Coffia Applauds Relief for Northwestern Michigan Sweet Cherry Farmers
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) and MDARD Director Tim Boring speak at the press conference in Bryant Park on Aug. 8, 2024. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Oct. 16, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approving a federal disaster declaration for northwest Michigan’s sweet cherry industry, which will unlock low-interest federal loans for sweet cherry growers. “Here in northwest Michigan, agriculture — and particularly sweet cherry production — is a vital [...]
Coffia Celebrates Signing of School Safety and Mental Health Bill into Law
$150 million going into Michigan classrooms State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) speaks at a press conference on Sept. 25, 2024, in the Speakers Library at the Capitol. LANSING, Mich., Oct. 11, 2024 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5503 into law yesterday, which provides an additional $125 million for schools across the state to use at their discretion for funds related to school safety and mental health, on top of the $25 million that was approved earlier this year for schools. The [...]
Coffia Delivers AED to Suttons Suttons Bay High School
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) delivers an AED to Suttons Bay High School, passing the AED to Zachariah Raphael, center. Joining are Damien Chippewa, center right, Chief Operations Officer Tim Smith, left, and Superintendent Casey Petz, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Oct. 4, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) presented a new automated external defibrillator (AED) to Suttons Bay High School today. Legislation signed into law this year requires schools to maintain AEDs and ensure they [...]
Coffia on New Bill for Strong Schools, Healthy Kids
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) speaks at a press conference on Sept. 25, 2024, in the Speakers Library at the Capitol. LANSING, Mich. Sept. 26, 2024 — Michigan House Democrats held a press conference yesterday on a plan that would supplement funding for school systems across the state to use at their discretion, including for school safety and mental health. This legislation would allow schools to spend responsibly on school safety solutions to be tailored to each school’s individual [...]
Campaign Finance Reform Bill Passes House
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), speaks at the BRITE Act press conference that was held on March 13, 2024, at the House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — A bill part of the Bring Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act package, which state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) is a lead sponsor on, passed out of the House today. House Bill 5583, sponsored by state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to allow [...]
Coffia Joins Gov. Whitmer, MDARD Director Boring to Call for Disaster Declaration for Northwestern Michigan Cherry Crops
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) and MDARD Director Tim Boring spoke at a press conference today in Bryant Park. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 8, 2024 — Today, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) joined Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring at a press conference announcing that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has submitted a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting a federal disaster declaration for northwest Michigan’s sweet cherry industry. “Here [...]
Rep. Coffia, Gov. Whitmer Celebrate Educator Housing Funding in Grand Traverse County
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state Rep. Betsy Coffia standing with other state and community officials in front of the U.S. and Michigan flags on August 6, 2024. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 6, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference to celebrate the passage of the fiscal year 2025 state budget and the inclusion of $5 million in state funding for an affordable housing development for educators and school support [...]
Legislators Celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
Lawmakers observe the unique challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) stands with Reps. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) as she speaks on the House Floor on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2024 — In recognition of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness [...]
Coffia on Final Budget Passage
Coffia highlights housing, mental health care and child care State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) working with legislative colleagues on the House floor of the Michigan Capitol. LANSING, Mich., July 8, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state [...]
Coffia Celebrates Rural Development Grants in Grand Traverse
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., June 13, 2024 — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently announced nine rural development grant winners in Grand Traverse County. These grants support capacity building, workforce training, sustainable business practices and infrastructure in rural areas. Two Grand Traverse-based companies are receiving nearly $200,000 in funds. Following the announcement of these grants, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: “I am excited to see these organizations in our community receive [...]
Michigan Legislature Passes Key Housing Bills
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) attending the Joint Senate and House Committee on Agriculture, June 12, 2024, in the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., June 12, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a three-bill package that will help combat the housing shortage in the state. House Bills 5030-32 would modify provisions related to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to help update and streamline their operations to support our state’s affordable housing goals. The Michigan State Housing [...]
Coffia Celebrates Funding to Fix Local Roads, Save Families Time and Money
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., June 4, 2024 — The Michigan Department of Transportation recently announced it will invest nearly $1.8 million to improve 11.7 miles of U.S. 31 from south of Dock/Brackett Road in Acme to north of Campbell Road north of Elk Rapids. The project includes chip sealing and asphalt paving, and will support 22 jobs. Following the announcement, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: “As we continue to fix the roads, I'm pleased to see the [...]
