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Dear Neighbor, I hope this e-newsletter finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things I have been able to accomplish so far this year, legislation I am currently working on, as well as upcoming events in the district. Should you need any assistance, or would like to discuss legislation or provide feedback, my office is at your disposal and happy to help! Please do not hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] or (517) 373-2668.
Sincerely, Penelope Tsernoglou |
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Know Your Rights Town Hall On Thursday, March 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., I will be joined by special guests state Reps. Brenda Carter, Dr. Matt Longjohn, Julie M. Rogers and Phil Skaggs, as well as Liz Balck from the ACLU of Michigan for a “Know Your Rights” Town Hall. We’ll be talking about how to navigate your constitutional rights and answering any questions you may have on the topic. The event will be held virtually via Zoom; please RSVP at this link. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-2668 or [email protected]. I hope to see you there!
Community Conversation Hours Please join me at an upcoming community conversation hour! I am working to go across the 75th House District to update constituents on the exciting things happening in Lansing, as well as to answer any questions you may have regarding the Michigan Legislature. I look forward to seeing you at a conversation hour soon! Please be on the lookout for future community events. Please call or email my office at (517) 373-2668 or [email protected] to RSVP or for more information. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated in order to anticipate the number of attendees.
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Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence (HBs 5409-5410) Late last year, on Dec. 18, 2025, I joined state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) in re-introducing legislation that would ensure survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes can bring their pets with them when seeking emergency housing and can also seek reimbursement if they cannot bring their pet to an emergency location. The inability to allow individuals to bring their pets to emergency housing is an unnecessary barrier for survivors of violent crimes, who are statistically shown to delay or forgo escaping a volatile situation if they have pets in the home that would be put in danger. This vital legislation would remove this burden and prevent these all-too-common situations from happening. House Bills 5409-5410 were referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it awaits testimony. I look forward to working with Rep. Edwards to pass these bills that will help survivors receive the support they need.
Standing Up for Dog Owners (HB 5580) On Feb. 24, 2026, I re-introduced legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from inquiring about the breed of dog that resides in an insured or potentially insured property. House Bill 5580 was referred to the House Insurance Committee, where it awaits testimony. Despite overwhelming evidence that proper socialization and training is the best way to prevent aggressive dogs, many still believe that only a select number of breeds are “aggressive.” Households and residential landlords that are seeking renters and/or commercial liability insurance may be charged premiums due to a breed of a dog an individual has in their home. Dogs are valued members of our families, and these policies only seek to negatively impact renters, landlords and homeowners.
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees (RAISE) Act One of my top priorities will always be to working to strengthen our unions and support Michigan workers. On Feb. 24, I introduced House Bill 5579, which would place guardrails on employers who use artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor their employees. AI is rapidly developing in every sector of life, and we must ensure that this technology is properly regulated. In the workplace, more and more employees are being monitored, tracked and scrutinized by a litany of AI tools and algorithms. The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees (RAISE) Act would protect Michigan workers from invasive workplace surveillance and lays out guidelines and restrictions on how employers can use them. In addition, the legislation provides key protections for workers when they disagree with an AI tool’s assessment. While there may be justifiable uses of AI in the workplace, the main concern is that these AI models and algorithms can be biased and discriminatory in nature. The RAISE Act is essential in protecting workers from AI surveillance and potential discrimination. I am grateful to my friends in various labor organizations for their support in developing this legislation, and I look forward to moving it through the Legislature. |
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2025 was another great year serving as your state representative in Lansing, and I look forward to what this year will bring for our communities. I continue to work hard on behalf of Michigan families, working with community activists, advocacy groups and various stakeholders to introduce legislation that will ensure fair employment practices, regulate the use of artificial intelligence and protect our companion animals. |
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Teacher of the Month I am continuing to recognize the dedicated educators of the 75th District and asking community members to nominate their favorite teacher for my Teacher of the Month recognition program. Please follow the link below to nominate a terrific 75th District teacher! Teacher of the Month: https://forms.gle/GicMxBdq79cWA8bd6
Business of the Month I would love the opportunity to continue to recognize the hard work that small businesses do for our community. I invite all community members to submit their favorite 75th District small business for our monthly recognition program. Business of the Month: https://forms.gle/K48futkRaEWY1Gg66
Tribute Request If you know of any individuals or organizations that deserve special recognition for the tremendous work they do to serve the people of our communities and our state, I would love the chance to recognize them with a tribute. Please submit a tribute request below for any individual or organization that you feel has truly gone above and beyond for their neighbors. Tribute Request: https://housedems.com/penelope-tsernoglou/tribute/ |
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Contact Information Facebook page: here. |