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 [...]
BRITE Act Sees Movement in Committee
State Reps. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), right, and Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) testify in the House Ethics and Oversight Committee on Dec. 5, 2024, in the Anderson House Office Building. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 5, 2024 — Two more bills from the Bring Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act package passed out of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee today. House Bills 5580 and 5582 require that 527 and 501(c)4s file the name of the organization and the name [...]
Brixie Attends Roundtable on Her Legislation to End Tax Loophole
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 26, 2024 — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) attended a roundtable last week to discuss a bipartisan bill package to close the “Dark Store” tax loophole and restore necessary funding from property tax revenue to our local communities. Also in attendance were state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Meridian Township Assessor Ashley Winstead, Bridgman Schools Superintendent Shane Peters and Debbie Mikula from the Michigan Library Association. Brixie and Hill, alongside their colleagues, state Reps. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) [...]
House Dems Pass Firearm Safety Legislation
Bills encouraging safe storage in homes, prohibiting guns from polling places pass the House State Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) speaks on the House Floor in support of House Bills 5450-51, on Nov. 13. 2024, in the Michigan Capitol Building. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 13, 2024 — House Democrats passed four more bills today that will help to reduce gun violence. Building on the work Democrats have done this year to crack down on guns ending up in the wrong hands, [...]
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to End Unfair Tax Loopholes
Closing costly ‘Dark Store’ loophole will increase funds for local schools, public safety and libraries. LANSING, Mich., July 10, 2024 — A bipartisan group of Michigan legislators introduced a package of bills aimed at closing the "Dark Store" tax loophole, which has cost local municipalities an estimated $2 billion in lost tax revenue in recent decades. State Reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) are leading the charge to address unfair tax practices employed by big-box retailers. The package includes House [...]
Bills Protecting Children from Criminal Sexual Conduct Pass the House
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2024 — Important first steps in the fight to stop pedophiles and serial sexual predators, and the institutions that protect them, passed the House Wednesday evening Studies have shown that it often takes decades for a childhood survivor of criminal sexual assault to disclose their abuse. Due to Michigan’s worst-in-the-nation statute of limitations (SOL) and other laws that shield pedophiles and predators from being held accountable for their crimes, many survivors are unable to access the [...]
Brixie on Final Budget Passage
State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) testifies in the House Appropriations committee on April 24, 2024. LANSING, Mich., June 27, 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. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), Chair of the Agriculture and [...]
Education Committee Passes Safe Storage Awareness Legislation
Bills require schools to provide parents informational material about gun violence prevention laws LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2024 — Michigan Democrats have taken action and passed several pieces of legislation that reduce gun violence, including laws that require the safe storage of firearms when children are in the home. To further reduce unsafe firearm practices and keep kids safe, state Reps. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Julie Brixie (D-East Lansing) introduced House Bills 5450 and 5451. These bills require schools to send home information about the new safe storage [...]
Education Committee Hears Testimony on Safe Storage Awareness Legislation
Bills require schools to provide parents informational material about gun violence prevention laws LANSING, Mich., April 24, 2024 — Following last year’s mass shooting at MSU, Michigan Democrats took action and passed several pieces of legislation that reduce gun violence, including laws that require the safe storage of firearms when children are in the home. To further reduce unsafe firearm practices and keep children safe, state Reps. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Julie Brixie (D-East Lansing) introduced House Bills 5450 and 5451. These bills require schools to send home [...]
Dem Reps Introduce Bills to Increase Government, Election Transparency
BRITE Act released to coincide with Sunshine Week LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — A group of House Democratic lawmakers held a press conference today to debut legislation to improve standards for government ethics and transparency. The BRITE Act — Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics — will increase reporting and disclosure requirements to safeguard democracy and improve the public’s understanding of who is influencing their elected officials. “In honor of Sunshine Week, my fellow representatives and I are [...]
STATEMENT: Brixie on State of the State Address
Lawmaker optimistic about Michigan’s direction State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) was joined by Jeremy Garza of Plumbers and Pipefitters and Tim Ganton with Operating Engineers at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, 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 [...]
