Good afternoon, District 9. I hope you and your family are well as you prepare for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season.

Before you gather with your loved ones this Thursday, I’d like to take a moment to update you on the legislation that passed last week before we left Lansing for the district work period back home. I also wanted to express my gratitude to you, my constituents in District 9, for your continued support during my second term. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to serve as your state representative in Lansing, and I hope, wherever you may find yourself this holiday, that your day will be filled with love, laughter and many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving, District 9! Be safe and well this holiday weekend!

Respectfully,

Rep. Karen Whitsett

Tuesday’s Session

(Content Warning: Child abuse and neglect; sexual assault)

On Tuesday, I voted to pass HB 4654, a bill to require the state to establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). I am glad to support a bill that will create a permanent committee to develop recommendations on treatment and policy to serve the needs and interests of the rare disease community in our state.

Next, I was glad to pass HB 4880, a bill to expand the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect to include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists and athletic trainers in the hopes of better protecting against the type of abuse committed by Larry Nassar.

I also voted yes on a package of bills (HB 4857 and HB 4858) to require an investigation as well as disciplinary action (including permanent revocation of one’s medical license) to be taken upon a health licensee convicted of sexual assault against a patient. These bills are taking just one more important step towards helping survivors receive justice, and preventing future harm.

Wednesday’s Session

On Wednesday, I was proud to vote to pass a set of bills (HB 5447 and HB 5448) that, together, create a legislative path for the reopening of Michigan’s only historically Black college, Lewis College of Business, as the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC). Introducing this institution to Detroit will most certainly create new opportunities for Black students in the city and throughout Michigan. As a lifelong resident of Detroit myself, I believe this is a fantastic thing for both the community of District 9 and the city of Detroit at large.

Other bills passed by the Michigan House of Representatives this week include:

More information on any and all bills can always be located at www.michiganlegislature.gov or www.michiganvotes.org.