State Rep. Brad Paquette today was appointed by Speaker Jason Wentworth to serve as the chair of the School Aid and Michigan Department of Education Budget Subcommittee as well as vice chair of the House Education Committee.

Paquette, a former public school teacher, said he is honored to be selected to serve in such influential roles to better Michigan’s educational outlook.

“The past year has been challenging for our students, parents and teachers,” Paquette said. “There is a lot of work to do as I intend to hear as much as possible from those on the front lines of the classroom.  It will be invigorating to work with my fellow committee members to ensure we have learner centered policy that empowers teacher voice here in Michigan for the next two years.”

In addition to his education roles, Paquette will also serve as a member of the House Energy Committee and the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee.

The second-term lawmaker was first elected to serve the 78th House District in November 2018. His district encompasses portions of Berrien and Cass counties, including the cities of Buchanan, New Buffalo and Niles and the townships of Baroda, Berrien, Bertrand, Buchanan, Chikaming, Galien, Howard, Milton, Niles, Ontwa, Oronoko, Pipestone, Silver Creek, Sodus, Three Oaks, and Weesaw.