Neeley Calls for Action After Missed July 1 Deadline, Urges Budget that Prioritizes Michigan Families
PHOTO: State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) sits as chair of the House Tax Policy Committee on December 2024. FLINT, Mich., July 3, 2025 — July 1 was the deadline for the Michigan Legislature to pass a balanced budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. House Republicans missed this important deadline, delaying the funding that Michigan families and communities depend on. After the deadline passed, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “I’ve always fought for the rights and dignity of Flint [...]
Rep. Neeley Rejects Republican Budget: “We Won’t Accept Less for Our Kids”
LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2025 — On Tuesday, House Democrats introduced a comprehensive and equitable vision for Michigan’s School Aid budget, pushing forward a plan that reflects the needs of all children across the state — from urban districts like Flint to rural communities and everywhere in between. The Democratic proposal fully funds universal school meals, school transportation, mental health resources and safe learning environments. After repeated pressure, House Republicans offered a second version of their education budget. Yet again, [...]
Democrats Introduce Legislation to Hold Polluters Accountable for Cleanups
LANSING, Mich., June 6, 2025 — Democratic legislators in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature are introducing legislation to hold polluters accountable by requiring more thorough cleanups, making information about sites more available and simplifying the process for those harmed by pollution to seek justice. The bills’ sponsors are state Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), state Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), [...]
MLBC Responds to Dismissal of Charges Against Christopher Schurr
LANSING, Mich., May 22, 2025 — Following the mistrial related to the second degree murder charge against former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced today that he will drop the case. "It is deeply disappointing that the family of Patrick Lyoya and our community will not see a verdict and receive closure in this case. My heart remains with the Lyoya family as they continue to carry an unimaginable burden, and my community as [...]
Neeley Speaks Out Against the Unfairness to Michigan Schools
FLINT, Mich., April 1, 2025 — The Trump-Musk Administration has removed nearly $42 million in pre-approved project reimbursements among 27 Michigan school districts this week. These school districts were slated to be reimbursed for projects that improved its infrastructure. Among those school districts are Carman-Ainsworth Community School District, which will be impacted by over $230,000 and Flint City School District with an impact of over $15 million. In response to this decision, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following [...]
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Speaks Out Against Republicans’ Budget Cuts
State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, sits in a joint session of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. LANSING, Mich. March 10, 2025 — House Republicans hastily and irresponsibly passed two appropriations bills last week, House Bill 4161 and 4162. In total, HB 4161 cuts the state budget by almost 92%, gutting investments to a wide range of areas including state police and veterans services and outlines [...]
Neeley Applauds Affordable Housing Focus in State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session tonight. In her speech, the governor discussed her plan to lower costs for families ahead of more looming tariffs, increase the workforce and deliver results for the people of Michigan. After the address, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “Flint Housing Commission David A. Northern Sr., CEO and Geraldine Redmond, FHC Board president were two [...]
House Democrats Celebrate MI Diversity
Democratic Caucus builds people up by elevating voices, empowering communities Members of the House Democratic Caucus stand together on the House floor on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at the Capitol building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 — Michigan House Democrats are proud to reflect and represent the diversity of Michigan’s communities in the state Legislature. Democratic caucus members come from a wide range of racial, ethnic, religious, socio-economic, sexual orientation backgrounds, gender identities, trades and professions. [...]
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates New Leadership and Continued Advocacy
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 — This week, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) elected new leadership. State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) was named chair of the caucus. The caucus includes members of both the state Senate and the state House of Representatives, and it serves as a partnership between residents and legislators. “I am blessed to be elected by my colleagues as chair of this caucus,” O’Neal said. “This opportunity is a great responsibility, especially as our country is [...]
Neeley’s Additional Check Your Heart Bill Passes House
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 26, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5394 yesterday, which simplifies Michiganders’ ability to choose organ donation. State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) introduced the bill, which is in addition to the initial implementation of the Check Your Heart Act. More specifically, this legislation ensures that when an individual opts in to the donor registry on their state income tax returns, but forgets to include their driver’s license or state I.D. card number, the [...]
Neeley Applauds New Battery Plant Investments in Flint
FLINT, Mich., Sept. 20, 2024 — Flint’s Nanograf Corporation will receive up to $60 million for a project to advance the production of batteries and battery materials in Michigan. The U.S. Department of Energy is allocating $355 million in this initiative to Michigan, with five sights named as recipients. The Biden-Harris project includes $3 billion toward 25 total projects across the nation. After the announcement, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “It is welcome news that 20% [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators share Michigan’s story on the road with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11, 2024 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 11-15. This year’s conference theme, “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” gives House Democrats a chance to highlight the work of putting people first in Michigan. “Michigan’s voice on the national stage is one [...]
