McKinney Condemns House Republicans’ Failed Leadership
Lawmakers refuse to negotiate and blow through state budget deadline State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) speaks on the House floor at the Capitol building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 3, 2025 — July 1 is the deadline for the legislature to pass and present a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year to the governor. Since gaining a majority, House Republicans have delayed the budget process, refusing to come to the negotiation table in good-faith. After the deadline, state [...]
Detroit Caucus Mourns Loss of Legal Legend Virgil C. Smith
Former legislator and judge dies at 77 LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2025 — Michigan’s legal and political landscape are saddened by the loss of Judge Virgil C. Smith, who passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 77. “Virgil Smith was a champion for justice, equality and community,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus. “From his leadership in Lansing to his thoughtful decisions on the bench, his legacy will continue to inspire [...]
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), [...]
McKinney on Jayne Park Incident
Community mourns Abdul Ahad after deadly violence DETROIT, Mich., May 28, 2025 — Chaos erupted Sunday at Jayne Park, resulting in one fatality and three others injured in a series of violent events. Two men were shot — one of them fatally — while another man was stabbed, and a fourth was struck by a vehicle. After the incident, state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “This is a heartbreaking and unacceptable tragedy. I extend my sincerest condolences [...]
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 [...]
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 Condemn GOP Ploy to Raise Energy Costs, Slash Jobs
Clean Energy and Jobs Act is set to create 130,000 jobs and save Michigan families nearly $300 annually by 2030 LANSING, Mich., April 30, 2025 — House Republicans passed House Bills 4027-28 today to repeal a key part of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which brought good-paying jobs to Michigan, lowered energy bills and improved energy efficiency. The House GOP is attempting this repeal at a time when Michiganders are struggling to keep the lights on and energy bills [...]
McKinney on Introduction of Taking Back Our Power Package
Legislation blocks political donations from utilities and major government contractors State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) sits on a committee on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., April 29, 2025 — State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) is a sponsor of bills in the Taking Back Our Power legislative package that was recently introduced in the House. This package aims to block Michigan utilities and major government contractors from making political donations. [...]
MLBC Condemns U of M’s Abolishment of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
Attacks destroy efforts for equity and inclusion LANSING, Mich., April 1, 2025 — The University of Michigan announced abruptly last week that they are closing the doors of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices and ending their strategic DEI plan. This step comes after Trump’s attack on programs across the nation. “This is a disheartening situation and an act of tolerance of intolerance by the university. As chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I know how serious these [...]
McKinney Calls for Accountability on Utility Reliability and Rates
State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., March 24, 2025 — State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), minority vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services, questioned the Michigan Public Service Commission on the state’s ongoing energy reliability issues and the [...]
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 [...]
McKinney Applauds Economic Growth and Affordability Vision in State of the State Address
State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) and his guest, Ravina Turner, on the House floor on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing. 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 [...]
House Dem Members Stand Up for Workers, Push for Improved Earned Sick Leave
Pro-worker advocates joined Democratic legislators to call for Earned Sick Leave Act to take effect LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) hosted a press conference today with fellow Democratic legislators and representatives from Mothering Justice, the Michigan League of Public Policy and Planned Parenthood to call on the Legislature to allow changes to the Earned Sick Time Act to take effect on Friday, Feb. 21. Participating House Democrats affirmed their commitment to protecting [...]
McKinney Named Minority Vice Chair of Key House Appropriations Subcommittee
State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 12, 2025 — House committee assignments for Michigan’s 103rd Legislature were announced. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) was named a member of the Appropriations Committee, minority vice chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services Subcommittee and a ranking member of the Agriculture and Rural Development [...]
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 [...]
Grant, McKinney Applaud Passage of Policing Reform Bills Through Committee
Reps. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) testify in the House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 10, 2024 — A comprehensive, bipartisan bill package supported by Michiganders passed through the House Criminal Justice Committee today, putting more accountability and transparency in interactions between law enforcement officials and the communities they protect and serve. Bill sponsors, state Reps. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) and Donavan [...]
