State Sen. John Proos, a Republican from St. Joseph, announced his re-election campaign Monday for the 21st Michigan State Senate seat that represents Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties.

Proos was elected to the seat in 2010 and, prior to that, served as State Representative of the 79th District from 2005-2010.

Proos said while Michigan is turning around, much work remains to be done.

“We have seen a great deal of successes, but we have a great deal of work to do to focus some of the change that is going to be necessary to keep our economy moving forward, our job growth moving forward and our families being more stable and stronger than they are today,” said Proos. “I believe I have the energy and the experience of knowledge of what makes Southwest Michigan tick and what is going to make a difference in Lansing.”

If re-elected, Proos said he would continue working to marry the needs of area business and job growth with the talent pool of children and available workers in Southwestern Michigan.

“There are help wanted signs all across the Southwest Michigan region. It is a matter of matching those students and those available workers up to those skills,” he said.

“In some cases, that might mean retraining for those that are already out of high school. For many, it is about exposure to experiential learning that gives students the best chance to succeed at a very high level and to move into our marketplace — whether it be manufacturing, skilled trades or associates and bachelor degree track students.”

Due to redistricting, District 21 will change after the 2014 election from the counties of Van Buren, Cass and Berrien to Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph.

Proos said one of the biggest differences between Van Buren and St. Joseph counties is that Van Buren County is focused more on fruit agriculture and shoreline issues, while St. Joseph County is more focused on row crop agriculture and manufacturing.

“American Axle and Manufacturing is the largest employer in St. Joseph County. They have big concerns as it relates to the completion of US-131,” Proos said. “Competition along the border with Indiana is a huge issue I will be focusing on now and into this next term should I be elected to the Michigan Senate again.”

Currently, no one has announced they would run against Proos for the senate seat on the Democratic or Republican sides.

Proos is asking for residents’ votes in the state’s primary election Aug. 5 and the general election Nov. 4.

“I would like to earn the support and vote of individuals and families in Southwest Michigan as I continue to fight for the common-sense values we hold dear,” he said.

Proos resides in St. Joseph with his wife and three children.