Brixie Applauds House Criminal Justice Committee for Passing Reforms Extending the Statute of Limitations for Criminal Sexual Conduct
Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) speaks at the Justice for Survivors press conference on Thursday, April 27, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 1, 2023 — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) praised the House Criminal Justice Committee for reporting House Bills 4482-4487, dubbed the ‘Justice for Survivors’ package, out of committee and taking action to reform Michigan’s narrow statute of limitations (SOL) after years of legislative inaction. Michigan’s SOL for criminal sexual conduct is among the narrowest in the [...]
Brixie Stands in Support of Michigan Workers
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 15, 2023 — Last night at midnight, the United Auto Workers (UAW) officially went on strike. 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 [...]
Brixie Applauds Michigan Supreme Court for Affirming Survivors of Catastrophic Car Accidents Retain Critical Benefits and Care
LANSING, Mich., July 31, 2023 — The Michigan Supreme Court affirmed in the Andary v. USAA case today that more than 18,000 Michiganders injured in catastrophic car accidents will maintain the unlimited, lifetime benefits and care they were guaranteed at the time of their accidents. This decision sides with a bicameral, bipartisan amicus brief filed by state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and former state Rep. Gary Howell (R-Deerfield Township), who worked with Marla Linderman Richelew of Linderman Law PLLC [...]
House Follows Through on Promise, Passes More Gun Violence Prevention Bills
LANSING, Mich., April 13, 2023 — Continuing their commitment to create safer communities, and on the heels of passing universal background check bills last month, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation today in support of instituting extreme risk protection orders. House Bills 4145-4148 would allow courts to issue extreme risk protection orders, or ERPOs, for individuals deemed at risk of hurting themselves or others after the judge considers testimony, documents and other evidence in support of the request. Once [...]
Brixie Urges Federal Government to Increase Labor Supply
LANSING, Mich., March 30, 2023 — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) introduced a resolution last week to urge the federal government to expand pathways for legal immigration as a way to help solve Michigan’s agricultural labor crisis. House Resolution 66 would help Michigan fill legal immigrant positions and increase the availability of H-2A (nonimmigrant) temporary work visas. “Farmers in my district and throughout the state have told me over and over again that they need more workers,” said Brixie, [...]
Brixie Responds to Mass Shooting on MSU Campus
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 14, 2023 — A mass shooting took place on the Michigan State University campus beginning around 8:20 p.m. last night. Campus police have confirmed that three students were killed and five remain in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Two of the three victims’ names were released today — Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner. The shooting triggered a manhunt that continued for hours, ending with the gunman dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The [...]
Rep. Brixie, former Rep. Howell File Memo in Support of Auto No-Fault Lawsuit
Bipartisan, bicameral group of 96 current and former lawmakers show support amicus brief in case before Michigan Supreme Court MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Feb. 3, 2023 — State Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), along with former state Rep. Gary Howell (R-North Branch), worked with Marla Linderman Richelew of Linderman Law PLLC to file a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief in a lawsuit involving Ellen Andary, a crash victim injured before auto no-fault reforms took effect. In the memo, lawmakers state they do [...]
Brixie on Funding for Lake Lansing Park
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 9, 2022 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced earlier this week that they recommended 13 community parks, trails, and sports facilities and a state lock and dam to receive a combined $7.4 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants. Lake Lansing Park North Boardwalk and Trail received a grant of $500,000 to support renovations. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement on the grant: “The [...]
Brixie Calls on Auditor General to Investigate Chatfield’s Use of Public Funds
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 20, 2022 — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) sent a letter today to Auditor General Doug Ringler requesting an audit of all stateside financial transactions under the control of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his office. News broke earlier this week that Chatfield was under investigation for, “an alleged ‘criminal enterprise,’ potentially involving embezzlement, bribery, campaign finance violations and controlled substances.” Previous reporting had also raised questions about the funding sources for Chatfield’s extensive cross-country [...]
Brixie on Stanley Resignation
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 14, 2022 — Samuel Stanley Jr. resigned as President of Michigan State University yesterday. Stanley expressed in a video message that he had lost confidence in the Board of Trustees, who had previously pressured him behind closed doors to step down from his position. The board’s action prompted statements of support for President Stanley from student and faculty groups. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement on Stanley’s resignation: “I applaud President Stanley for [...]
