September 2020 MiMfg Magazine 7
The support of pro-manufacturing legislative champions at the State Capitol is critical to MMA’s efforts to maintain
a competitive business climate in which Michigan manufacturers can thrive.
Over the last year, two exemplary legislators stood with MMA and our members to keep Michigan moving forward.
We honor these leaders with the Association’s highest policy honor — the MMA Legislator of the Year Award.
Jason Wentworth
State Representative
Michigan House of Representatives
11Speaker Pro Tempore Jason Wentworth was
first elected in November 2016 to the Michigan
House to represent the residents of Clare,
Gladwin and Arenac counties and part of
Osceola County.
11Wentworth earned his bachelor’s degree in
Public Safety from St. Petersburg College in
Florida and his master’s degree in Leadership
from Central Michigan University.
1 1 Wentworth joined the United States Army in
2001 and served in law enforcement in both
the private and public sector.
Q:
What’s one thing manufacturers should
know about Representative Jason Wentworth?
Representative Wentworth : I always knew that I wanted to
serve others. After high school, I joined the US Army and
was a military police officer. After the Army, I transitioned
into law enforcement in both the public and private sector,
where I worked each day to keep others and our community
safe. Now as State Representative, I have the privilege of
serving those in the 97th district and ensuring that our voice
is heard. I want to continue to see our communities grow
and prosper.
Q:
What does it mean to you to be named
an MMA Legislator of the Year?
Representative Wentworth: It’s great to be recognized and
honored by the Michigan Manufacturers Association for the
work we have done. It is even more rewarding to see local
manufacturing businesses thrive and create additional job
opportunities for those in Michigan. I will continue to advocate
for manufacturing not only in my district but across the state.
Q:
When it comes to your service to manufacturers and
employers in your district, what are you most proud of?
Representative Wentworth: I am proud of the work my
office has done to work with several manufacturers in our
district. We have helped to navigate the programs and
resources available to help expand and maintain their
operations. Creating jobs has always been a priority for me,
and will remain a priority to me going into my last term.
I know the impact that manufacturing has on not only our
community, but our state as a whole, and the importance
of ensuring its continued success.
Q:
What do you envision for Michigan’s manufacturing
future — and how do we get there?
Representative Wentworth: Technology will continue to
play a larger role in manufacturing for the foreseeable future.
It is important that we continue to craft good policies that
allow manufacturing businesses in our state to be competitive
as the manufacturing environment evolves. It is also important
that we continue to support career and technical education
programs while focusing on multiple pathways to education.
I look forward to partnering with you to see how else we are
able to assist in the continued growth of this field. 6