Gov. Whitmer Announces $156 Million from Biden-Harris Administration to Cut the Cost of Solar for Thousands of Low-Income Households in Michigan
New Solar for All program will help low-income households across Michigan access renewable energy and lower their energy bills by 20% Note: This release was disseminated by the Executive Office of the Governor. The original release can be found here. LANSING, MI – Today, Governor Whitmer announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the State of Michigan $156 million to lower the cost of community and rooftop solar for thousands of low-income and disadvantaged community households across the state, [...]
Rep. Coffia Legislation Supporting Workers, Housing Advances
Bills improving airport employee benefits, MSHDA bonding pass House, committee LANSING, Mich., April 23, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) celebrated the passage through the House of Representatives and committee of two pieces of legislation she introduced to improve lives and livelihoods in Northern Michigan. While both bills require more movement to reach the governor’s desk, Coffia remains dedicated to seeing them signed into law. House Bill 4618 removes a barrier in current law that prevents regional airport authorities from increasing [...]
Coffia Scores Victory for Renewable Energy, Affordable Housing
Lawmaker’s efforts allow HUD-financed projects to participate in PACE TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., April 12, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) announced this week a major milestone in helping affordable housing developers make clean energy investments on their properties. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will now allow Michigan developments that receive funding from the department to participate in the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. “I am so grateful that two of my biggest priorities as a [...]
Rep. Coffia Takes Part in SOS Mobile Office Ribbon-Cutting
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., April 10, 2024 — This afternoon, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the department’s latest mobile office in Traverse City. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) was among the state and local officials in attendance. After the event, Coffia issued the following statement: “Residents of rural Northern Michigan deserve the same level of service that our urban and suburban southern neighbors enjoy. I want to thank Secretary Benson and her department for their commitment to that idea [...]
Rep. Coffia Welcomes Housing Subcommittee Chair to Traverse City
From left, Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe, Housing North representative Kent Wood and state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) met with Rep. Coffia to discuss housing issues. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., April 2, 2024 — Late last month, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) welcomed the new chair of the House Economic Development and Small Business Housing Subcommittee, state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), to Traverse City to discuss Northern Michigan’s housing needs. After the visit, Coffia issued the following statement: “I am [...]
House Dems Celebrate March as Social Workers Month
Legislators inspire action, dedication, commitment to Michigan people by leading change LANSING, Mich., March 21, 2024 — Social Worker Month is well underway, and this year’s theme is Empowering Social Workers. This week House Resolution 215 was introduced to commemorate March as Social Workers Month. “Social workers are vital in our society and the work they do, while often unseen, is irreplaceable. They are involved in many different facets of daily life — from helping individuals secure affordable housing to providing support [...]
Dem Reps Introduce Bills to Increase Government, Election Transparency
BRITE Act released to coincide with Sunshine Week LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — A group of House Democratic lawmakers held a press conference today to debut legislation to improve standards for government ethics and transparency. The BRITE Act — Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics — will increase reporting and disclosure requirements to safeguard democracy and improve the public’s understanding of who is influencing their elected officials. “In honor of Sunshine Week, my fellow representatives and I are [...]
Democrats Invest in Communities and Affordable Housing, Laws Taking Effect
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 10, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year. With its majority, the party that puts people first had a remarkably productive year that resulted in a historic number of bills passed and signed into law. Michigan House Democrats celebrate Day 7 of the Countdown today with a focus on policies that affect communities and affordable housing. House Dems heard from residents about the [...]
House Dems Introduce “Advancing MI Mental Health” Bill Package
State Reps. Arbit, Brabec, Coffia, Mentzer introduce legislation cutting red tape for mental health providers, ensure insurance providers’ compliance with federal mental health parity laws LANSING, Mich. — State Representatives Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), and Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) unveiled the “Advancing MI Mental Health” legislative package. Part of House Democrats’ broader efforts to address Michigan’s mental health crisis, the “Advancing MI Mental Health” package seeks to increase access to care by [...]
