LANSING – State Representative Kristy Pagan (D-Canton) was sworn in today to the Michigan House of Representatives. Pagan represents the 21st House District, which comprises the city of Belleville and the majorities of Canton and Van Buren Townships.

“I am incredibly excited to begin my service as a state representative. It is an honor that the people of the 21st House District chose me to represent them in Michigan’s Legislature,” Pagan said. “As I spoke to my neighbors, I learned they are concerned about quality education, finding good-paying jobs, and having safe and vibrant communities. They are tired of politics as usual and want a representative that will work hard to serve their needs. I am ready to work hard every day for the people of this community.”

Pagan was born in Belleville and raised in Canton, where she graduated from Salem High School. After graduating from Western Michigan University, Pagan, like many young people, struggled to find meaningful work in Michigan. Instead, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in child nutrition policy for a nonprofit organization and took night classes to earn her master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University. Pagan went on to work in education policy with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

In 2011, Pagan moved back to her Michigan hometown and started her own business dedicated to civic and community engagement. In addition, she worked at Wayne State University Law School, where she helped make higher education more affordable for students.

Pagan is very active in her community. She serves on the Canton Community Foundation Board of Directors and the Advisory Council for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program at Canton High School.

Pagan’s legislative priorities include improving our state’s public schools, bringing more middle-class jobs to Michigan, advocating for LGBT citizens and protecting women’s health care rights.

“Making Michigan a better place starts with improving our schools, from pre-K to college, and working to retain talented young people,” Pagan said. “By increasing job training opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses, we can make our state more attractive to recent graduates and young families.”