Senator Jason Allen

Jason Allen was re-elected to Michigan's 37th State Senate District in November 2006, representing Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Chippewa and Mackinac counties. Senator Allen is the chair of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs Committee. He serves as a member of the following committees: Economic Development & Regulatory Reform; Health Policy; and Local, Urban and State Affairs. Allen is a member of the Legislative Council and serves as the Senate majority whip. Allen was first elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002.

While in the Senate, Allen has emerged as a leader by spearheading a number of statewide initiatives focused greatly on stimulating Michigan's economy and creating jobs. Initiatives have focused on tool and die manufacturing, venture capital investment, research and development, re-authorization of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, and revitalizing cities and downtowns as locations for business investment and growth. Senator Allen has also had legislation enacted that allows religious studies and theology majors to receive state scholarships, and sponsored policy to allow for creative new ways to combat invasive species in our inland lakes.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Allen served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 104th District from 1999 through 2002. As the chair of the House Education Committee, his leadership was essential in creating the Michigan Merit Scholarship Awards and shepherding the Detroit school rescue package through the House. In 2000 and 2004, the Michigan Manufacturers Association named Allen Advocate of the Year.

Senator Allen is a lifelong resident of Traverse City. He graduated from Traverse City High School and continued his education at Northwestern Michigan College. He completed his education at Miami University of Ohio, earning a Bachelor's degree in Finance with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. After graduation, Jason returned to Traverse City to work with his father in the family menswear business. He is currently the vice president of sales at the Captain's Quarters.

Allen entered the National Guard and received basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. He returned home from the guard to successfully run for the Grand Traverse County Board of Commission. During his tenure on the board, Allen was an advocate for neighborhood support and improvement. Allen served on the Great Lakes Community Health Board and the Northwestern Michigan Council of Governments, a 10-county multi-jurisdictional agency dedicated to law enforcement, planning and economic development.

Senator Allen remains active in his community. He is a member of the Central United Methodist Church, the Traverse City Rotary Club, and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Allen is an Eagle Scout and remains involved in scouting, serving on the Scenic Trails Council Executive Board and counseling merit badges. He is also a member of the Michigan Conservation Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Whitetails, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Michigan Elks, and the American Legion.

Allen has been active in Republican politics since high school. He is a veteran campaigner and has assisted on many school board, city and statewide elections. He has been a Republican precinct delegate for many years, served on the Grand Traverse Executive Committee and was the Northern Michigan Chair for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. In 2006, Sen. Allen was appointed to the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation by President Bush.

Senator Allen's family includes his wife, Suzanne, and their daughters, Meredith and Amanda. They own a home on Washington Street in Traverse City.

Senator Jason Allen can be contacted by clicking here.