House Passes Legislation to Protect Kids from Lead Exposure
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation to protect children from lead exposure. The three-bill package updates the law to allow for more children exposed to lead to receive the proper treatment and help they need. HB 5368, sponsored by state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), revises the definition of “elevated blood lead level” to the lowest number of micrograms per deciliter recognized by experts. “As a practicing physical therapist, I have firsthand knowledge [...]
Whitsett on Final Budget Passage
Lawmaker highlights housing, public safety State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) speaks to reporters on Wednesday, June 27, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 2, 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 [...]
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 [...]
Michigan Dems Celebrate Laws Improving Health and Wellness for Michiganders
Landmark legislation protects health care coverage, lowers costs and promotes wellness LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year — with majority, they led a remarkably productive year, passing and signing into law a historic number of bills. A significant number of those laws go into effect on Feb. 13. In order to celebrate with and inform Michiganders, Dems are rolling out the [...]
Health Policy Committee Advances Crucial Legislation for Lead Abatement, Child Safety
Laws expected to save lives, improve health outcomes LANSING, Mich., Feb. 8, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives’ Health Policy committee recently passed a comprehensive package of bills aimed at enhancing lead abatement measures and safeguarding the well-being of children across the state. The proposed bill package, comprising House Bills 4532, 5368 and 5369, is sponsored by state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), and state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit). The bills are set to amend the Public Health Code, with a focus on revising [...]
STATEMENT: Whitsett Stands in Support of Michigan Workers
DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 15, 2023 — The United Auto Workers (UAW) officially went on strike earlier today. 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 this week, [...]
State Representative Karen Whitsett on the Passing of Rev. Dr. Joann Watson
DETROIT, July 10, 2023 – State Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) has issued the following statement regarding the passing of the Rev. Dr. Joann Watson this evening. “Tonight I am shocked and heartbroken to learn that our city and our nation has lost a true public servant and freedom fighter, the Rev. Dr. Joann Watson. “Rev. Dr. Watson was a God-loving force of a woman who made it her life’s work to lift up the voices of those who were so [...]
Whitsett on Budget that Reinvests in Michigan
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget today. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta. It makes the largest investment in education in the state’s history, provides free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, and makes substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety. The legislators worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a [...]
House Democrats Introduce Voter Access Package
LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2023 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) introduced a package of legislation to lift barriers that prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote and to encourage voter registration. “Voting should be efficient, secure and accessible,” said Tsernoglou, chair of the House Elections Committee. “Michigan has become a leading state in turning out our young voters. By continuing to remove unnecessary obstacles and promoting [...]
House Dems Support Protecting Kids, Pass Safe Storage Gun Bills
LANSING, Mich., March 22, 2023 — Continuing their commitment to protecting Michiganders — including children — from senseless acts of gun violence, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation today to require the safe storage of firearms. House Bills 4144 and 4139 would require unattended firearms to be safely stored if accessible by a minor and update the sentencing guidelines, respectively, while House Bills 4141 and 4140 would remove sales and use taxes from firearm safety device purchases, such as [...]
Bills Introduced to Combat Fertility Fraud
LANSING, Mich. March 9, 2023 — State Reps. John Roth (R-Interlochen), Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), Kelly Breen (D-Novi), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) introduced a package of bills, House Bills 4178-4182, this week to provide justice to the victims of fertility fraud, otherwise known as assisted reproduction fraud. Bills in the package would make it illegal for fertility doctors to provide false information to patients. “When I was first approached by Rep. Roth last session about [...]
Whitsett Strongly Supports Gun Reform Legislation
LANSING, Mich., March 1, 2023 — House Democrats introduced common-sense gun reform legislation this week. The bill package focuses on tackling gun violence via three central reforms — universal background checks, secure storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Democrats have previously introduced gun reform legislation; however, after the fatal mass shooting at Michigan State University, there is an urgent call for bipartisan support to end gun violence and increase public safety. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following [...]
Whitsett on Whitmer’s State of the State Address
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. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), who was joined by Detroit [...]
Whitsett Sworn in as Representative for 4th House District
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden (left) swears in state Rep. Karen Whitsett, who was joined by staff member Emily Eggenberger and Speaker Joe Tate, at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) was sworn in today as state representative for the 2023-24 legislative term. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature and the first day of House Democrats having the majority [...]
Whitsett on Tate’s Candidacy for House Speaker
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 5, 2023 — Yesterday, WLNS reported that state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) was being asked not to vote for state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) to be the next House Speaker. Whitsett issued the following statement on Tate’s candidacy: “I fully support Joe Tate as our next Speaker, and I look forward to formally voting in favor of him as leader when the House meets next week. He has demonstrated strong, thoughtful leadership throughout his time in office, [...]
State Rep. Karen Whitsett and Barton McFarland Neighborhood Association Present Check to Barton Elementary
Theo Broughton of the Barton McFarland Neighborhood Association (left), state Rep. Karen Whitsett (center), Principal Rosa Adams (right) and students celebrate funding for Barton Elementary School. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (center left) presents a check to Principal Rosa Adams (right) with Officers Colette Burks-Weathers (left) and Errol Franklin (center right). DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 21, 2022 — Representatives of the Barton McFarland Neighborhood Association, Theo Broughton and William Davis, the principal of Barton Elementary, Rosa Adams, [...]
