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
BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov
(517) 373-3817
Office: S-1387 House Office Building
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Betsy Coffia
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Betsy Coffia
Friends,
I’ve worked hard to campaign and serve as a lawmaker in a way that is transparent with the people of the 103rd House District, because that is what we all deserve from elected leaders.
I’m writing today to share an update on my health. This spring, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of the benign brain tumor I had removed in 2020. While it is thankfully not back to the level of 2020, it still required medical intervention. More recently, unrelated to the tumor, I received a diagnosis of a very rare form of cancer which we are fortunately catching at stage one. This cancer also requires medical intervention. Both diagnoses come with positive prognosis, and I’m hoping to make a full recovery with the support of a great medical team from University of Michigan hospitals.
On August 12, I underwent inpatient surgery at U of M hospital to remove both the cancer and the brain tumor. I'm incredibly thankful that advances in medical science since my craniotomy in 2020 have meant a more targeted and localized surgery was possible. I am also so thankful to share that everything went smoothly, and my doctors tell me I am on a good path to heal.
Per doctor's orders, I’ll be taking some time to rest and heal after my stay at the hospital. While I may not be as visible in the state house, and in the community here in northern Michigan, my dedicated legislative team is keeping things moving to serve constituents in my absence. I’ll continue to contribute where I can and remain fully committed to the work you elected me to do. I look forward to returning in full capacity as soon as I’m able.
Thank you to my medical team for handling this with the greatest care, and to all my loved ones who are providing support during this uncertain time.
I love Northern Michigan and its residents and I’ll never stop fighting for you. You’d better believe I will work even harder to support scientific research that allowed surgeries like mine, and fight like hell for access to quality healthcare for ALL, because that is what we deserve.
— Betsy
129 CommentsComment on Facebook
Northern Michigan deserves better. House Democrats are taking on corporate greed and political games to rebuild our schools, roads and environment and improve access to affordable housing, food and medications. I’ve been part of the Vision Project core team shepherding this project since winter, and now it’s your turn to shape it. We’re launching our House Democrats’ Vision Project to hear directly from you about what matters most. Your voice guides our work. What’s most important to you?
Take our brief survey to share your vision for Michigan here: HouseDems.com/vision-survey/?utm_source=Rep.Coffia-Vision+Project&utm_medium=link
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Northern Michigan is powered by care — and our child care workers are at the heart of it. As communities Up North know, finding and keeping early childhood educators in rural communities is getting harder every year. That’s where the Nurture Benefits Program steps in. A new statewide effort is expanding benefits for child care professionals across the state— including health insurance, life insurance and retirement options. Programs like this are critical in Northern Michigan, where child care deserts and worker shortages are leaving families without options and providers without support.
If you live or work in Northern Michigan and want to build a future where child care is a respected, sustainable career, check out how this program is helping. Applications will open this fall, and benefits start January 2026.
Michigan program aims to expand benefits for child care workers - Bridge Michigan
bridgemi.com
Nearly four out of five child care workers in Michigan don’t receive benefits. A $4.4 million pilot program from the state hopes to change that.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Father Jim Perra shared this blessing from Sister Ruth Marlene Fox, at Friday’s vigil for the survivors of the knife attack. I was struck by it in the moment, and want to share here:
May God bless us with a restless discomfort
A discomfort with easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that we may seek truth boldly and love deeply, knowing that we are meant to be our neighbors keepers.
May God bless us with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless us with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, illness, abuse, or the loss of all that they cherish,
So that our response to the brokenness and violence of this world may be reach out together, to bring care and healing, to build a responsible and beloved community capable of transforming pain and suffering into hope and renewal.
May God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we really CAN make a difference in this world, so that we are able,
with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And may the blessing of our loving creator, the blessing of the God who cares for every human child who stands with us within and against the darkness, who lifts us up when we fall, may the blessing of the one whose goodness and fire has inspired prophets and poets be with us and remain with us, leaving us restless and discomforted this day and everyday until a time beyond our knowing when we are all one.