McKinney Receives CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award
20 officials to be awarded at the 2024 CSG National Conference State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment, Great Lakes and Energy on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 25, 2024 — The Council of State Governments (CSG) has selected state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) as one of 20 recipients to receive the 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This year’s class, representing 16 [...]
House Detroit Caucus Pay Tribute to Former Detroit State Rep. Edward Vaughn Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 90
DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 10, 2024 — Former state Rep. Edward “Ed” Vaughn died at the age of 90 in Detroit this week. Vaughn served in the House of Representatives from Jan. 10, 1979, to Dec. 31, 1980. In 1994, he won another election to the state House and represented the then 4th House District from Jan. 11, 1995, until reaching term limits, Dec. 31, 2000. In response to the news of his passing, various House Detroit Caucus Members, paid their respects. [...]
STATEMENT: McKinney Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Donations for State Contract Workers
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2, 2024 — Improving transparency, increasing accountability and reducing conflicts of interest are all issues in campaign finance addressed during session last week by two bills introduced on the House Floor. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) introduced House Bills 5975 and 5976, prohibiting State of Michigan contractors or prospective contractors from making political campaign contributions. The legislation specifically prohibits contractors with local government contracts (or future contracts) from giving contributions or donations to candidate committees or candidates, [...]
McKinney Responds to New Warren Police Commissioner Announcement
WARREN, Mich., Sept. 20, 2024 — The city of Warren concluded a national police commissioner search, announcing the appointment of Eric Hawkins as the new commissioner, taking office in December. Hawkins, who has over 33 years of experience, was formerly the chief of police in Southfield, and most recently worked as Albany, New York’s longest serving police-chief in 40 years. Hawkins is cited for his leadership and dedication to reducing gun violence, tackling the overdose crisis with support for those in recovery [...]
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 [...]
McKinney Returns from Europe Investment Trip
Lawmaker focused on bringing new jobs to Michigan State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) speaks on the House Floor. LANSING, Mich., Aug. 2, 2024 — State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) returned from an investment mission in Europe with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, which focused on expanding Michigan’s footprint in the aerospace and defense industries, bringing critical jobs and supply chains to the Great Lakes State. “I am honored to take part in the investment mission with the lieutenant [...]
McKinney on Student Protesters in Bangladesh
McKinney on Student Protesters in Bangladesh State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) speaks on the House floor on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 22, 2024 — Recent events in Bangladesh have brought to the forefront the urgent need for attention and action regarding the ongoing quota reform movement. The movement, led primarily by students and young activists, seeks to reform the existing quota system in public sector jobs, which many argue [...]
McKinney on Final Budget Passage
Lawmaker highlights infrastructure State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) speaks on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 10, 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. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) [...]
STATEMENT: McKinney Celebrates Budget Delivering Clean Water
Democrats invest in hometowns by getting the lead out, making water more safe State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) speaks at the podium on the House floor, March 11, 2024. LANSING, Mich., May 8, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its fiscal 2024-25 budget today. It includes a substantial investment in Michigan's environment as recommended in the budget for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, prioritizing cleaner water, air and land in our [...]
House Democrats Celebrate, Honor Fair Housing Month
LANSING, Mich., April 9, 2024 — The House Democratic Caucus joins Michiganders across the state in recognizing April as Fair Housing Month — the lawmakers are take this opportunity to celebrate the progress Michigan Democrats have made in securing equal access to housing, while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead to ensure everyone has the freedom to afford a safe and equitable place to call home. This month-long observance is a time to reflect on strides made since the [...]
House Dems Continue Smart Public Safety Reform
Legislation addresses Michigan’s longest-in-the-nation prison sentences LANSING, Mich., March 19, 2024 — House Dems testified on the Second Look sentencing bill package today in the House Criminal Justice Committee. House Bills 4556-60 would allow an incarcerated individual the opportunity to petition to their judge, after they have served at least 10 years on their sentence, to petition the court for resentencing. Michigan is known for some of the longest sentences in the county, and it has been found that sentence [...]