Brixie on Efforts to Oust Stanley
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 13, 2022 — According to reporting by the Detroit Free Press, Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees has given an ultimatum to President Samuel Stanley Jr. to tender his resignation by today or risk termination. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement on the attempt to oust Stanley: “I condemn the efforts to remove President Stanley from his position. Just as the president begins to earn back the trust of the public with the [...]
Brixie on Placemaking and Park Improvements Grant
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8, 2022 — The 2022-23 state budget included $100 million for the Community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants Program (RAP Program). This program provides grants to eligible real estate rehabilitation and place-based infrastructure projects, public space improvements, and local or regional partners coordinated subgrant programs. East Lansing received $1 million to support the revitalization of underused spaces and park improvements. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I applaud this $1 million investment in our [...]
Brixie on Reproductive Freedom For All Petition
LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2022 — Organizers for the Reproductive Freedom for All petition delivered signatures to the Bureau of Elections today. The petition would amend the Michigan Constitution to ensure that no one goes to prison for providing safe medical care as well as ensure access to a broad range of reproductive health care, including abortion. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement on the delivery of the signatures: “I applaud the hard work of volunteers [...]
Brixie Applauds Passage of State Budget
LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes significant investments in education, infrastructure and the economy. Specifically, the state budget increases the per-pupil educational allocation by over 5% and pays up to $10,000 in tuition fees per year for aspiring teachers. It also invests $3 million in the Office of Rural Development. In response to the budget approval, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “This budget makes a [...]
Anthony, Brixie on Bill to Allow the Removal of Discriminatory Language from Deeds
LANSING, Mich., June 15, 2022 — Today, the House passed House Bill 4416, which would create the Prohibited Restrictive Covenants Act. It would establish a process for eliminating discriminatory restrictive covenants in property deeds. Although the federal Fair Housing Act has prohibited housing discrimination since 1968, many property deeds nonetheless still contain language discriminating against African-Americans, Jewish-Americans and women, among others. State Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the sponsor of the bill, and state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), a cosponsor, [...]
Brixie Reaffirms Need to Protect Crash Victims as Court of Appeals Holds Auto Insurance Lawsuit Hearing
LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2022 — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), along with the late state Rep. Andrea Schroeder (R-Independence Township), initiated a bipartisan, bicameral effort to convince the appellate courts that Michigan’s new no-fault benefit cuts should not be applied retroactively to victims injured before the new law was passed. Rep. Brixie today issued the below statement following a hearing in the Michigan Court of Appeals in the pending Andary litigation: “We appreciate the Michigan Court of Appeals [...]
New Sexual Assault Bills Would Improve Safety, Accountability
LANSING, Mich., March 23, 2022 — A bipartisan package of three bills (House Bills 5962-5964) introduced by state Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) would modernize Michigan’s civil justice system for sexual assault claims and bring Michigan into line with dozens of other states across the country that have chosen to protect survivors and hold perpetrators and their enablers accountable for heinous misconduct. Michigan’s civil statute of limitations is among the narrowest in [...]
Bipartisan Group of Representatives Introduce Bills to Address Dyslexia
LANSING, Mich., March 18, 2022 — Yesterday, state Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), Timothy Beson (R-Bay City), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) introduced four bills to address Michigan’s reading crisis and improve literacy rates among children. “Over 50% of 3rd and 4th graders in Michigan are reading and writing below grade level. Learning to read and write is the foundation for success in our society, and difficulty with reading holds kids back in every area of [...]
Brixie on Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel. Her remarks highlighted her efforts to fund education, reform taxes and lower prescription drug costs. In response, State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “Gov. Whitmer hit on the dinner table issues tonight and presented a bold agenda that should garner broad bipartisan support. Lowering the cost of insulin will help 1 million Michiganders who need [...]
Brixie on General Motors’ Announcement, Bringing 4,000 New Jobs to Michigan
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2022 — Today, General Motors announced a $7 billion investment in electric vehicle manufacturing in Michigan, including the construction of a new electric vehicle battery plant in Delta Township and a $4 billion investment in its Orion assembly plant that will together create 4,000 jobs. Both projects are part of GM’s effort to shift to 100% electric vehicle production by 2035. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement celebrating the news: “This was [...]
