Kelli van Ginhoven
DemocraticQ1 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?
“Scientific evidence should play the top role in all decisions regarding healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Everyone is entitled their the beliefs, but science is based on fact and proof.”
KEYWORDS: Information based on fact and science paired with expert analysis and thorough thought processes.
Q2 Government research funding supports universities, medical centers, and technology development across Michigan and the nation. What role, if any, should the federal government play in supporting scientific research and innovation, and what outcomes would you prioritize when evaluating those investments?
“Research and innovation leads a country forward. It is an investment in our future for the government to fund these efforts. These investments should be approved as essential, not optional.”
KEYWORDS: Essential
Q3 Michigan farmers face challenges including shifting weather patterns, localized droughts, fluctuating input costs, and global market pressures. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to help farmers remain productive and economically competitive, and what role could scientific research and innovation play in those efforts?
“Our farmers need to be profitable again and can’t continue to rely on public bailouts for their livelihoods, however they continue to vote against their best interests. Many don’t believe in science. Educating the farming communities in invocations/new ideas and voting in their best interests is an essential place to start.”
KEYWORDS: Farmers-Education
Q4 Michigan communities continue to face challenges related to aging water infrastructure, contamination concerns such as PFAS, and long-term protection of the Great Lakes. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to improve drinking water safety and water infrastructure in Michigan?
“PFAS- I would continue government grants through EGLE. I will also advocate for the continuation of grants for lead service line replacement throughout our state.”
KEYWORDS: Grant Program Continuation
Q5 Many communities face shortages in healthcare providers and limited access to specialty care. What policies, if any, do you support to address this daily challenge and do you envision emerging technologies playing a role?
“We need to take the for-profit healthcare systems and insurance companies out of the equation. Period. I will advocate for financial support directly to expand community owned and operated healthcare facilities, paired with MiCare for Michigan and Medicare For All nationally.”
KEYWORDS: Public Healthcare Facilities, MiCare for Michigan
Q9 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing demand for energy and water infrastructure. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?
“Just say No to Data Centers. I advocated and approved a 12 month moratorium on new data center permitting in Delta County and I will advocate and approve the same at the State level.”
KEYWORDS: No Data Centers