Rep. Hope’s News

LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2024 — At a pivotal moment in safeguarding reproductive rights, House Democrats continue to stand up for reproductive freedoms, acting today to make it easier for individuals to access birth control pills and hormonal patches. The legislation, House Bills 5436, 5435 and 5013, sponsored by state Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt), Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), respectively, allow pharmacists to prescribe self-administered contraceptives, require insurance coverage for these prescriptions and require insurers provide up [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 30, 2023 —  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer solidified Michigan’s commitment to ensuring accessible and secure elections with the signing of several key election and voter rights related bills today. The legislation focuses on enhancing Michigan’s democracy, such as increasing access to voting and safeguarding the integrity of state election campaigning rules. ”Among the legislation signed today was a bill package sponsored by state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), chair of the House Committee on Elections, along with state Reps. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids), [...]

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2023 — The House Criminal Justice Committee met this morning and voted in favor of House Bills 4945 and 4946. These bills would prohibit possession of firearms and ammunition by persons convicted of misdemeanors involving domestic violence for an eight-year period, helping to protect families and communities from gun violence. These bills will next come up for a vote on the House floor. After the vote, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), chair of the House committee, [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 19, 2023 — According to a recent report from Human Rights Watch, Michigan got a failing grade when it comes to protecting children’s rights, which is why House Democrats have been diligently working to enact legislation to do just that. Since gaining majority, the Legislature has passed bills to end child marriage, strengthen child labor laws and more. Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a package of bills banning child marriage. The bills signed were House Bill 4294, HB 4295, HB 4296, HB 4299, HB [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8, 2023 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) partnered with representatives from One Fair Wage, the Restaurant Opportunity Center, Michigan Nurses Association, Michigan League for Public Policy, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to host a town hall last night on recently passed and upcoming workers rights legislation. “I’m proud of the work that we’ve accomplished for Michigan’s workers,” Hope said. “As we continue to fight for union rights and make the investments we [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 6, 2023 — Legislative session resumed today, and House Democrats did not waste time delivering on their promises and continuing to ensure Michiganders are receiving the health care they need and the reproductive freedoms they deserve. Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and fellow legislators from both chambers held a roundtable today with stakeholders and experts focused on the importance of the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and its companion legislation. House bills 4949-59 introduced today continue Democrats’ efforts toward [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 1, 2023 — The Michigan Supreme Court released its ruling yesterday in the Andary v. USAA Casualty Insurance Co. case. In a 5-2 opinion, the court ruled that the changes enacted in 2019 to Michigan’s auto no-fault system do not apply retroactively. In response, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement:   “Countless Michiganders have been negatively impacted as a result of the changes to Michigan’s auto no-fault system in 2019 and its harmful misinterpretation by [...]

LANSING Mich. June 22, 2023 — The House passed legislation to ban child marriage in Michigan yesterday. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced this legislation three times previously under previous Republican-controlled legislatures, only to see it die in committee. After the vote, Hope issued the following statement on the House’s passage of the bill: “Child marriage is nothing but an instrument of abuse. Human traffickers come to Michigan, because, shockingly, there is no minimum age to consent to marry. Parents [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 24, 2023 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and a bipartisan array of legislative champions introduced a package of bills yesterday to improve Michigan’s youth justice system to better promote public safety and protect communities. The Justice for Kids and Communities package reflects the unanimous recommendations of a bipartisan task force Gov. Gretchen Whitmer formed in June 2021 to study the youth justice system and develop data-driven recommendations for reform.  “These bills will make a positive impact [...]

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. Kara Hope (D-Holt), chair of the House Committee [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 19, 2023  — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) re-introduced her Temporary Workers Bill of Rights and Fair Scheduling Act on Wednesday. The goal of these bills is to reduce strain on Michigan families by equipping workers with the tools they need to support their families and improve their financial security.  “Job uncertainty can be extremely disruptive, especially if someone has to find child care at the last minute or is working several jobs to make ends meet,” [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes significant investments in education, local government services and the economy. Specifically, the state budget allocates over $250 million in mental health resources for Michigan students and an over 5% increase to the per-pupil allowance. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement on the budget’s passage: “I’m pleased that we could agree on a budget that prioritizes our students. This budget makes key [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2022 — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling overturns Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Justice Alito stated in his opinion, “The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.” In response to the court’s decision, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “Today’s radical, partisan decision by the U.S. Supreme Court [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 23, 2022 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) unveiled a package of legislation today aiming to enhance gun store security, crack down on illegal gun sales and prevent the loss of lethal weapons. “Lax gun store oversight is leading to increased gun trafficking,” Hope said. “Gun stores are rarely inspected, and violations are rarely prosecuted. We need stronger regulations to stop the flow of illegal guns into our communities.” Gun dealers represent a major source of illegally [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 15, 2022 — Law enforcement will soon have another tool to use in apprehending jail escapees or other fugitives. When enacted, House Bill 4173 will remove the cap on the amount a county can offer as a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a wanted suspect or an escapee from jail or prison. The current law, PA 175 of 1927, caps the maximum amount a county can offer at $2,000. “The amount [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2022 — Today, members of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus joined a coalition of labor voices in downtown Lansing in support of the United Six — a group of electricians formerly employed by United Electric Contractors. In a lawsuit filed last month, the group alleges that UEC maintained a retaliatory and hostile work environment where racial slurs and discrimination against Black and brown workers were commonplace. They held the demonstration in front of the Associated Builders [...]

