Speaker Tate’s News

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 7, 2023 — Automaker Stellantis announced plans to temporarily lay off one shift of workers at the Detroit assembly plant that builds Jeep sport utility vehicles. The decision, during the holiday season, will affect roughly a third of the 4,600 employees at the plant. In response to the layoff breaking news, Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:  “This announcement by Stellantis reducing their workforce is concerning. There is ample opportunity in this [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 16, 2023 — After serving in Congress representing Michigan since 2013, U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) announced today he will not seek re-election. In response to the announcement, Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:    “Congressman Kildee has devoted his entire adult life to service. He is a model for the type of representative we want in Congress — advocating for his community and working to advance the issues that matter most [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 20, 2023 — Today, Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced his appointment of state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) to the Growing Michigan Together Council. “Our state’s greatest resource is its people,” said Speaker Tate. “The House Democratic caucus comprises a diverse group of representatives working to improve the lives of Michiganders, and Representative Alabas Farhat is a leader for his generation and his community. Rep. Farhat brings a unique perspective to the work of the Council. His dedication [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 12, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its recommended fiscal 2023-24 budget on Wednesday. In addition to proposing record levels of funding for education, infrastructure, and workforce recruitment and retention, it recommends an investment of over $21 million in Belle Isle. “Belle Isle is a jewel of Detroit,” said Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “So many families in Detroit, including my own, have unforgettable memories of Belle Isle, be it a trip to the aquarium, visiting [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) joined his fellow Democratic Black Speakers at the White House on Monday in recognition of Black History Month for a discussion of legislative priorities. Speaker Tate gathered with Illinois Speaker Chris Welch, Maine Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, Maryland Speaker Adrienne Jones, and New York Speaker Carl Heastie for a meeting with Biden administration officials, including Dr. Susan Rice, director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, senior advisor [...]

I graduated from Michigan State University 20 years ago, and I am once and forever a Spartan. The dread I felt last night as I heard the news of a gunman on campus was quickly replaced by anger. I am angry that the safety and security of Michigan State University has been shattered by the uniquely American scourge of gun violence.   Gun violence has touched the lives of countless Americans. I personally have family members who have been victims [...]

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, and Speaker Joe Tate released the following statement after agreeing to a framework for the Lowering MI Costs plan that will deliver the largest tax break to Michiganders in decades and ensure that all taxpayers see relief. The Lowering MI Cost plan will repeal the retirement tax to save 500,000 households an average of $1,000 a year, increase the Working Families Tax Credit to put an average of $3,150 back [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2022 — The 2022-23 state budget included $100 million for the Community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants Program (RAP Program). This program allocates grants to eligible real estate rehabilitation and place-based infrastructure projects, public space improvements, and local or regional partners coordinated subgrant programs. These are competitive grants, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) has announced which applicants have been awarded funding. State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement to congratulate downtown Detroit Partnership [...]

WASHINGTON, DC., Aug. 10, 2022 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) attended the signing of the PACT Act by President Joe Biden at the White House today. The Pact Act expands veteran health care and benefits. The law increases access to medical coverage for those exposed to toxins, such as Agent Orange, radiation, burn pits, and more from the Vietnam Era onward. It requires the VA to provide toxic exposure screening to all veterans enrolled in veteran health care. It [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 28, 2022 — Members of the House Appropriations Committee met yesterday to discuss departmental budgets for the 2023 fiscal year. The Republican-led committee voted against an amendment introduced by state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Democratic vice chair of the committee, to provide funding for the Detroit Institute of Art and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Tate issued the following statement in response: “The Wright Museum is one of the oldest and largest African [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 8, 2022 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) called on leaders of the majority House Republican Caucus today to take up a resolution he sponsored last month. House Resolution 252 would condemn the actions of false electors in seven battleground states during the 2020 election and encourage the Justice Department and state attorneys general to prosecute those electors to the fullest extent of the law. Tate issued the following statement: “After the 2020 presidential election, self-declared electors [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 8, 2022 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) is calling on leaders of the majority House Republican Caucus today to take up House Resolution 241. The resolution condemns the Republican National Committee for its attempt to call the violent, deadly and seditious January 6 insurrection on our nation's Capital “legitimate political discourse.” The insurrection the RNC called “legitimate political discourse” resulted in the deaths of at least five people and over 100 injuries while leaving the chamber [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 9, 2022 — The House Appropriations Committee approved a legislative transfer today to move $666 million from the Strategic Outreach and Attractive Reserve Fund to the Michigan Strategic Site Readiness Program. The legislative transfer would allow General Motors to create hundreds of new, good-paying electric vehicle and manufacturing jobs in Michigan. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement:  “We took a very important step today in [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24, 2022 — Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on a legislative transfer that seeks to move $666 million from the Strategic Outreach and Attractive Reserve Fund to the Michigan Strategic Site Readiness Program. The legislative transfer would allow General Motors to create hundreds of new, good-paying electric vehicle and manufacturing jobs in Michigan. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement:  “I’m glad [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel. Her remarks highlighted proposals to improve the lives of Michigan families. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “Gov. Whitmer has the same priorities as I do: We must provide Michiganders with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This includes repealing the retirement tax and increasing the earned income tax credit. This means expanding our investment in [...]

