Meanwhile, State Representative Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-Muskegon) has been assigned to serve on the House Agriculture Committee and as minority vice chairwoman of the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee.

“As a high school science and math teacher, I am excited about being assigned to the House Education Committee as well as the Energy and Technology Committee,” Lamonte said. “I know firsthand the problems our schools face, and I am ready to find solutions that will work for our children and their parents. I also bring an understanding of science and technology to the House that I want to put to use in the House Energy and Technology committee.”

Lamonte taught in Muskegon High School before joining the House this month. As a teacher, she saw how the diversion of $2 billion from education funding to offset corporate tax cuts led to fewer teachers and classroom resources.

Having endured a foreclosure in recent years, Lamonte is also eager to be a part of the House Financial Services Committee.

“Losing a home to foreclosure was heartbreaking, and far too many of our neighbors have endured that kind of loss over the past few years,” Lamonte said. “As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I will work to make sure that consumers are protected against fraud and abuse.”

“Having worked as a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, I am enthusiastic about bringing my experience to the table as vice chairwoman of the Families, Children and Seniors Committee,” Hovey-Wright said. “Families across Michigan are struggling, and I’m eager to help create solutions that will work for them.”

Hovey-Wright, who holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan and founded and chairs the Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus, spent several years working with families in the Muskegon area and in schools throughout the state. She will also bring her interest in agriculture to her other House committee assignment. Last session, Hovey-Wright sponsored a bill that would have created a loan program for farmers who wanted to start or expand agricultural processing businesses. She intends to reintroduce the proposal in the current Legislative session.

“Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in Michigan’s economy,” Hovey-Wright said. “I look forward to taking an active role in helping farmers and food processors in our state create programs that will develop this important part of our economy.”