State Representative Michael DeBose (D-Cleveland) of the 12th District is serving his fifth term as the voice of his constituents in part of Cuyahoga County.

This motivated and dedicated public servant graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in mass media communications. He earned his certificate in public administration from David Meyers University. Rep. DeBose is also an ordained minister, with a Bible certificate from Moody Bible Institute.

Rep. DeBose’s career spans a broad spectrum of public service. He is a former planning manager and PFO inspector for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, and a former building and grounds superintendent with Cuyahoga County Development Sanitary Engineering.

Before his appointment and subsequent elections to the Statehouse, Rep. DeBose founded the Cleveland School of the Arts PTA. He served on the Cleveland School Board, the Lee Harvard Community Association, and he was president of the Holly Hill Street Club.

Rep. DeBose brings a strong sincerity to his leadership and service. He has introduced legislation to raise Ohio’s minimum wage, and to strengthen minimum sentencing standards for criminals who commit kidnapping and sexual abuse. Rep. DeBose was instrumental in helping establish Ohio’s Amber Alert system, and he is now working on a bill to create special license plates for sex offenders. Also, he is planning to introduce legislation that would require health insurance providers in Ohio to offer screenings for prostate, colorectal, and ovarian cancer.

Rep. DeBose currently serves as Chair of the Ohio House Faith Based Initiatives Committee. He serves as a member of the Aging and Disability Services Committee, the Economic Development Committee and the Education Committee.

Rep. DeBose is also a member of the NAACP, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

DeBose lives in Cleveland with his wife of nearly 30 years, Cheryl. They have three children.