Dems Celebrate Making Michigan Better, Impactful Laws Taking Effect
Legislators commend work accomplished, look forward to continuing to put all people first LANSING, Mich., Feb. 15, 2024 — House Democrats are celebrating over 100 laws that took effect this week. These policies focus on putting people first by uplifting Michiganders from all communities and backgrounds, and 2023 was one of the most productive years in the history of the Michigan Legislature. The laws that went into effect support workers, improve education, protect elections, lower costs, safeguard rights, invest in [...]
House Dems Applaud Priorities Outlined in State of the State Address
Dem trifecta committed to making positive change for Michiganders LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the 2024 State of the State address tonight. This annual event brings together Michigan’s three branches of government and their leaders. During the governor’s speech, she touched on many important priorities to positively change the lives of Michiganders and to spur future momentum for the state. Democrats are focused on lowering costs of the biggest expenses Michiganders face by building [...]
STATEMENT: McKinney on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address
McKinney on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address, Lawmaker Highlights Elder and Senior Care in Michigan 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 outlined her priorities to continue uplifting Michiganders at every stage of life, which includes improving Michigan’s education system and protecting people's hard-earned money and taking care of older Michiganders. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) issued [...]
House Dems Champion Community Advocated Initiatives, Passion Becoming Policy
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 8, 2023 — As part of a historic Legislature with a Democratic trifecta, House Democrats celebrated the official signing of legislation inspired by real issues brought forth by constituent and community advocates. As part of their Putting People First Agenda, Michigan Democrats have continuously prioritized meeting and working with grassroots and community activists on critical legislation that positively impacts countless Michiganders. Democrats are listening and putting power back where it belongs — with the people. The community-led [...]
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 [...]
Michigan Lawmakers Respond in Support to President Biden’s Plans for the First-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 23, 2023 — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced plans this week for the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention during the Congressional Black Caucus annual convention. Harris, who has been a key leader in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, will oversee the new office. News of the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention was met with fervor by state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield), chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Michigan Firearm Safety [...]
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 [...]
House Democrats Introduce Bills to Support Michigan’s Affordable Housing Efforts
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — State Reps. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) introduced a package of bills this week to bring the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) into further alignment with neighboring states and federal standards in an effort to create much needed affordable housing units. “Affordable housing was one of the top issues I heard about while knocking doors and during my four years serving as a Grand Traverse County commissioner. Identifying solutions has been at [...]
Lawmakers Stand Against Polluter Panels
LANSING, Mich. July 5, 2023 — State Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), along with state Reps. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), introduced legislation that would abolish the so-called “polluter panels.” These boards and committees, put in place by former Gov. Rick Snyder and statutorily stacked with representatives from polluting industries, routinely delay the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) environmental rulemaking process. These bills would stop polluting industries from having undue influence over EGLE’s performance of its duties. House Bill [...]
Detroit Caucus Delivers Transformative Investments for City
Legislators tout benefits for Detroiters in 2023-24 budget 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 trifecta — it reflects Michigan’s values by making the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public [...]
Michigan Democrats Introduce Legislation to Improve Energy Resiliency
LANSING, Mich., June 22, 2023 — State Reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) have introduced a two-bill package to help more Michiganders, especially low-income residents, install battery storage systems and solar power systems at their homes and businesses. The bills would encourage widespread adoption of these technologies as a means of bolstering grid resilience, reducing power plant pollution and lowering energy costs. “An in-home battery paired with solar can keep vital medical equipment or refrigerators full of food [...]
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 [...]
McKinney 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. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) issued the following statement on [...]
McKinney Named Vice Chair of Corrections, Member of Several Others
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 18, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced last week the members of the Michigan House of Representatives’ standing committees, subcommittees and appropriations subcommittees. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D- Detroit) will serve on the House Appropriations Committee, and he was appointed majority vice chair of the Subcommittees on the Department of Corrections and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. In addition, he will serve on the Subcommittees on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development/Department [...]
McKinney Sworn in as Representative for House District 14
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 12, 2023 — State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) was sworn in yesterday as state representative for the 2023-24 legislative term. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature and the first day of House Democrats having the majority in over a decade. “I'm truly blessed and honored to have the opportunity to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives,” McKinney said. “I want to thank everyone who believed in us, especially the residents of [...]