In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes and Student Researcher Brenna Musser talk to Representative David Prestin from the 108th House District. They discuss the top issues affecting the district, including the need for more opportunities, housing, and jobs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula.

They also delve into the challenges faced by veterans in rural areas, the childcare crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shortage of healthcare specialists in the U.P. Prestin emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues through policy changes, investment, and removing bureaucratic hurdles.

Topics discussed include the need for more opportunities and revitalization in the U.P., challenges faced by veterans in rural areas and the lack of accessibility to advanced care, the childcare crisis and the need for regulatory reform to support cottage-style facilities, the shortage of housing and the impact of high labor and material costs, and the scarcity of healthcare specialists and the importance of attracting and retaining medical professionals in rural areas.