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Schauer brings dedication to community service to Congress
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Mark Schauer, a Democrat newly elected to Congress from Michigan's 7th District, brings with him a dedication to community service from both in and out of political office.
Schauer, 47, who defeated Republican incumbent Tim Walberg in the Nov. 4 election, favors strong trade policies to protect jobs, ending the Iraq War, increasing access to health care coverage, investing in alternative energy technologies while opposing Great Lakes drilling, preserving Social Security, keeping higher education affordable, and improving veterans benefits.
The Battle Creek resident comes to Congress with 12 years of experience in the Michigan Legislature. Schauer has been a state senator since 2003, serving as minority leader since 2007 after being Democratic floor leader from 2003 to 2006. He was a state representative from 1997 to 2002, serving as assistant Democratic leader from 1999 to 2000. As a legislator, Schauer advocated for quality schools, early childhood development, job training and economic development, access to health care, community oriented policing, consumer protection, and reducing the cost of prescription drugs. He began his political career on the Battle Creek City Commission from 1994 to 1996.
Previously, Schauer was executive director of the Community Action Agency (CAA) of South Central Michigan, where his responsibilities included administering the local Head Start program, and was coordinator of the Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council. He is a founding member of Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity; was actively involved in supporting the Food Bank of South Central Michigan and the Urban League of Battle Creek; and served on the board of directors of Kids 'n' Stuff, a children's museum in Albion. In 2003, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan named Schauer its public official of the year.
Schauer received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College, a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in political science from Michigan State University, where he is a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in political science and urban studies. He is married and has three step-children.