House Dems Champion Community Advocated Initiatives, Passion Becoming Policy
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 8, 2023 — As part of a historic Legislature with a Democratic trifecta, House Democrats celebrated the official signing of legislation inspired by real issues brought forth by constituent and community advocates. As part of their Putting People First Agenda, Michigan Democrats have continuously prioritized meeting and working with grassroots and community activists on critical legislation that positively impacts countless Michiganders. Democrats are listening and putting power back where it belongs — with the people. The community-led [...]
House Democrats Celebrate Signing of Clean Energy Bills
DETROIT, Nov. 28, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two packages of bills today to make Michigan a national leader in clean energy standards and drive investment into new renewable energy projects. The legislation creates bold standards for decarbonizing the state’s energy grid and expands pathways to create the large-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects that will make them a reality. “Our Clean Energy Future and Clean Energy and Jobs Act will vault Michigan to the top of the [...]
Dems Pass One-Two Legislative Punch to Increase Renewable Energy, Create Jobs
Bills will protect environment, reduce costs, preserve local control LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the Clean Energy and Jobs Act. This House legislative package is designed to streamline the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects. These bills put into place the tools necessary to achieve energy independence, to thrive economically and to make Michigan a national leader in the clean energy landscape — all while enhancing personal property rights. Majority Floor [...]
Rep. Coffia Calls on Congress to Restore Child Care Funding
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 2, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) introduced House Resolution 163 calling on Congress to restore federal child care funding by passing Senate Bill 2777, the Child Care Stabilization Act. In 2021, Congress established the Child Care Stabilization Grant Program through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help child care providers meet additional costs during the pandemic. Before the expiration of the program on Sept. 30 and reaching this “child care funding cliff,” Senate Bill 2777 was introduced in [...]
Coffia Secures Nessel Opinion Clearing Way for Federal Funding for Affordable Housing
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 31, 2023 — At the request of state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a formal opinion concluding that contractual assessments imposed by local governments under the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act are considered special assessments by the local government and treated in a similar manner as the real estate taxes on the property. “Supporting affordable housing operations and promoting renewable energy use were some of the top issues I heard about while knocking doors and during [...]
Legislators Pass Bills to Enhance Michiganders’ Safety
Guardianship, conservatorship safeguards alongside protections for witness, survivors’ personal information legislation voted out with bipartisan support LANSING, Mich., Oct. 25, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed two bill packages yesterday, each helping to protect Michiganders. The first bill package, House Bills 4909-12 and HB 5047, amends guardian and conservator standards. Michigan’s most vulnerable people are not receiving the support and assistance they require. While most guardians and conservators work to protect their ward’s best interest, there are [...]
Coffia Bill Supporting Tribal Domestic Violence Shelters Passes Full Senate Unanimously
LANSING, Mich., October 19, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) celebrated the unanimous passage of her bill, House Bill 4516, by the Michigan Senate. HB 4516, once enacted, will formally expand state domestic violence resources to Tribal service providers. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), right, testifies in the House Criminal Justice Committee alongside Heath Lowry of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “Tribal shelters and service providers should have every opportunity to secure the resources [...]
Coffia on Grant to Help Benzie County Retirees
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Oct. 2, 2023 — The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program, established in the fiscal 2023 state budget, recently announced awards to various local governments and municipal entities. The Benzie County Road Commission will receive nearly $500,000 to shore up its pension system. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement in support of the award: “As a former GT county commissioner who worked hard to stabilize our pension system, I deeply appreciate the importance [...]
Coffia on Blight Elimination Funds for Leelanau County
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Sept. 26, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced last week the award of competitive grant funding for over 40 county land banks and municipalities for blight elimination expenses. The Leelanau County Land Bank Authority received more than $750,000 from the fiscal 2023 state budget. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement applauding the funds: “Land banks are one of the best tools we have to spur redevelopment of unused, blighted property. I’m thrilled that [...]
Coffia Bill Benefitting Cherry Capital Airport Passes Committee Unanimously
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) commended the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee for passing House Bill 4618 this month in unanimous, bipartisan fashion. HB 4618 would give regional airport authorities such as the Northwest Regional Airport Authority — which oversees Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) — the ability to expand their contributions to their employees’ medical benefits plans. This bill amends the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to allow regional [...]
