Edwards, Paiz, Carter Announce Legislation to Ensure Dignity in Death
Edwards, Paiz, Carter Announce Legislation to Ensure Individuals Keep Dignity in Death LANSING, Mich., March 19, 2026 — State Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) and Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) announced they will be introducing the Death with Dignity legislative package to empower individuals with terminal illness to die on their terms. “End-of-life decisions are among the most personal choices any individual can face,” Edwards said. “Our package ensures that patients, not the government, have the final say in [...]
Edwards, McKinney, McFall Host Returning Citizens ID Press Conference
Edwards, McKinney, McFall Host Press Conference Uplifting Legislation to Support Returning Citizens Identification Program State Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) stand with stakeholders at the Returning Citizens Identification press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 LANSING, Mich., March 3, 2026 — State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) hosted a press conference today to uplift a bill package, House Bills 5474-77, that would codify the Returning Citizens Identification program. Edwards was joined by [...]
Edwards Urges Focus on Health Care, Affordability After Whitmer’s Address
Edwards Urges Budget Focus on Health Care, Affordability After State of the State Address State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) stands with guest James E. White, President and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network at the State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address before a joint legislative [...]
Edwards on the Executive Recommendation
Democratic lawmaker calls for investments in affordability and health care LANSING, Mich., Feb. 11, 2026 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget proposal was unveiled as part of the executive budget recommendation. This plan outlines her preferred funding priorities and provides the legislature with a starting point for negotiations. After attending the executive recommendation presentation as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) issued the following statement: “As we continue gearing up for budget season in [...]
Edwards, McKinney, McFall, Meerman Reintroduce Returning Citizens
Edwards, McKinney, McFall, Meerman Reintroduce Returning Citizens Initiative Package Bipartisan legislation would help reintegrate people impacted by corrections system into their communities LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2026 — State Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) recently reintroduced the Returning Citizens Initiative package. “Reentry shouldn’t start with a roadblock. If we want people to succeed after incarceration, we have to stop setting them up to fail. Releasing someone without an ID is [...]
Edwards on the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference
Democratic lawmaker prioritizing timely budget that makes life more affordable for Michiganders State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) sits on the committee for the FY 25 Executive Budget Recommendation on Feb. 2, 2025. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 16, 2026 — The Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC) was held today, kicking off the annual budget process for fiscal year 2026. Presentations focused on the U.S. and Michigan economies and state government revenues and the forecasts from the conference will be used [...]
Tsernoglou, Edwards Reintroduce Bills Making It Easier for Survivors of Domestic & Violent Crimes to Find Emergency Housing
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 22, 2025 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) recently reintroduced legislation to ensure that survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes can bring their pets with them when seeking emergency housing. Currently, the Crime Victims Services Commission (CVSC) reimburses certain expenses for victims of crimes that are forced to relocate when their safety is at risk. Individuals who are forced to relocate are often victims of domestic violence and, in many cases, the decision to leave or [...]
House Democrats fight to restore $645 million cut for kids with cancer, new moms and infants; House Republicans say no every time
House Democrats fight to restore $645 million cut for kids with cancer, new moms and infants; House Republicans say no every time Joint Statement | Office of House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri LANSING, Mich., Dec. 17, 2025 — House Democrats fought repeatedly today against the elimination of $645 million in funding Republicans unilaterally cut last week from programs, communities and organizations across the state, and were stopped by the House majority on more than a dozen occasions. Legislators advocated [...]
House Democrats Introduce Bills to Feed 1.4 Million Michiganders Despite Federal SNAP Pause
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 28, 2025 — House Democrats announced legislation today aimed at protecting food access for the 1.4 million Michiganders at risk of losing it this Saturday due to the Republican shutdown of the federal government. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered state departments administering the program to pause SNAP benefits due to the ongoing shutdown beginning Nov. 1, jeopardizing the ability to eat for millions of families, veterans, seniors and kids across the state. “I and [...]
House Democrats Secure Additional $379M for Michigan Schools, Universal Meals
Lawmakers delivered a nearly $21 billion budget that makes vital investments into education LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2025 — The Michigan Legislature finalized a $21 billion School Aid budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year during a marathon session in the House and Senate. This budget achieves key priorities like the continuation of the universal free meals plan and rural transportation support while increasing per-pupil funding. Since Republicans passed their version of a budget for schools in June, House Democrats [...]
As Medicaid Turns 60, Michigan Democratic Lawmakers Warn of Devastating Federal Cuts to the Lifesaving Program
House Democrats warn that Medicaid cuts from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will put health care for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders at risk LANSING, Mich., July 30, 2025 — Today marks the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, a landmark program that has provided millions of Americans with access to affordable health care since its creation in 1965. Instead of celebrating, four Michigan lawmakers are raising alarms about the greatest funding threat to the program yet. State Reps. Julie [...]
