Article Summary –
Approximately 40% of Michiganders struggle with basic necessities, prompting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor, to prioritize affordability in her campaign, focusing on reducing costs in healthcare, housing, and energy. Benson proposes policies such as tax credits for caregivers and first-time home buyers, reforms in public utilities, and initiatives to decrease energy costs, in response to rising expenses exacerbated by international conflicts and legislative changes affecting healthcare coverage. Additionally, amid broader economic challenges, Benson emphasizes protecting voting rights and election workers, advocating for state-level legislation in response to weakened federal protections.
With 40% of Michiganders facing challenges affording housing, food, and childcare, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson focuses on affordability in her gubernatorial campaign.
Since announcing her candidacy in January, Benson has been engaging Michigan voters with plans to lower costs, especially for healthcare, housing, and energy. As a former Wayne State University Law School dean and current Secretary of State, she proposes tax credits for caregivers and increasing affordable housing through reduced regulations.
Benson pledges to reform public utility rates to lower energy prices and address childcare expenses by expanding pre-K access statewide.
“Everywhere I go, families tell me costs are too high. I’m running for governor to lower costs and improve lives,” Benson stated on social media.
‘Hurt by a broken system for far too long’
Michiganders, like others nationwide, are burdened by rising costs for electricity, groceries, and gas. Around 40% struggle with basic necessities.
Rising health insurance costs have accompanied cuts in Medicaid funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, forcing many into housing insecurity and agricultural struggles.
Amber Arellano and Phil Knight noted, “Michigan students suffer as families face rising food and gas prices, leading more families to food pantries.”
The economy dominates voter concerns. Amid financial pressure, Michigan voters have soured on President Donald Trump. A Detroit Regional Chamber survey has Benson leading the gubernatorial race.
“As governor, I’ll lower costs, grow the economy, and fight corruption,” Benson told the “Sunday Chronicle” podcast.
Benson plans to implement policies like a first-time home buyer tax credit, a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and a statewide energy cost reduction program.
Voting rights and protecting election workers
Michigan’s first Democratic Secretary of State since 1995, Benson supported laws to safeguard election workers from threats. After the 2020 election, armed Trump supporters targeted her home, driven by false election fraud claims.
The House Bill 4129, signed in 2023, increased penalties for threatening election officials. Benson championed the “Michigan Voting Rights Act” to reinforce protections for voters.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which weakened federal Voting Rights, Benson advocates state-led protections. She wrote in the Michigan Chronicle about the decision’s impact on voter rights.
On why she continues to oppose the Trump administration, Benson stated in the podcast, “State leaders must stand against those who threaten democracy.”
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