DETROIT, Oct. 13, 2021 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) is joining a growing number of legislators condemning proposed maps for new voting districts in Michigan by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) that eliminates all 17 currently majority-minority districts. “It is vital that everyone in our state feels represented in order to have a just society,” Tate said. “Majority-minority districts, specifically in Detroit, encourage Black people to actively engage in government and elect the individuals they feel best serve their interests. [...]

DETROIT, July 30, 2021 — Today, a new FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened up in Jefferson-Chalmers following severe flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw counties last month. The center would provide affected residents the opportunity to receive information regarding disaster assistance programs, repairs and rebuilding, and ask questions about written correspondence. The Disaster Recovery Center is located in the Golightly Career and Technical Center at 900 Dickerson Ave.   “The opening of this center marks an ongoing commitment by the government [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 26, 2021 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today as she signed Senate Bill 27, a supplemental budget bill to allocate federal COVID-19 relief funding. The bill included funding for hospitals, child care and emergency relief for recent flooding in Southeast Michigan. “I’m relieved to see this funding get into the hands of our friends, neighbors and communities who need it most,” Tate said. “Those whose homes and streets were flooded last month [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 16, 2021 — Today, a majority of Michigan House Democrats signed onto an open letter supporting the decision of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office to investigate those who potentially profited from false claims regarding the 2020 election. The decision came following a report by the Republican-led state Senate Oversight Committee found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.   “The caucus and I are relieved to hear that the threat posed by those who [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 15, 2021 — Today, President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration that provides individual assistance for Wayne and Washtenaw counties as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in late June after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested he declare a disaster for the state of Michigan.  “Lives all across my community and Southeast Michigan will never be the same after this devastating flood washed away their livelihood and damaged priceless property and memorabilia, ” said [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 14, 2021 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) introduced a resolution today calling on the United States Senate to pass H.R. 1, federal legislation that would protect our democracy by removing barriers to the ballot box, taking dark money out of elections, and closing loopholes for lobbyists and foreign agents.   “The sacred right of every American and Michigander to participate in our democracy and safely and freely cast a ballot to make their voice heard must [...]

Rep. Tate supports investment in Michigan’s economic recovery, schools DETROIT, Mich., Feb. 12, 2021 — Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), the Democratic Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, joined Michigan House Democrats in applauding the economic and education priorities outlined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her budget presentation to the Legislature Thursday. The executive budget, which will now be reviewed by the Legislature, calls for significant increases in economic recovery and education funding – marking the largest investment in K-12 [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2021 — Gov. Whitmer delivered her State of the State Address tonight, touching on the need for bipartisan efforts as Michigan continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts. In response, Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Democratic Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement: “Nobody could have truly foreseen the scale of the devastation COVID-19 would cause – both in terms of public health and the economy – but I’m pleased to [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 21, 2021 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) was appointed Democratic Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee today. Tate is serving his second term representing Michigan’s 2nd House District, prior to which he played in the N.F.L. and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying twice to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Tate issued the following statement:   "Meeting the challenge of responding to the impacts of COVID-19 on Michigan residents will be paramount. I will [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 15, 2021 — The Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference provided a report today outlining the state government revenue forecast for the coming fiscal years. State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:   "Having additional funds to support Michigan residents and communities is critical as we continue to deal with the public health and economic impacts brought on by COVID-19. I am encouraged by these revenue estimates and I am hopeful that the federal government will provide [...]

