Mentzer on House Republicans Failing to Pass a Final Budget
LANSING, Mich., July 3, 2025 — July 1 deadline for the legislature to pass and present a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year to the governor. Since taking office, House Republicans have delayed the budget process, refusing to come to the negotiation table in good-faith. After the deadline, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement: “With massive federal cuts impending, we have to fund schools, health care, infrastructure and the basics that people need, like SNAP and [...]
Mentzer on House Republican Cuts to School Lunches
LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2025 — Michigan House Republicans passed their K-12 education budget that massively cuts categorical spending — which is funding set aside for specific purposes — including eliminating funding for school meals. Currently, that money provides universal school breakfast and lunch for all pre-K through grade 12 students in public schools. After House Republicans passed their reckless school budget, House Bill 4577, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement: “The universal school meals program [...]
Mentzer on New Fight Mission Announced for Selfridge Air National Guard Base
MACOMB, Mich., April 30, 2025 — President Donald Trump announced during his visit to Southeast Michigan yesterday a new mission of F-15EX fighters for Selfridge Air National Guard Base. State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) is a strong advocate for increased funding and opportunities at Selfridge —she recently secured $15 million in state funding for capital improvements and infrastructure projects to attract a new fighter mission. Last term, she championed the future of the base with House Resolution 33 of [...]
House Dems Condemn Republican Plan to Defund the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Republican lawmakers turn their backs on Michigan veterans LANSING, Mich., April 25, 2025 — A House Republican made disparaging comments about the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency yesterday during the House Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Military and Veterans Affairs, suggesting the agency is a “total scam” and should be defunded. Michigan veterans rely on the agency to receive their hard-earned benefits and access to health care, including mental health and crisis care. These comments follow the proposed defunding of the agency [...]
Mentzer Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Public Safety Trust Fund
Legislation would provide recurring funding to keep communities safe LANSING, Mich., April 24, 2025 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bills 4260 and 4261 yesterday to establish a public safety and violence prevention fund. These bills will provide $115 million to deliver recurring funding for public safety to communities across Michigan. After voting in favor of the bill package, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement: “I am thrilled that this bill package has cleared [...]
Mentzer Demands Action to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Legislator supports establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board LANSING, Mich., April 24, 2025 — House and Senate Democrats held a press conference today to discuss their legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that will be able to establish a price cap on prescription drug costs. State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), who sponsors a bill in the package, issued the following statement following the press conference: “Michiganders are struggling now more than ever with rising costs, and for [...]
Mentzer Introduces Bill to Prevent Medical Debt From Affecting Credit
Legislation would help more hardworking Michiganders afford homes and vehicles LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2025 — State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) introduced House Bill 4329 this week that would prevent credit reporting agencies from reporting medical debt on a consumer’s credit card report. Michigan is currently one of very few states with no consumer protections for medical debt, and as of this year, nearly 700,000 Michiganders are dealing with the burden of medical debt. After introducing this legislation, Mentzer [...]
Weiss, Fellow House Dems Aim to Stop Payroll Fraud
Lawmakers introduce legislation to protect Michigan workers and taxpayers Members of the House Democratic Caucus stand together at the “Stop Payroll Fraud” press conference on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., April 17, 2025 — State Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) and Democratic colleagues hosted a press conference this week to introduce a package of bills, House Bills 4316-27, designed to crack down on payroll fraud, focusing on companies that [...]
Mentzer Introduces Resolution Demanding Immediate Release of FEMA Funding
LANSING, Mich., March 26, 2025 — State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) introduced House Resolution 51 last week calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately release $56 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds allocated to the State of Michigan. This funding, which has remained in limbo following a freeze on federal funding, is vital for supporting disaster relief, emergency response programs and community recovery efforts. “We are calling on the federal government to do their [...]
Mentzer Commends Support for Military Following 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 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. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement: “Our active military and veterans put their lives on the line for our safety and deserve [...]
Mentzer Reintroduces Bill to Increase Michiganders’ Employment Opportunities
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4, 2025— State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) introduced House Bill 4040 to amend the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act. Under these changes, a business would be prohibited from entering into, obtaining or enforcing a noncompete agreement with a worker, or depicting that a noncompete agreement applies to a worker or former worker. This legislation is a reintroduction of House Bill 4399 from last term. Following the bill’s introduction, Mentzer issued the following statement: "Requiring noncompete agreements for [...]
Mentzer Named Assistant Caucus Whip
State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) speaks on the House floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing on Jan. 23, 2025. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29, 2025 — House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) announced caucus assistant leadership positions for Michigan’s 103rd Legislature earlier this month. State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) was chosen as an assistant whip, alongside her colleagues, state Reps. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) and Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit). In response to receiving this assistant leadership position, [...]
Bill Package to Provide Child Care Relief Passes Tax Policy Committee
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2024 — The House Tax Policy Committee passed a bill package today to amend the Child Care Licensing Act to provide greater oversight flexibility, authorize safety inspections, make it easier to appeal for rules violations and require reimbursements to child care providers to be inflation-indexed. “Fixing a broken system that’s causing Michigan’s economy to lose nearly $3 billion annually and crushing our families and businesses is going to take a sustained public investment,” said Sen. Kristen [...]
