Abbie Groff-Blaszak

Abbie Groff-Blaszak graduated from East Kentwood High School. Groff-Blaszak earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 2000 and a graduate degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2004. Groff-Blaszak earned a certificate in craft brewing from Grand Rapids Community College in 2022. Groff-Blaszak's career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A Yooper by birth and a Midwesterner by upbringing, there's no place I'd rather call home than West Michigan. While we're surrounded by the best freshwater in the world, with access to the amenities of a growing city and plenty of outlets for recreation and creativity, it's our friends and neighbors that truly make our home special.

Yet we know that not everyone has the same access to, or the same experience of welcome and comfort in, our community. Many of us are struggling to make ends meet and establish a sense of security in our futures. Too many of the policies and systems that govern our everyday lives do not provide the outcomes that we expect and that we need to thrive.

I'm running for State Senate because I know we can change this. We can build a system that works for people. Ambitious change requires vision, determination and courage - and together, we've got more than enough.

​We can build a Michigan that stands strong in protecting our people and our democracy while we nurture healthy and thriving communities; ensure an excellent public education for all children; supply adequate and affordable homes where folks want to live; and center the needs and rights of workers in our economy.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A worker-centered economy: Every worker deserves a thriving wage for hard work - one that allows them to fulfill their basic needs, pursue personal interests and live a fulfilling life. The right of self-determination in choosing where to work and the ability to demand fair compensation for labor must be protected and reinforced.

Abbie will work to:

Raise the minimum wage while making shifts in how we incentivize and support small business so that they can afford to pay thriving wages

Establish a paid family leave program and work toward universal childcare so that parents don't have to choose between raising a family and building a career

Free workers from non-compete clauses so they can move & progress within their chosen careerAdequate, affordable and accessible housing: Too many folks are paying too much money for housing that is inadequate for their needs. Michigan needs more housing - and more housing that's affordable and accessible across budgets and stages of life.

Abbie will work to:

Change existing laws to remove subjective and arbitrary zoning standards and legalize housing that builds communities - including accessory dwelling units, duplexes and other "missing middle" units that fit into existing neighborhoods

Repeal Michigan's prohibition on rent stabilization so that policies can be enacted to limit rent increases to predictable and manageable amountsAn excellent public education for all children: Every child deserves an excellent education - and Michigan has the resources and the talent to make it happen.

Abbie will work to:

Finally fund our schools adequately and appropriately, both by adding dollars to the education budget and putting an end to the raiding of the State School Aid Fund to pay for other programs

Prioritize professional pay for our educators - including teachers, paraprofessionals, building administrators and support staff - that reflects the value they contribute to our society

Ensure that all schools provide safe and comfortable learning environments, including small class sizes that provide the individualized attention students need to be successful

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, housing, and healthcare are all core parts of Abbie's policy plans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Milinda Ysasi, Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 2

Lisa Knight, Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 2

Brad Hunter, East Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 2

Marissa Postler, Wyoming City Council Member, Ward 2

Mike Reid, East Grand Rapids Board of Education Trustee

Bryan Walters, Former East Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 3

Mike Flanagan, Former State of Michigan Superintendent of Public Education