House Democrats Introduce Bills to Support Michigan’s Affordable Housing Efforts
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — State Reps. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) introduced a package of bills this week to bring the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) into further alignment with neighboring states and federal standards in an effort to create much needed affordable housing units. “Affordable housing was one of the top issues I heard about while knocking doors and during my four years serving as a Grand Traverse County commissioner. Identifying solutions has been at [...]
House Dems Pass More Bills Protecting Kids from Abuse
Legislation banning child marriage heads to governor LANSING, Mich., Sept. 6, 2023 — On their first day in session after the summer in-district work period, House Democrats gave final passage to three bills that, with their companions already signed into law, outlaw child marriage in Michigan. The bills now head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk; a fourth will return to the Senate. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) speaks in favor of legislation to ban child marriage in Michigan [...]
Coffia Celebrates Funding for Community Dental Clinic
United We Smile receiving federal grant to expand services TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 25, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) toured a local office building that will become the new home of a dental clinic providing care to underserved populations. United We Smile is a collaboration between the United Way of Northwest Michigan and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to provide dental services to those who require special accommodations. Federal grant money is allowing the [...]
Coffia on Child Care Grant to Northwest Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 17, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week the awarding of grants to several organizations that will train and support child care workers. Michigan Works! Northwest Consortium will receive $120,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funding. The grants are part of the governor’s Caring for MI Future initiative to create or expand 1,000 child care centers by the end of next year. After the announcement, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: [...]
Coffia on Auto No-fault Ruling
LANSING, Mich., July 31, 2023 — The Michigan Supreme Court released its ruling today in the Andary v. USAA Casualty Insurance Co. case. In a 5-2 opinion, the court ruled that the changes enacted in 2019 to Michigan’s auto no-fault system do not apply retroactively. In response, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: “This is absolutely the right decision for accident victims and their caregivers. People who purchased or renewed an auto insurance policy before 2019 [...]
Coffia Celebrates 2023-24 Education Budget Signing
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the 2023-24 budget for Michigan public schools at a ceremony in Suttons Bay. The School Aid budget — the largest in Michigan’s history — expands access to free preschool and provides free breakfast and lunch to every public school student. It also includes robust support for at-risk youth, mental health services, before- and after-school programs and so much more. After the signing, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: [...]
Coffia on Studio 8 Hair Lab Post
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. July 11, 2023 — It was reported yesterday that Studio 8 Hair Lab, a salon in Traverse City in the 103rd House District, will refuse service to members of the LGBTQ+ community. In Facebook posts, the salon owner compared LGBTQ+ people to animals and pedophiles. She also referenced a hate crime bill that has been deeply mischaracterized online and by right-wing politicians and pundits. In response, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: “To [...]
Rep. Betsy Coffia Holds Senior, Consumer Protection Town Hall
Attorney General Nessel joins event to help residents avoid scams TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., July 7, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) held a Consumer Protection and Senior Issues Town Hall today at the Traverse City Michigan Works! location on Garfield Avenue. Coffia’s special guest for the event was Attorney General Dana Nessel. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), center left, and Attorney General Dana Nessel, center right, hosted a town hall today, July 7, 2023, regarding [...]
Coffia Secures Increase in Rural School Transportation Funding to Put More Money into Classrooms, Mental Health
LANSING, Mich., June 30, 2023 — Through the passage of Senate Bill 173, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) has secured $125 million to ensure that rural school districts across Michigan will receive more equitable transportation funding for the current year, as well as to create a fund to support these needs in the future. Her floor speech urging her colleagues to support the funding is available here. “Previous funding models for school transportation did not account for the [...]
Coffia Delivers Budget Wins for Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie Counties
LANSING, Mich., June 29, 2023 — Through the passage of House Bill 4437, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) is bringing home state funding to support a number of projects that have been priorities among her constituents in Michigan’s 103rd House District in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties. These include: $15 million for the Freshwater Innovation Center in Elmwood Township, on West Bay, to bring hundreds of good-paying jobs, support our region’s higher education, environmental protection, and economic development [...]
