that are known. Among his colleagues, Paquette has rallied specific representatives along the i-94 corridor to generate creative collaboration to do more to help those who fall victim to this heinous crime. |
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Support Foster Care Families
Brad was blessed to have grown up with other children in his home as his parents took in many children in need of foster care. Families that undertake this task are to be encouraged and supported, especially as they consider the intensive process of adoption. The dropout rate for parents working with the state reaches 80% over the first two years. The foster care system places much stress on loving families that seek to harbor children in need of a home. The procedure to make this happen must be simplified for those parents who have a lot of love to give. |
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Back Security and Law Enforcement
Our law enforcement has been providing the same excellent service as expected over the last few years, but with less support. Law enforcement will feel our wholehearted support as they keep citizens safe. Our local first responders have been on the front lines, even with the COVID-19 pandemic. Paquette supported additional pay for these individuals that have gone out into uncertainty while others could stay home. Looking for methods to get law enforcement further integrated into communities will be future endeavors that Paquette will be working on as the protection and safety of all of our citizens is most important. Back the Blue. |
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Energy PolicyPaquette is a strong advocate for various forms of energy to thrive in Southwest Michigan. He seeks to enable the free market to allow for innovation to flourish in Nuclear, Solar, and various other efficient forms of energy. Due to the pandemic, he had to postpone his tour with colleagues from around the nation to the Argonne National Lab to learn more about furthering energy policy here in Michigan, but it will be rescheduled as soon as deemed possible.
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Advocate for Agriculture
As a Farm Bureau Endorsed Friend of Agriculture, Paquette knows that Farmers have always been the first stewards of our great region of Southwest Michigan. Regulations from the EGLE that put increased burden small farmers can be lessened along with nuisance violations. He will continue to protect the Michigan Right to Farm Act. This region has been blessed with a bountiful water table that provides millions of gallons of water needed for growing crops and this water is replenished at astonishing rates. Irrigation is the lifeblood to many who provide fresh produce for citizens and will be defended. Enhanced education in agriculture and programs that provide opportunities for young people to get involved will also be set forth in Paquette's outlook for Michigan's future. |
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