Representative Kathy Schmaltz

Party: Republican

District: Michigan House District 46

Current Position: Chair of the House Families and Veterans Committee

Representative Kathy Schmaltz was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022 and is currently serving her second term. She represents the 46th House District, which encompasses the city of Jackson, Blackman and Leoni townships, and parts of Grass Lake and Summit townships in Jackson County, as well as the city of Chelsea and Sylvan Township in Washtenaw County.

Schmaltz has been deeply involved in her community through extensive service on numerous nonprofit boards, including Easter Seals of Michigan, Michigan Dyslexia Institute, United Way of Jackson, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Foundation. She continues to serve on the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 100 Women Who Care, and Good Shepherd Catholic Radio. She chairs the Jackson Grand Slam for Kids and was named Jackson Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2007.

Education

Schmaltz graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in communication arts.

Political Experience

Before her election to the legislature, Schmaltz had a distinguished career in media and public service. She worked in radio for several years before transitioning to television, where she served as the 6 and 11 p.m. news anchor, writer, and associate news director of community relations at WILX-TV 10, the NBC affiliate in Lansing, for 14 years. She also hosted "In Focus," a public policy discussion program featuring conversations with lawmakers and state leaders.

Governor John Engler appointed her to the boards of the Michigan Education Trust and the Michigan Hospital Finance Authority. In the House, Schmaltz chairs the Families and Veterans Committee and serves on the Energy, Health Policy, and Communications and Technology committees.