KENT COUNTY, MI – A small business owner is fighting for a two-year seat in the Michigan House of Representatives in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.
Jason Rubin, a Democrat and small business owner, will face Republican incumbent Angela Rigas in the 79th District race. The district covers Kent County south of M-6 and west of Alto, as well as parts of Allegan and Barry counties.
Rigas, an Alto resident who has received the support of former President Donald Trump, describes herself on her campaign website as “pro-life, pro-freedom” and an advocate for “voiceless students, children and veterans.” It states that there is. She was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022.
Rubin, of Wayland, is president and founder of IMS Supply, a Grand Rapids-based manufacturing supply company. On his campaign website, he describes himself as a member of a community “deeply rooted in family values, innovation, and a sincere commitment to education.”
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Why are you running for Michigan State Assembly?
Rubin: I'm running for state House of Representatives because I believe Michigan deserves better, especially when it comes to education. As a small business owner, I have seen firsthand the difficulty of finding qualified employees, a clear sign that our education system needs reform. We fail to prepare students for today's work, let alone tomorrow. That's why I'm advocating for an education system that includes stronger core subjects like vocational training, civics, and math, where two-thirds of students currently underperform.
What should Michigan do to address the current teacher shortage while providing fair and quality public education for all?
Rubin: Michigan should focus on providing teachers with competitive pay, benefits and incentives. This approach can attract and retain talented teachers who are passionate and passionate about teaching. Additionally, strong accountability measures are essential to ensure that all teachers in the classroom are fully qualified and motivated to provide the best education possible. This combination will help address teacher shortages and ensure all students receive a quality education.
What role, if any, do you think the state has in mitigating the effects of climate change?
Rubin: States play an important role in mitigating climate change by setting and enforcing environmental regulations, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and supporting renewable energy projects. Additionally, there is a need to educate the public about sustainable practices and work with local communities to implement effective environmental policies.
What actions or proposals would you support to keep residents in the state?
Rubin: To keep our residents in our state, I support efforts to foster business growth and encourage the creation of more small businesses. This includes providing tax incentives, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing resources and training to entrepreneurs. Creating a vibrant business environment creates job opportunities, strengthens our local economy, and makes our state an attractive place to live and work.
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