State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), speaking in committee, May 22, 2024.
LANSING, Mich., June 20, 2024 — House Dems passed House Bill 4177, sponsored by state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), which gives voters in Wayne County the chance to decide on a new millage to create the History Museum Authorities Act.
The History Museum Authorities Act, will allow voters to empower a county board of commissioners to establish a history museum authority to provide funding support for historical museums owned by the city of Detroit.
If voters pass the measure on the ballot, the Detroit Historical Society — which operates the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum — and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be able to receive critical funding and support.
Carter released the following statement in response to the legislation being voted out of the House:
“We’ve heard testimony from leadership of both organizations in committee about the underfunding and large amounts of deferred maintenance for their museums. These cultural resources in our community deserve sustainable funding support. With this legislation, residents can enjoy the perks and access to the museums This is similar to what places like The Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute of Arts already receive. My bill gives residents the option to support a millage for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. If this passes, the museums win and receive the critical funding and the support they need and residents can continue to enjoy these museums right in the city of Detroit.”
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