Brixie On Giving Survivors Access to our Criminal Justice System
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 — Today, survivors of late University of Michigan athletic doctor Robert Anderson testified in support of HB 4306 and HB 4307 in the House Oversight Committee. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), the democratic vice chair of the committee, issued the following statement: “Today, we heard the tragic stories of survivors who were failed by Michigan’s exceedingly narrow statute of limitations. For decades, survivors were given only three years to file civil claims. This meant [...]
Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Waive and Refund Late Fees, Improve Customer Service at Secretary of State
LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2021 — Today, lawmakers introduced legislation to waive and reimburse late fees and phase extensions for driver’s licenses and other documents after the Republican-controlled Legislature let 13 months of extensions expire on March 31 of this year, creating unprecedented demand for Secretary of State (SOS) appointments. In March of 2020, the Legislature passed laws allowing Michigan residents to drive on expired driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and other documents so residents would not have to worry about [...]
Benson, Brixie, Young announce legislation to increase capacity of Department of State branch services
Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined state Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) to announce legislation they introduced to increase the Department of State’s capacity to serve customers at its branch offices. The bills would address a severe reduction of staff in previous decades and a backlog of transactions that need to be done following extensions of credential expirations throughout the pandemic. “The path forward is clear: increase the number of appointments available so that they [...]
House Dems Move to Strengthen, Ensure Equity in Foster Care to Adoption Process
State Reps. Tim Sneller (D-Burton), Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.), Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) introduced a 4-bill package this week that would strengthen Michigan’s foster care to adoption process while ensuring equity in placement policies for LGBTQ families. “For the thousands of children in our state foster care system, the importance and hope of a permanent, loving home cannot be overstated,” said Cavanagh. “Rather than limit the number of Michigan’s willing adoptive parents, we must [...]
Bipartisan Coalition of Legislators Call on MSU Board of Trustees to Release Nassar Files to AG
LANSING, Mich., March 25, 2021 — A bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators led by State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and State Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing) sent a letter to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees calling on them to release nearly 6,000 documents related to the Larry Nassar investigation to the Attorney General’s office. “Full transparency is essential to this investigation, and an impartial investigation is essential to restoring public trust,” said Brixie. “We owe [...]
PWC, Allies Renew Call to End Gender Wage Gap in Michigan, Recognize Equal Pay Day
In observance of this year’s Equal Pay Day, a bicameral coalition of Michigan Democratic legislators led by members of the Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) unveiled legislation during a virtual press conference aimed at closing the gender pay gap in Michigan. “Every American and Michigander deserves to have the freedom and opportunity to provide economic security for themselves and their family, regardless of their gender,” said state Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.). “But for too long, women have been facing an [...]
Rep. Brixie supports up or down vote on MI House Democrats’ pandemic recovery plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 1, 2021 Contact: Dan Opsommer, 517-281-6034, dopsommer@house.mi.gov Rep. Brixie supports up or down vote on MI House Democrats’ pandemic recovery plan Rep. Brixie urges vote on $5 billion in federal stimulus dollars LANSING, Mich. — Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Township, today joined Michigan House Democrats in supporting a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately unleash $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic. [...]
Brixie on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2021 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her State of the State address tonight, outlining her vision for Michigan and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the ongoing issues facing communities during the pandemic. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) issued the following statement: “I appreciated Gov. Whitmer’s message of unity, strength, and compassion as it’s been a difficult year for everyone. It's time to come together so we can get our children back in [...]
Michigan House Democrats Introduce Bills Prohibiting Firearms in the State Capitol Building
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2020, — State Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) introduced House Bills 4023 and 4024 today to prohibit the possession of firearms in and around the Capitol. The legislation follows the Michigan State Capitol Commission’s meeting earlier this month, where Commissioners again upheld their longstanding policy allowing firearms within the statehouse, choosing only to ban the open carry of firearms while neglecting to prohibit those that are hidden or concealed. “The Capitol Commission [...]
House Democrats Introduce Survivors Empowered Bill Package to Expand Civil Statute of Limitations for all Survivors of Sexual Assault
Under Michigan law, the civil statute of limitations expires at age 28 for survivors of sexual abuse. Studies have found the average age for childhood survivors to report abuse is age 52, and even adults wait many years before disclosing. Michigan House Democrats working with survivors, domestic and sexual abuse advocacy groups introduced legislation to eliminate the civil statute of limitations in cases with a criminal conviction and to extend the statute of limitations to age 48 or seven [...]
