Dear Concerned Citizen,

There is no doubt that severe, painful cuts must be part of the solution. I am prepared to make those tough choices in order to create a leaner, more efficient government to move our state forward.

But let me make one thing extremely clear. There are certain priorities that I and many of my Democratic colleagues will not compromise on! We simply cannot, and will not, give up the fight for what truly matters most to our residents and to our state's future.

No matter what happens, I will fight for four key priorities:

Police and fire protection: We must provide the funds our local communities need to keep police and firefighters on our streets so our families and communities stay safe.

Early childhood education and K-12 funding: Every child has the right to a quality education so they are prepared to succeed in life and in the 21st century economy.

The Michigan Promise Scholarships: Every high school student who has worked hard deserves the opportunity to go to college and learn the skills they need to make a better life for themselves.

Health care for our most vulnerable citizens: We in Michigan do not turn our backs on kids and seniors who lack basic medical care.

As we run up against the clock of a government shutdown I will continue to work for these priorities, but I will not compromise my values and oath I took to protect the people of Michigan to avoid one.

Sincerely,

John Gleason