Hope Welcomes Refugee Development Center Director Erika Brown-Binion to State of the State
Photo: State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), left, with Refugee Development Center Executive Director Erika Brown-Binion, during State of the State address on Feb. 25, 2026.
Press Release | Office of State Rep. Kara Hope
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 25, 2026 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address before a joint legislative session today, emphasizing priorities of lowering costs, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening Michigan’s future. In response, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement:
“I was proud to welcome Refugee Development Center Executive Director Erika Brown-Binion as my guest today. Her work reflects Michigan’s commitment to dignity, opportunity, and belonging for refugees and immigrant families. Supporting refugees helps ensure our newest neighbors can rebuild their lives with stability and a fair chance to succeed. That commitment must also show up in our broader economic priorities. Lowering costs means standing up for consumers, protecting working families, and making sure no one is paying more because the system is stacked against them. In my final year in the House, I will continue fighting for policies that strengthen communities, promote accountability, and make Michigan work for everyone.”
###