Wayne Stiles

Immigration Secure the Border: The first priority must be ensuring the safety and security of our nation. I will support strong border security measures to prevent illegal immigration and the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people. However, security doesn’t mean shutting the door on those who want to come here legally. We need to modernize our border security with smart, technology-driven solutions that respect both the rule of law and the dignity of those seeking a better life. Healthcare Expanding access to healthcare in rural areas: Our rural hospitals are critical to the health of communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. I will fight to ensure adequate funding for rural healthcare systems, making sure they stay open and accessible. This includes investing in telemedicine to improve access to care for people in remote areas. Education Support for teachers: Teachers are the backbone of our education system, but they’re often underpaid and overworked. I’ll fight for federal support for teacher salaries, professional development, and additional resources to ensure they have the support they need. I will also advocate for student loan forgiveness programs for teachers working in rural areas, making it easier for them to stay in the profession and continue to serve their communities. Immigration Ensuring border security: Securing our borders is critical to protecting our nation from threats, both foreign and domestic. I will support smart border security measures that focus on technology and intelligence to prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, while still ensuring that we uphold human rights and provide pathways for legal immigration. Our borders must be secure without undermining our values. Housing Increasing affordable housing options: I will push for incentives for developers to build more affordable housing in our rural communities, ensuring that working families have access to homes that they can afford without sacrificing basic needs. Environment / Energy Support good-paying jobs: We must grow the clean energy sector while protecting Michigan’s working-class jobs. I will advocate for policies that create high-quality jobs in the renewable energy sector without sacrificing the livelihoods of those who depend on traditional industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and natural resource management. Taxes / Budget Protecting Social Security and Medicare: These programs are vital lifelines for millions of Americans—especially in rural districts like ours, where seniors often face higher costs of living. I will fight to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, ensuring that the benefits you’ve earned remain intact for future generations. Our seniors deserve the peace of mind knowing they won’t lose the benefits they’ve worked for their whole lives. Education Increase federal education funding: Public education must be adequately funded. I will fight to increase federal funding for schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, through Title I and other federal education programs. This means better resources, more teachers, and the ability to provide students with the opportunities they deserve. I will also work to ensure that federal funding reaches rural districts, so schools in Northern Michigan aren’t left behind. Healthcare Protecting Medicaid and Medicare: Medicaid and Medicare are lifelines for our seniors and low-income families. In Michigan’s 1st District, nearly 75,000 residents depend on Medicaid. I will fight to protect these vital programs, ensuring they remain intact and adequately funded so every Michigander has access to affordable healthcare, no matter where they live. Environment / Energy Addressing Environmental Justice: Many of Michigan’s Native American tribes are located in areas with valuable natural resources that are at risk of environmental harm. I will work with tribal communities to protect sacred lands, preserve natural resources, and address issues such as water quality, land conservation, and climate change. This includes ensuring that tribes are part of discussions on environmental policy and that their voices are heard in decisions related to land use and natural resource management. Economy Simplifying regulations: One of the biggest hurdles small businesses face is navigating the complex and often burdensome regulatory environment. I will work to simplify regulations, cut unnecessary red tape, and make it easier for small businesses to operate—especially in rural communities where resources are limited. Defense / Veterans Supporting our military and veterans: Michigan’s 1st District is home to a proud community of veterans who have served our country with distinction. I will work to ensure that veterans have the resources and care they deserve, including access to quality healthcare, job training programs, and the recognition they’ve earned. As a nation, we must do more to honor our veterans by improving VA services and mental health care, and providing career opportunities for those who have served. Government Reform Campaign finance reform: The Citizens United decision has made it easy for the wealthiest Americans to buy elections. I will work to pass real campaign finance reforms that limit the influence of dark money, super PACs, and corporate donations in our elections. We need to restore transparency and make sure that voters—not billionaires—decide who represents them in Congress. Wages / Job Benefits Equal pay for equal work: Women in Michigan continue to face significant wage disparities across many industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, which dominate our region. I will fight for pay equity laws that ensure women are compensated fairly for their work, and work to eliminate wage gaps that disproportionately affect women in rural areas. Infrastructure / Transportation Strengthening rural infrastructure: In Northern Michigan, farmers face the challenge of getting their products to market. I’ll push for better rural infrastructure, including upgrading roads, broadband access, and efficient transportation networks that will reduce costs and help farmers expand their reach. Economy Access to capital and funding: Too many small businesses struggle to get the capital they need to grow. Whether it’s starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, access to affordable loans and grants is crucial. I will advocate for small business loan programs and local investment opportunities that give entrepreneurs the financial resources they need to succeed. Environment / Energy Ensure reliable energy sources year-round: We cannot afford to jeopardize the reliability of our energy during Michigan’s harsh winters. I will fight for a balanced approach that ensures reliable, affordable energy while transitioning to more sustainable sources. Economy Protecting farm subsidies and support: I will fight to preserve farm subsidies that keep prices stable for farmers and ensure they are able to weather economic fluctuations. This includes supporting funding for crop insurance programs, disaster relief, and policies that protect farmers when they face unpredictable weather events like ice storms, floods and droughts. Civil Rights Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty: I will fight to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty, ensuring that Native American tribes have the freedom to govern their own communities, manage their resources, and make decisions based on their traditional knowledge and cultural values. The federal government must honor the commitments made in treaties and work in partnership with tribal nations, not in a way that undermines their rights. Immigration Comprehensive Immigration Reform: We need an immigration system that works for our country and reflects our values. I support comprehensive reform that strengthens our legal immigration pathways, ensures family reunification, and provides work visas for people who come to this country to contribute—whether it’s in agriculture, manufacturing, or skilled labor. These workers are vital to industries in Northern Michigan and across the nation. Healthcare Affordable healthcare for seniors: Access to affordable healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a right. I will work to lower prescription drug costs and expand access to preventative healthcare services for seniors. No one should have to make the impossible choice between their health and their finances. I’ll advocate for more resources to ensure seniors can access mental health care and long-term care without financial hardship.