Neeley on Ten Years Since the Start of Flint Water Crisis
LANSING, Mich., April 25, 2024 — A decade ago this very day, Flint switched the city's water source away from Lake Huron to the Flint River. This had devastating effects on the community with the increased exposure of bacteria and lead in Flint water sources. In recognition of today's significance, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “Flint is resilient and strong, and for the last 10 years, we’ve been fighting. The water crisis was an unbelievable [...]
Neeley On Investing in New Development, Over $9 Million in Funding
LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2024 — The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a grant of over $9 million for new developments around Flint. The investment will allow for the acquisition of over 1,200 acres of land and the creation of an industrial megasite located in Mundy Township, near the airport. In response, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “This funding brings new job opportunities and investments to our communities. This will be one of the biggest megasites in [...]
Dems Countdown to a Better Michigan, Lowering Costs for Michiganders
State Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township) speaks on the retirement tax rollback on Jan. 9, 2024 at AARP Michigan State Office. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 7, 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 [...]
Michigan House Democrats Celebrate Black History Month
Michigan House Democrats Celebrate Black History Month Members of the 102nd Legislature reflect on achievements of Black legislators LANSING, Mich., Feb. 1, 2024 — Today is the first day of Black History Month, the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Blacks in America. Members of the Michigan House reflect on these achievements of African-Americans in the legislature, paying homage to the past, honoring the present and looking to the future. The 102nd legislative session has some notable firsts, including: [...]
Neeley on the Governor’s State of the State Address
Moving Michigan forward, protecting our future LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — Before a joint legislative session today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered this year’s State of the State address. In her speech, the governor discussed her agenda for the new term, which includes lowering costs for Michiganders, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy. State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s address: “Kids need a roof over their heads and quality education, and today the [...]
Puri, Neeley Applaud ‘Filter First’ Funding, Ensuring Clean Water for Kids
CANTON, Mich., Dec. 19, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a supplemental spending bill that funds the previously signed “Filter First” legislation to provide required water filtration systems to be installed in all schools and child care centers. “Every parent in the Great Lakes State should be able to trust that their kids are drinking clean water at school or child care, which is why we passed the ‘Filter First’ bills,” said state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “But just adding [...]
Neeley on House Bill 4318 Signed Into Law
State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) stands next to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Whitmer signed House Bill 4318 into law at the Michigan State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept., 27, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 29, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4317 and 4318 into law this week. Together, these bills created the Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act. HB 4317 creates solar energy districts within qualified local governmental units. These districts would be issued a solar energy exemption certificate for [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators hit the road to share Michigan’s story with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 20-24. While there, House Democrats expect to discuss the historic significance of this moment of what can be done with a Democratic trifecta, showing the nation how real trailblazers make real change for real people [...]
Neeley Applauds Budget Reinvestments in Michigan
Lansing, Mich. June 30, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget this week. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic majority — it reflects Michigan’s values by making 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 [...]
Neeley on Flint River Substance Spill
FLINT, Mich. June 30, 2023 — Flint-area residents were notified yesterday that a large quantity of an unknown substance was spilled into the Flint River. Booms, a guard-like tool to help contain spills, were deployed to help restrain the substance within the river. The spill happened near the Utah Avenue Bridge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with the city of Flint as this investigation continues. In response to the spill, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the [...]
House Dems Introduce Bills to Grow the State Organ Donor Registry
LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2023 — State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) and Natalie Price (D-Berkley) introduced legislation last week, known as the “Check Your Heart” bill package, to help grow Michigan’s organ donor registry. The three bills, House Bills 4362-64, aim to enhance and promote organ donor registration through a variety of mechanisms. “One of the only opportunities Michiganders have to join the organ donor registry is during in-person driver’s license and state ID renewal appointments at [...]
Neeley on New YMCA Investments
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2022 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced today that the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved several projects around the state of Michigan that may create or retain 421 jobs and generate $203 million in further investments. Flint received one of these investments. State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D- Flint) issued the following statement on this announcement: “This is exciting news and a real win for our community. I am beyond grateful for these investments. The project [...]
Neeley 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. After the event, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the [...]
Neeley Introduces School Safety Bill
LANSING, Mich., July 8, 2022 — State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) introduced House Bill 6330. This bill is part of a package to create a new school safety office, which will be a task force for safety concerns within schools. The office will work closely with the Michigan Department of Education, providing school safety plans, granting safety funds and working with local officials to create safety protocols. “With the tragic increase in concern over school safety, this bill provides an [...]
