Richards Vision for Michigan

Enough is enough. As Attorney General Richard will fight corporations that put profit ahead of people. He’ll take on government and politicians who abuse the system. Our dire economy has made our most vulnerable citizens even more at risk. Michigan’s consumer protection laws have been neglected. Every day our pensions become less stable, and our health insurance less secure. Our government and politicians appear beyond accountability. This must end.

The plan:

• Aggressively enforce and work to strengthen the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
• Get tough on criminals who commit consumer fraud.
• Protect homeowners and businesses from powerful utility companies that seek excessive rate increases or illegally shut off utility service.
• Fight abuse by insurance companies and healthcare providers.
• Crack down on companies that cheat on their taxes, shifting costs to law-abiding businesses and workers.
• Fight abuse and fraud committed by Wall Street banks by prosecuting financial institutions that break the law.
• Prevent mortgage brokers, consumer lending companies, and home repair firms from swindling consumers out of their hard-earned dollars.
• Stop banks from charging excessive or hidden fees.
• Fight unfair student loan practices
• Prosecuting political and government corruption

The stakes could not be higher. Every day our neighborhoods become less safe. Our children are threatened on the street and online. Criminals prey on our seniors through violence, fraud, neglect and abuse. Polluters destroy the purity of Michigan’s water and air. Fighting these crimes will be Richard’s top priority as Attorney General.

The plan:

• Partner with law enforcement to help ensure that they have the resources, laws, and tools at their disposal to fight crime.
• Work to protect funds in state budget for law enforcement to fight crime.
• Team up with other law enforcement officials to bring law-breakers to justice.
• Increase support for the state crime lab to ensure that state and local law enforcement officials have access to the reliable evidence they need to track down and convict dangerous criminals.
• Fight to protect Michigan’s environment by making companies and corporate executive who pollute pay.
• Aggressively prosecute child pornographers off and online.
• Protect seniors from elder and nursing home abuse by pushing for immediate reporting of abuse and neglect
• Seek tougher civil and criminal penalties for elder and nursing home abuse
• Protect children on the internet, in the classroom, and on the playground from bullying and harassment.

Richard knows what it’s like to be counted out. He’s demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the power of the law in championing the cause of justice. He knows first-hand how to win civil rights cases. He understands how the enforcement of civil rights laws benefits everyone.

The plan:

• Enforce civil rights laws to protect the rights of all citizens.
• Fight redlining and other unlawful discrimination by mortgage lenders and insurance companies.
• Protect voting rights to ensure access to voting and the polls
• Fight to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
• Work to enforce fair housing and lending laws.
• Aggressively enforce the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and all other Michigan civil rights laws.
• Promote environmental justice by fighting for meaningful public involvement in the government decision making process regarding environmental matters.
• Work with the Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes to define and fight hate crime.
• Aggressively investigate and prosecute identity theft.
• Work to pass legislation that increases the Attorney General’s investigative and prosecutorial authority with regard to identity theft.