Holding the Gun Industry Accountable, Supporting Moms, Protecting Tenants, and MoreE-Newsletter | State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips | March 30, 2026 Dear Neighbor,Ā This month, Iām sharing updates on legislation to address gun violence, conversations around housing and family well-being, and time spent celebrating, reading, and serving alongside our community. As your state Representative, I remain committed to advocating for you and working to strengthen our neighborhoods in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. |
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š”ļø Standing Up to Gun Violence
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We face an unacceptable epidemic of gun violence, with school and mass shootings happening in places that should be safe. Some of this comes from the mistaken idea that gun safety laws will take away everyoneās guns. Some of it is because politicians are afraid to stand up to the gun industry and tell them the truth: they need to take more responsibility, like everyone else, to keep our communities and state safe. Thatās why I joined my Democratic colleagues in the Michigan House and Senate to introduce a strong gun safety plan. My bill, HB 5760 (2026), would end immunity for the gun industry by allowing victims and cities to sue gun makers in state court when appropriate. No industry should be completely protected from the consequences of acting illegally or carelessly. I believe in the power of prayer and in leadership that does everything possible to protect our people, especially our children. That is why I put forward this legislation and will keep fighting for it as long as it takes. |
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š· Supporting Moms and Families
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I was honored to serve as a panelist at Mothering JusticeāsĀ State of the MamaĀ address, where we discussed the real challenges mothers face, from access to health care and economic stability to safe housing and childcare. These conversations must lead to action. I am committed to advancing policies that support moms and children in meaningful, tangible ways. When we invest in mothers, we invest in the health, stability, and future of entire families and communities. |
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āļø Protecting the Right to Counsel
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It was especially meaningful to speak at theĀ City of Detroitās Right to CounselĀ public meeting. As a co-founder of the Detroit Right to Counsel Coalition, I helped lead the effort to pass Michiganās first right to counsel ordinance. No one should face eviction alone. Low- to moderate-income residents have a right to an attorney. If you or someone you know needs legal help, resources are available:
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š Celebrating Ramadan and Eid
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I was grateful to spend time celebratingĀ RamadanĀ andĀ EidĀ with members of our community. From shared meals at iftars to gatherings led by young people, this season was a powerful reminder of the values of faith, reflection, generosity, and community care. It was especially meaningful to see youth taking leadership in bringing people together, showing that the next generation is already strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together. |
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š March is Reading Month
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March is Reading MonthĀ was a true highlight. I had the opportunity to read with students at theĀ Hamilton Academy and Pathways to Promise Early Childhood Learning Center in Detroit, theĀ Tau Beta SchoolĀ andĀ Dickinson West Elementary in Hamtramck, andĀ Barber Preparatory in Highland Park. Reading is the foundation for critical thinking, curiosity, and lifelong learning. When children develop strong reading habits early, they gain the tools to understand the world, ask questions, and grow into informed, healthy adults. Investing in literacy is investing in our future. Any time I have the chance to read with our children, it truly brightens my day. |
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š¾ Supporting Our Animal Friends
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For 313 Day, I volunteered with theĀ Detroit Caucus.Ā The Detroit Caucus includes all the State Representatives and Senators that represent Detroit neighborhoods.Ā I am proud to serve as the Treasurer of the Detroit Caucus. We volunteered atĀ Detroit Animal Care and ControlĀ and presented their dedicated team with a state tribute recognizing their important work. There are so many meaningful ways to give back and show a little love to the animals in need of care in our community, both in and outside the shelter. Whether itās playing with curious kittens, taking a dog out for a walk, or simply spending time with an animal who needs companionship, every small act makes a big difference. |
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ā Join Me for Coffee! April 13 and 25
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In April, weāre going to the library! Our public libraries are amazing resources.Ā You can check out free books (print and digital), free movies, get discounts, and free passes to other institutions. There are even free laptops that you check out for home use. You can drop in for a quiet moment or a community meeting. I hope youāll join me at my next coffee hour and check out our wonderful libraries. āļøĀ Coffee and Conversation with Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips
āļøĀ Weekend Coffee and Conversation with Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips
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