Whitsett Secures Funding For District 9 with Passage of State Budget
Lansing, Mich., Oct. 7, 2022 — On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Michigan House of Representatives passed supplemental spending legislation that prioritizes investments in economic development and business, education, mental health care, and infrastructure. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “I’m proud to support funding that invests in our state’s long-term wellbeing, giving Michigan a competitive edge when it comes to economic development and granting our communities the funds they need to continue to grow and expand existing [...]
State Representative Karen Whitsett on the Death of Officer Loren Courts
Detroit, Mich., July 7, 2022 — State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts yesterday evening: “I am simply heartbroken to hear of the news that one of our Detroit Police officers was killed in the line of duty last night. To know that this tragedy happened right here in our community is absolutely terrible, and I am truly at a loss for words. “Too many people are dying [...]
House Votes On Amendment to Require Financial Disclosures and Limit Terms
LANSING, Mich., May 10, 2022 — This morning, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to approve a proposal to amend the state constitution to require elected officials to file an annual financial disclosure report and to modify term limits. Michigan is one of only two states in the nation that does not require some sort of financial disclosure from politicians. Under this proposal, all members of the Legislature, as well as the governor, the lieutenant governor, the attorney general and [...]
House Health Policy Committee Passes Whitsett’s Bill Targeting Assisted Reproduction Fraud
LANSING, Mich., March 3, 2022 — This morning, the Michigan House Committee on Health Policy voted out trail-blazing legislation to bring justice to victims of assisted reproduction fraud, the knowing provision of false information or the use of gametes not expressly agreed to by a patient in the reproduction process. State Rep. Karen Whitsett’s (D-Detroit) bill, House Bill 5713, is one of five in the bipartisan package led by state Rep. John Roth (R-Traverse City) that passed through the committee [...]
Whitsett on the Passage of Senate Bill 768
LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2022 — Yesterday afternoon, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to pass Senate Bill 768, legislation that would bring a variety of tax benefits to Michiganders through the increase of individual income tax deductions for individuals over age 67, the reduction of the individual income tax rate, and the allowance of a $500 child tax credit. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement in support of the bill’s passage: “I’m thrilled to have passed [...]
Governor Signs Whitsett’s Pharmacy Bill into Law
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 23, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law House Bill 4351. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) and part of a bipartisan package, prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from reimbursing federally designated 340B pharmacies at a lower rate than pharmacies that are not 340B entities for the same drug. A 340B pharmacy refers to those that have pricing agreements with the Department of Health and Human Services so that they may [...]
Whitsett on City Council’s Vote to Redevelop AMC Building
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 23, 2022 — Yesterday, the Detroit City Council voted to approve the redevelopment of the American Motors Corporation’s Plymouth Road Office Complex site. NorthPoint Development now has the go-ahead to demolish and remediate the building, which fell into disrepair after being shuttered over a decade ago. The demolition will make way for an automotive supply plant that promises to bring hundreds of jobs to the area. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement in support [...]
Whitsett Supports Labor Rally Against Discrimination
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 [...]
Whitsett on Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of the State address highlighting legislative priorities in infrastructure, economic development and tax reform for the upcoming year. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued a statement in support of the governor’s priorities: “I am proud to stand with the governor. Already this year, we’ve worked together to bring thousands of auto manufacturing jobs back to Michigan. She’s also supported our small businesses with millions in COVID relief [...]
Whitsett 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. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement celebrating the news: “It’s a great [...]
Wayne County Commission Votes in Support of Whitsett’s Sexual Assault Legislation
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 20, 2022 — Today, the Wayne County Commission voted to approve a resolution in support of a multitude of bills currently being taken up by the Michigan Legislature in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. One of the bills referenced in the resolution is House Bill 4306, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions under the Revised Judicature Act, including opening a one-year retroactive window [...]
House Democrats, Benson Unveil Legislation to Protect Michiganders’ Right to Vote
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2021 — Today, state Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt), Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) unveiled a nine-bill package that aims to protect Michiganders’ right to vote. Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined the representatives to show their support for the legislation. “This legislation is representative of the best of what government can be — policy creation that is citizen-focused and developed by listening to the experts [...]
Whitsett Partners with DTE Energy and Wayne Metro For Virtual Customer Assistance Day
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 27, 2021 — Today, State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) announced her partnership with DTE Energy and Wayne Metro for their upcoming Virtual Customer Assistance Day on Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event provides customers in need with an opportunity to receive case management solutions, energy efficiency education and utility payment assistance. “I’m glad to see DTE is helping customers in need,” Whitsett said. “The last year and half have been so hard for [...]
Rep. Whitsett Continues to Work to Help Detroit Through State Government Budget
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 15, 2021 — State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) continues to benefit Detroit through the state budget process, fighting for a variety of investments to reduce poverty and strengthen the city for years to come. The Michigan Legislature will soon begin working on supplemental budget measures that include the use of available federal funds. Whitsett’s priorities include preparing sites for economic development and job creation, along with allocating more resources for home repair programs, broadband internet access and [...]
