LANSING — State Representative Kristy Pagan (D-Canton) was joined by special guest U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) for a town hall at Belleville High School on Thursday. Rep. Pagan and Congresswoman Dingell discussed the federal health care proposal, in addition to several federal budget proposals and how they would impact the hardworking people of Michigan. Following these discussions, the legislators took questions from the audience.

“With all the changes happening under the new administration, I have heard a lot concerns from residents about how the decisions made in Washington will impact Michigan and our local communities,” Rep. Pagan said. “That is why I was honored to have Congresswoman Dingell join to help address these concerns head on. It is so important that residents feel connected to those they elected to serve them, and Congresswoman Dingell has truly been a champion for our communities. I value the input and feedback we received from the town hall, as it will certainly help me better represent our community in the Michigan Legislature.”

Rep. Pagan and Congresswoman Dingell were also joined by Ezinne Ndukwe, a health care analyst for the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT), and Timothy Michling, a research associate with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC). CHRT is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, committed to improving health and informing policy based on facts. CRC is also a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that provides factual, unbiased, independent information. 

Rep. Pagan and Congresswoman Dingell addressed a full room on Thursday evening, and topics varied from the failed federal health care bill to proposed federal cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Meals on Wheels and after-school programs.

“Thursday’s discussion addressed the deep concerns many people have about the future of our country’s health care system and potential budget cuts that jeopardize critical programs that protect the environment and allow our seniors to age with dignity. State Representative Kristy Pagan and I understand the importance of providing Michigan residents the facts,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “It is critical for all of us on the federal and local level to work together to ensure Michigan stays strong and our residents have their voices heard.”