Michelle Bos-Lun

Michelle Bos-Lun is a Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives, currently serving the Windham-3 district. She was first elected to the Vermont General Assembly in 2020, initially representing the Windham-4 district before redistricting shifted her to Windham-3. In addition to her legislative role, Bos-Lun has a diverse background in education, social services, and restorative justice, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and public service.

Early life and career

Michelle Bos-Lun relocated to Vermont in 2003 to pursue graduate studies at the School for International Training Graduate Institute. Her professional journey has encompassed a variety of roles in education and social services. Over the years, she has developed and led service learning programs that facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, bringing students from countries such as Iraq and Belarus to interact with American youth, while also providing opportunities for American students to travel abroad to countries like India, Nepal, and Morocco.

Before entering politics, Bos-Lun spent seven years teaching social studies and language arts at the secondary school level. Her experience in education extends to online instruction, where she has taught English, U.S. History, and World History. In the realm of social services, she worked for five years at Youth Services, focusing on youth housing and career development, which involved supporting young individuals in their transition to independence.

In the year leading up to her election, Bos-Lun was employed at the Brattleboro Community Justice Center, where she engaged in restorative justice initiatives aimed at aiding the reintegration of individuals recently released from incarceration. This role underscored her commitment to social equity and community support. Following the adjournment of the legislative session in 2023, she took on a temporary position as a case manager at Groundworks, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

In addition to her work in education and social services, Bos-Lun is a co-founder and co-director of the Bihar Educational Change Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports educational and nutritional programs in three schools located in Bihar, India. She also serves on the Board of Greater Falls Connections, a youth prevention organization based in Bellows Falls, Vermont, further illustrating her dedication to community service and youth advocacy.

Legislative service

Michelle Bos-Lun's political career began in earnest when she declared her candidacy for the Vermont House of Representatives in May 2020. Her entry into politics was facilitated by her participation in Emerge VT, a program designed to train Democratic women for political office. On May 13, 2020, she announced her intention to run for the seat in the Windham-4 district, which had been vacated by outgoing representative Nader Hashim.

Following her declaration, Bos-Lun received significant support, including an endorsement from Hashim and incumbent representative Mike Mrowicki. In the Democratic primary held on August 11, 2020, she secured the nomination by finishing second, successfully overcoming challengers Matt Ingram, Robert DePino, and David Ramos. In the general election on November 3, 2020, Bos-Lun and Mrowicki faced no opposition on the ballot, leading to their election to the state legislature.

After redistricting in 2022, Bos-Lun ran for reelection in the newly configured Windham-3 district, which includes the towns of Westminster, Rockingham, and Brookline. Her legislative tenure has been characterized by active participation in various committees and caucuses, reflecting her commitment to addressing a wide range of issues.

Bos-Lun is currently a member of the House Corrections and Institutions Committee, where she engages in policymaking related to the Vermont Department of Corrections and infrastructure spending, including housing projects and state park improvements. She is also involved in several caucuses, including the Democratic caucus, Climate Solutions Caucus, Women's Caucus, and Public Health Caucus, which align with her policy interests and advocacy.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her time in the Vermont House of Representatives, Michelle Bos-Lun has focused on a diverse array of policy issues. She has been a lead sponsor of legislation addressing critical areas such as housing, justice reform, mental health services, and trapping regulations. Her commitment to youth and education is evident in her collaborative efforts with Vermont students, having introduced bills that tackle anti-racism initiatives and designate a Vermont State Mushroom.

In the 2023-2024 legislative session, Bos-Lun co-sponsored 63 bills that reflect her priorities, which include child care, housing, climate change, youth issues, and restorative justice. Her legislative work demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of her constituents and the broader Vermont community.

As a representative of the Windham-3 district, Bos-Lun's policy focus is informed by the unique challenges and opportunities within her district. The towns of Westminster, Rockingham, and Brookline each have distinct community needs, and her legislative efforts aim to address these through collaborative and inclusive policymaking. By engaging with her constituents and understanding their concerns, Bos-Lun strives to create effective solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents in her district.

In summary, Michelle Bos-Lun's background in education and social services, combined with her active legislative service, positions her as a dedicated public servant committed to addressing the pressing issues facing her community and the state of Vermont. Her work reflects a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of social justice, education, and community well-being.