FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2006

CONTACT: Sen. Mike Prusi (906) 486-4041

PRUSI ANNOUNCES HE WILL SEEK SECOND TERM

LANSING—State Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) today announced that he will run for reelection to the 38th State Senate District seat he currently represents in Lansing, which includes 13 of the 15 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

“I look forward to continuing my efforts to create good-paying jobs in the U.P. and to turn Michigan’s economy around,” Prusi said. "It has truly been an honor to represent the 38th District in Lansing for the past four years, and I believe my record in the House and Senate has demonstrated that I have been an effective advocate for the Upper Peninsula in Lansing."

Senator Prusi currently serves as the Minority Vice Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and is recognized for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle. This role positions the Senator as the lead Democratic voice in budget negotiations, enabling him to navigate the complex state funding system to bring critical resources for health, safety, and economic development to his district. This past year, Prusi successfully led the fight to prevent the closures of the Iron River State Police Post, the Newberry Corrections Facility, and Camp Manistique.

In addition to continuous work developing the state budget on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Prusi has introduced legislation to streamline state firefighter training and fire protection services and is the lead sponsor of the Local Jobs Today initiative, a bi-partisan package of bills aimed at stimulating the economy by accelerating local transportation projects across the state through providing grants and loans to cities, counties, and local transit agencies that enable them to take advantage of federal transportation funding.  Additionally, Prusi has been at the forefront of preserving our hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation heritage, ensuring our natural resources will be available for future generations to enjoy.

“I look forward to continuing my service to the U.P.,” said Prusi. “I believe my experience as a legislator and the respect I have earned from my colleagues position me well to put state government to work for the people of the 38th District.”