House Dems Introduce Legislation to Affirm Marriage Equality in Michigan
Twenty-nine Democratic representatives are introducing 54 bills (HBs 6045-6098) and a House joint resolution (HJR T) to bring Michigan law into compliance with the Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process for all. It has been five years since the US Supreme Court ruled Michigan’s same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional, but those unenforceable bans remain in the Michigan Constitution and state law. Gender-specific discriminatory references to spouses still permeate Michigan law, for example referring only to a veteran’s wife or [...]
Michigan House Democrats Introduce Bills Prohibiting Firearms in the State Capitol Building
Following the now infamous and unruly protests held recently at the State Capitol building, Michigan House Democrats urged the Michigan State Capitol Commission to immediately change its policy and prohibit firearms within the Capitol building. The Capitol Commission, controlled by Republicans, predictably failed to act after receiving a letter from Republican Leadership requesting delay, while armed protests continue to be planned this week at the Capitol and numerous threats of violence are being made toward statewide elected officials. Following inaction [...]
State Rep. Julie Brixie on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address
“I commend Gov. Whitmer on taking decisive action to fix the roads. There is no mystery here, if the Republicans had a plan to fix the roads they would have done something during the last 10 years they controlled the Legislature. We can’t afford to miss another construction season, so if Gov. Whitmer has to take action on her own, she has my full support." ###
Brixie, PWC Recognize 47th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Landmark Supreme Court decision allows autonomy over reproductive medical decisions LANSING — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) introduced a resolution today to recognize the 47th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. The Roe decision enshrined protections nationwide for a woman’s freedom to make her own medical decisions about her body and health, without intrusion from the government. “Reproductive freedom is vital to a woman’s health, economic security and ability to participate equally in society, [...]
Brixie, Howell Legislation would bring federal conservation funds back to Michigan
LANSING — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5002 and House Bill 5003 today, a bipartisan package sponsored by state Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Gary Howell (R-North Branch). The legislation would reinstate the optional $2 youth fishing license in Michigan, which was inadvertently repealed in 2016. As a result, Michigan has lost federal Dingell-Johnson funding each state secures in part by issuing more fishing licenses. “Along with the federal funds, the youth fishing license raised enough [...]
Brixie, Howell Legislation to Encourage Youth Fishing Moves to House Floor
LANSING — The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously in support of House Bill 5002 and House Bill 5003 today, a bipartisan package sponsored by state Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Gary Howell (R-North Branch). The bipartisan legislation would reinstate the optional $2 youth fishing license in Michigan, which was inadvertently repealed in 2016. As a result, Michigan has lost federal Dingell-Johnson funding that states secure in part by issuing more fishing licenses. “A resident in my district [...]
Brixie, Howell Legislation to Encourage Youth Fishing Passes Committee
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 LANSING — The House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee unanimously approved House Bill 5002 and House Bill 5003 today, a bipartisan package sponsored by state Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Gary Howell (R-North Branch). The bipartisan legislation would reinstate the optional $2 youth fishing license in Michigan, which was inadvertently repealed in 2016. As a result, Michigan has lost federal Dingell-Johnson funding that states secure in part by issuing more fishing licenses. “A resident [...]
Stone, Allies Fight to Empower Michigan Voters
LANSING — State Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren), the Progressive Women’s Caucus, Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus and several allied organizations held a press conference this morning to unveil their plan to put power back into the hands of the people of Michigan. The proposed House Joint Resolution would prevent the Legislature from intervening in citizen-led ballot initiatives and allow eligible petitions to be presented directly for a statewide vote. “Allowing the Legislature to exert its political will on the ballot initiative [...]
Brixie on MSU Board of Trustees Appointment
LANSING — Gov. Whitmer announced today the appointment of law professor, author, and East Lansing resident Renee Knake to the MSU Board of Trustees. Knake will be filling the spot on the board that has been vacant since former board member Nancy Schlichting resigned in October. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “Our students, their families and the entire MSU community deserve a Board and administration that will listen, instill accountability, and act transparently [...]
