State Representative
Betsy Coffia
Traverse City | 103rd House District
Serving 93,426 constituents in Acme Township, East Bay Township, Traverse City, Peninsula Township, Garfield Township, Long Lake Township, Almira Township, Platte Township, Empire Township, Glen Arbor Township, Cleveland Township, Kasson Township, Solon Township, Elmwood Township, Bingham Township, Centerville Township, Leland Township, Suttons Bay Township, Leelanau Township
[email protected]
(517) 373-3817
Office: S-1387 House Office Building
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Betsy Coffia
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Betsy Coffia
We had a marathon 21 hour session in the Michigan house yesterday and today to finish the budget. Around midnight last night we were on a short break and I took a walk around the state Capitol as I often do to get some fresh air and stretch my legs and clear my head. In my 3 1/2 years working in Lansing, this is the first time I have encountered at midnight musician on the Capitol steps. This young man was sitting with his electric guitar playing sort of bluesy freestyle sounding music. I caught a little bit a bit on camera, but I stood and looked up at the sky and listened for a couple of songs and just felt quietly grateful for a very unique moment of being alive in that exact time and place. Music has that effect on people I think sometimes, especially when we really pause to notice.
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good morning from the Capitol! We are still here - session began at noon yesterday and has continued thru the night. Still voting, still working on the final budget passage. Grateful for coffee. 😅☕️
23 CommentsComment on Facebook
I spoke on the House Floor in opposition to House Bill 5727 because I believe in protecting Michigan’s kids. In 2024, we passed a bill that created much-needed safeguards to the Youth Employment Standards Act, such as harsher penalties for violations and tightening work hour limits to keep our children safe from those who might exploit their labor.
HB 5727 would eliminate the youth work permit system and provide even fewer protections than there were before 2024, making it easier for employers to take advantage of children. I believe in the value of hard work. As a kid, I helped my mom clean houses and mowed lawns as young as age 11. I know that we need to support our state’s youngest workers. Why are my colleagues on the other side of the aisle so eager to roll back protections, especially when it comes to our kids?
Two years ago in Traverse City, a 17-year-old boy experienced a debilitating injury while working at a construction site when he fell 30 feet. No police or emergency medical services were called to assist, and the incident was not reported to state or federal workplace safety regulators. This incident is just one example of why we need to be addressing the weaknesses in child labor laws, not creating more gaps for bad actors to exploit or barriers for children to be protected.
There is more work to be done to stand up for the safety of our youth, and as we work towards building a brighter future for Michigan, our highest priority must be the well-being and future of our children.
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
No one should have to worry about accessing the care they need, which is why I’ve cosponsored bills to make universal healthcare available for all Michiganders. This is especially needed at a time when the president and the Republican majority in Congress passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill last year, which slashed funding for Medicaid, gutted the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for middle-class families and made it harder for people to access healthcare, especially in more rural areas. My office has received an alarming number of texts, calls and other contacts from individuals and families with serious concerns about losing access to healthcare because they simply can no longer afford it.
For those who still have coverage, some are experiencing big jumps in their premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. While I’m pushing us to pass bills to ensure healthcare for all, I want to share important information for Benzie County residents, including options to access healthcare through Federally qualified Health Centers, which provide our community with care regardless of ability to pay. I won't stop fighting for long-term solutions so that more people can afford and access healthcare when and where they need it. Healthcare is a human right.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
No one should have to worry about accessing the care they need, which is why I’ve cosponsored bills to make universal healthcare available for all Michiganders. This is especially needed at a time when the president and the Republican majority in Congress passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill last year, which slashed funding for Medicaid, gutted the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for middle-class families and made it harder for people to access healthcare, especially in more rural areas. My office has received an alarming number of texts, calls and other contacts from individuals and families with serious concerns about losing access to healthcare because they simply can no longer afford it.
For those who still have coverage, some are experiencing big jumps in their premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. While I’m pushing us to pass bills to ensure healthcare for all, I want to share important information for Grand Traverse County residents, including options to access healthcare through Federally qualified Health Centers, which provide our community with care regardless of ability to pay. I won't stop fighting for long-term solutions so that more people can afford and access healthcare when and where they need it. Healthcare is a human right.