As many of us know, government support and investment has the potential to both create new jobs and protect existing ones here in Michigan. We also know that finding bipartisan common ground between leaders, both in Lansing and in Washington, D.C., can be a challenge. Serving as a Marine, I saw firsthand how national security policies shape and promote the future of our nation. Now, as a state representative, I understand the critical importance of how our missions can impact our local [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 14, 2020 — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) served as honorary secretary today at the Michigan State Capitol when the Michigan Electoral College officially cast their votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. After the vote, Tate issued the following statement:   “Today we witnessed democracy in action and the electoral college function as it was intended. The will of the people of Michigan was carried out in a peaceful way, and I was [...]

LANSING, Mich., September 30, 2020 – State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) has been recognized as a Legislative Economic Development Champion by the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). The award was presented to Tate by Khalil Rahal, the Assistant County Executive of Wayne County on August 31 at the Guardian Building in Downtown Detroit with MEDA’s Executive Director, John Avery.   “I’m honored to receive this award and applaud the work that the MEDA has done to attract and grow business, [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 23, 2020 — The Michigan House of Representatives approved House Bills 6162 and 4993 yesterday, introduced by state Reps. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and Ryan Berman (R-Commerce Township), respectively. These bills would amend the Income Tax Act to provide donors an income tax credit equal to 50 percent of the amount contributed to a food bank, food kitchen, homeless shelter or community foundation. “We all know that charitable giving is a tenet of our state and our country, [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2020 — Gov. Whitmer signed a supplemental budget yesterday that includes $3 million to prevent flooding along the Detroit River. Temporary dams were installed along the banks of the Detroit River and canal walls on the lower east side this Spring, but more permanent solutions are needed. State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “Last year we saw the devastation that can be caused by flooding from the Detroit River as many of our [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 25, 2020 — The City of Grosse Pointe is one of two communities recently selected to take part in the Select Level Michigan Main Street program. This selection means the communities will receive five years of intensive technical assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) with a focus on revitalization strategies designed to attract new residents, business investments, economic growth and job creation to their central business districts. State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), who represents Grosse [...]

“The recent false and unsubstantiated claims of increased fraud through voting by mail are maliciously intended to create mistrust in the process and decrease voter turnout. I want to be clear – voting by mail is safe and legal.  I served alongside brave men and women who made unimaginable sacrifices so that every American can trust that their ballot will be counted, and voting by mail is just another tool to ensure everyone has the opportunity to make their voice [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 27, 2020 — The Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency (MVAA) has partnered with Meijer to provide emergency relief vouchers to qualified veterans for groceries and personal care items. A base amount of $25,000 is available to counties through the County Veteran Service Fund (CVSF) Emergency Relief grant to provide vouchers and other forms of support for veterans during the COVID-19 crisis. “During my service, I witnessed just how much the brave men and women of our armed forces [...]

DETROIT — A bipartisan group of legislators announced a plan today to expand Michigan’s expungement laws to give thousands of residents with old, low-level criminal convictions an opportunity for a fresh start. The six-bill package includes legislation to broaden the eligibility for expungements, shorten the waiting period for expungement eligibility and establish an automatic expungement system for certain offenses. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), who attended the press conference, issued the following statement: “There is no need to [...]

LANSING — Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the House passed a sweeping overhaul of Michigan’s auto insurance system today. The final bill includes several provisions put forward by House Democrats including the elimination of non-driving rate-setting factors, guaranteed rate reductions and increased consumer protections.  In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:   “My support for this legislation was contingent upon its ability to begin addressing the issues facing families in our community – burdensome insurance premiums [...]

LANSING — With no hearings or public input, Republicans rushed through House Bill 4397 today, providing a giveaway to insurance companies in the form of loopholes to avoid guaranteed lower rates or an end to discriminatory rate setting practices. Michigan’s auto insurance industry is one of the least regulated in the U.S. with Michigan drivers paying nearly two times more than drivers anywhere else in the nation, according to a University of Michigan study. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate [...]

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her budget recommendations today for the 2019-20 fiscal year to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Among her recommendations were significant increases in revenue sharing to local communities, and increasing school funding by $507 million — the largest increase since 2002. In response to the recommendation, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “Our students and our schools have been set up for failure for years. Underfunding and [...]

DETROIT — Yesterday, the Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus announced their co-chairs for the 2019-2020 legislative session, with state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), a legislator from Detroit, named co-chair. Also serving as co-chairs during the 2019-2020 session will be state Sens. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City), and state Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park Township). The announcement was made as legislators attended the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) preview week. “For over a century, Michigan’s automotive industry [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 2nd House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. In response, Rep. Tate issued the following statement: “It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve our community, and I look forward to speaking on behalf of the people of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe, and Grosse Pointe Farms while in Lansing. As [...]