Mike's Values
My values are simple. They were forged growing up here in Pennsylvania and strengthened by over 20 years in the Marine Corps. They are to put family first, build community, work hard – and to say what you mean and do what you say.
This campaign is about bringing those values to Congress to protect and expand freedom for South Central Pennsylvania families. I believe we agree on much more than divides us, and that our common commitment to these four basic freedoms can bring communities together and move our country forward:
1.Freedom from the worries and dangers of living paycheck-to-paycheck, and the freedom to give our children the opportunity for a better life than our own amidst a sustainable future for all, and the freedom to give our children the opportunity for a better life than our own.
People here in South Central PA work hard, and they deserve good jobs that earn a living wage. For that reason, I am staunchly pro-union as I believe unions are critical to a stable paycheck, job, and life.
I believe that the early years of our life should begin with an opportunity to attend exceptional public schools. All of our schools must have the resources to prepare our children and grandchildren for a future that both allows us to provide for our families while contributing to the progress of American society.
I care about the health care cost burdens placed upon us by our current system - we need to hold big insurance companies accountable to provide high quality care and fairly priced prescription drugs.
A vibrant and sustainable environment is intrinsic to our well-being, economically and otherwise. The infrastructure to combat the climate crisis will create an explosion of new jobs. Existing technology and the increasing political will can be leveraged to ensure that the air we breathe and the water we drink will be clean, and that we will ultimately live a longer and healthier life together with those we love most.
2. The freedom to feel safe in our communities and schools.
Crime, especially the scourge of gun violence, must be a top priority at every level of government. We need to take a hard look at the availability of mental health resources and reevaluate access to weapons for those without the capacity to safely handle them.
I have a special respect for those who, like my fellow Marines, put their lives on the line in service to all of us. That translates into strong funding and training for those who serve - especially police, firefighters, and first responders.
3. The freedom to make decisions about our own bodies. Decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care, are deeply personal and private and should be left up to women and their families after consulting with their doctors. Government bans should not be telling families what to do and making decisions for us. That’s not freedom.
4. Political freedom, which means defending our democracy so that nobody can ever throw away our votes here in Pennsylvania based on a web of lies. When politicians try to overturn the results of a free and fair election, that’s an attack on the very foundation of America. I won’t let that attack be successful on my watch.
It’s my honor to run for Congress with these values front and center.
