Callie Barr, a Democratic candidate for Michigan's First Congressional District, participates in a Zoom session from Traverse City earlier this year. Another virtual event took place Nov. 21.

ESCANABA — Callie Barr, a Democratic candidate running for Michigan’s First District U.S. House seat now held by Jack Bergman, recently had a virtual news conference to discuss her platform, “Affordable L.I.F.E.”

The main features of the plan, which contribute to the acronym, are centered around local housing (L), income (I), food (F) and essential care (E). Barr pointed out problems in each area and suggested how the nation might begin to correct them.

“Everything costs too damn much. Food, rent, gas, health care, utilities — it’s all gotten so expensive,” Barr said. “We’re working harder than ever, but still falling behind as prices go up and bills pile up. Too many families are struggling. Michigan has been hit hard by tariffs, which are driving up costs for small businesses and working families. We need a fix now, not in a decade.”

She noted that owning a house, once a staple of the American dream, has become unattainable for many people.

“We need to unlock federal funding to build affordable homes, adopt common-sense zoning, stop tariff wars that raise construction costs and balance short-term rentals with the needs of full-time residents,” Barr said.

“We’re forcing working people into impossible situations,” said Ashley Halladay-Schmandt from the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, citing a 0.9% vacancy rate and climbing rent prices. “Permanent supportive housing works — and our community needs more of it.”

Barr pointed to an income disparity between the majority of the population and the ultra-rich: “Billionaires and corporations are making more money than ever, while wages haven’t budged in 50 years,” she said. “We need to make the rich pay their fair share, expand internet access so every community can compete and invest federal dollars into small businesses, farmers and infrastructure. Protect Social Security, provide affordable child care and strengthen unions to protect workers in the new economy.”

“The middle class and blue-collar workers are struggling to survive while union rights are under attack,” added Adam Saari of Marquette, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2 Michigan U.P. Chapter business agent and incoming president of the Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation. “The (Protecting the Right to Organize) Act must be prioritized to protect workers and their families.”

Finding meals that are not only affordable but nutritious can be a challenge as well, Barr said. Food insecurity affects a large section of the community, said Kimberly Akin, director of United Way of Otsego County.

“We need to support farmers, end tariffs that are hurting them, expand mobile markets to combat food deserts and reverse SNAP cuts so every family can eat,” Barr said.

Contributing to hardships is the fact that Americans “spend more money on health care than any other nation,” Barr added.

“Rural hospitals are closing, Medicaid cuts are deepening and working families are paying the price. Health care is not just a moral issue — it’s an economic one. When our hospitals close, our communities suffer,” said Dr. Jon Sangeorzan, an infectious disease specialist in Petoskey.

“We need to repeal Medicaid cuts, extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and pass a public option so people can see a doctor without worrying about the bill,” Barr said. “We must fund the VA, protect veterans from predatory companies and ensure automatic citizenship for those who serve.

“An affordable life is about more than just our wallets — it’s about freedom,” Barr concluded. “We’re not free when we spend every waking hour worrying about rent, bills or medical costs. An affordable life means the freedom to live on our own terms. Life. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness. The fight for an affordable life is a fight for freedom. For our democracy.”

Barr will face at least Kyle Blomquist and Wayne Stiles in the Democratic primary on Aug. 4 for the chance to advance to the Nov. 3 general election alongside any independent candidates and the winner of the Republican primary, which so far includes Bergman and Justin Michal.