LANSING – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) today was sworn in to the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony at the State Capitol. Today marks the first day of the 94th Legislature, in which Democrats control the House of Representatives for the first time since 1998.
"I'm honored to represent the people of western Washtenaw County, and take my job very seriously," Byrnes said. "We have a lot to do in the House, and I'm ready to get to work bringing a positive change for the people of Michigan."
Byrnes said her legislative priorities include economic development and job creation.
"Strengthening Michigan's economy is our most important task," Byrnes said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move Michigan forward."
Byrnes also said the Michigan House of Representatives must work quickly to find a replacement for the Single Business Tax.
"We need a long-term solution to the resulting budget shortfall that doesn't put our most vulnerable residents – our children and our senior citizens -- at risk," Byrnes said.