Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

Legislators hit the road to share Michigan’s story with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S.

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 20-24. While there, House Democrats expect to discuss the historic significance of this moment of what can be done with a Democratic trifecta, showing the nation how real trailblazers make real change for real people across policy areas. As leaders in Michigan, they are fostering a welcoming state and innovating for today and tomorrow.

“I am greatly looking forward to this opportunity to convene in D.C.,” said speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “Not only is it a chance to share insights and ideas with fellow Black legislators from across the country but also an opportunity to tell Michigan’s story — a story of unique and diverse constituencies that are united as Michiganders, all of whom deserve an equitable opportunity to thrive. Michigan’s voice is a meaningful one in the national conversation, so my colleagues and I are ensuring it’s heard, and we have a lot to boast about — the people of Michigan are tough, strong and full of grit. Plus, we’re excited to show the rest of the country that this fresh generation of Democratic leaders knows how to put people first by prioritizing their health and wellbeing; our environment and energy; and jobs and the economy.”

“This truly is a historic moment — it’s the first time in a generation that Michigan has had a Democratic trifecta, and we are thrilled to represent Michigan as a strong electorate of Black leaders,” said state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). “In fact, as a state, Michigan is a shining example of how bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the policy table can result in the kinds of economic development that increase homeownership opportunities, create robust business corridors and build up our urban cores.”

“Here in Michigan, we know that there is nothing about us without us. What that means is that the policies that we as lawmakers want to move forward don’t and shouldn’t go anywhere without the voice of the people,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit). “Let me give a specific example: We are currently working on laser-focused legislation that aims to zap out blight and raise up Detroiters, all while reducing taxes and lowering costs for homeowners. We want to increase equality so that living in Detroit is more accessible and affordable — that’s what our land equity tax plan is all about.”

“From coast to coast, we hear the same story as in Michigan: Workers’ wages are stagnant even as corporations pull in record-breaking profits. It’s unacceptable here, and it’s unacceptable across the nation,” said state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac). “As workers fuel the push to go green and produce more electric vehicles, they are literally building our clean energy future. These workers, especially those who have been ignored in the past, deserve fair wages and better benefits that acknowledge their contributions.”

“Coming together with fellow Black policymakers from other states gives a chance to really dig in as leaders who care about our individual constituents and the direction our country is moving in,” said state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield). “One of the directions Michigan is focused on heading toward is being a place where hardworking families are better supported — that, in part, means having accessible and affordable child care. A strong child care system leads to families that can rest easier at night and to a stronger economy and workforce. Working mothers most especially often don’t have the support they deserve in order to excel in the workforce at the level they are capable of. This is why my Michigan legislative counterparts and I are working overtime for Michigan’s working families.”

“Every community around the nation is having the conversation about how to grow and be safe. Michigan House Democrats have passed long-overdue legislation to address these needs,” said state Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “Our holistic approach includes protecting Michiganders from gun violence, investing in public safety, making sure people have safe neighborhoods to go home to and investing in developing our communities at the local level. We know how to look at all sides to invest in our people and take action to create smart solutions, not empty slogans.”

The largest convening of elected Black leaders from across the nation, the CBC Annual Legislative Conference is the Blackest moment in politics. House Democrats will hear from and collaborate with legislators from around the United States on how policy priorities affect the Black community, not only joining the conversation but helping to set the conversation.

Michigan House Democrats traveling to Washington, D.C. include Tate, Brabec, Carter, Grant, Hoskins, Young, and state Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Helena Scott (D-Detroit) and Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti).