MICHIGAN HOUSE 6TH DISTRICT

Two-year term

Majority of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, part of Royal Oak, Berkley and Huntington Woods

DEMOCRAT

NATALIE PRICE

Price is the incumbent state legislator for the district, finishing her first term in office. A resident of Berkley, she previously served on the Berkley City Council. She is a graduate of Vassar College, receiving a BA in English and Classics, and received her masters degree in English Studies from University of Exeter. She is a member of the regional Moms Demand Action.

Economic incentive policy

I co-sponsored the recently introduced legislation that will extend the $600M corporate tax earmark and provide a comprehensive approach to economic development. First, it will reduce the amount dedicated from the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) to SOAR to $250 million per year. This step will demonstrate that Michigan has a serious and sustainable approach to economic prosperity. Second, it will dedicate $200 million per year from the CIT to transformational investments in transit. Studies have confirmed that the lack of high-quality, comprehensive transit is a fundamental barrier to talent attraction, workforce development, and economic mobility. We can change this now with the largest sustained investment in transit in Michigan’s history. Third, it will dedicate $100 million per year from the CIT to the Housing and Community Development Fund. Fourth, it will dedicate $50 million per year from the CIT to the Revitalization and Placemaking Fund (RAP) to build more vibrant communities, downtowns, and neighborhoods. This approach will address business attraction along with community revitalization, affordable housing and overdue investments in Michigan’s infrastructure. It will do so without raising taxes, but rather by extending and refocusing existing CIT earmarks into a long-range prosperity strategy.

New education initiatives

As a former high school teacher, I’ve seen how subpar education funding has a direct impact on students’ lives and futures – and how improving funding can benefit kids in every classroom across Michigan. I’m proud of the work we have accomplished in my relevant appropriations sub-committees: School Aid, Higher Ed, and Joint Capital Outlay, including historic investments in per-pupil funding and special ed. I also secured over $200 million of state funding for higher ed infrastructure projects through my work as Joint Capital Outlay Chair and brought back $11.5 million for improvements to elementary schools in my district. Nevertheless, Michigan continues to underfund education by $3.5-$4.5 billion a year. While I support efforts to improve access to tuition-free preschool and community college, I continue to support fully funding teacher pensions and other post-employment retirement benefits. I also support reinvesting that money directly back into the classrooms and reducing payroll costs and freeing up $500 per pupil. Our limited resources need to be focused on meeting the current needs of teachers and students. We also should provide more help for the students facing the most barriers to education, including those who need help with transportation, housing, and/or childcare in order to complete at least two years of post-secondary education or training. 

Financial disclosure

Last year, I proudly co-sponsored the legislation that currently requires the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and each member of the state legislature to submit an annual financial disclosure report that specifies assets, liabilities, sources of earned and unearned income, and other personal information that may disclose conflicts of interest. These regulations are a significant step in the right direction. In mid-March, I co-sponsored the BRITE Act (“Bringing Reforms for Integrity, Transparency and Ethics” Act). The BRITE Act requires that 527 and 501(c)4s affiliated with state officials and candidate committees to register their account(s) with the Secretary of State, enacts a one-year ban on state elected officials serving as lobbyists following their term, updates lobbyist gift rules for state legislators to mirror requirements placed on executive branch officials, and allows the Bureau of Elections to petition a circuit court for an injunction to stop real-time campaign finance violations/abuse. These are the next-steps needed to improve standards for government ethics, transparency and accountability, curtail the influence of lobbying and financial interests, and increase enforcement of election/campaign finance law violations.

Citizens right of redress

I do not support the legislature using appropriations specifically to subvert the referendum process, which is important for our democracy’s continued success. We must maintain mechanisms like the referendum process that enable the will of the people to be heard and respected.

Public museums tax

These institutions are all important anchors for our state’s identity, history and economy. The opportunities that they provide for reminding all of us of our place in the world, for educating our youth and for attracting visitors are unique and inestimable. The decision of whether or not to partially fund each of these institutions with a tax should be made directly by the voters. 

Validity of voting returns

I accepted the results of the 2020 election, and I will accept the returns to the 2024 national and state elections. Our election process is safe and secure, and the relentless attempt to call the results of this process into question poses a threat to our democracy. As citizens who benefit from living in a democracy, we must all participate in it, by voting and then respecting the will of the people as reflected in the results.

Top three-five issues

As state representative, I have prioritized the environment, education, and health care. I co-sponsored  the Michigan Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which positions Michigan as a climate leader in the Midwest. The legislation requires 100 percent clean energy by 2040 and creates good-paying, union jobs. We must completely phase out carbon-producing energy sources that contribute to environmental racism. We must also hold corporate polluters accountable and make them pay fully for their damage to our environment. When we uplift those in our community with the greatest needs, our entire state benefits. Communities that have been historically left behind currently bear a disproportionate tax burden while schools, roads, and water lines fall into disrepair. In 2023, we repealed the retirement tax and expanded the earned income tax credit, and I championed legislation to extend a tax credit to 100 percent disabled veterans, and their widows, who rent that is currently only available to their homeowner counterparts.  We must prioritize tax policies and investments that protect vulnerable Michiganders. Additionally, I will continue fighting for fair wages and affordable health and mental health care for all, including ensuring access to telemedicine and expanding access to abortion care. I will continue to address disparities in health care and employment while strengthening the safety net for children, seniors, families and those needing mental health treatment. By fully funding education, and investing in critical infrastructure that connects and supports growing communities, we will make a stronger Michigan where people of all backgrounds can thrive.

REPUBLICAN

BRENT M. LAKIN

Republican Brent M. Lakin did not return his candidate questionnaire or bio.