Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

State Reps Ann Bollin, Jason Woolford, and Sen. Lana Theis this week attended the White House’s State Leadership Conference, where they met directly with senior federal officials to discuss critical issues affecting Michigan communities.

Acccording to Bollin's office, attendees engaged in discussions with high-ranking members of the Trump administration, including: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and officials from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the White House Domestic Policy Council.

“Maintaining a strong line of communication between state leaders and the White House is essential,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township.

“It was encouraging to see the Trump administration make this a priority and create a space for thoughtful dialogue about how federal decisions impact states like Michigan.”

Bollin, who chairs Michigan’s House Appropriations Committee, said she found the briefings from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Commerce particularly informative.

“These presentations gave me a clearer understanding of the administration’s efforts to cut red tape and make federal resources more accessible at the local level,” Bollin said.

“It’s important for me to understand the goals behind federal funding and policy changes so I can advocate for the issues that matter most to families, schools, and businesses in Michigan.”

The day included a tour of the West Wing, which Bollin called a powerful and humbling experience.

“The West Wing is full of incredible history,” Bollin said. “Walking through those halls was a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in this country and to have the opportunity to serve.”