LANSING, Mich. Feb. 16, 2022 — Yesterday, House Bill 4173 unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would remove the cap on the maximum amount a county can offer as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of wanted suspects or escapees from jail or prison. Under the current law, PA 175 of 1927, the maximum amount a county can offer is capped at $2,000. “The amount of money that counties are able to provide as [...]

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 support small businesses, cut taxes and reduce costs for working families. In response, State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “I am proud to support a governor who understands the needs of working families. She’s laid out a plan that will lower the costs of insulin, create tens of thousands of construction [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 6, 2021 — Last week, House Bill 5327 unanimously passed the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill would designate a portion of U.S. 127 in Ingham County as the Trooper Starr Memorial Highway in honor of Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr, who tragically died on July 31, 2020, three weeks after a drunk driver struck his patrol car head-on at high speed. This stretch of highway runs past Mason, where Starr grew up and where his [...]

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 8, 2021 — At the opening of the new Michigan State Police facility in Grand Rapids, Gov. Whitmer proposed a $6.3 million investment to enhance public safety. The proposal is part of the larger $75 million MI Safe Communities, a framework that takes a multifaceted approach to reducing gun violence and addressing its root causes. State Reps. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “The problems of gun violence and crime are incredibly [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement after today’s election legislation was rushed through the Legislature: “I’m deeply disappointed, but not surprised, that the House passed election bills based on the groundless conspiracy theories that make up the Big Lie. Instead of sharing accurate information about our elections with voters, we’re adding to the confusion. Republicans are committing to their cult of personality. And they are blithely sacrificing democracy in the process. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 29, 2021 — Last week, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 5329, which would amend the designated assessor requirement so that counties can opt out of keeping a designated assessor on retainer. Under this legislation, counties that opt out will have a designated assessor appointed by the State Tax Commission, but only when one is required. This bill would give counties the flexibility they need to make sure the work of assessing gets done. “This [...]

LANSING, Sept. 29, 2021 — Last week, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 5328, which would allow signs to be brought into the Michigan State Capitol building. Signs have been banned in the Capitol since the “Right to Work” protests in 2012. The stated reason for this ban was to protect the Capitol building from damage and to protect staff, legislators and visitors from signs and the sticks that hold them. “No one who was in the building [...]

LANSING, Sept. 22, 2021 — The Advance Peace Peacemaker Fellowship, Ingham County’s and the city of Lansing’s joint effort to curb gun violence, will receive $357,000 under the new state budget that passed the House today. “We need to act quickly to protect our young people and break the cycle of gun violence. This community-based approach has a track record of doing just that,” said State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt). “It was important to me to advocate for this funding. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement after today’s passage of legislation based on unfounded claims of election irregularities or fraud: “I came to Lansing to serve my constituents’ needs and improve their lives, not to push misinformation at their expense. We know, based on numerous bipartisan reports and over 200 audits, that our election was our most secure in history. Instead of continuing with these partisan games, we should be [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 17, 2021 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 5282 today to create protections for election workers, making it illegal for them to be harassed, intimidated or prevented from performing their duties. If found guilty of violating the new law, individuals would face a misdemeanor charge with up to 90 days in jail, a fine of no more than $500, or both. “Continuing to have open and fair elections means ensuring that the people who [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 25, 2021 —  This week, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 5174 to request funding for the Advance Peace Peacemaker Fellowship, Ingham County’s and the City of Lansing’s joint effort to curb gun violence. The county and city will fund the bulk of the three-year project, whose total cost is just over $1.9 million. If passed, Hope’s request would make up the remaining funding needed, $356,900. “As the recent spate of gun violence around the [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 25, 2021 —  This week, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 5174 to request funding for the Advance Peace Peacemaker Fellowship, Ingham County’s and the City of Lansing’s joint effort to curb gun violence. The county and city will fund the bulk of the three-year project, whose total cost is just over $1.9 million. If passed, Hope’s request would make up the remaining funding needed, $356,900. “As the recent spate of gun violence around the [...]

LANSING, Mich. June 10, 2021 – State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), along with state Reps. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian), Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) and Julie Calley (R-Portland), introduced a bipartisan package today that would prohibit juvenile courts in Michigan from charging and collecting fines and fees from young offenders or their families.   In many Michigan counties, young offenders and their families face fines and fees that are inefficient and inconsistently applied. Being unable to pay these significant and burdensome [...]

