Nancy Smith Offers Closing Argument in District 65 Election

Democratic candidate for Michigan House District 65, argues that election offers a “clear choice” between a candidate who stands for the wealthy and well-connected, and one who will fight for working families

Elections are about contrasting visions — and, in this election, the contrast between my opponent and me couldn’t be clearer.

I approach public service with the fundamental belief that our government should work for all of us — not just the wealthy and well-connected. I believe we all have a right to affordable healthcare, a world-class public education, well-paid work with decent benefits, clean air and water, and a government that is transparent and responsive to the people.

I believe these are views that are shared by people across our district — Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike. And that’s why we so desperately need a change in Lansing — because we deserve a state legislature, and a state representative, that shares our values.

So, as we close in on Election Day, I want to lay out my vision one final time.

My vision begins with strong, well-funded public schools. I’ve been a public school teacher for almost 25 years. I have experienced the effects of decades of disinvestment in our schools. Since 1995, school funding in Michigan has decreased by 30% — the biggest cut in school funding of any state in the nation. That’s resulted in declining student performance, and it’s driven talented, hard-working people out of the teaching profession.

That’s not right. I believe our kids are our future, and they deserve a world-class public education. We deserve a state representative who understands that — and will fight to make it happen.

My vision also includes a bigger, stronger middle class. I’m a proud union member, and I understand that we can’t have a strong middle class without strong unions. I know the important role unions have in helping workers secure higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. That’s why I’ll fight to roll back anti-worker laws like “right to work” and the pension tax, restore the prevailing wage, and safeguard workers’ rights to organize, bargain, and strike.

The bottom line is this: We can’t have a strong middle class without strong unions, and the people of our district deserve a state representative who’s willing to work with unions to build a fairer, more prosperous Michigan for all.

Finally, my vision is of a Michigan in which healthcare is affordable and accessible to all. For too long, our legislature has looked the other way as costs have soared — and working families have paid a hefty price. Today, the average American spends $1,200 per year on prescription drugs — an increase of 350% since 1990. That’s forced one in three Michiganders to go without needed medication. Working families deserve better — and, if I’m elected, I’ll fight to bring down drug costs by capping the price of insulin, punishing price gouging, and creating stricter transparency standards for drug companies.

No Michigander should have to choose between paying their mortgage or buying the medicine they need to survive — and, if I’m elected, I’ll tackle rising healthcare and drug costs head-on.

This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime, and the people of District 65 have a clear choice between two visions. There’s Sarah Lightner’s vision of a Michigan that works for the wealthy and well-connected, and my vision — a Michigan that works for you.