Coffia on Passage of Fiscal 2024 Budget
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget today. It includes the largest investment in education in Michigan’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K for all, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure and public safety. The Democratic majority delivered a timely and responsible budget that ensures federal funds set to go back to D.C. stay in Michigan. [...]
Coffia Commends the Tribal Law Supreme Court Decision
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., June 20, 2023 — The U.S. Supreme Court issued their opinion last week on the Haaland, Secretary of Interior, et al. v. Brackeen case. The dispute arose from a child-custody case under the Indian Child Welfare Act. The federal law applies to child-custody proceedings involving tribal children and prioritizes placing them with members of their extended family or in tribal homes. The petitioning party claimed the law was unconstitutional. The Court did not resolve the question on [...]
Legislators Introduce Bills to Reach 100% Clean Energy, Create Jobs
Package increases affordability, accessibility, efficiency illustrating commitment to environmental justice LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — A group of Democratic lawmakers and environmental partners debuted legislation today that sets a bold vision for Michigan’s energy future. The bills build on the MI Healthy Climate Plan that the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy released last year and set achievable goals for growing our economy, powering our communities and protecting our environment. Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) [...]
Coffia Bill Helping Victims of Domestic, Sexual Violence Passes House
LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2023 — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 4516 today. The bill explicitly allows federally recognized Indian tribes to receive funding to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence. After the vote, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), the bill’s sponsor, issued the following statement: “The sovereign nation of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is in my district, and it is my honor to help direct funding to help survivors of [...]
Coffia Introduces Bill to Allow for Increased Medical Benefits to Cherry Capital Airport Employees
LANSING, Mich., May 24, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) has introduced House Bill 4618 to give the Northwest Regional Airport Authority — which oversees the Cherry Capital Airport — as well as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority the option of expanding their contributions to their employees’ medical benefit plans. “Allowing the Northwest Regional Airport Authority and other regional airport authorities to enhance employee medical benefits supports their efforts to attract and retain talent as [...]
Democrats Move Legislation to Ban Child Marriage
State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) testifies in support of legislation to ban child marriage in the Michigan House Committee on Judiciary in Lansing on May 17, 2023. LANSING, Mich., May 17, 2023 — The Michigan House Committee on Judiciary unanimously voted out a package of bills today to ban child marriage in Michigan. “We have fought for years to ban child marriage in Michigan, and I’m glad we are finally making real progress,” said state Rep. Kara Hope [...]
House Democrats Introduce Voter Access Package
LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2023 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) introduced a package of legislation to lift barriers that prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote and to encourage voter registration. “Voting should be efficient, secure and accessible,” said Tsernoglou, chair of the House Elections Committee. “Michigan has become a leading state in turning out our young voters. By continuing to remove unnecessary obstacles and promoting [...]
Coffia, RNs Call for Safe Limits on Nurses’ Assignments During National Nurses Week
LANSING, Mich., May 12, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) joined a bicameral coalition of legislators this week to propose a legislative plan that would, among other things, set safe limits on the number of patients nurses can be assigned and require hospitals to disclose their RN staffing. Rep. Coffia’s bill in the package, House Bill 4551, would also curb excessive mandatory nurse overtime. The bills, known as the Safe Patient Care Act, aim to keep patients safe in [...]
Coffia Secures Budget Amendment for Housing Funds
LANSING, Mich., May 11, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its recommended fiscal 2023-24 budget yesterday. It includes the largest investment in education in Michigan’s history and substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, infrastructure, and public safety. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) secured an amendment to increase funding for affordable housing across the state by $50 million, to a total of $150 million. After the vote, Coffia issued the following statement: “Michigan is in the midst [...]
Coffia Introduces Bill to Expand Domestic Violence Resources to Native Tribes
LANSING, Mich., May 4, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) introduced House Bill 4516 today to formally expand domestic violence resources to tribal service providers. This bill would amend a definition in the enabling legislation for the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Treatment Board to remove ambiguities and clarify that the board may provide funding to tribal domestic and sexual violence shelters and service providers. These tribal programs not only provide life-saving services to all survivors, but also [...]