State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and state Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing) introduced concurrent resolutions in their respective chambers of the Michigan Legislature to urge the U.S. Congress to oppose privatizing the United States Postal Service (USPS).   The USPS provides high quality, affordable services without taxpayer funding, and is a core government function recognized in the U.S. Constitution. The USPS employs more than 500,000 individuals and is the second largest employer of military veterans. Privatizing the United States [...]

HB 4367 and SB 196 would require 527 organizations affiliated with MI candidates to file with the Secretary of State LANSING, Mich., March. 4, 2021 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and State Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing) introduced bills in their respective chambers of the Michigan legislature that would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to help get so-called dark money out of politics. House Bill 4367 and Senate Bill 196 would require certain nonprofit groups affiliated with [...]

State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced a resolution today that would require all individuals to wear a mask within the bar of the House. Current House safety protocols require staff to wear masks while in public areas of the Capitol and House Office Building. This resolution would ensure that Members are following the same protocols that are set for others. More than 440 thousand Americans — including more than 15 thousand Michigan residents — have died from COVID-19. At least [...]

State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and state Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), co-chairs of the Progressive Women’s Caucus Gender Violence Task Force, introduced resolutions to their respective chambers urging Congress to address the unique needs of domestic violence victims and survivors in the next phase of federal stimulus funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolutions recognize the uptick in reports of domestic violence across the state, nation and world over the same time periods in recent years. “As we [...]

“As a state legislator and as an attorney, I’ve already sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Michigan Constitution. House Resolution 227 is a needless, legally meaningless exercise that is meant to divide. The majority of Michiganders support reasonable efforts to reduce gun violence. This resolution won’t change that.” ###

“This is not an anti-business or partisan position – it’s a position that favors good governance. It’s about good policy, basic fairness and accountability. This bill would help a multi-billion dollar corporation change the rules in their favor at their explicit request, and that is not what we were sent here to do. This company doesn’t need our help – but do you know who does? Our students, schools, communities and the crumbling infrastructure we’re forced to use every day. [...]

LANSING — Today, House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) issued a formal request to state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) urging her to remove a sign on her office door asking that only law enforcement officials carry weapons inside. In response to the request, Rep. Hope issued the following statement: “The Speaker is forcing me to sacrifice the First Amendment rights of any constituent looking to enter my office and speak with their elected representative in an environment where they feel safe, [...]

LANSING — This morning Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to protect Michigan’s kids from the harmful effects of vaping. The governor’s order bans the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products, and misleading marketing regarding their safety. In response, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “Like everywhere around the country, vaping has become a huge problem among young people here in Michigan. And although many people may [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 4690 recently to improve safety at Michigan target ranges and shooting facilities. Hope’s legislation would require that any individual renting a firearm is legally allowed to possess a firearm. “This is a simple, commonsense measure to protect the employees and patrons of these facilities along with the public,” said Hope. “My bill would close a glaring loophole that allows individuals who cannot legally possess firearms to access them in these [...]

LANSING — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 4045 today, which would increase the maximum allowable reward a county may offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals in their county. The bill is supported by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan. “Ensuring the safety of our communities is my top priority, and this bill will help counties do that more effectively,” said state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), who sponsored the [...]

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. Kara Hope [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Resolution 57 recently, urging President Trump and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to repeal their recent rule changes regarding funding eligibility for the Title X family planning program. “The timing of this decision is unfortunate and out of touch with what Michigan residents want and need,” Hope said. “More people than ever before are concerned about their access to healthcare. We are experiencing a shortage of OB-GYNs [...]

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. Her recommendations include increasing school funding by $507 million — the largest increase since 2002 – and a plan to fix the roads. In response to the recommendation, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “Residents of my district have made it clear that their top two concerns are our public schools [...]

LANSING — Tonight, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her first State of the State address, outlining her vision for the state and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the issues facing Michigan’s working families. In response, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement: “Gov. Whitmer is wasting no time in these first few months working to enact change; and following eight years marked by inaction in the governor’s office, it is refreshing to have a leader that is determined to [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Bill 4045 last week, which would provide counties more discretion in the amount of money they can offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of wanted criminals in the county. “Counties should have the freedom to use their resources to protect their communities,” Hope said. “Offering a reward for information is an important tool that can be used to ensure public safety. My bill provides a county’s Board of [...]

LANSING — Last night, the Speaker of the House announced committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) will serve on the House Committees on Commerce and Tourism, Elections and Ethics, and Local Government and Municipal Finance. “I am grateful that Speaker Chatfield afforded me the opportunity to serve on these crucial committees,” Hope said. “Michigan still ranks last in government ethics and transparency, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to change such [...]

LANSING- State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 67th House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. In response, Rep. Hope issued the following statement: “Michiganders deserve leadership that is committed to fighting for their futures. I’m ready to join my colleagues to ensure that our schools and infrastructure are properly funded, our natural resources are protected, and that everyone has access to [...]