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Michigan House District 48 Choose 1

Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws.Qualifications: Representatives are elected in even-numbered years to 2-year terms. They must be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter in their district. There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census.Term: 2 years

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Jennifer Conlin (Dem)

Biographical Information

Occupation / Current Position State Representative
Education B.A University of Michigan, M.A Northwestern University
Qualifications and Experience Media Content Consultant, Editor, Writer. Alumni Association of the University of Michigan - Deputy Content Editor. The New York Times Contributor.

EDUCATION: How do you evaluate Michigan’s current education system in terms of quality, funding, the teacher workforce and standardized testing? What changes, if any, would you propose or support?

Michigan’s education system is facing many challenges, including a teacher shortage and a literacy crisis, but these are fixable. Programs like the MI Future Educator Stipend and Grow Your Own Program help future teachers earn certifications and degrees with less debt, and we should expand these efforts. The state must provide schools with adequate, equitable, and stable funding while ensuring resources support students and educators effectively. We have made progress through the expansion of the Great Start Readiness Program, but we should continue investing in early childhood education, including universal pre-K for every 4-year old.

ECONOMY: What policy initiatives do you support for residents to earn a living wage and address the overall question of affordability across Michigan?

We need to find ways to put money back in Michiganders pockets. We need to work on our housing stock to lower rent and mortgage prices. We need to make housing more affordable and accessible for seniors. Outdated zoning regulations have prohibited types of accessory dwelling units from being built in certain areas, which provides seniors the ability to live close to family. Medication is a big cost every month for Michigan families, so I have been working on bills to cap the copays on Insulin and Inhalers. By instituting statewide copay caps we are ensuring that every Michigander can access lifesaving medication at an affordable price.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: How would you approach ensuring energy reliability, consumer affordability, and environmental protection in Michigan?

I am a strong advocate for clean, sustainable energy as Michigan works toward its climate goals. Expanding renewable energy will create good jobs, reduce pollution, lower electricity costs, improve grid reliability, and protect public health. I was proud to vote YES on the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which expanded wind and solar projects and reduced local barriers. We should continue supporting community solar on rooftops, parking lots, and other underused sites, while allowing balcony solar and other residential generation options. Removing barriers to clean energy will encourage investment and help lower utility costs for Michiganders.

IMMIGRATION: What is your position on due process, First Amendment, and Fourth Amendment rights for all Michigan residents, including noncitizens, and what changes, if any, would you support?

Everyone deserves due process and to be treated equally under the law – including in all their interactions with local, state, and federal law enforcement. It is for this reason that it is absolutely crucial that all law enforcement officials execute only valid warrants, and clearly identify to the public the authority under which they are operating. Everyone who is in the United States has the right to the First Amendment.

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Brian Ignatowski (Rep)

Biographical Information

EDUCATION: How do you evaluate Michigan’s current education system in terms of quality, funding, the teacher workforce and standardized testing? What changes, if any, would you propose or support?

Candidate has not yet responded.

ECONOMY: What policy initiatives do you support for residents to earn a living wage and address the overall question of affordability across Michigan?

Candidate has not yet responded.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: How would you approach ensuring energy reliability, consumer affordability, and environmental protection in Michigan?

Candidate has not yet responded.

IMMIGRATION: What is your position on due process, First Amendment, and Fourth Amendment rights for all Michigan residents, including noncitizens, and what changes, if any, would you support?

Candidate has not yet responded.