Michael Prusi (born October 12, 1949) is a former Democratic member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 38th district from 2003 to 2010. His district included Gogebic, Iron, Ontonagon, Delta, Dickinson, Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, Marquette, Alger, Luce, Schoolcraft, and Menominee counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Previously he was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1995 through 2000.[1][2] During his final term, he served as the Senate Minority Leader, following the election of the previous leader, Mark Schauer, to the U.S. House.

The Honorable
Michael D. Prusi
Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 38th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2010
Preceded byDon Koivisto
Succeeded byTom Casperson
Minority Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office
January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010
Preceded byMark Schauer
Succeeded byGretchen Whitmer
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 109th district
In office
May 1995 – December 31, 2000
Preceded byDominic Jacobetti
Succeeded byStephen Adamini
Personal details
Born (1949-10-12) October 12, 1949 (age 75)
Ishpeming, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseSandi
Alma materNorthern Michigan University
ProfessionIron ore miner

Early career

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He attended Northern Michigan University and Lansing Community College. Before entering politics, he worked as an Iron Ore miner with the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company [1]. He was elected to three terms as President of Local Union 4950 of the United Steelworkers of America. He was a member of the International Union’s Wage Policy Committee and Upper Peninsula Delegate for the union’s Committee on Political Education. Mike also served on the Executive Board of the Marquette County Labor Council.

Prior to joining the Senate, Prusi also served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, succeeding Dominic Jacobetti.

Michigan State Senate

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Prusi was a State Senator from Michigan's 38th District, which includes Alger, Baraga, Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft Counties. Prusi was term limited in the 2010 election and was succeeded by Tom Casperson.

Prusi has been a member of the Senate since 2003. He is the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Labor & Economic Growth and Joint Capital Outlay subcommittees. He also serves on the Higher Education and Corrections and Judiciary subcommittees.

On November 7, 2006, he was elected to his second term, and on November 12, 2008, he was elected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to serve as Minority Leader.

Personal Background

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He resides in Ishpeming, Michigan. He is married to Sandi Prusi and has two children, Heather and Holly.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Michigan Legislative Service Bureau (2006). Michigan Manual 2005-2006. Lansing, MI: Legislative Council, State of Michigan. p. 129. ISBN 1-878210-06-8. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  2. ^ Michigan Senate Democrats (2007). "Michigan Senate Democrats: About Mike Prusi". Archived from the original on 2007-02-05. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
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Preceded by State Senator for the 38th Senate District of Michigan
2003–2011
Succeeded by