With the election campaign in full swing, I want to share with you my positions on several key issues. This week, I want to focus on education:

Education is the greatest investment we can make as a state. I refuse to balance the budget on the backs of our children, and I will continue to fight cuts to school funding. Our kids deserve every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Every child in Michigan must have access to a world-class education in order to compete for good-paying jobs in the global economy. Our schools are molding the leaders of tomorrow and the highly educated workforce our state needs to attract job providers and emerging industries. Our schools must have the resources to get the job done right.

I’ve voted against funding cuts to education – and will continue to do so – because we cannot mortgage our children’s future to balance the budget. It’s time to stand up for our kids. I will continue to fight back against lawmakers, including my own party, who cut school funding instead of creating real reforms that save tax dollars. I will continue meeting with parents, administrators, faculty and students so that we can work together to keep our schools among the best in Michigan. As a mother of two, I understand that our children deserve nothing less.