House Democrats Commend Senate for Advancing People-Centered Budget
Democrats stay committed to building people up LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2025 — The Michigan Senate finished passing its budget bills yesterday, which aim to lower costs and invest in people, especially during a time when Trump’s trade war and Republicans are tanking the economy and making it harder to get by. These bills are serious about investing in Michigan’s state departments, residents and the future of Michigan. Both chambers of the Legislature are required to pass their budgets before [...]
Weiss, Fellow House Dems Aim to Stop Payroll Fraud
Lawmakers introduce legislation to protect Michigan workers and taxpayers Members of the House Democratic Caucus stand together at the “Stop Payroll Fraud” press conference on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., April 17, 2025 — State Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) and Democratic colleagues hosted a press conference this week to introduce a package of bills, House Bills 4316-27, designed to crack down on payroll fraud, focusing on companies that [...]
Edwards Applauds Community Commitment in State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session today. In her speech, the governor discussed her plan to lower costs for families ahead of looming tariffs, increase the workforce and deliver results for the people of Michigan. After the address, state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) issued the following statement: “As we look to the future, it’s essential that we prioritize our families and our communities. I [...]
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates New Leadership and Continued Advocacy
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 — This week, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) elected new leadership. State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) was named chair of the caucus. The caucus includes members of both the state Senate and the state House of Representatives, and it serves as a partnership between residents and legislators. “I am blessed to be elected by my colleagues as chair of this caucus,” O’Neal said. “This opportunity is a great responsibility, especially as our country is [...]
House Democrats Applaud Another Huge Step Forward for Accessible Reproductive Health Care
Newly announced MDDHS initiative provides free contraceptives LANSING, Mich., Oct. 23, 2024 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, alongside the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), announced the “Take Control of Your Birth Control” campaign today that will expand access to reproductive health care. This expansion ensures Michiganders can access free contraceptives while supplies last. “Michigan Democrats have stood on the side of reproductive freedom and individual choice about family planning for decades — not just when it's politically [...]
House Detroit Caucus Pay Tribute to Former Detroit State Rep. Edward Vaughn Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 90
DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 10, 2024 — Former state Rep. Edward “Ed” Vaughn died at the age of 90 in Detroit this week. Vaughn served in the House of Representatives from Jan. 10, 1979, to Dec. 31, 1980. In 1994, he won another election to the state House and represented the then 4th House District from Jan. 11, 1995, until reaching term limits, Dec. 31, 2000. In response to the news of his passing, various House Detroit Caucus Members, paid their respects. [...]
Tsernoglou, Edwards Introduce Bills to Reduce Barriers for Domestic Violence Survivors
Legislation makes seeking shelter easier with pets LANSING, Mich., Oct. 4, 2024 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) recently introduced legislation to ensure domestic violence survivors are able to bring their pets with them while seeking emergency housing. Tsernoglou introduced House Bill 6013, which would amend existing law to allow eligible reimbursement to include short-term pet boarding and residential deposits so that pet costs are not a barrier for those seeking to escape a violent [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators share Michigan’s story on the road with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11, 2024 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 11-15. This year’s conference theme, “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” gives House Democrats a chance to highlight the work of putting people first in Michigan. “Michigan’s voice on the national stage is one [...]
MFSVPC Condemns Shooting, Child’s Injury
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 23, 2024 — This week a shooting took place injuring a sleeping 7-year old boy. It is believed to be a drive-by shooting due to an interpersonal dispute. Police reported that an estimated six rounds were fired into a home. “At 7 years old, a child should be free from violence, and should sleep soundly and safely. This is one of far too many shootings that plague our society and have injured not just children in our [...]
Legislators Celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
Lawmakers observe the unique challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) stands with Reps. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) as she speaks on the House Floor on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2024 — In recognition of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness [...]
Edwards Applauds Kennedy Park Splash Pad Funding
EASTPOINTE, Mich., April 3, 2024 — Eastpointe City Council accepted a $1.5 million Community Center Grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in March to fund a new splash pad at Kennedy Park. In response to the awarding of this grant, for which she submitted a letter of support to LEO, state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) issued the following statement: “I’m thrilled Eastpointe received this grant! We’ve all longed for the Kennedy Park pool on the hottest days [...]
House Dems Celebrate March as Social Workers Month
Legislators inspire action, dedication, commitment to Michigan people by leading change LANSING, Mich., March 21, 2024 — Social Worker Month is well underway, and this year’s theme is Empowering Social Workers. This week House Resolution 215 was introduced to commemorate March as Social Workers Month. “Social workers are vital in our society and the work they do, while often unseen, is irreplaceable. They are involved in many different facets of daily life — from helping individuals secure affordable housing to providing support [...]
Edwards Celebrates School Social Work Week
Representative highlights contributions of social workers in schools State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), front right, speaks on her resolution, supported by, from left, state Reps. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., March 6, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Resolution 200 yesterday, sponsored by state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe). 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 [...]
