Jim’s Priorities

Jim Haadsma understands the real-life issues the people of Calhoun County face every day.

As our State Representative from 2019 to 2024, Jim fought for better jobs, strong public schools, and improved access to healthcare, including reproductive rights all while working with state and local agencies to address fundamental infrastructure needs.

Learn how Jim is fighting for hardworking Michiganders.

Investing in Affordable Health Care

Jim has seen firsthand over his years as a disability lawyer the impact a medical injury can have on one’s livelihood. Medical treatment is costly, and many people can’t afford deductibles or copays. Jim’s been a supporter of Medicaid at the state level for years and its lifesaving coverage for our community, especially since its expansion in 2014. Jim will fight to ensure those valuable services continue for all of our citizens so everyone can access affordable, quality care.

Creating Jobs and Economy Opportunity

Over a million Michiganders filed for unemployment in the wake of COVID-19 – nearly a quarter of our state’s workforce. As we continue to get back to our new normal, many of our neighbors continue to struggle with access to good-paying jobs that provide enough to earn a living, raise a family, and retire. Today’s inflation rates and high gas prices make this even more difficult.

Jim’s 38 years as a lawyer and small business owner have given him a valuable toolkit to help him best represent his constituents and neighbors in their fight for workers rights and navigating challenges like unemployment compensation issues. Jim will continue to help our community safely return to work and get the support they need to grow and thrive.

Fighting for Strong Public Schools

Students across Calhoun County are still playing catch-up from pandemic-related gaps in their education. And for many families in our district living outside of cities like Battle Creek, the absence of high-speed internet has made this even more challenging.

But even before this pandemic, our schools faced challenges around funding and equal access to an excellent education. So Jim will continue ensuring our public schools receive adequate funding to recruit and retain top teachers with the competitive salaries they deserve.

As a proud parent to four children, the youngest of which recently graduated from Albion College and became a teacher, Jim understands the reality of student debt. Looking ahead, Jim is renewed in his fight against rising tuition costs and committing to making higher education more accessible to all.