Mother Forward Michigan Hosts Family Focused Candidate Forum

Photo courtesy of Mother Forward

Mother Forward Michigan hosted an in person, non partisan candidate forum on Wednesday October 21st 2026, at the Caro Area District Library. The community members and political candidates were brought together for a conversation about the issues affecting MI families.

April Osentoski & Andrew Beeler from MI Senate District 25, Jack Bader & Briar Bearss from MI House District 97, Brendan Johnson from MI State Senate District 26 and Ray Pooley, from US House District 9 were in attendance.

There were 16 adults in attendance and 6 children in the childcare that was provided.

The conversation centered around key issues affecting MI families including support for a permanent, fully funded childcare system at the state and federal levels and the implementation of paid parental and family leave, if tri-share is sufficient and the risks that AI brings to our children and their future.

When asked about paid time leave Jack Bader had this to say, “We don’t even take puppies away from their moms until 8 weeks, but we’re sending moms back to sweat shops at 6 weeks.”

When asked about the funding for Head Start Ray Pooley had this to say, “I believe that an investment in our children is an investment in the future of our nation.”

When asked about if AI is a risk to our children Andrew Beeler had this to say, “Technology does not have a moral compass…To answer your question, Yes. That requires parents to intervene and parent their children.”

Family and caregivers are encouraged to continue advocating for policies that support children, strengthen families and improve access to affordable childcare and early childhood education.

Mother Forward is an organization that is focused on elevating the voices and experiences of mothers and families. Through community engagement and civic partnership, we work to bring family centered issues into public conversations.