Neeley on New Investment in Flint
FLINT, Mich., July 1, 2022 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today that Island Plastics, a plastics recycler, will invest in a facility in Flint, creating 24 manufacturing jobs. The total capital investment is expected to be $8 million, and Flint was chosen over a competing site in Ohio. In response, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “I am thrilled that Island Plastics has chosen the city of Flint, and its hard-working people, to grow its business. Although [...]
Neeley on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel. Her remarks highlighted proposals that put Michiganders first by growing Michigan’s economy, creating jobs, cutting taxes and lowering costs for families. In response, State Rep. Cynthia R. Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement: “I applaud Gov. Whitmer for putting forward plans that will put communities like Flint first. For too long, we’ve suffered from underfunding and a lack of [...]
Genesee County House Dems Applaud $200,000 Grant to Expand Operations at Bishop Airport
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 10, 2021 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced the Michigan Strategic Fund’s support for an Allegiant Air operational base at Flint Bishop International Airport. “Genesee County is open for business,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “Allegiant Air’s decision to focus on Flint will provide more opportunities for travel and lay the groundwork for more investments in our community. With Allegiant Air and others recognizing the opportunities we have to offer, [...]
Legislators Applaud New Investments in Genesee County
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 14, 2021 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced the $23 million expansion of two businesses in Genesee County. NorthGate has been a fixture of the Flint business community for decades since it was founded by Jack Goggins in 1984, while DAG Technology conducts work across the globe. Together, NorthGate and DAG Technology will bring more than 400 jobs to Genesee County. The Genesee County House Democratic Delegation applauded the announcement. “Genesee [...]
Legislators Mourn the Loss of Former Congressman Dale Kildee
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 13, 2021 — Former U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee passed away peacefully this morning. Kildee represented Flint and the surrounding areas for over 35 years from 1977 until 2013. Before that, he served as both a state senator and representative. He was an advocate for the rights of working people and the importance of education. He exemplified the fighting spirit of his Flint community. His nephew Dan Kildee succeeded him in Congress. Local officials across Genesee [...]
Neeley Proudly Supports Passage of Budget Including Funding for Flint
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year with historic investments in health care, child care and infrastructure. The budget includes over $200 million to fix or replace local bridges, provides a permanent wage increase for direct care workers, expands eligibility for the Child Care and Development Program to over 105,000 additional children and increased funding to programs ranging from supporting police officers to public universities. The budget, [...]
House Democrats Applaud Gov. Whitmer’s Proposed $75 Million in Funding for Safer Streets
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 18, 2021 — This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the $75 million MI Safe Communities framework to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street and provide additional funding for jobs, education and the justice system. The proposal would be funded by the federal American Rescue Plan. In response, state Reps. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), Tenisha Yancey (D-Detroit), Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) and Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following joint statement: “The [...]
Flint Community School District Awarded $170,000 in School Lunch Grant
FLINT, Mich. – March 30, 2021 – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has awarded the Flint Community Schools district a $170,000 grant as part of the second round of the agency’s 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms (10 Cents a Meal) program. The application process reopened in January 2021 after an initial round of schools and early childhood education centers (ECEs) were announced in December 2020, bringing the total number of grantees to 149 and hailing [...]
Letter to the Editor: The appalling defense of ex-Gov. Snyder
To the Editor: As if the poisoning and needless suffering of my dear city of Flint was not horrible enough, former Governor Rick Synder is now stating that "neglecting a city is not a crime." As I rest my head every night I think of the countless children of Flint who needlessly suffered lead poisoning that came out of the same water that I share with them, and knowing the indifference of the criminal actions that came out of the previous gubernatorial [...]
Neeley’s Budget Bill Signed into Law
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 22, 2020 — Last week Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 6119, making it Public Act 205 of 2020. The bill amends the State Convention Facility Development Act to redirect $10 million from the Conventional Facility Development Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2020 only and provide funding for street railway systems and local governments. State Rep. Cynthia R. Neeley (D-Flint), who sponsored the bill, issued the following statement: “This year has been difficult for all [...]
Neeley Introduces Bills to Help First Responders, Essential Workers
LANSING, Mich. April 30, 2020 — State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) introduced two bills today to provide additional support for first responders, essential workers and those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The bills, House Bills 5759 and 5760, would provide an income tax credit and expand the childcare income eligibility subsidy for first responders and medical professionals. “Right now, hundreds of thousands of first responders, medical personnel and essential workers are on the frontline of this crisis [...]
Cynthia R. Neeley Sworn In as 34th District Representative
LANSING, Mich. — Today, as the House reconvened to address to a number of agenda items, a ceremony was held to swear in Cynthia R. Neeley as Representative of Michigan’s 34th House District, which is made up of most of the city of Flint. “It is important that even during an emergency situation, our State Legislators while taking every precaution necessary, continue to work for our constituents. Now more than ever, our state needs strong leaders that have a clear [...]