Mentzer Applauds House Passage of Bill to Ensure Integrity in Township Boards
State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) speaks on the House floor. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 10 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4860 today to designate a process for charter township board members to abstain from a vote if they have a conflict of interest. Current law requires charter township board members to unanimously excuse a fellow board member to abstain from a vote. This legislation removes that requirement, ensuring members can choose to abstain from a [...]
Brixie, Mentzer Legislation Increases Funding to State Parks
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 5, 2024 — The House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee passed House Bills 5428, 5873 and 6219, which would make the Recreation Passport an opt-out system instead of an opt-in system and adjust the distribution of the revenue to the Department of Natural Resources. The Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry of motorized vehicles into state parks and recreation areas as well as state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, thousands of miles [...]
House Dems Support Bipartisan Bill to Reallocate Transportation Funds to Macomb, Kent Counties
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed state Rep. Jaime Greene’s (R-Richmond) House Bill 5922 today. The bill came about due to changes in population in the 2020 census, and it reallocates state transportation funds to Macomb and Kent counties. “Our Macomb County community relies on annual state funds to ensure our transportation infrastructure is continually updated,” said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), whose district is within Macomb County. “This bill ensures Macomb County receives the necessary funding to improve [...]
Legislators Celebrate Increased Public Safety in Michigan
State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) testify in a Senate committee on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Binsfeld Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 25, 2024 — This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of auto theft bills into law. The legislation establishes sentencing guidelines for individuals who knowingly possess traditional burglary tools or electronic devices used to break into motor vehicles with the intent to steal. Under the new laws, [...]
Mentzer on Final Budget Passage
State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) delivers a speech on the House floor on May 1, 2024. LANSING, Mich., June 28, 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 Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the [...]
House Dems Move Bills to Support Veterans
State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) testifies in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, May, 14, 2024, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., June 11, 2024 — State Rep. Jennifer Conlin’s (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) bill package aimed at bolstering mental health and substance abuse resources for service members, veterans and their families passed a vote today in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, which she [...]
Mentzer on Passage of 2024-25 House Budget, Investing in Michiganders
LANSING, Mich., May, 9, 2024 —The Michigan House of Representatives passed its fiscal 2024-25 budget yesterday. It includes substantial investments in Michigan students, local economies and the safety and wellbeing of Michiganders. House Dems are reinforcing their commitment to building stronger hometowns and investing in working Michiganders. After the vote, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement on the budget: “As I support this year’s budget, I’m determined to ensure our allocations strengthen our hometown — specifically [...]
Farhat, Mentzer Anti-Crime Bills Pass Michigan House
Legislation cracks down on organized grand theft auto State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) delivers a speech on House Bill 5183 on Wednesday, May 1, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., May 1, 2024 — State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Denise Mentzer’s (D-Mt. Clemens) two-bill package to cut down on auto theft passed the Michigan House of Representatives today. Together, House Bills 5182 and 5183 make knowingly possessing traditional burglar tools or electronic devices to break into motor vehicles with the intent to [...]
Mentzer on District’s Industrial Explosion
LANSING, Mich., March 5, 2024 — A distribution plant in state Rep. Denise Mentzer’s (D-Mt. Clemens) House district caught fire last night, causing several explosions. The events unfolded between 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway. As a consequence of the fire and explosion, a 19-year-old man standing nearby was killed, and one firefighter was injured. The firefighter was taken to the hospital and later released with minor injuries. The fire was extinguished early Tuesday morning. With the help of the [...]
Mentzer on Governor’s State of the State Address, Putting People First
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — 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. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s address: “I’m ready to get to work — the State of the State [...]
Mentzer on Selfridge Air Base Receiving New Tanker Squadron
State Rep. Denise Mentzer stands with House and Senate colleagues at the Selfridge Air National Guard base on Monday, May 15, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — The U.S. Air Force has picked Selfridge Air National Guard base in Macomb County for the placement of a new KC-46A squadron, which are high-tech refueling tankers that will replace the retiring KC-135 Stratotankers, ensuring the base’s long-term success. After the announcement, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clements) issued the following [...]
Rep. Arbit Spearheads “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 cutting [...]
Mentzer Applauds Millions to Macomb Community College
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed two supplemental budget bills today, House Bill 4292 and Senate Bill 174. These bills allocate funds to make monumental investments in Michigan school districts, community colleges and universities — from district debt forgiveness to capital outlay projects. State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) issued the following statement on these impactful allocations: “Macomb Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the state, with a wide selection [...]
Bipartisan Public Health Bills Pass the House
Legislation will protect workers from asbestos exposure LANSING, Mich., Oct. 31, 2023 — A six-bill package, introduced by Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), alongside state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) and Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington), passed the House today — House Bills 4185-90. These bills aim to protect the public from asbestos exposure. “This bill package was a bipartisan effort, and we love that!” Mentzer said. “As a whole, these bills take steps to guarantee worker’s safety and health. It isn’t about rushing through a [...]
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 [...]
