Rheingans Hosts MiCare Town Hall with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Champions Push for Universal Health Care
PHOTO: State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks alongside Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, public health expert and 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate candidate, at the MiCare Town Hall on Monday, June 23, 2025. LANSING, Mich., June 26, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) hosted a town hall on her MiCare legislation, HB 4407, which would establish a universal, publicly-funded health care system for all Michiganders with no premiums, co-pays, or deductibles. The event, held at Mill Creek Middle School in Dexter, featured [...]
Rheingans Hosts MiCare Town Hall with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Champions Push for Universal Health Care
PHOTO: State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks alongside Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, public health expert and 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate candidate, at the MiCare Town Hall on Monday, June 23, 2025. LANSING, Mich., June 26, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) hosted a town hall today on her MiCare legislation, HB 4407, which would establish a universal, publicly-funded health care system for all Michiganders with no premiums, co-pays, or deductibles. The event, held at Mill Creek Middle School in Dexter, [...]
Rheingans Celebrates MDOT’s M-50 Road Safety Upgrades
LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2025 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin micro surface and joint repairs on M-50 between Brooklyn Road and Riverside Road in Jackson County starting today. The $1.2 million project will require daily single-lane closures and is expected to improve road safety while supporting local jobs. State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement on the project: “This investment in M-50 reflects our commitment to improving road safety and supporting local infrastructure. [...]
MI House Dems Condemn ‘Billionaire Bailout Bill’, Urge MI House GOP to Negotiate Finalized State Budget
Democratic lawmakers call on House Republicans to stop hyper-partisan games, deliver real relief and job security for Michiganders LANSING, Mich., May 23, 2025 — The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — coined by Democrats as the “Billionaire Bailout Bill” — early Thursday morning, moving a devastating tax plan through Congress that would increase benefits for the ultra wealthy, while keeping the boot on everyday Michiganders’ necks. As Michigan House Republicans continue to [...]
State Rep. Rheingans Reintroduces Lifesaving Legislation Establishing Syringe Service Programs in Michigan
Contact: Sean Rositano (517) 373-8835 carrierheingans@house.mi.gov Rheingans Reintroduces Lifesaving Legislation Establishing Syringe Service Programs in Michigan LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) reintroduced two of her harm reduction bills from last session that would prevent opioid overdoses, reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, and save lives. Specifically, HB 4498 would empower localities to create syringe service programs (SSPs) if they so choose. SSPs offer many services including coaching [...]
Rheingans Introduces Bill to Support Campaigning Parents; Fellow Dems Support
Legislation will allow campaign funds to be used for caregiving expenses State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., May 9, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) introduced House Bill 4480 yesterday to allow campaign finance funds to be used for caregiving expenses. This legislation is a reintroduction of former state Rep. Rachel Hood’s House Bill 4413 from last term. [...]
House Dems Speak Out Against Tone-Deaf, Reckless MI GOP Agenda, Demand Better for Michiganders
Democratic lawmakers take action to lower costs, condemn Republican “Gulf of America” bill LANSING, Mich., May 2, 2025 — Michigan House Democrats spoke up about making life more affordable and spoke out and voted against Republican efforts to inject toxic D.C. politics and chaos into the Michigan Legislature this week. View their media availability here. Democratic members criticized Republican House members for wasting taxpayers’ time and money on political messaging, instead of working with House Dems to lower costs for [...]
Rheingans Reintroduces MiCare
Legislation to create a universal health care payment system for Michigan LANSING, Mich., May 1, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) reintroduced her legislation that would create the MiCare program, a universal, publicly financed health care system for all Michigan residents (HB 4407). “Health care is a fundamental human right. All 10 million Michiganders, regardless of where in the state they live, deserve to have high quality, affordable health care and the freedom that comes with that. [...]
House Dems Decry DOGE Slashing Nearly $400 Million From Michigan’s Public Health Services
MI GOP joins DOGE crusade to gut MDHHS funding with destructive, irresponsible budget plan LANSING, Mich., March 28, 2025 — The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut more than $390 million in federal grants to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) this week, threatening public health services and jeopardizing thousands of public sector jobs in the state. The cuts are part of DOGE’s crusade to slash more than $11 billion nationwide in Health and Human Services [...]
House Dems Take Action to Combat Avian Flu, Call on Federal Government to Follow Suit
LANSING, Mich., March 5, 2025 — House Democrats announced legislative action today to combat the spread of the avian flu in Michigan and call on the federal government to establish a coordinated plan to save lives, lower prices and prevent the next pandemic. State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) introduced three appropriation supplemental bills that would direct funding to the Michigan departments of Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, to test for bird flu [...]
Rheingans Emphasizes Fight for Consumer Protections Amidst Consumers’ Fears of Economic Instability
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session today. In her speech, the governor discussed her plan to lower costs for families ahead of looming tariffs, increase the workforce and deliver results for the people of Michigan. After the address, state Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement: “No one should ever have to worry about choosing between their health and taking on [...]
