After the 2016 election Fred Wooden says he wondered how outlandish he could get, and he says running for Congress is pretty outlandish.
Wooden is Senior Minister at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. He is one of two Democrats running for his party’s nomination in Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Calhoun, Barry and Ionia Counties. It also includes most of Kent County and part of Montcalm County. The winner of the Democratic primary will challenge Republican Congressman Justin Amash in November.
Wooden says he is committed to the well-being of kids. He says children don’t vote and don’t give money so they get treated as political pawns. Wooden says that includes education, housing, nutrition, and health.
Asked about education, Wooden says universal Pre-K should be available to every child in America. He also supports universal community college. Wooden says that would help students get a start on a four year degree. He says it would also help students who don’t go on to a four year college pursue quality careers. Wooden says many states are pursuing free community college. He says paying for it is a question of spending priorities.
Wooden says the United States will eventually end up with Medicare for all, because he says the current health care system is unsustainable. Wooden says the question is how to manage the transition. He says putting every child on Medicare would be a start. Wooden says it provides enough coverage so basic health care needs can be met.