Rep. Brabec’s News

LANSING, Mich., April 3, 2024 — A 5-year-old was shot and killed near Newaygo, Mich., this week. Two children were at their grandparents’ home when they found a gun inside a bedroom. The gun was then handled by a 6-year-old when the firearm discharged, killing the 5-year-old. Investigations are ongoing. After the announcement, the Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement: “The members of the MFSVP Caucus are heartbroken to learn of yet another preventable death [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — The Michigan State Police (MSP) announced its new protocol for firearm disposal yesterday. The MSP has chosen a processing facility in Jackson for firearm disposal. This facility will destroy all gun parts with an industrial pulverizer. In December, the Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus released a statement to discuss the concerns and latent consequences of firearm collection and how gun frames were being destroyed, while other parts were being resold to fix [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 14, 2024 — Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the Michigan State University campus shooting. On that day one year ago, three students — Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner and Brian Fraser — lost their lives, and five others were injured. Michigan Democrats continue to honor those lost through action — driving change for the protection of Michiganders. Shortly after this unforgettable day, legislation to transform Michigan gun laws were passed and are now in effect. The MFSVP [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 — An Oakland County jury found Jennifer Crumbley, mother of Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley, guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter today. After the decision, the Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement: “Today is a pivotal moment in Michigan history. This unanimous verdict changes the future of gun ownership in Michigan and the responsibilities it entails. The jury has set a precedent for a criminal standard of duty on [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 1, 2024 — The newly created White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Intergovernmental Affairs convened this week with its Safer States Initiative. Several members of the Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention (MFSVP) Caucus attended the online event, which sparked discussion on strengthening support for survivors of gun violence, investing in evidence-based solutions to prevent and respond to gun violence, reinforcing ways to support for safe gun ownership, and encouraging the implementation of firearm background checks. After the meeting, [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) will attend the governor’s State of the State event tonight with acclaimed guests — former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and retired Detroit firefighter, arson investigator, Pittsfield Township resident and dedicated Ann Arbor Public Schools employee, Steven Stone. In anticipation of the event, Brabec issued the following statement: “I am really grateful to have my two guests accompanying me tonight at this annual event. These remarkable individuals [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 4, 2024 — Earlier this morning, an active shooter entered Perry High School in Iowa. First responders arrived at the scene, and reports indicate that although local police de-escalated the situation, multiple gunshot victims were reported. The Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement in response to the reports: “It is unfortunate that on the fourth day of a new year, a school shooting has occurred. After winter break, these children headed back to their studies and [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2023 — The New York Times published an article yesterday about gun buyback programs and how there are certain parts that make up a gun that are destroyed and others that are sold for gun repair kits. The article discussed these policies creating a secondary gun market. The Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement in response: “It is a shame that weapon parts continue to be sold for use in weapons. While these buyback programs [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 6, 2023 — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus reported today that there was an active shooting at Frank and Estella Beam Hall which resulted in several victims. Further details on the incident are still being reported. The Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement in response to the reports:    “This is a purely American problem. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and students whose lives have been shattered [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 30, 2023 — Today marks the second anniversary of the Oxford High School shooting. On this day at Michigan’s Oxford High School, a shooter took the lives of four classmates and wounded seven others. The Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus issued the following statement in response to this day: “The mark of grief can never be erased. Today we remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives will never be the same. The [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 27, 2023 — House Bills 4616 and 4617 were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday. These bills would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor and ban any practice or treatments by licensed mental health professionals who seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) issued the following statement after the bills became law:   “After many attempts to get this legislation [...]

  LANSING, Mich., July 21, 2023 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) spearheaded efforts for the passage of the “Check Your Heart” bill package to help grow Michigan’s organ donor registry. Both chambers, the House and Senate, passed these bills and they were signed into law by the governor this week. The three bills, House Bills 4362-64, aim to enhance and promote organ donor registration through new mechanisms. “The passage of these bills is ground-breaking. We're the first state to [...]

  LANSING, Mich., June 30, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget this week. With the many high-priority wins for Michigan and for state Rep. Felicia Brabec’s (D-Pittsfield) district, there is one in particular to be highlighted. Brabec secured over $1 million for Forestbrooke Pool. Forestbrooke is a small, family-friendly pool located in the Forestbrooke neighborhood.  “Ever since I visited Forestbrooke Pool, I was charmed by it. I’ve worked immensely hard to secure these [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 25, 2023 — The Michigan Strategic Fund announced new investments today for May Mobility Inc. The Ann Arbor-based business deploys autonomous shuttles to help people get where they need to go safely, easily and utilizes more environmentally friendly means of transportation.  “Self-driving cars have always seemed to be an idea of the future, but not anymore,” said state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield). “May Mobility’s expansion will bring around $18 million in investments to the area with its [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 10, 2023 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) has been named the Chair of the newly formed Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus. With the many tragic shootings that have taken place across the country — including the most recent incident that occurred today in Louisville, Kentucky — it’s truly past time that we address this uniquely American problem. “My heart goes out to the individuals who fell victim to this mass shooting, to their families, [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 23, 2023 – State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced legislation this month to keep student-athletes safe by promoting awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  House Bill 4291 would require parents of student-athletes, as well as the athletes themselves, to review and sign an information form acknowledging they know the warning signs of SCA. It would also require coaches to take an annual training course on SCA and remove players who exhibit symptoms of SCA.  “SCA is the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2023 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced legislation this week that would require schools in Michigan to employ one school guidance counselor for every 250 students enrolled. This legislation would apply to school districts, intermediate school districts and public school academies. “When I introduced this legislation last term, our goal was for Michigan school districts to have at least one counselor for every 450 students,” Brabec said. “This year, I am thrilled to be decreasing [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address on Wednesday night 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.   “Gov. Whitmer is working to ensure that every [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 13, 2023 — As the 102nd Michigan Legislature commenced this week, members of the Michigan House of Representatives were appointed to standing committees, subcommittees and appropriations subcommittees. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) has been appointed chair of the Health Policy Committee Behavioral Health Subcommittee and chair of the General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. “As the only practicing clinical psychologist in the Michigan Legislature, I have seen the need for increased mental health resources firsthand and have a unique [...]

