Karen Kwan (politician)
Karen Kwan (born February 12, 1964) is an American politician who has served in the Utah House of Representatives from the 34th district since 2017. Kwan also serves as the House Minority Whip. Education. Kwan has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership/Policy from the University of Utah, and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Career. Kwan is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Salt Lake Community College. Public service. Kwan was first elected in 2016, defeating the Republican candidate. During the 2018 legislative session, Kwan  served on the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee; the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee; the Political Subdivisions Committee, and the Transportation Committee. Kwan was reelected in November 2018 with 60.03 percent of the vote, defeating the Republican candidate. In 2020, Kwan was reelected to her third consecutive term by defeating Republican challenger David Young 57% to 43%. During the 2022 Legislative Session, Rep. Kwan served on the Executive Appropriations Committee, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Education Committee, the House Transportation Committee, the Legislative Management Committee, and the Subcommittee on Oversight. Political Positions and Significant Legislation. Tax  Policy. Rep. Kwan supports having a Child Tax Credit. When speaking about President Biden's American Rescue Plan, she said the tax credit "benefitted approximately 491,000 Utah families, including more than 850,000 children, this year." In addition, she said that " the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit will serve about 138,000 Utah workers without dependent children." Equal Rights Amendment. IN 2020, Kwan sponsored a resolution that would ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution. The bill did not receive any committee assignment or hearing. Personal life. Kwan is married and has three daughters.