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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Stay Connected with
Betsy Coffia
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.
5 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
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 Leelanau 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.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Music should be for everyone. Music education has been shown to increase emotional, mental and cognitive well-being in children. Last month, I testified on behalf of the Traverse City Philharmonic's vision to renovate an old, blighted Kmart to bring children and communities in the 5-county region, a music school, and a concert venue. The music school has a scholarship program, which is very important to me for access to children growing up in families like I did, where money is tight. I believe this budget request is especially important because many of our region’s schools have limitations on their funding for music and the arts (which we need to address as a state), and this music school is offering more opportunities for our kids. TC Phil serves over 250 children a week in the music school and over 3,000 people a year with no-cost programming. I am proud to uplift the Traverse City Philharmonic’s work to enhance equity for rural kids through scholarships and expand access to the arts for everyone in our region.
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Betsy Coffia IN THE NEWS
Coffia Champions Democratic K-12 Budget Proposal, Condemns GOP Version to Defund Necessary Student, School Supports
LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2025 — House Democrats introduced their vision for the School Aid budget this week during a [...]
Coffia Joins State, Local Leaders in Opposing Reckless Cuts to Medicaid and Public Service
LANSING, Mich., June 12, 2025 — The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) sent a letter signed [...]
Coffia Celebrates Michigan’s Cherry Industry
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), center left, welcomes 2024-25 National Cherry Queen Tessa Nico, center right, on May [...]
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
5 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
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 Leelanau 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
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Music should be for everyone. Music education has been shown to increase emotional, mental and cognitive well-being in children. Last month, I testified on behalf of the Traverse City Philharmonic's vision to renovate an old, blighted Kmart to bring children and communities in the 5-county region, a music school, and a concert venue. The music school has a scholarship program, which is very important to me for access to children growing up in families like I did, where money is tight. I believe this budget request is especially important because many of our region’s schools have limitations on their funding for music and the arts (which we need to address as a state), and this music school is offering more opportunities for our kids. TC Phil serves over 250 children a week in the music school and over 3,000 people a year with no-cost programming. I am proud to uplift the Traverse City Philharmonic’s work to enhance equity for rural kids through scholarships and expand access to the arts for everyone in our region. ... See MoreSee Less
14 CommentsComment on Facebook