BAY CITY, Mich., Nov. 30, 2022 — Yesterday, President Joe Biden visited SK Siltron, a mid-Michigan manufacturer of semiconductor wafers used in electric vehicle production, to highlight its $300 million expansion as a result of the CHIPS and Science Act, which he signed into law in August and increases funding for U.S. semiconductor production by $280 billion. The expansion was made possible with supporting funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The facility is expected to quadruple its production in [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 15, 2022  — Ann Arbor-based Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) will announce its plans for a $15 million dollar mission expansion, including a complete redesign of its Center. The organization is hosting a First Look: Design Reveal Party for the community today, Sept. 15, 5:30-8 p.m. The place-based effort will include recognition of nearby historic Black residential, business and community spaces as well as cultural heritage stories and land preservation efforts that uplift the stewardship of native and [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes significant investments in mental health services, education, local government services and the economy. Specifically, the state budget allocates over $331 million in mental health resources throughout the state. Additionally, pension debt for seven state universities, including Eastern Michigan University, has been significantly impacted. Locally, the budget includes an investment of $130 million for the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Training and Development Center. Michigan [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 2, 2022 — Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the investment of $368 million into rail infrastructure and safety grants to support 46 projects in 32 states, including two in Michigan. The list includes a grant of up to $21.3 million to rehabilitate track and rail assets operated by the Great Lakes Central Railroad north of Ann Arbor. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) issued the following statement on the investment: “Today’s announcement by Secretary Buttigieg of [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 26, 2022 — Today, state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and state Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced bills to keep student-athletes safe by promoting awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  House Bill 6149 and Senate Bill 1063 would require parents of student-athletes to review and sign an information form about the warning signs of SCA. It would also require coaches to take an annual training course on SCA and remove players who exhibit symptoms of SCA.  [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 8, 2022 — Today, state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced a resolution affirming that the Griswold v. Connecticut Supreme Court decision was decided correctly. Griswold v. Connecticut bars states from restricting access to contraceptives and set the precedent used in the Roe v. Wade decision.    “Overturning Roe v. Wade begins with undermining the decisions that paved the way for it,” Brabec said. “Griswold v. Connecticut played a pivotal role in the fight for gender equality and [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Tonight Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of the State Address, delivering a message of unity, strength and compassion. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) issued the following statement: “I was pleased to hear Gov. Whitmer’s plan to expand access to mental health. Many of the themes the governor shared tonight are what we’ve been hearing throughout our Mental Health Listening Tour. Issues such as access, workforce recruitment and retention, and mental health parity were [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in childcare, infrastructure and health. It also appropriates $275,000 for United Way of Washtenaw County and increases funding for higher education and direct care workers. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage:   “For over a decade, I have been working to increase wages for our direct care workers. These professionals have been our [...]

State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced House Bill 4829 this week that will increase the lifetime limit of the Family Independence Program (FIP) from 48 months to 60 months. FIP operates under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide cash assistance to low-income families with minor children, as well as to pregnant women. The need for basic income assistance from FIP nearly doubled in just a few months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.   [...]

State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) introduced legislation this week that would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor. House Bill 4651 and Senate Bill 367 would ban any practice or treatments by licensed mental health professionals that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.   “Protecting the young people of our state from these harmful practices is a top priority,” said Brabec. “As a [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 11, 2021 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced legislation this week that would amend the Michigan Public Health Code to allow organs from HIV-positive donors to be transplanted into recipients who are also HIV-positive, in alignment with the federal HOPE Act. “We are so fortunate to live in a state that is home to talented medical researchers and transplant teams who work every day to improve the science of saving lives through organ donation,” said Brabec. [...]

Brabec sponsors bill as part of package to increase weekly unemployment relief, extend assistance to 26 weeks, among other reforms LANSING, Mich., Feb. 25, 2021 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced House Bill 4336 today as part of House Democrats’ Hardworking Michiganders Recovery Plan, a package that would provide much needed support for Michiganders and help make sure no worker is left behind during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “It is long past time for our state to make changes [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 5, 2021 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced legislation this week that would repeal the act preempting local ordinances from instituting a plastic bag ban. “The negative impact of plastic bags on the environment is undeniable, and restrictions on the use of plastic bags are widespread across the country and around the world,” said Brabec. “Plastic bags are sources of pollution that scientists say can take hundreds—if not thousands—of years to completely degrade in natural environments. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Today, state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) and House Democrats opposed House Republican legislation that would leave COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money in Washington, D.C. Earlier this week, House Democrats announced a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately unleash over $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that falls far short of [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 3, 2021 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) introduced House Bill 4156 this week to require schools in Michigan to employ one school guidance counselor for every 450 students enrolled. This legislation would apply to school districts, intermediate school districts and public school academies. “Our students’ mental health must be made a higher priority,” said Brabec. “As a clinical psychologist, I recognize the importance of meeting the mental health needs of students in Michigan. Students need resources [...]