Edwards on State of the State Address
State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) was joined by Detroit Police Commander Lawrence Purifoy and Pastor Kevin Lancaster at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Representative highlights support for caretakers 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 strengthening the state’s economy. State Rep. Kimberly [...]
House Democrats Celebrate Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Juvenile Justice System
Bills improve children’s lives, maintain public safety LANSING, Mich., Dec. 13, 2023 — Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II signed a bipartisan bill package yesterday to make Michigan’s juvenile justice system more fair and effective. He signed House Bills 4625-26, 4628-29, 4633, 4636-37, 4639-40 and 4643, along with Senate Bills 418, 421, 425-26, 428-29, 432, and 435-36. The bills were created to implement the 2022 recommendations of the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform. The package focused on six major topics: enhancing the Child Care Fund; providing juveniles with legal counsel; expanding the Juvenile Diversion Act; requiring tailored [...]
Edwards Bill to Support Education for Kids in Foster Care Passes Michigan House
Legislation will help level the educational playing field for foster kids and their intellectual, social growth State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) delivers a speech on her bill on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. EASTPOINTE, Mich., Nov. 14, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4678, sponsored by state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe). The bill requires that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) regularly review any educational program provided in a [...]
Brabec, Edwards Introduce Legislation to Bolster Mental Health Workforce
Bills add licensure process for clinical social workers LANSING, Mich., Oct. 25, 2023 — State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) introduced legislation to amend Michigan social worker licensing guidelines last week. The bills, House Bills 5184 and 5185, together would add clinical social workers to the list of Michigan’s licensed social workers and provide other guidelines for their inclusion. “These bills are about helping Michiganders. They address the critical need of adding mental health professionals in [...]
Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation Protecting Health Care for Millions of Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Whitmer signed legislation protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which ensures affordable health care coverage for millions of Michiganders and their families, and makes it harder for the federal government or Supreme Court to repeal the ACA and claw back healthcare access like they did with the overturn of Roe v. Wade. “When I was in the Legislature, I brought Democrats and Republicans together to establish Healthy Michigan, which now covers over one million Michiganders,” [...]
Dem-Sponsored Bills Protecting Health Care Access Move Closer to Governor’s Desk
Legislation enshrines federal protections into state law to keep health care available, affordable LANSING, Mich., Oct. 13, 2023 — Michigan Democratic legislators are one step closer to securing Affordable Care Act (ACA) protections in law. The ACA requires nearly all private health plans to cover many critical preventive services without cost sharing — these bills serve to codify those reforms and protections in Michigan statute. Lawmakers in both chambers have worked together to ensure the protections for Michiganders. The bills include: [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators hit the road to share Michigan’s story with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 20-24. While there, House Democrats expect to discuss the historic significance of this moment of what can be done with a Democratic trifecta, showing the nation how real trailblazers make real change for real people [...]
Edwards Applauds Recently Passed Budget, Lead Service Line Replacement
LANSING, Mich. July 21, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget. This budget included over $233 million for water infrastructure projects throughout the state. The City of Eastpointe secured almost $10 million for a lead service line replacement project in this year's budget. “I am proud and relieved I could secure these much-needed funds for my district, especially after the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy released water sample results that showed [...]
House Passes Bills to Protect Access to Affordable Health Care
Legislation codifies ACA’s consumer-friendly provisions in state law LANSING, Mich., June 27, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives approved legislation today that puts certain protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into state law. The ACA requires nearly all private health plans to cover many critical preventive services without cost sharing. Furthermore, enshrining ACA preventive services helps to protect Michiganders from the will of federal judges who threaten to jeopardize health insurance protections. State Rep. Julie M. Rogers [...]
House Democrats Champion Bills Securing Affordable Care Act Protections into Law
LANSING, June 8, 2023 — The House Insurance and Financial Services Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4619-23 today. The bill package aims to safeguard protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into state law. The ACA requires nearly all private health plans to cover many critical preventive services without cost sharing — these bills serve to codify those reforms and protections in Michigan statute. Furthermore, codifying ACA preventive services helps to protect Michiganders from the will of federal judges [...]
House Democrats Introduce Returning Citizens Initiative Legislation
LANSING, Mich., March 7, 2023 — Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), along with State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) and Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), introduced House Bills 4191-94 to codify the Returning Citizens Initiative in state law. The Retuning Citizens Initiative is a program established by the Michigan Dept. of Corrections (MDOC) and Michigan Dept. of State (MDOS) to help individuals leaving the state corrections system to reintegrate into their communities by providing them with a [...]
Edwards 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. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), who was joined by guests [...]
Edwards Sworn in as Representative of House District 12
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) 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 in over a decade. “I am ecstatic to kick off this new 102nd legislative session and to begin my first year here at the Michigan Capitol,” Edwards said. “There is a lot to be done, but [...]