House Dems Introduce Michigan Reproductive Health Act
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 29, 2019 — Members of the House Democratic Caucus were joined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other stakeholders today for the introduction of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which would guarantee individuals are free to make independent decisions about their own reproductive health. The omnibus RHA bill, sponsored by state Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton), would protect individual decision-making in the area of reproductive health based on what is best for their own unique situation. The RHA [...]
Brixie Calls for Real Culture Change at MSU
LANSING — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) repeated her call for the board and administration at Michigan State University to act in the interest of its students following Trustee Nancy Schlichting’s resignation yesterday. Schlichting stated in her resignation letter that she no longer wishes to serve on the board “after the recent decision to not go forward with the independent review.” “Anyone who violates our trust must be held accountable by the board and administration,” said Brixie. “Our students, [...]
Brixie on State’s efforts to have vaping ban reinstated
LANSING — The State of Michigan submitted an emergency application today to stay the injunction issued by the Court of Claims against Gov. Whitmer’s ban on flavored vaping products, and also requested that the Michigan Supreme Court bypass the Court of Appeals and immediately consider the matter. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I applaud the actions of Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Nessel today and will continue to do all I can to [...]
Brixie on Gov. Whitmer vetoing 147 items from GOP budget
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed 147 line items from the Republican’s completed budget that was sent to her just four days before the start of the new fiscal year. The State Administrative Board then transferred $625 million across 13 budgets. “I didn't hear anyone running on managing the decline of Michigan last year, yet the Republican budget does just that,” said state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township). “Talking points don’t solve real problems that have lingered for decades. Real [...]
Coleman, Brixie Celebrate Michigan’s Trails
LANSING — Today the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 165, introduced by state Reps. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.), to designate the week of Sept. 22 through 29 as Michigan Trails Week. Michigan is home to more than 12,500 miles of designated trails and 4,000 miles of water trails. “Michigan’s trail system is an excellent example of cooperation between local and state governments, non-profits and businesses,” Coleman said. “Because we all work together, Michiganders and tourists [...]
Brixie on House School Aid Fund Budget
LANSING — Today, the House passed a School Aid Fund budget that falls well short of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget recommendation to address Michigan’s declining literacy and STEM education scores. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I voted against the School Aid Fund Budget today which fails to keep up with inflation and is nowhere near the generational investment we need and Gov. Whitmer proposed. Michigan is the only state to have our fourth-grade [...]
Brixie on supporting auto workers during UAW strike
LANSING — The United Auto Workers called for a nationwide strike against General Motors following the expiration of the union contract at midnight Saturday after talks stalled in the negotiation process. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I was raised on picket lines and am always proud to stand with UAW members fighting for affordable healthcare, fair wages and to keep jobs here in Michigan. I’m hopeful the UAW and General Motors can negotiate [...]
Brixie on Title IX violations at MSU
LANSING — The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights recently concluded that Michigan State University violated Title IX during its handling of the Larry Nassar and William Strampel cases. As a result, the university will be required to pay $4.5 million in fines and take several corrective actions to better protect its students. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I stand with the survivors of sexual assault at MSU and all across [...]
House Dems: Bonding against MPSERS is fraught with financial peril
LANSING — A group of House Democrats announced today they are opposed to bonding against, or reducing scheduled payment to, the state’s pension system for school employees, known as MPSERS. A recent study released by conservative economist and former Deputy Treasurer Patrick Anderson estimates that there is at least a 50 percent chance the state loses money if it bonds against MPSERS. “Bonding in an attempt to beat the market is fraught with financial peril,” said state Rep. Julie Brixie [...]
Brixie Commends Emergency Action on Youth Vaping Epidemic
LANSING — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) announced her support for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s three emergency rules today banning flavored vaping products and related misleading advertising in Michigan amid what Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaidun has declared a “public health emergency.” “As a mother, I want to thank Gov. Whitmer for taking bold action to protect the health of our children who are being deceived by the false advertising that vaping is healthy or safe — it’s not,” [...]
Brixie: Don’t Gamble our Future on Bonding Scheme
LANSING — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) announced today her opposition to bonding against the state’s pension system for teachers, known as MPSERS, which is being floated as a way to fix the roads by one organization in Michigan. “Gambling our future on this bonding scheme is fraught with financial peril and won’t fix the roads,” said Brixie, the former treasurer of Meridian Township. “The markets are at historic highs right now, and when there is a market correction [...]