AMEN.
a four-fold benedictine blessing - sr. ruth marlene fox, osb - 1985
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
We offer several Maternal, Child, & Family Health Programs for our community. Our experienced healthcare team is available to help families access quality healthcare services. ☀
To learn more about our services, visit our website www.gtcountymi.gov/599/Maternal-Child-Family-Health.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dear community,
As survivors and their families are grappling with the injuries, trauma and healing process of the recent July 26 mass stabbing tragedy at the Walmart in Traverse City, we want to make sure that you know that support is available to help survivors alleviate financial stress over cost of medical care, lost wages due to missing work and a need for counseling to process this traumatic experience. The Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Program exists to help survivors with:
• Medical expenses.
• Counseling.
• Lost earnings.
• Transportation.
• And more.
To learn more about qualifying and applying, click the link below or reach out to my office if we can be of any support. You can reach my office at (517) 373-3817 or email BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov.
www.michigan.gov
{"name":"Crime Victim Compensation","components":[{"name":"Page Hero Heading Rendering","path":"/main/sxa-pagebody/section-3","contents":{"video hero section":"\\u003csection class=\\\"hero-image__sec...4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Interfaith Vigil to Honor Those Affected by Recent Violence
The S.A.L.T. Coalition invites the public to an interfaith vigil this Friday, August 1st at 7 pm at Sunset Park, 635 E. Front Street.
The vigil is intended to support and uplift those affected by the July 26th incident at Walmart, which injured 11 individuals, several of whom are still recovering at Munson Medical Center.
The community gathering will include:
● A period of silent reflection and candle-lighting
● Prayers from interfaith leaders across traditions
● Informal fellowship and mutual support
All are encouraged to attend. Come as you are.
#traversecity #tcmi #tcstrong
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our region is sadly in news again due to the mass stabbing of eleven people on Saturday at the Traverse City Walmart by the alleged perpetrator Bradford James Gille who will reportedly face charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The Glen Arbor Sun shares that all 11 are expected to survive. One of those assaulted is Cindi John, who owns and operates Treaty Fish Co. in Peshawbestown with her husband Ed. Their daughter Ruby posted the news on Facebook & has shared that you can make donations to help Cindi and the family @Ruby-John-23 on Venmo.
Like the Sun, Leelanau.com would prefer to focus on helping the victims so please meet the folks who have delivered my favorite fish for years:
The Johns, who are members of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, have owned and operated their beloved, tribal commercial fishery since 1989. They typically sell their fresh and smoked lake trout fillets and patties at Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown or on Saturdays at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market in Traverse City. However, the need for boat repairs earlier this month have prevented them from fishing.
Earlier this month they received a 2025 Michigan Heritage Award from the Michigan Traditional Arts Program at Michigan State University. The awards “recognize individuals who masterfully uphold their family, community, or cultural folk traditions.”
Last year Ed & Cindi John Treaty Fish Co became the second Leelanau-based fishery—after Carlson’s in Leland—to sign a compact committing to use 100 percent of each Great Lakes-caught fish. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative exists “to find new and innovative ways to use the whole fish in order to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development.”
Their daughter Ruby John, an accomplished Native American fiddler, was profiled by Kathleen Stocking in the Glen Arbor Sun in 2017: glenarborsun.com/ruby-john-native-fiddler/
You can get fish from Treaty Fish Co at the Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown Hours 4-6pm Wed-Friday (Fresh Lake Trout Filets and Patties) and at the Sara Hardy Farm Market in Traverse City on Saturdays from 7:30-Noon.
More in the Glen Arbor Sun: glenarborsun.com/tribal-fisherwoman-cindi-john-recovering-after-stabbings-at-traverse-city-walmart/
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Recently, I joined State Rep. John Roth and Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, for a demonstration of the Munson Healthcare drone delivery project. Many rural communities are in health care deserts, limiting their ability to access the health care they need when they need it.
Munson Healthcare's new delivery system will supplement the ongoing courier system of drivers and help cut down wait time for the most urgently needed medicines and test results to be transported across our rural hospital system. To help expand this life-saving system for Northern Michiganders, Traverse Connect will receive an additional $949,000 through Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Michigan Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Betsy Coffia IN THE NEWS
Coffia, Democratic Lawmakers Unveil Police Mask Ban Legislation
Bill would restrict public safety officials from concealing identity LANSING, Mich., July 25, 2025 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse [...]
