Equality

As Governor, Virg will be committed to making Michigan a welcoming place for all. This is both a moral and an economic necessity. America is still a beacon of hope. As Michigan’s Governor, Virg will work day and night to ensure that our state produces the best and the brightest talent and that our quality of life becomes the envy of the nation.

Diversity

Virg believes that diversity and inclusion are pillars of democracy and that social welfare depends on mutual respect. Michigan is a multi-ethnic and multi-faith society — and we are better off as a result.

Virg’s record of celebrating diversity is clear. When a group of white supremacists converged on Lansing in 2006, Virg quickly organized a counter-rally to celebrate diversity and inclusion. This celebration, known as Diversity Day in Lansing, has become an annual event where people from all walks of life and all backgrounds come together to learn about each other’s rich heritage.

As Mayor of Lansing, Virg Bernero also hosts the annual Mayor’s Ramadan Dinner. This event is an opportunity to bring together people from every faith to share a meal, to celebrate interfaith cooperation, to learn about the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and to raise money for the Great Lansing Food Bank and the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.

LGBT

Bernero was given the Ray of Light Award for “Outstanding contributions to the LGBT community.” Virg was also the primary sponsor of a Senate Bill to increase the sanctions to felony charges against those who intimidate, harass or commit hate crimes against another individual based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Click here to view Virg’s speech at the 2009 Michigan Pride Parade in Lansing.

Immigration

There is huge potential in recruiting entrepreneurs from other countries to come to Michigan to start businesses and create jobs here. As the son of Italian immigrants, Virg recognizes the value of embracing a diverse workforce.

We are a nation whose success has depended on the success of immigrants. We are a nation rooted in the belief that all men and women are created equal. And today, more than ever, we should uphold that tenet. We believe that all Americans and US residents be afforded equal and fair treatment. When the chips are down and the economic times are tough, we need to stand together.

Virg supports enforcing existing laws, finding a path to citizenship, and bringing the underground economy into the light so we can gain revenue.  Virg does not believe we should put border control on the shoulders of local law enforcement.  The new immigration law in Arizona is misguided for this very reason.  Virg also feels that everyone in Michigan should learn English, which means we need a greater emphasis on English as a Second Language delivery.  Everyday, immigrants contribute to all aspects of American life and economy, but local and national laws certainly must be obeyed.

Women’s Rights

Virg has always been a strong supporter of women’s reproductive rights. Virg feels that the extremely difficult decision as to whether or not to have an abortion is one that is best made between a woman, her family, and her physician. As Governor, Virg will uphold a woman’s right to choose.

Virg will also continue to fight to end gender bias in the workplace and fight to end the pay inequities that women still experience in many professions.

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I am asking my opponent to join in a bipartisan effort to support small businesses in Michigan. http://virg10.com/16S

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