Cost of Living & Taxpayer Responsibility

Inflation and rising utility, fuel, and grocery costs continue to impact Northern Michigan households.

Why It Matters

Responsible budgeting and targeted relief help families stay ahead without burdening future generations.

Melissa Supports

• Responsible state budgeting

• Targeted tax relief for working families

• Energy affordability initiatives

• Small business tax stability

• Reducing unnecessary regulatory costs

Strong families require responsible budgets.

Fixing MDOC Staffing & Retention

Michigan is facing a staffing crisis inside the Department of Corrections. Facilities are relying on excessive overtime, burning out experienced officers, and spending thousands training new hires who often leave within a few years.

Why It Matters

When prisons are understaffed and overworked, it costs taxpayers more and makes facilities less safe. Constant turnover drains resources, increases overtime spending, weakens institutional knowledge. Public safety depends on stability, experience, and accountability.

Melissa Supports

• Retention incentives to keep experienced officer on the job

• Reducing excessive mandatory overtime

• Smarter workforce planning to stabilize staffing levels

• Accountability in overtime spending

• Investing in long-term career pathways within corrections

Fix staffing. Stop the waste.

Smarter Justice & Smarter Spending

Michigan spends tens of thousands of dollars per year to incarcerate one person. At the same time, families often struggle to access affordable childcare, mental health services, job training, and food support that could help prevent crises in the first place. We must be smarter about where and when we invest taxpayer dollars.

Why It Matters

If we can afford to spend $50,000 a year to house incarcerated individuals, we can afford to invest earlier in the tools that help families succeed, preventing crime where possible and stabilizing communities reduces long-term costs and strengthens public safety.

Melissa Supports‍ ‍

• Expanded access to mental health services

• Supporting paid vocational and skilled training

• Strengthening childcare and family support

• Targeting assistance toward families who need it most

• Making corrections spending more efficient and accountable

Invest early. Spend wisely. Protect taxpayers and communities.

Strong Schools & Workforce Readiness

Education decisions are often made far from the communities they impact. Northern Michigan schools face unique workforce and funding challenges.

Why It Matters

Strong schools attract families, support local economies, and prepare students for real world careers.

Melissa Supports

• Protecting local decision-making in schools

• Career and technical education expansion

• Skilled trades and vocational partnerships

• Transparent school funding formulas

• Supporting parents as partners in education

Education built for our communities.

Affordable Housing & Responsible Growth

Northern Michigan families are feeling the pressure of rising housing cost. Workforce shortages, short term rental, and limited development have made it harder for working families to find stable, affordable housing.

Why It Matters

When housing becomes unaffordable, workers leave, small businesses struggle to hire, and young families move away. Stable housing is essential to economic growth and community strength.

Melissa Supports

• Incentives for workforce housing development

• Smart local zoning flexibility while respecting community character

• Expanding access to first-time homebuyer programs

• Responsible oversight of short-term rentals impacts

• Practical solutions that increase housing without raising taxes

Housing that works for families, not just investors.

Youth Mental Health Access

Youth mental health needs are increasing while access to provides remains limited, especially in rural areas.

Why It Matters

Early intervention prevents long-term crisis, reduces strain on law enforcement, and strengthens families.

Melissa Supports

• Increases funding for school based mental health services

• Expanding Telehealth access in rural communities

• Incentives to attract providers to Northern Michigan

• Early screening and intervention programs

• Coordination between schools and local providers

Support early. Prevent crisis.

Keeping Northern Michigan Connected

Rural communities depend on reliable roads, bridges, and internet access. When infrastructure falls behind, families, schools, and businesses fall behind too.

Why It Matters

People shouldn’t have to leave Northern Michigan to find opportunity. Strong Infrastructure keeps communities growing and connected.

Melissa Supports

• Investing in rural road and bridge repair

• Expanding broadband and cell service access

• Prioritizing local contractors when possible

• Making sure northern communities get their fair share

• Long-term planning instead of short-term fixes

Strong communities need strong connections.

Respecting & Partnering with Tribal Nations

Tribal Nations play a vital role in Michigan’s history, economy, and cultural identity.

Why It Matters

Strong government-to-government relationships foster economic opportunity and mutual respect.

Melissa Supports

• Honoring treaty obligations

• Economic development collaboration

• Cultural preservation initiatives

• Shared environmental stewardship

• Ongoing government-to-government dialogue

Partnership built on respect and trust.