LANSING – State Representative Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) on Wednesday was sworn in to his first term representing the residents of the 10th House District. Santana, along with the other members of the Michigan House of Representatives, took the oath of office during a ceremony at the State Capitol marking the beginning of the 96th Legislature.

“We have 24 months to prove to Michigan citizens we are serious about making the correct decisions that will turn Michigan around; this is going to be grueling” Santana said. “My job in the Legislature is to constantly raise and maintain a high operational tempo. There will be times in the two years ahead when some in this legislature run out of energy and when some lose focus. We must be secure in the belief that we can get the job done for the people of Michigan. At that point, the 96th State legislature will take on a renewed purpose as we become more motivated to achieve our goals in an unstoppable manner. Our goal must be to become a high quality education state which requires protecting investments in education as opposed to continued runaway spending on prisons.”

Santana, an urban planner for 10 years, has worked on three major Michigan transportation projects: the Detroit River International Crossing study, the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal study, and the I-75 Environmental Assessment. He is a former president of the Warrendale Community Organization, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church, a Chadsey High School graduate and holds both a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. A U.S. Navy veteran, Santana proudly defended our country in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Santana encourages residents to contact him if they have questions or concerns about state government. They can call him toll-free at (855) 347-8010 or e-mail him at HarveySantana@house.mi.gov.

Residents are also encouraged to visit his website www.santana.housedems.com to see updates on his work and to sign up for his e-newsletter.