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Jennifer Conlin, Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 48

2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response

Jennifer Conlin

The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.


Candidate: Jennifer Conlin



Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 48

Incumbent? Yes

Campaign Contact Info

(917) 716-6840
conlinforstaterep.com

[email protected]

Instagram: conlinmi

Facebook: Conlinforstaterep

Candidate background

Education:


B.A. - English, University of Michigan ; M.A. - Journalism, Northwestern University

Professional experience:

I am a career journalist, having written primarily for the New York Times.

What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?

I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals. 

My top priorities are: the environment, healthcare access, veterans issues, and LGBTQ+ rights. I plan to continue working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as crucial stakeholders, to advance legislation around PFAS contamination, prescription drug affordability, access to mental health services for veterans, and ensuring a more equitable society for marginalized members.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I believe that I am most equipped to build coalitions and consensus on important issues, hearing feedback from all sides of an issue, and readily able to pass meaningful legislation on that which matters most to Michiganders.

How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?

I have already passed legislation enshrining surrogacy rights in Michigan. I will continue to publicly stand by the LGBTQ+ community on issues that affect its members and listen to their needs.

State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.

Transgender rights are human rights! We must protect the most marginalized among us, and I will seek to advance legislation that tackles the root causes of injustice and inequity among the trans community.

Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity? 

I will work with my colleagues who have championed housing issues to seek out more legislative or appropriations opportunities to create affordable housing and prevent discrimination against those who identify as LGBTQ+.

State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.

I am pro choice. Women should have full bodily autonomy and be able to choose what is best for their healthcare needs.

How do you feel about drag queens?

I support drag queens! Despite the discourse to the contrary, they pose no harm to society or our children.

On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)

I would not support legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry.

On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.

Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)

Yes.

How would your office help people struggling financially?

We actively refer them to resources available in the community and connect them with any state-related services that are available.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.



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