Welcome!

Thank you for visiting our campaign website! I am running for the state Senate in the 20th District, which covers the communities in Kalamazoo County, including Antwerp and Paw Paw Townships of Van Buren County.

The economic indicators in Michigan are not positive. With its abundance of natural resources, universities and talented workforce, our state has been leading the nation for far too long in unemployment, decreased property values, crumbling infrastructure, and students who leave after graduating from our universities.

There is much concern over the future of Michigan and that is why our campaign will be about jobs and how we can improve our economy. We must face the reality that we can no longer rely on our auto industry but instead look at ways that diversify our state's economy in the areas of alternative energy, emerging technologies, manufacturing, life sciences, and health care.

For the past five years, I have been privileged to represent the 80th House District. During these years of service, I have fought for jobs in our district, helped constituents cut through government bureaucracy, and voted to balance the budget by making tough spending cuts while not increasing taxes.

As I run for the state Senate, I believe to change Michigan and help our region we need to do the following:

• Create a better environment to attract and retain jobs by reforming burdensome business regulations
• Make government transparent so the public can see how tax dollars are being spent
• Reform how state government operates by reducing wasteful spending and streamline programs to eliminate duplication of services
• End the lifetime benefits for legislators

I have already taken action by voting against the MBT surcharge that is driving jobs out of our state and crippling our economy. I have fought out-of-control spending and fought against tax increases. When the new state police headquarters that the Governor and democratic leadership pushed through the legislature, I voted against it because we did not need this new facility. Instead the money could have been better spent on education or other budget priorities.

Additionally, I am no longer on the state's medical insurance for legislators, I do not accept in district mileage reimbursement, and I support cutting legislative pay. It will take experienced leadership to move our state forward and with your support I want to put my proven record of success to work for you as your next State Senator.

I am running because I will stand up for the taxpayers. I will work with anyone on the issues of job creation, education, and public safety. But I have not and I will not compromise when it comes to standing up for families. Families across Southwest Michigan have had to sacrifice, cut back, and make do with less. State government needs to do this as well.

It's time we fix the political leadership in Lansing. We cannot allow the status quo to continue. The public deserves better and should expect action and results from their elected officials.

Michigan is at a crossroads and it will take all of us to change its course and bring Michigan back on the right track. I hope you will join our team because together we can change Michigan for the better!

Sincerely,

Tonya Schuitmaker

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