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 [...]
Friends,
I’ve worked hard to campaign and serve as a lawmaker in a way that is transparent with the people of the 103rd House District, because that is what we all deserve from elected leaders.
I’m writing today to share an update on my health. This spring, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of the benign brain tumor I had removed in 2020. While it is thankfully not back to the level of 2020, it still required medical intervention. More recently, unrelated to the tumor, I received a diagnosis of a very rare form of cancer which we are fortunately catching at stage one. This cancer also requires medical intervention. Both diagnoses come with positive prognosis, and I’m hoping to make a full recovery with the support of a great medical team from University of Michigan hospitals.
On August 12, I underwent inpatient surgery at U of M hospital to remove both the cancer and the brain tumor. I'm incredibly thankful that advances in medical science since my craniotomy in 2020 have meant a more targeted and localized surgery was possible. I am also so thankful to share that everything went smoothly, and my doctors tell me I am on a good path to heal.
Per doctor's orders, I’ll be taking some time to rest and heal after my stay at the hospital. While I may not be as visible in the state house, and in the community here in northern Michigan, my dedicated legislative team is keeping things moving to serve constituents in my absence. I’ll continue to contribute where I can and remain fully committed to the work you elected me to do. I look forward to returning in full capacity as soon as I’m able.
Thank you to my medical team for handling this with the greatest care, and to all my loved ones who are providing support during this uncertain time.
I love Northern Michigan and its residents and I’ll never stop fighting for you. You’d better believe I will work even harder to support scientific research that allowed surgeries like mine, and fight like hell for access to quality healthcare for ALL, because that is what we deserve.
— Betsy ... See MoreSee Less
129 CommentsComment on Facebook
Northern Michigan deserves better. House Democrats are taking on corporate greed and political games to rebuild our schools, roads and environment and improve access to affordable housing, food and medications. I’ve been part of the Vision Project core team shepherding this project since winter, and now it’s your turn to shape it. We’re launching our House Democrats’ Vision Project to hear directly from you about what matters most. Your voice guides our work. What’s most important to you?
Take our brief survey to share your vision for Michigan here: HouseDems.com/vision-survey/?utm_source=Rep.Coffia-Vision+Project&utm_medium=link ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Northern Michigan is powered by care — and our child care workers are at the heart of it. As communities Up North know, finding and keeping early childhood educators in rural communities is getting harder every year. That’s where the Nurture Benefits Program steps in. A new statewide effort is expanding benefits for child care professionals across the state— including health insurance, life insurance and retirement options. Programs like this are critical in Northern Michigan, where child care deserts and worker shortages are leaving families without options and providers without support.
If you live or work in Northern Michigan and want to build a future where child care is a respected, sustainable career, check out how this program is helping. Applications will open this fall, and benefits start January 2026. ... See MoreSee Less
Michigan program aims to expand benefits for child care workers - Bridge Michigan
bridgemi.com
Nearly four out of five child care workers in Michigan don’t receive benefits. A $4.4 million pilot program from the state hopes to change that.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Father Jim Perra shared this blessing from Sister Ruth Marlene Fox, at Friday’s vigil for the survivors of the knife attack. I was struck by it in the moment, and want to share here:
May God bless us with a restless discomfort
A discomfort with easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that we may seek truth boldly and love deeply, knowing that we are meant to be our neighbors keepers.
May God bless us with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless us with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, illness, abuse, or the loss of all that they cherish,
So that our response to the brokenness and violence of this world may be reach out together, to bring care and healing, to build a responsible and beloved community capable of transforming pain and suffering into hope and renewal.
May God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we really CAN make a difference in this world, so that we are able,
with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And may the blessing of our loving creator, the blessing of the God who cares for every human child who stands with us within and against the darkness, who lifts us up when we fall, may the blessing of the one whose goodness and fire has inspired prophets and poets be with us and remain with us, leaving us restless and discomforted this day and everyday until a time beyond our knowing when we are all one.