Capitol and Community Updates
Hello from Lansing! Even though the winter has been cold and cloudy, our community's bright warmth keeps us glowing. As we near Valentine's Day, let's celebrate the connections that light up our lives, even on the chilliest days. Read more about our work in Lansing to ensure our district remains a thriving place we call home. You can also attend our next coffee hour at the Summit Township Offices on Monday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m.; details below. As always, [...]
Rheingans Speaks Out Against Republican Chaos Culture
State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks at a press conference with other Democratic representatives on Jan. 29, 2025. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29, 2025 — House Democrats held a press conference today to take a stand against Republican initiatives at the state and federal levels that disrupt governance and hurt Michigan workers and families. Following the press conference, state Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement: “It appears that the new Republican platform is to [...]
Rheingans Introduces Bill to Allow Local Government to Implement Rent Stabilization Policies
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 14, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) introduced House Bill 4009 this week to repeal the 1988 ban on local municipalities’ freedom to implement rent stabilization policies. This bill restores local control by allowing local governments the freedom to choose what is best for their communities. The bill does not require any municipality to implement a rent stabilization policy, such as rent control or rent caps. “Renters in cities like Ann Arbor are forced to [...]
Rheingans Demands House Republicans Present Passed Bills to Governor
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 14, 2025 — As a form of political gamesmanship, House Republicans have cherry-picked nine bills to hold hostage by refusing to present them to the governor for her signature into law. These bills have passed both the Michigan House and Senate and are now constitutionally obligated to be presented to the governor. In response, state Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) sent a letter to House Republican leadership, demanding they present the bills to the governor, as required [...]
Rheingans Sends Letter to Demand House Republicans Present Passed Bills to Governor
Dear Speaker Hall and Clerk Starr, I am writing to you on behalf of my constituents in House District 47. I urge you to present the following nine bills from the 102nd Legislature to the Governor, as is the constitutional process outlined in Article IV, Section 33 of the Michigan Constitution: House Bill 6058 - stabilizes the costs of health care benefits for all public sector employees, including Michigan’s teachers and first responders. House Bills 4665, 4666 and 4667 [...]
Capitol & Community Updates
Hello from Lansing! With lame duck season upon us, my team and I have been working hard on nearly a dozen bills in hopes that they pass both legislative chambers before the end of the year. Most of these bills are complex, and only brief summaries are included below. If you’d like to learn more about legislative updates, I will be hosting a term-in-review town hall at the AADL: Westgate Branch on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. and a [...]
Rheingans Legislation Strengthens Native Ties
Legislation uplifts transparency, partnership with 12 federally recognized tribes LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) brought legislation to the floor today that embodies her continued commitment to strengthen government ties with Michigan’s Native American tribes. The House voted on both House Bill 5600 and House Resolution 296, which designates Sept. 27, 2024, as Michigan Indian Day. HB 5600 creates the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison (OTLL) in the Legislature and seeks to [...]
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 [...]
Rheingans Bill Exempts Fentanyl Test Strips from Drug Paraphernalia Laws
Rheingans Bill Exempts Fentanyl Test Strips from Drug Paraphernalia Laws State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) delivers a floor speech in the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, June 13, 2024. LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) recently released legislation to exempt testing products including, but not limited to, fentanyl test strips, from current drug paraphernalia laws. By exempting test products, they can be more freely sold and used for testing to prevent drug [...]
Rheingans Delivers AED to Local High School
State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), center, speaks about the importance of an automated external defibrillator (AED) with, from left, Coach Lyle Blando, Coach Derek Shell, Athletic Director Tom Johns, Superintendent James E. Graham, District Nurse Gabe Brice, and High School Principal Patrick Dillon on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Napoleon High School. NAPOLEON, Mich., May 20, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) presented a new automated external defibrillator (AED) to Napoleon High School this morning. Rheingans issued the following [...]
Rheingans Hosts Press Conference on Newly Introduced Tribal Legislative Liaison Bill
LANSING, Mich., March 21, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) held a press conference today to speak to her newly introduced legislation, House Bill 5600. This legislation will create the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison (OTLL) in the Legislature. It seeks to better facilitate government-to-government relationships through consultation in the policymaking process between legislators and the 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan. “I am proud to be introducing this crucial legislation to create the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison. [...]
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 [...]
Rheingans, Fitzgerald Bills to Protect Children Pass the Senate
Legislation clarifies car safety seat standards to help parents keep kids safe LANSING, Mich., March 15, 2024 — The Michigan Senate passed House Bills 4511 and 4512, sponsored by state Reps. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), respectively. The bills clarify car safety seat standards, aligning Michigan statute with federal law and regulations. “Vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among children,” Fitzgerald said. “This law updates Michigan’s car seat safety standards so that child passengers travel safely and sit properly. [...]