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is horrific. Please don’t have animals if you’re going to treat them this way. They are innocent creatures and do not deserve abuse. And please report if you are aware of abuse.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I’ve spoken to folks who have had to drive all the way to Gaylord to get finger printing for jobs like childcare as one example. This is a great thing to offer locally and I appreciate the clerk’s office for making it happen.The Grand Traverse County Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce that beginning July 1, 2026, it will offer LiveScan fingerprinting services at the Grand Traverse County Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City.
The addition of LiveScan services is intended to address a growing community need by providing residents with a convenient local option for electronic fingerprinting required for
employment, professional licensing, volunteer service, adoption, and other state-mandated background checks.
“Residents should not have to travel long distances or navigate multiple agencies to obtain a service that is often required for employment, licensing, or volunteer opportunities,” said Grand Traverse County Clerk Samuel R. Gedman. “By offering LiveScan fingerprinting locally, the Clerk’s Office is helping make government services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our community.”
LiveScan technology electronically captures fingerprints and securely transmits them to the appropriate state agency for processing. The Clerk’s Office anticipates serving a wide
variety of customers, including educators, healthcare professionals, childcare workers, nonprofit volunteers, and others who are required to complete fingerprint-based background checks as part of state licensing or employment requirements.
The service represents the latest effort by the Clerk’s Office to expand public access to convenient governmental services while utilizing existing resources and expertise to meet community needs.
LiveScan fingerprinting services will be available beginning July 1. For Information regarding, fees and required identification, please contact the Grand Traverse County Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4760.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you ever stop to reflect on what it tells our children if we as a people allow the powerful Epstein class running our government, corporations, and largest institutions, to get away with pedophilia and human trafficking of countless children and young women and never bring them to justice?
Do you ever think about the message to other predators?
I do.
Justice for survivors. Prosecute the predators. I don’t care how long it takes.
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Betsy Coffia IN THE NEWS
Coffia Introduces Resolution Honoring Cherry Industry Day
Coffia Introduces Resolution Honoring Cherry Industry Day, Calls for Continued Support for Farmers State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), fourth [...]
Price, Fellow Democrats Introduce Utility Affordability, Ratepayer Protection Legislation
State Reps. Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) and Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) at the Utility Affordability Now Press Conference, [...]
Democratic Lawmakers Demand Michigan House Speaker, Republicans for Immediate Investigation into Epstein and Those Implicated
LANSING, Mich., May 19, 2025 — Today, state Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) hosted a [...]
We had a marathon 21 hour session in the Michigan house yesterday and today to finish the budget. Around midnight last night we were on a short break and I took a walk around the state Capitol as I often do to get some fresh air and stretch my legs and clear my head. In my 3 1/2 years working in Lansing, this is the first time I have encountered at midnight musician on the Capitol steps. This young man was sitting with his electric guitar playing sort of bluesy freestyle sounding music. I caught a little bit a bit on camera, but I stood and looked up at the sky and listened for a couple of songs and just felt quietly grateful for a very unique moment of being alive in that exact time and place. Music has that effect on people I think sometimes, especially when we really pause to notice. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good morning from the Capitol! We are still here - session began at noon yesterday and has continued thru the night. Still voting, still working on the final budget passage. Grateful for coffee. 😅☕️ ... See MoreSee Less
23 CommentsComment on Facebook
I spoke on the House Floor in opposition to House Bill 5727 because I believe in protecting Michigan’s kids. In 2024, we passed a bill that created much-needed safeguards to the Youth Employment Standards Act, such as harsher penalties for violations and tightening work hour limits to keep our children safe from those who might exploit their labor.
HB 5727 would eliminate the youth work permit system and provide even fewer protections than there were before 2024, making it easier for employers to take advantage of children. I believe in the value of hard work. As a kid, I helped my mom clean houses and mowed lawns as young as age 11. I know that we need to support our state’s youngest workers. Why are my colleagues on the other side of the aisle so eager to roll back protections, especially when it comes to our kids?
