Kleinjans for Michigan

06/12/2026

An endorsement by Equality Michigan Action Network during Pride month is an especially sweet way to start the weekend.

This endorsement means that my commitment to achieving “full equality and respect for all Michigan residents regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression” is trusted by this advocacy organization.

I am honored!🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

06/11/2026

Pride month doesn’t end after June 1 - it’s all month long. All month to celebrate. All month to remember the challenges. All month to work on becoming a more accepting community. All month to love.

Full support, zero hesitation. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

06/10/2026

In Michigan, the gender wage gap is wider than the national average where women make 79 cents to every dollar for men.

I am aware of the disparity and when elected to the state senate, will advocate for women and their rights.

https://www.michigan.gov/mcda/insights/2026/04/14/women-in-the-mi-workforce-26

On this day in labor history, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, prohibiting sex-based wage discrimination, an important milestone in the fight for workplace rights and equity.

06/10/2026

This designation is a reminder that when people get involved, speak up, and demand better from their leaders, positive change will happen.

We’re making great strides and building something meaningful. And we are not slowing down. The best is yet to come!

06/09/2026

A large percentage of full-time school support professionals, including bus drivers, paraeducators, food service workers, security staff, custodians, and maintenance employees, earn well below a livable wage. For many, affording basic necessities is a daily challenge.

The result? Chronic staffing shortages, high turnover, and too many dedicated employees forced to take on second or even third jobs just to make ends meet.

Even more concerning, Education Support Professionals (ESPs) earn, on average, 10% less today than they did a decade ago when adjusted for inflation.

These are the people who keep our schools running and support our students every day. Their commitment and hard work deserve more than substandard pay and financial insecurity.

That’s why I recently signed the Michigan ESP Bill of Rights in support of our school support staff. Investing in those who serve our students is an investment in the future of our schools, our communities, and our children.

06/09/2026

If like me, you enjoy history, this one’s for you:

It’s 1787 and 44-year old Elizabeth Willing Powell, an influential Philadelphia woman who was active in political and social circles, asked an attendee of the U.S. Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” The man replied immediately, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

The man was Benjamin Franklin, often called Dr. Franklin because of his honorary doctorate degrees. His remark has become a symbolic reminder of civic responsibility, emphasizing that the survival of a republic depends on the active engagement and vigilance of its citizens.

Our republic is not sustained by one office alone. Every race. Every seat. Every name on the ballot matters.

The days of voting blindly down a party line are over. The stakes are too high. We must know who is asking for our trust. Do they have the integrity, experience, judgment, and commitment to serve the people and protect our democratic institutions?

The future of our communities, our state, and our nation will be shaped by the choices we make in every election, not just the ones that dominate the headlines.

Time is running short. Get involved. Put up a yard sign. Volunteer. Donate. Talk to your neighbors. Most importantly, vote.

Democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot. It survives because ordinary people choose to show up, participate, and defend it.

This election matters. Every office matters. Every vote matters.

Follow this link to volunteer, get a yard sign, or donate to my campaign. And thank you for whatever you are doing to keep our republic. https://kleinjansformichigan.com/

06/08/2026

If you haven’t already, please follow this link and tell your legislator to pass the bipartisan Michigan Housing Readiness package. We need housing stability in our communities!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/make-your-voice-heard-support-the-michigan-housing-readiness-package?source=direct_link

If there was a figure that critically illustrates our housing shortage, it's this: 0.8%. Less than a whole percent. That's Michigan's home vacancy rate. A healthy home vacancy rate would be 5.0% -- when home prices would be stable, not skyrocketing as we are experiencing today.

We need to build more housing. It's time to legalize housing in our communities. Let's pass the Michigan Housing Readiness bill package! Tell your legislators to support HB 5529-5532 & 5581-5585!

06/08/2026

They’re here!

Fresh from the printer and looking for a good home, campaign signs have officially arrived!

If you’re ready to help build a West Michigan that is more affordable, more equitable, and more welcoming for everyone, a yard sign is a simple way to show your support.

Give one of these signs a patch of grass and a little sunshine, and it will get right to work.

Interested in hosting a sign? For a suggested donation of just $10, you can pick one up at the
Allegan County Democratic Party office or the Ottawa County Democratic Party office. Prefer doorstep delivery? Even easier! Click the link and I’ll make sure one finds its way to your yard and gets settled into its new home. https://act.campaigndeputy.com/ck431volunteer

Every sign helps spread the word and build momentum so we can move Forward Together!

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

This morning’s Advocacy in Action at the West Coast Chamber of Commerce focused on data centers and their growing role in our communities.

As demand for digital services continues to grow, communities are increasingly being asked to consider data center development. These projects can bring investment and economic opportunities, but they also raise important questions about land use, energy, water resources, and infrastructure.

For those involved in economic development, planning, infrastructure, or community leadership, understanding both the benefits and challenges is essential to making balanced, informed decisions that align with long-term community priorities.

Good decisions start with good information and I appreciate the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Holland Board of Public Works as well as other sponsors for providing that information.