Coffia on Northern Michigan Natural Resource Investments
LANSING, Mich., May 3, 2023 — The House of Representatives voted on House Bill 4238 today. This bill contains funding for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund capital outlay projects. There are 15 land acquisition projects funded at $15 million and 30 land development projects totaling $8.3 million. After the vote, Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement regarding the three projects that will benefit constituents in and around District 103: “The great outdoors just got greater with [...]
Coffia Applauds Local Opportunity to Receive Community Grant Funds
LANSING, Mich., April 17, 2023 — Earlier this year, the Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 7, a budget supplemental that allocates $25 million for the Transportation Economic Development Fund, a match grant road funding program for cities and villages with fewer than 10,000 people. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement, after learning that four areas within her district have the opportunity to receive funds: “As the grant applications are now open, the villages of [...]
Coffia Introduces Bill to Increase Rural School Transportation Funding, Put More Money into Classrooms, Mental Health
LANSING, Mich., March 23, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) introduced House Bill 4335 this week to address the need for equitable funding for rural school transportation on a tiered per-pupil, per-mile basis. “Unfortunately, current funding models for school transportation do not account for the longer distances school buses in rural communities must travel in order to pick up and drop off students,” Coffia said. “Rural school districts often face greater fuel costs and vehicle depreciation costs than [...]
Coffia Applauds Child Care Funding in House District 103
LANSING, Mich., March 16, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) came to Lansing to advocate for better access to child care in Northwest Michigan. The governor announced last week that 16 different organizations serving Michigan received a total of $2.4 million in Regional Child Care Planning Grants from the Early Childhood Investment Corp.’s (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund. One of the awarded organizations is Networks Northwest in the 103rd House District. It will receive a $150,000 grant to [...]
Coffia Celebrates Funds for the Cherry Capital Airport
LANSING, Mich. March 9, 2023 — The federal bipartisan infrastructure law granted $1 billion in airport funding awards to 99 airports around the U.S. These funds provide necessary investments to meet the increasing travel demands around the country and may be allocated to be used in a variety of capacities, including to help get travelers in and out of airports more quickly; improve the passenger experience by investing in new baggage systems; create larger security checkpoints; improve ground transportation; help [...]
Coffia Votes on the Expansion of Civil Rights for All
LANSING, Mich. March 8, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 4 today to expand LGBTQ+ protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). Expanding this law would explicitly safeguard sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression from such civil rights violations as housing and employment discrimination under Michigan law. After the House vote, state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued the following statement: “The expansion of this law was long overdue and the result of decades of advocacy by [...]
Coffia on Bipartisan Supplemental Funding Passage
LANSING, Mich., March 6, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4016 last week after receiving it from the Senate. This bill is a bipartisan supplemental budget that now heads to the governor’s desk and will create a positive impact in many communities. “I voted yes on this bill to support my constituents — I am pleased to continue to advocate, alongside my colleagues from both parties, to secure funding for critical priorities in the 103rd District, from housing [...]
Coffia on Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address tonight before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education, and attracting talent to Michigan. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) invited guests Yarrow [...]
Coffia Applauds Affordable Housing Funding
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 19, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week that funding has been secured throughout Michigan for the creation of 17 new affordable housing investments, cultivating almost 700 housing units across Michigan. Garfield Township will acquire 36 new units, after receiving a little over $1 million for the project named GTB LIHTC #2. Following the announcement, State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) issued this statement: “Addressing Michigan’s affording housing crisis is a top priority for me. With [...]
Coffia on the Announcement of Committee Assignments
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 13, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced yesterday Michigan House of Representatives’ standing committees, subcommittees and appropriations subcommittees. State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) was appointed to five committees: Families, Children, and Seniors, where she will serve as majority vice chair; Health Policy; Economic Development and Small Business; Agriculture; and Higher Education. Following the announcement, Coffia issued this statement: “Woven into each and every one of my assigned committees is a piece of my district’s priorities [...]
Coffia Sworn in as Representative of House District 103
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia’s (D-Traverse City) office is officially open in Lansing, as she was sworn in by House Clerk Gary Randall in the House Chamber yesterday. She is officially a state representative for the 2023-24 legislative term. Today marks the formal opening of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature and the first day of House Democrats having the majority in over a decade. “I am excited to get to work and especially focus my efforts on [...]