I’m running for re-election for State Representative because I believe when we work together, we can create a northern Michigan community where every single person is able to enjoy life with dignity and opportunity.
Growing up in a rural, working class community in the region, I learned my work ethic from my mom, who cleaned lakefront homes for a living, and spent her free time volunteering to serve in food pantries and church activities, all while raising four children. I observed the struggles of life on the margins, especially when it came to health care. My parents were in constant states of stress if one of us kids fell ill, balancing how to afford medical visits and still pay the bills.
In 2020, I saw firsthand how important quality health insurance is, when I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Insurance covered nearly $300,000 of medical bills, and served as a reminder that so many hard working families still live one emergency away from financial collapse.
I want to help build a Michigan where everyone has access to quality physical and mental health care, no matter their zip code, race or gender, or level of income. I will fight for housing -- an ever growing crisis in the 103rd -- and protect the waters and land that define our district's economic and social well-being.
For too long, certain Lansing politicians have been out of touch with our community's needs. They’ve chosen profit over people to keep their power, and have worked to divide and distract us so we won’t demand better for our families.
I say no more. We all have the right to dream big and demand more of our leaders. Let's work together to build a 103rd and a Michigan where we ALL can thrive.
I’m State Representative Betsy Coffia, and I am committed to working hard every day for you and your loved ones to have life with dignity, because that is what we all deserve.
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ABOUT
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
BETSY COFFIA
You may already know Betsy from her decade-plus of organizing in the Grand Traverse region, and many of you have been in the trenches with her-- from collecting 30k signatures in the the Emergency Manager Repeal campaign, to standing up for human rights in the Trump era, to defending our vote from the Big Lie in 2020-21.
What you may not know: Betsy grew up in a working class family here in northern Michigan. She became the first Democratic woman in over 30 years to be elected to the Grand Traverse County Commission in 2018, flipping the seat of a multi-term incumbent. She was re-elected in 2020 by an even bigger margin. In 2022, with the help of the community, Betsy flipped the only State House seat of 110 from a Republican incumbent.
Betsy has built a reputation as a thoughtful bipartisan policy maker, and a staunch voice for transparency and constituent services. She is a clear and level-headed leader in the most critical community issues, advocating for science and public health, responsible public spending, and priorities including a balanced approach to housing, mental health, broadband, and childcare.
Preserving our natural resources
There is no better voice for natural resources than representatives from northern Michigan. Our economy + sense of place are defined by shorelines, waterways, farms and orchards. I want the 103 to be seen as a leader in Michigan in clean energy, healthy drinking water for all, protecting the Great Lakes, and addressing climate change, one community at a time.
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An economy that works for everyone
A sense of community and functioning economy are intrinsically connected in northern Michigan. We must address critical issues like workforce/housing; access to quality mental and physical healthcare; an expansion of rural broadband; the necessity of a living wage. As someone who grew up in a working class family, I'm keenly aware of the struggles-- and possible solutions.
Supporting public education
As a social worker who served public schools in northern Michigan, I've seen firsthand the importance of funding early childhood education. I want to ensure our public school educators have the resources they need, and that students have access to mental and physical health care. As right wing extremists attack the foundational principles of public education, I commit to standing with educators.
Protecting our reproductive rights
I am the only pro-choice woman in the 103rd race. I staunchly support the right to privacy and access to reproductive healthcare including abortion care. I strongly oppose government overreach into our own private healthcare decisions, which belong exclusively between us and our medical care providers.
Protecting voting rights
I will fight against all strategies to limit access/make voting more difficult for marginalized communities. I will also stand firm in holding elected leaders accountable for any attempts to undermine voting rights. I will work to ensure all constituents have access to voting information, and that election officials feel safe in carrying out their duties.
PRIORITIES
A community leader with strong community support.
click here for our full list of endorsements
BETSY'S ENDORSEMENTS
ELECTED LEADERS
Jocelyn
Benson
Michigan Secretary of State
PARTNERED ORGANIZATIONS
BETSY IS A COMMON SENSE, BIPARTISAN LEADER WHO TACKLES TOUGH PROBLEMS.
IN HER FIRST TERM, BETSY VOTED TO:​
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Protect abortion rights and expand reproductive freedom.​​​
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Expand voting rights to encourage all eligible citizens to participate in our democracy
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Invest millions in mental health services for our students
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Break down barriers and secure funding to increase access to affordable housing​​​​
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Eliminate loopholes that shielded drug companies from being held accountable for harming patients
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Secure millions in support of first responders and public safety​
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Strengthen anti-discrimination laws to stand up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors​​​
What's included in the 103rd House District?
- Leelanau County: The entire county
- Grand Traverse County: Acme, East Bay, Garfield, Long Lake, Peninsula townships and the City of Traverse City
- Benzie County: Almira, Platte townships