Biographical Information
Born: August 7, 1964 in Adrian
Marital Status: Married
Spouse/Partner: Mike Cox
Children: Lindsey, Sinead, Conor and Rory
Education: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Michigan State University; Master's degree in Criminal Justice Research and Planning, Michigan State University
Employment/Military Record: Laura began her career in public service as a U.S. Customs Special Agent. During her 13 years as a federal agent she worked undercover, conducted surveillance and executed search warrants in order to defend southeast Michigan residents from the threats of drug traffickers and money launderers. Today, Laura serves as the first female House Appropriations Chair. Prior to serving in the legislature, Laura got her start in budgeting as the as the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee on the Wayne County Commission.
Community Activities: St. Edith School and Parish, Detroit Catholic Central, Livonia YMCA. American Legion Girls State and a mentor at MSU to help young women develop leadership and community skills
Religion: Catholic
Governmental Leadership (Elected or Appointed)
House (1/1/2015 - 12/31/2018)
House Associate Speaker Pro Tempore (1/1/2015 - 12/31/2016)
Other Offices: Wayne County commissioner
Elections and Political Participation
Michigan Senate 7th District 2018
General Vote:
65,001 of 137,327 (47%)
Primary Vote:
29,094 of 29,094 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Right to Life of Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau, County Road Association of Michigan, Michigan Freedom Network, Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Freedom Network, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber PAC, Michigan Realtors
Michigan House 19th District 2016
General Vote:
31,045 of 50,549 (61%)
Primary Vote:
5,394 of 5,394 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Right to Life of Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac Committee, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan PAC, Small Business Association of Michigan, Great Lakes Education Project, Michigan Chamber of Commerce,the County Road Association of Michigan RUSH-PAC, National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, MiBank PAC, Michigan Agri-Business Association AGRI-BIZ PAC, Michigan Realtors RPAC, Michigan Restaurant Association, Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers
Michigan House 19th District 2014
General Vote:
21,614 of 34,991 (61%)
Primary Vote:
6,062 of 8,195 (73%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Michigan Manufacturers Association, Great Lakes Education Project, Right to Life of Michigan (dual endorsement in primary, sole endorsement for general election), Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Townships Association Political Action Committee, Michigan Restaurant Association, Michigan Bankers Association PAC, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, Detroit Regional Chamber PAC
Political Activities: 11th Congressional District Chairman, 11th Congressional District Republican Committee Treasurer, delegate at large to the 2012 Republican National Convention