LANSING — The Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) selected its 2019-2020 executive committee today with state Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton) being elected as caucus chair. Rep. Pagan is currently serving her third term in the House and in previous terms, served as a leader of the caucus’ Gender Violence and Women’s Health task forces, as a legislative co-chair of former First Lady Sue Snyder’s End Campus Sexual Assault Summit, spearheaded bipartisan efforts to address domestic and sexual assault, and helped secure additional funding for sexual assault survivors in the state budget.
“Thank you to my colleagues for entrusting me to lead this caucus. As we celebrate reaching the largest numbers of Democratic women elected to office in our state’s history, we must also remain steadfast in leading with purpose. With this new responsibility comes a laser focus on uplifting women and our families through progressive policy making, collaboration with both legislative chambers, and a strong partnership with Gov. Whitmer,” Rep. Pagan said. “To me, every issue is a woman’s issue. From fully funding our schools, to closing the pay gap, to increasing access to reproductive healthcare and economic security – women must be at the table to make a difference. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to ensure that the women of Michigan are heard and we pass policies that benefit their lives.”
Joining Rep. Pagan on the executive committee is state Rep. Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield) as vice chair, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) as secretary, state Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) as treasurer, and state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) as the immediate past chair.
Rep. Pagan brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to women’s issues in the Michigan legislature. Before becoming a legislator, Rep. Pagan served as Chair of WIN, a pro-choice, Democratic women’s networking organization in Washington, D.C., traveled the country recruiting and training women to run for office, and served as a legislative aide to Michigan’s first woman senator, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. She has been a champion for women’s health and has sponsored numerous bills to ensure that the women of Michigan have access to the healthcare they need and deserve.
The Progressive Women’s Caucus works to support and promote forward-thinking women serving in the Michigan legislature, provide professional development and networking opportunities for progressive women, and take a proactive approach in ending all oppression through leadership and the policy making process.”