Gubenatorial candidate Schauer visits the Copper Country

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer made a stop at Michigan Tech this weekend for Winter Carnival.  He was accompanied by Representative Scott Dianda on his tour of the Upper Peninsula, and Schauer says he loves coming to the Copper Country.

“It’s great to hear people’s concerns about our state. They’re very concerned about the governor’s job–killing retirement tax and education cuts.  They’re number one concern is jobs.  And that’s why I’m running for governor,”  he said.

Schauer added that while the U.P. has many great things about it, there are some prevalent issues.  “The U.P. is a special place because of a real sense of community and the importance of strong and healthy local schools and communities.  But the unemployment rate here is higher than downstate’s and we need to do something about that.”

The U.P. has fell on hard times lately with the propane crisis and Schauer hopes it gets resolved soon.

“This is devastating to families.  It’s brutal on their pocketbooks.  Some families can’t pay so we need a variety of tools, support and relief to help during this crisis,” he said.

Schauer also stopped by L’Anse Manufacturing during his U.P. tour and spoke to President Mark Massicotte about his vision for the state of Michigan.  Schauer said he is well aware of Governor Rick Snyder’s efforts to finally help fund higher education, but he added that he will continue to echo that message during his campaign.

“It’s getting more expensive for students.  For many it’s out of reach.  I’m going to be the education governor and that includes making sure that higher education is affordable and we adequately support higher education in Michigan,” he said.

Another hot button issue in the state is the possibility of increasing the minimum wage and Schauer says ‘Why not?’.

“Half of minimum wage earners work full–time,” he said.  “Most of them are adults and in many cases they are raising their kids in poverty.  I think those workers deserve a raise and it’s going to help our economy a lot.”

With only nine months left until Michiganders cast their votes, Schauer wants his message to be loud and clear.

“I’m going to be a governor that puts education first.  We become a high–wage, high–skill state.  We have quality, healthy, dynamic, vibrant communities that attract young workers and investment and help create jobs. That’s my vision for Michigan.”