Brixie on MSU appointing new president
LANSING — Earlier today, Michigan State University named Samuel Stanley Jr. M.D. as the university’s new president, succeeding Satish Udpa, who had been acting-president since January. In response to the news, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I commend the Board of Trustees for a very thorough and thoughtful search process and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Samuel Stanley. Dr. Stanley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the MSU community [...]
Brixie and Warren on National Day of Action against abortion bans:
LANSING — Following a wave of extreme anti-abortion legislation recently introduced in states across the U.S., a National Day of Action was declared to demonstrate support for the constitutional right of women to access reproductive health care. In observance of the National Day of Action yesterday, co-chairs of the Women’s Health Task Force of the Progressive Women’s Caucus, Reps. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) and Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), issued the following statement: “This nationwide, coordinated attack on reproductive health care [...]
Brixie on Republican attack on reproductive health care
LANSING — Today, House Republicans passed legislation to impose harsh criminal penalties on medical professionals for providing one of the safest, legal methods of abortion to Michigan women. The bills, HB 4320 and 4321, would impose penalties of up to two years imprisonment and/or fines up to $50,000 on doctors who perform such procedures. Similar legislation introduced in other states has been repeatedly struck down as unconstitutional. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “This [...]
House Dems Fight for Adoption Equality
LANSING — A coalition of Democratic legislators introduced a package of bills yesterday to end discrimination in Michigan’s adoption laws by repealing Public Acts 53-55 of 2015, and allowing second-parent adoption in Michigan. The legislation would ensure that same-sex couples have the same rights as any other couple in the adoption process. “Anyone who is willing and able to provide a loving, supportive, and stable home to a child should be able to do so,” said state Rep. Tim Sneller [...]
Brixie on Gov. Whitmer’s budget recommendation
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. Gov. Whitmer’s recommendations included programs to make college affordable and increasing pre K-12 education funding by $507 million — the largest increase since 2002. In response to the recommendations, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “We have to make college affordable again if we’re going to close the skills gap. [...]
Brixie on Gov. Whitmer’s Plan to Fix Michigan’s Roads
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. Gov. Whitmer’s recommendations included a real plan for fixing Michigan’s roads and bridges. In response to Gov. Whitmer’s road funding plan, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I didn’t run for this office to manage the decline of our roads, which are already the worst in the nation. I’m hoping [...]
Dem Reps., Sens. Fight to Protect MI Families
LANSING — A coalition of House and Senate Democrats announced legislation at a press conference today to establish extreme risk protection orders as a critical first step toward curbing gun violence in Michigan. State Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-Huntington Woods), chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, led the group in developing this legislation alongside members of law enforcement, medical professionals, and community stakeholders. House Bills 4283-85 and Senate Bills 156-158 would allow judges to issue protective orders for individuals when [...]
Rep. Brixie on Gov. Whitmer’s first State of the State address
LANSING — Tonight, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her first State of the State address, outlining her vision for the state and calling on everyone to help build bridges and work collaboratively to address the issues we face as fellow Michiganders. In response, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) issued the following statement: “I commend Gov. Whitmer on her call for bipartisanship. It is time to get back to building bridges and working collaboratively to address the issues we face as [...]
Brixie on House Republicans overturning Gov. Whitmer’s executive order to restore environmental protections:
LANSING — On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order to reform the DEQ into the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and eliminate three review boards created by Republican lawmakers in 2018 that allowed corporate special interests an outsized role in dictating environmental regulations and permitting in Michigan. Today, Legislative Republican overturned Gov. Whitmer’s executive order, allowing decision-making bodies within the DEQ to continue to be operated by industry, manufacturing and business interests. In response, state Rep. [...]
Brixie calls for MSU Board of Trustees to select a leader with compassion and empathy
EAST LANSING, Mich. — State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Michigan State University Interim President John Engler: “I want to thank the MSU Trustees who stepped up and did the right thing in asking for President Engler to resign as Interim President of Michigan State University. Students, faculty and the entire MSU community deserve a president who will lead with compassion, empathy and the capacity to heal. Most of all, I hope [...]