Whitsett Secures District 9 Funding with Passage of House Budget
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 24, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in the economy, education, child care and infrastructure. State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “I support this budget because it provides our community with the resources it needs to prosper. I was able to secure $500,000 for maintenance and repairs to the Detroit Public Library, helping to ensure its standing as a valuable resource in the community. I also [...]
Whitsett Introduces Resolution To Declare September 2021 Pace Awareness Month
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 19, 2021 – On Tuesday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Resolution 147, a resolution acknowledging September 2021 as PACE Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution comes after state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) successfully passed legislation this past May, which secured $4.8 million for an expansion of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) projects in Southeast Michigan. “From before I even took office, improving the lives of seniors has [...]
Detroit Caucus Members on Passing of Rep. Gay-Dagnogo’s Sister Due to COVID-19 Complications
DETROIT, Apr.15, 2020 — Members of the Detroit Caucus serving in the Michigan Legislature learned that Julena Gay, sister of their fellow legislator and Detroit Caucus Chair, state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), passed away due to complications caused by COVID-19. “It’s with heavy hearts that we offer our sincerest condolences to our Caucus Chair, Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo and the entire family of Julena Gay, including her mother, Willie Ruth Thomas; her children, Janita, Julian and Jaynell Gay, and Jasyn Young,” [...]
Bicameral Detroit Caucus on COVID-19 Deaths in Detroit
“In the past week, our Detroit community has lost a great deal with the passing of DPD Captain Johnathan Parnell, the dedicated Marlowe Stoudamire, mother of four Laneeka Barksdale, a selfless DPD emergency dispatcher, and many others whose names we may not know at this time. “We are deeply saddened by these losses and offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the dearly departed during these challenging times. We may not know every name going forward, [...]
Detroit legislators condemn EGLE’s U.S. Ecology Detroit North hazardous waste relicensing, expansion approval
“We stand in solidarity with the residents of Detroit and the 76 communities served by the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant who want clean drinking water. The approval of the ten-fold expansion of U.S. Ecology’s hazardous waste storage capacity, however, is a direct danger to clean water. The U.S. Ecology Georgia Street site in Detroit has committed over 150 violations and has dumped excessive amounts of arsenic, cyanide, mercury and other dangerous chemicals into our sewers. It is imperative that this [...]
Whitsett on bipartisan package for expungement reform
LANSING — Today, a bipartisan group of legislators announced a plan to expand Michigan’s expungement laws and give hundreds of thousands of residents with old, low-level criminal convictions the 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. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), who attended the press conference, issued the following statement: “Restorative justice isn’t [...]
Whitsett on Gov. Whitmer’s executive action banning flavored e-cigarettes
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. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “I applaud Gov. Whitmer for putting the health of Michigan’s children first. Studies have shown that young people who have used flavored [...]
Whitsett on passage of bipartisan overhaul of Michigan’s auto insurance
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. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “Today we took a step to give drivers across Michigan auto insurance policies that put them first. This plan ensures rate reductions by offering a [...]
Robinson Fights to Keep Vaporizers Out of the Hands of Children
HAMTRAMCK — State Reps. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) held a press conference on Monday, alongside the Hamtramck Drug-Free Community Coalition, to discuss the rapidly growing public health crisis of vaping among children. Legislation like Senate Bills 106 and 155 aims to confront this problem by amending the Youth Tobacco Act to prohibit the sale of vapor products and alternative nicotine products to minors. “We need to move quickly and take action, to protect our children,” said Robinson. [...]
Lawmakers encourage residents to file public comments
DETROIT — Earlier this week, several regional lawmakers, elected officials and community leaders held a press conference to raise awareness about the proposed US Ecology expansion, its impact on Michigan landfills and the Detroit Wastewater Treatment System which serves Detroit and 76 other communities] and to encourage residents to participate in the public comment period. The deadline to submit public comments is Friday, April 12, 2019. State Reps. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit), Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit), Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), LaTanya Garrett [...]
Whitsett 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 for bipartisan collaboration to address the issues that matter most to Michigan’s working families. In response, state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “The plan laid out by Gov. Whitmer was not only hopeful but realistic. I was glad to hear how the governor plans to address the skilled trades gap in our economy as well [...]
Whitsett on GOP resolution to put oversight of Michigan’s natural resources in the hands of corporations:
LANSING — Today, House Republicans approved a resolution to reject Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent executive order which, among other things, eliminates three review boards the Legislature passed last year. These review boards allow corporate representatives to oversee the DEQ, now called EGLE under the Governor’s reorganization plan, and its permitting process. In response, state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “Clean water and breathable air are not partisan issues; they are fundamental human rights. What happened today will [...]
Whitsett Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
LANSING — Today, state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) introduced a resolution to dedicate this January as the 90th Anniversary of Dr. King’s birth. The resolution passed unanimously. "Often when we think of Dr. King’s fight and mission we think of overt hatred or opposition,” Rep. Whitsett explained. “While those things were true then and are still true today there was a broader message. It is not enough that we only say that racism and discrimination are wrong. We must take [...]