STATE HOUSE / 6TH DISTRICT / REPUBLICAN
MIKE STEGER
Mike Steger of Berkley earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. His career experience includes working in business and managing Promethean Action. Steger has been affiliated with LaRouchePAC National Policy Committee and joined the presidential campaign of Lyndon LaRouche in 2004.
Government transparency
Yes, I believe in full transparency of government. The government was established by the people, and is at the service of the population. Fully extend FOIA.
Data Center Farms
I believe the localities need to set the direction. The state can work with them where needed. I think every data center needs to bring power to the grid. The cost of electricity should go down for the local area. We can protect our water resources by insisting, in the contract, that closed loop cooling systems are mandatory. Data centers can be a windfall of investment for certain towns or cities, especially those which have lost other tax revenue and are struggling. They can lower property taxes, build better schools and facilities, and revive main streets. But the decision should remain in the hands of the local governments.
Economic incentive policy
You can’t hand money out and expect anything but poor results and outright corruption. Any benefits should come once the investments, hiring, and construction are fulfilled, and the firm is operational. With good intentions and $5 you can buy a cup of coffee. The state can reward outstanding results, and should, but we need to see it to believe it.
New taxes to offset Medicaid cuts
I wouldn’t support more taxes until we see what we really need. The work requirements are reasonable for people who are able bodied. The providers can still contribute to health coverage for those in need. And we have a number of problems with health care in Michigan. Pricing is going up very fast, independent practices are being shut down because of insurance and operational costs, and reimbursement levels from private insurance, compared to states like Indiana and Ohio, are very low in Michigan. So, we need to get the process running better, and see what’s needed in terms of funding.
Financial disclosure
I think the disclosures are helpful. I think we need to get Michigan moving, building, and growing again. We have atrocious literacy levels, slow economic growth, an aging population, and rising electricity, health care, and housing prices. We are not in a good situation. We need to get Michigan back on a pro-growth agenda, where we have expanding resources and opportunities for young people and new companies. That’s the mission. Get literacy in the top tier, fix the roads, lower auto insurance rates, bring in new companies, and expand job opportunities, while we build more starter homes and make homes more affordable.
Validity of voting returns
Yes.
Top three-five issues
Literacy. 45 percent of our students right now can’t read by the fourth grade. We need all hands on deck. We need starter home construction. Zoning laws need to be changed, and banks need to be engaged. This will increase supply, and lower entry cost for new homeowners. We need to expand energy supply and keep prices down. Without more baseload energy supply, Michigan’s economy cannot grow. Raise the median household income in Michigan from $72k to $81k, the national average, over the next ten years. America is building again and Michigan should be at the center of the manufacturing boom.
Why vote for you
Devotion. Hard work. Honesty. And a love of Michiganders. I’m fourth generation. Michigan is rich with potential, but we can’t build a future on marijuana and casinos. We need to grow again, invest in our people, and lead the revival of advanced manufacturing as the backbone of the Michigan economy.