Michigan Dems Celebrate Laws Improving Health and Wellness for Michiganders
Landmark legislation protects health care coverage, lowers costs and promotes wellness LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year — with majority, they led a remarkably productive year, passing and signing into law a historic number of bills. A significant number of those laws go into effect on Feb. 13. In order to celebrate with and inform Michiganders, Dems are rolling out the [...]
Rheingans’ Bill to Establish State Grain Becomes Law, Recognizing Native Traditions
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 5, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a ceremonial bill signing event at the Capitol today, and House Bill 4852 was among the bills signed. This bill designates manoomin as the state’s official native grain. “It was an honor to sponsor this bill that designates manoomin as the state’s native grain,” said state Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor). “The best policies are those that are created by the people that most directly experience the impact of those policies — tribe members across Michigan have worked for this [...]
Legislators Spearhead Bipartisan Patient-Led Care Package Making Mental Health Care More Accessible
Bipartisan legislation benefits patients and providers alike LANSING, Mich., Oct. 5, 2023 — State Reps. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township) and Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) hosted a press conference today in support of House Bills 5114-17 to increase Michiganders’ access to vital health care, including both physical and mental health. Physician assistants (PA) are a crucial part of the Michigan health care delivery system. These bills align Michigan PA standards with many other states [...]
Rheingans, Fitzgerald Bills to Protect Children Pass in the House
Legislation clarifies car safety seat standards to help parents keep kids safe LANSING, Mich., Sept. 27, 2023 — On the heels of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bills 4511 and 4512, sponsored by state Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), respectively. The bills clarify car safety seat standards, aligning Michigan statute with federal law and regulations. “This legislation takes the necessary steps to ensure Michigan parents have clear, [...]
Rheingans Applauds State Budget’s Reinvestment in Michiganders’ Health
LANSING, Mich., June 29, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget yesterday. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta. It makes the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety. The legislators worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a [...]
Legislation to Implement Proposal 2 Passes the House
LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — Legislation to implement Proposal 2 passed the House today. The landmark expansion of voting rights overwhelmingly supported by voters in November 2022 would ensure that ballot drop boxes are accessible to voters, voters could choose to receive an absent voter ballot before each election, and absent voter ballot applications and ballots have prepaid postage affixed on them, among other measures. “One of our most sacred responsibilities as legislators is to ensure that we have [...]
National Popular Vote Bill Clears First Michigan Committee
State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) testifies in support of her bill for Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact in Lansing on June 6, 2023. LANSING, Mich. June 6, 2023 – A bill that would add Michigan to a growing list of states supporting the National Popular Vote for president won approval from the Michigan House Elections Committee today. State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), sponsor of House Bill 4156, released the following [...]
Rheingans Introduces Legislation to Help Michiganders Save on Prescriptions
State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks at a press conference introducing her bill to help patients save on medication at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing on June 6, 2023. LANSING, Mich., June 6, 2023 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) introduced legislation today to ensure that all payments made by or on behalf of insured patients will go toward their deductible and out-of-pocket costs. “The copay assistance funds that drug manufacturers and [...]
Rheingans, Fitzgerald Announce Upcoming Safer Seats, Safer Kids Bills
LANSING, Mich., May 4, 2023 — State Reps. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) held a press conference today to unveil new legislation, House Bills 4511 and 4512, to clarify child safety seat guidelines and bring them into alignment with federal and industry standards. The representatives were joined by guests Dr. Jonathan Gold of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Dr. Andrew Adair, president of the MI Osteopathic Association; and Lewis Moquin, certified child passenger [...]
In Honor of Earth Day, Legislators to Introduce Bills to Establish Statewide Septic Code, Help Protect Michigan Water
LANSING, Mich., April 21, 2023 — State Reps. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) and Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) announced their intent to introduce legislation next week to create a statewide septic code, which would help protect water quality across the state. Background: Michigan is the only state in the nation without uniform standards governing how onsite sewage treatment systems are designed, built, installed and maintained. Additionally, according to the Department [...]
Michigan Legislators Introduce National Popular Vote Bills
State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) addresses reporters at a press conference introducing National Popular Vote bills at the Anderson House Office Building on March 1, 2023. LANSING, Mich. March 1, 2023 – The presidential candidate who gets the most votes nationwide would become president under National Popular Vote bills introduced Wednesday in the Michigan House and Senate. “I was elected to the Michigan House because I won the most votes — and the same should be true [...]
Rheingans 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. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement [...]
State Rep. Rheingans Co-Sponsors Repeal of Right-to-Work as Her First Bill on Opening Day of the 102nd Legislature
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) was sworn in today as a member of the 102nd Legislature and immediately co-sponsored her first bill repealing the so-called “right-to-work” law. Rep. Rheingans signed on to co-sponsor all six of the first bills introduced in the 102nd Legislature, which highlighted shared priorities across the Democratic caucuses to put Michigan families first. The bills include the repeal of the unfair and unpopular “retirement tax”; an increase of the [...]