Mentzer Bill to Shore Up Municipal Finances Pass the House
Legislation reimburses local governments for state-mandated tax exemptions LANSING, Mich. Oct. 4, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bills 4553 and 4554 today, sponsored by state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). The bills establish a fund in the treasury to repay municipalities the revenue they lose from personal property tax exemptions in state law. “We need an improved process that supports local businesses' continued growth in our state, while also protecting the ability of our local governments to provide vital services,” Mentzer [...]
Mentzer Stands in Support of Michigan Workers
CLEMENS, Mich., Sept. 15, 2023 — The United Auto Workers (UAW) officially went on strike earlier today. With a lack of consensus on negotiations, this is the first time UAW workers have struck simultaneously at all Big Three automakers — about 300,000 Michigan workers are hourly workers connected to the auto industry. The union has been in contract negotiations with the automobile companies fighting for fair pay and better benefits. This strike comes on the heels of others this week, [...]
Mentzer Applauds 2023-24 Budget, Governor Signs Into Law
LANSING, Mich., July 31, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4437, the 2023-24 state budget, into law today. The budget includes substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, infrastructure and public safety. After the signing, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement: “This budget represents a new beginning for our community. The investments in our children, public safety, health care, education and infrastructure are huge wins for Macomb County and all of Michigan. This budget [...]
Mentzer Applauds Budget Passage, Reinvesting in Michigan
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget today. 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 in a bipartisan [...]
Mentzer Applauds Michigan’s Historic Low Unemployment
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich., June 15, 2023 — Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, remaining below 4% for only the third period in nearly 50 years. Michigan’s labor force increased by 26,000, reaching 60.5 percent this month, the highest since July 2020. The state recorded 4,440,000 payroll jobs, an increase of 15,000 over the month and 82,000 over the year. These numbers indicate an overall positive upward economic trend for Michigan. State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) issued the [...]
Mentzer Advocates for Wipes Legislation
LANSING, Mich. May 17, 2023 — State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) introduced House Bill 4596 today. This bill seeks to protect sewer systems from improper disposal of single-use wipes and would require disposable wipes to be appropriately labeled “Do Not Flush.” “Manufacturers are required to have proper warning labels for liability purposes, so why not require them to also label products conspicuously for infrastructure harm? Without these types of warnings, people wouldn’t know that flushing these products is detrimental [...]
Mentzer Continues to Support Selfridge’s Success
LANSING, Mich., May 17, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) and several other leaders visited Selfridge Air National Guard Base yesterday to celebrate the construction of a new $28 million facility at Selfridge. After the event Rep. Mentzer issued the following statement: “Since taking office, and long before that, I’ve advocated continuously for support for Selfridge Air National Guard Base. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and the investments we have made. [...]
Legislators Introduce Personal Property Tax Amendments
LANSING, Mich. May 15, 2023 — State Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), alongside state Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) introduced a bill package — House Bills 4553 and 4554, and Senate Bill 331 — to amend personal property tax law and help reimburse local governments for lost revenue. “This bill package is beneficial for both municipalities and small businesses. The bill will provide reimbursements for local towns, cities and communities across the state. Public safety [...]
Mentzer Applauds Attention to Public Safety in House Budget
LANSING, Mich., May 11, 2023 — The House of Representatives passed their 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. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) issued the following statement in response to this budget: “I can’t express enough the importance of the proposed budget’s public safety wins. It is important that we continue to support our police officers and their educational [...]
Mentzer Voices Support for Selfridge Air Base
LANSING, Mich., April 28, 2023 — State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the committee failed to include $10 million for Macomb County’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base in the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget proposal: “Selfridge Air Base is an essential part of our community, and I voted yes to include the governor’s proposed $10 million investment in the base. While the amendment was not adopted in committee, building [...]
Mentzer Introduces Bill Eliminating Forced Non-Compete Agreements
LANSING, Mich., April 13, 2023 — State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) introduced House Bill 4399 yesterday. This bill would protect workers from being forced to sign non-compete agreements for what are legally referred to as “low-wage jobs,” such as those jobs in the fast-food industry, janitorial services or gig-economy delivery businesses. Companies hiring workers across Michigan, particularly in service industry positions, often require them to sign non-compete agreements, banning them from utilizing any skills gained in those jobs on [...]
Aiyash Introduces Asbestos Protection Bills
LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2023 — Majority Floor Leader Abraham Ayiash (D-Hamtramck) alongside state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) and Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington) introduced today a six-bill package — House Bills 4185-90 — to protect the public from asbestos air pollution and exposure. “For years, Michigan has lagged behind in holding bad actors accountable and protecting our families, children and seniors from asbestos,” Aiyash said. “This legislation will take important steps to ensure that contractors are responsibly handling asbestos — especially in the city of Detroit as [...]
Mentzer 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. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) issued the following statement [...]
Mentzer Supports Investments for Air National Guard Base
LANSING, Mich. Jan. 12, 2023 — The U.S. Air Force is developing a plan to retire A-10 squadrons nationwide, including at Macomb County’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Replacing the current A-10 mission at Selfridge would make room for further investments in Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter today to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III pushing for investments in a new fighter mission at Selfridge. Aerospace investments in Michigan support over 166,000 jobs and Selfridge Air [...]