Senator Ron Jelinek

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from Michigan State University, Masters of Science degree in Science Education from Western Michigan University.

PRIOR BUSINESS

30 years as a teacher in the River Valley School District, Berrien County

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Life long resident of Berrien County

Resides on Family Farm and raises registered Dexter Cattle

Member of Three Oaks Free Methodist Church

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Currently serves as a board member for his church; is a member of the Berrien County Farm Bureau; the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners and the River Valley Gas Engine Club. In the past he has been an advisor for the Future Farmers of America; was a co-founder, officer and volunteer of the Three Oaks Ambulance Service; was a 4-H Leader; Girl Scout Leader; a member of the South West Michigan Car Collector's and the Three Oaks Township Zoning Board.

PREVIOUS LEGISLATIVE SERVICE

First elected in 1996, was subsequently elected to serve an additional two terms. Served on the House Committees on Education, Agriculture, Public Retirement and Insurance during first term. During second and third term, was appointed to House Appropriations Committee and served as Chair of K-12 education funding as well as Agriculture and Community College and Transportation, Consumer and Industry Services and History, Arts and Library subcommittees.

COMMITTEES

Ron Jelinek serves on the following committees:

Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Chair, K-12 School Aid and Education subcommittee; Vice Chair, Agriculture subcommittee; Vice Chair, Capitol Outlay Subcommittee; Member, Dept. of Natural Resources Subcommittee; and Member, Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors.

 He also serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Department of Natural Resources, and as the Vice Chair of Agriculture.

APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS

During his second term, was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. He also received an appointment to serve as a member of the Midwestern Higher Education Commission and to Council of State Governments Committee on Suggested Legislation.

  • President's Award from the Michigan Teacher and Student Association - 2003

  • Silver Plow Award - Michigan Farm Bureau - 2002

  • Friends of Agriculture Award - Michigan Farm Bureau - 2002

  • Agri-business Award - Michigan Agri-business Association - 2002

  • Business Partnership Award - Berrien County Intermediate School District - 2002

  • Legislator of the Year Award - Michigan Association of School Boards - 2001

  • Friend of Education Award - Michigan School Business Officials - 2001

  • Certificate of Appreciation - Michigan Elementary and Middle Schools Principals Association - 2001

  • Outstanding Legislator Award for Exemplary Work on Behalf of Public Education - School Equity Caucus - both in 2000 and 2001

  • Outstanding Achievement in Education - Bridgman Board of Education - 2000

  • Commitment to Education Award - Berrien Springs Board of Education - 2000

  • Champion for Children Award - HOSTS - 2000

  • Guardian of Small Business - National Federation of Independent Businesses - 2000

  • Friend of Agriculture - Michigan Farm Bureau - 2000

Senator Ron Jelinek can be contacted by clicking here.