Two years ago in Traverse City, a 17-year-old boy experienced a debilitating injury while working at a construction site when he fell 30 feet. No police or emergency medical services were called to assist, and the incident was not reported to state or federal workplace safety regulators. This incident is just one example of why we need to be addressing the weaknesses in child labor laws, not creating more gaps for bad actors to exploit or barriers for children to be protected.
There is more work to be done to stand up for the safety of our youth, and as we work towards building a brighter future for Michigan, our highest priority must be the well-being and future of our children. ... See MoreSee Less
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
No one should have to worry about accessing the care they need, which is why I’ve cosponsored bills to make universal healthcare available for all Michiganders. This is especially needed at a time when the president and the Republican majority in Congress passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill last year, which slashed funding for Medicaid, gutted the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for middle-class families and made it harder for people to access healthcare, especially in more rural areas. My office has received an alarming number of texts, calls and other contacts from individuals and families with serious concerns about losing access to healthcare because they simply can no longer afford it.
For those who still have coverage, some are experiencing big jumps in their premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. While I’m pushing us to pass bills to ensure healthcare for all, I want to share important information for Benzie County residents, including options to access healthcare through Federally qualified Health Centers, which provide our community with care regardless of ability to pay. I won't stop fighting for long-term solutions so that more people can afford and access healthcare when and where they need it. Healthcare is a human right. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
No one should have to worry about accessing the care they need, which is why I’ve cosponsored bills to make universal healthcare available for all Michiganders. This is especially needed at a time when the president and the Republican majority in Congress passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill last year, which slashed funding for Medicaid, gutted the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for middle-class families and made it harder for people to access healthcare, especially in more rural areas. My office has received an alarming number of texts, calls and other contacts from individuals and families with serious concerns about losing access to healthcare because they simply can no longer afford it.
For those who still have coverage, some are experiencing big jumps in their premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. While I’m pushing us to pass bills to ensure healthcare for all, I want to share important information for Grand Traverse County residents, including options to access healthcare through Federally qualified Health Centers, which provide our community with care regardless of ability to pay. I won't stop fighting for long-term solutions so that more people can afford and access healthcare when and where they need it. Healthcare is a human right. ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is horrific. Please don’t have animals if you’re going to treat them this way. They are innocent creatures and do not deserve abuse. And please report if you are aware of abuse. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I’ve spoken to folks who have had to drive all the way to Gaylord to get finger printing for jobs like childcare as one example. This is a great thing to offer locally and I appreciate the clerk’s office for making it happen.The Grand Traverse County Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce that beginning July 1, 2026, it will offer LiveScan fingerprinting services at the Grand Traverse County Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City.
The addition of LiveScan services is intended to address a growing community need by providing residents with a convenient local option for electronic fingerprinting required for
employment, professional licensing, volunteer service, adoption, and other state-mandated background checks.
“Residents should not have to travel long distances or navigate multiple agencies to obtain a service that is often required for employment, licensing, or volunteer opportunities,” said Grand Traverse County Clerk Samuel R. Gedman. “By offering LiveScan fingerprinting locally, the Clerk’s Office is helping make government services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our community.”
LiveScan technology electronically captures fingerprints and securely transmits them to the appropriate state agency for processing. The Clerk’s Office anticipates serving a wide
variety of customers, including educators, healthcare professionals, childcare workers, nonprofit volunteers, and others who are required to complete fingerprint-based background checks as part of state licensing or employment requirements.
The service represents the latest effort by the Clerk’s Office to expand public access to convenient governmental services while utilizing existing resources and expertise to meet community needs.
LiveScan fingerprinting services will be available beginning July 1. For Information regarding, fees and required identification, please contact the Grand Traverse County Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4760. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is so lovely AARP. Happy Pride indeed 🥹🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you ever stop to reflect on what it tells our children if we as a people allow the powerful Epstein class running our government, corporations, and largest institutions, to get away with pedophilia and human trafficking of countless children and young women and never bring them to justice?
Do you ever think about the message to other predators?
I do.
Justice for survivors. Prosecute the predators. I don’t care how long it takes. ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook