LANSING — Capital-area members of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus were ceremonially sworn in to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 99th Legislature in 2017-18. The three Ingham County Democratic representatives said that their priorities in office will mirror those of the working families, seniors and students of mid-Michigan.

“As legislators, we have a large task ahead of us. From bringing back jobs with good wages to our state to properly funding our schools and communities and repairing our infrastructure, the Michigan House Democrats will fight to end policies that punish working people and to create a Michigan economy that benefits us all,” said state House Democratic Leader Rep. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “The people of the 69th House District are counting on us to deliver solutions that will repair our crumbling roads, restore the quality of our education and give working families a chance to get ahead. I will go to work every day with their priorities in mind, and I will fight to bring the state’s economic recovery to working families.”

While Michigan’s economy has made gains in recent years, it has yet to reach many working people, and median household income in Michigan is growing at half the rate of the national average. Addressing the disparity will be among the House Democrats’ highest goals.

“Michigan will never be as great as it can be until every working person shares in our state’s rebound,” 67th House District Rep. Tom Cochran (D-Mason) said. “I will fight to ease the tax burden on working families and seniors, and work with employers, schools and job training agencies to bring promising jobs to mid-Michigan. My door is always open, and I’m always within reach of my constituents who want to talk about their ideas and concerns about our state. Serving them is an honor and a privilege.”

Rep. Andy Schor (D-Lansing), from the 68th House District, said that he will fight to improve education and restore state funding to communities.

“Families deserve to live in vibrant communities that can provide excellent public safety services and vital programs to all,” Rep. Schor said. “We need to focus on our future by ensuring the best possible education for our children, no matter where they live or their socio-economic situation. I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents and will continue to fight for what is best for the Lansing area and all Michigan.”