AMEN.
a four-fold benedictine blessing - sr. ruth marlene fox, osb - 1985 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
We offer several Maternal, Child, & Family Health Programs for our community. Our experienced healthcare team is available to help families access quality healthcare services. ☀
To learn more about our services, visit our website www.gtcountymi.gov/599/Maternal-Child-Family-Health. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dear community,
As survivors and their families are grappling with the injuries, trauma and healing process of the recent July 26 mass stabbing tragedy at the Walmart in Traverse City, we want to make sure that you know that support is available to help survivors alleviate financial stress over cost of medical care, lost wages due to missing work and a need for counseling to process this traumatic experience. The Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Program exists to help survivors with:
• Medical expenses.
• Counseling.
• Lost earnings.
• Transportation.
• And more.
To learn more about qualifying and applying, click the link below or reach out to my office if we can be of any support. You can reach my office at (517) 373-3817 or email BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov. ... See MoreSee Less
www.michigan.gov
www.michigan.gov
{"name":"Crime Victim Compensation","components":[{"name":"Page Hero Heading Rendering","path":"/main/sxa-pagebody/section-3","contents":{"video hero section":"\\u003csection class=\\\"hero-image__sec...4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Interfaith Vigil to Honor Those Affected by Recent Violence
The S.A.L.T. Coalition invites the public to an interfaith vigil this Friday, August 1st at 7 pm at Sunset Park, 635 E. Front Street.
The vigil is intended to support and uplift those affected by the July 26th incident at Walmart, which injured 11 individuals, several of whom are still recovering at Munson Medical Center.
The community gathering will include:
● A period of silent reflection and candle-lighting
● Prayers from interfaith leaders across traditions
● Informal fellowship and mutual support
All are encouraged to attend. Come as you are.
#traversecity #tcmi #tcstrong ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our region is sadly in news again due to the mass stabbing of eleven people on Saturday at the Traverse City Walmart by the alleged perpetrator Bradford James Gille who will reportedly face charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The Glen Arbor Sun shares that all 11 are expected to survive. One of those assaulted is Cindi John, who owns and operates Treaty Fish Co. in Peshawbestown with her husband Ed. Their daughter Ruby posted the news on Facebook & has shared that you can make donations to help Cindi and the family @Ruby-John-23 on Venmo.
Like the Sun, Leelanau.com would prefer to focus on helping the victims so please meet the folks who have delivered my favorite fish for years:
The Johns, who are members of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, have owned and operated their beloved, tribal commercial fishery since 1989. They typically sell their fresh and smoked lake trout fillets and patties at Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown or on Saturdays at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market in Traverse City. However, the need for boat repairs earlier this month have prevented them from fishing.
Earlier this month they received a 2025 Michigan Heritage Award from the Michigan Traditional Arts Program at Michigan State University. The awards “recognize individuals who masterfully uphold their family, community, or cultural folk traditions.”
Last year Ed & Cindi John Treaty Fish Co became the second Leelanau-based fishery—after Carlson’s in Leland—to sign a compact committing to use 100 percent of each Great Lakes-caught fish. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative exists “to find new and innovative ways to use the whole fish in order to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development.”
Their daughter Ruby John, an accomplished Native American fiddler, was profiled by Kathleen Stocking in the Glen Arbor Sun in 2017: glenarborsun.com/ruby-john-native-fiddler/
You can get fish from Treaty Fish Co at the Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown Hours 4-6pm Wed-Friday (Fresh Lake Trout Filets and Patties) and at the Sara Hardy Farm Market in Traverse City on Saturdays from 7:30-Noon.
More in the Glen Arbor Sun: glenarborsun.com/tribal-fisherwoman-cindi-john-recovering-after-stabbings-at-traverse-city-walmart/ ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Recently, I joined State Rep. John Roth and Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, for a demonstration of the Munson Healthcare drone delivery project. Many rural communities are in health care deserts, limiting their ability to access the health care they need when they need it.
Munson Healthcare's new delivery system will supplement the ongoing courier system of drivers and help cut down wait time for the most urgently needed medicines and test results to be transported across our rural hospital system. To help expand this life-saving system for Northern Michiganders, Traverse Connect will receive an additional $949,000 through Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Michigan Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook