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Politics & Government

UM-Dearborn Grad Sworn In to State House of Representatives

David Knezek serves the 11th District, including Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Garden City, Westland, and Livonia.

State Rep. David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) was officially sworn in this week for his first term as state representative for the 11th District of the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony in the House Chamber.

Knezek is a 2012 graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a veteran of the Iraq War. While at UM-Dearborn, he served as Student Government president.

He has named education and public safety as two of his top priorities while in office.

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"Now is the time to put education, especial early childhood education, at the forefront of our policy conversations," Knezek said. "Having worked in a classroom before coming to Lansing, I can tell you firsthand that our state needs to do more to improve educational opportunities for all of Michigan's students."

Knezek added that the state needs to "protect those who protect us."

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"Having seen the sacrifices my father made as a police officer, I am very concerned about public safety issues because vibrant, thriving communities are, first and foremost, safe communities," he said. "First responders have faced huge budget cuts during the past few years. Now that I'm in Lansing, I will work to reverse that trend."

Knezek represents the cities of Inkster and Garden City, as well as parts of Dearborn Heights, Livonia, and Westland.

House Assistant Clerk Rich Brown swore in the 110 members of the Michigan House in their oath of office in the constitutionally mandated event that kicked off the 2013-2014 legislative session.

Knezek's parents, Dave and Lili Knezek; his grandparents, Dominic Cosenza, and Charles and Kathy Knezek; his brother, Matt Knezek; his aunt, Tina Cosenza; and his uncle, Jeffrey Klassa, joined the representative for the swearing-in ceremony. The representative's sister, Marie Knezek, who is a Marine Corps veteran like her brother, was unable to attend.

Residents with issues or concerns related to state government are encouraged to contact Rep. Knezek at 517-373-0849 or by email at davidknezek@house.mi.gov.

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