Name: Virg Bernero (D)
Age: 38
Hometown: Lansing
Occupation: State representative
Family: Married to Teri; two daughters
Political background: State representative, 2001-present; Ingham County commissioner, 1993-2000
Web site: www.votevirg.com
Stance on the issues:
Overcoming the state‘s budget difficulties: Delay or eliminate some Engler administration tax cuts; examine state programs for budget cuts, excluding human services and K-12 and higher education; consider reinstating inheritance tax.
Higher education affordability: Ensure affordable education to all students; restructure Merit Scholarship Award program to reward top students at every high school; strengthen need-based financial aid.
Environment: Pass tough “polluter‘s pay“ law; reward companies committed to environmental protection; rebuild ability to detect, prosecute polluters.
Transportation: State is challenged to find funding to fix delayed maintenance on main roadways, to repair bridges and to support local governments in fixing roads; funds for road repairs must be spent for that purpose; road work should be under warranty; enhance public transportation.
Abortion rights: Pro-choice.
Affirmative action: Supports affirmative action as a necessary tool to remedy patterns of institutional discrimination and economic inequality that places minority students at a disadvantage in pursuit of education and jobs.
Gay rights: Discrimination, hatred and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people must not be tolerated, or encouraged by regressive laws that treat life partners differently based on sexual orientation.
