Rep. Pohutsky’s News

President continues targeting women’s rights   LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2025 — President Donald Trump pardoned 23 convicted anti-abortion activists yesterday. Included in the pardon were four Michiganders, who were convicted in August by a federal jury for physically blocking access to a Sterling Heights reproductive health clinic in 2020 and disobeying police orders to leave the premises. During the incident, a married couple entering the clinic was seeking treatment following finding out their fetus had fatal abnormalities and the wife’s [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 22, 2023 — Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Concurrent Resolution 3 today, which was passed by the House and calls on the Archivist of the United States to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also calls on Congress to declare the Equal Rights Amendment as ratified.  “Here we are in 2023, and the Constitution of the United States still fails to guarantee female [...]

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. “Climate change has contributed to our state’s crumbling infrastructure,” said [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — Michigan voters showed up in droves last November to protect a person’s right to reproductive freedom. The new amendment was added to the state’s Constitution just before Christmas and allows individuals to make decisions about their prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management and infertility care. The Democratic-led Michigan House of Representatives introduced House Bill 4006 to remove the now-unenforceable 1931 abortion ban that still remains in Michigan’s Constitution. “Affirming [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 17, 2022 — Members of the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference today to denounce the lack of legislative session, while Michiganders are paying the salaries of their representatives to tackle the issues affecting them. From high prices on gas and groceries to the threat of reproductive health care being taken away, Democrats have legislation ready to move, but Lansing Republicans who set the calendar won’t return to work from their summer vacation. After the event, [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 21, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4699, which strikes the “mentally incapacitated” exemption from the state’s ban on marital rape. HB 4699 closes a glaring loophole in the Michigan Penal Code that permits marital rape when the perpetrator’s legal spouse is mentally incapacitated, defined in statute as being drugged without their consent. State law currently precludes charges or convictions for criminal sexual conduct in such cases, leaving Michigan as one of [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 25, 2022 — With the looming threat of Roe v. Wade being overturned this summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that she signed an executive directive instructing State of Michigan departments and agencies to review aspects of reproductive health care and identify and assess potential opportunities to increase protections for reproductive health. Michigan’s Progressive Women’s Caucus, comprised of members in the state’s House and Senate, released the following statement in support of Whitmer’s executive directive: "The Progressive Women’s [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 17, 2022 — The Michigan House Judiciary passed House Bill 4699, which strikes the “mentally incapacitated” exemption from the state’s ban on marital rape. This bill would close a glaring loophole in Michigan’s Penal Code that permits marital rape when the perpetrator’s legal spouse is mentally incapacitated. State law currently precludes charges or convictions for criminal sexual conduct in such cases, leaving Michigan as one of the few remaining states to expressly allow marital rape in law. [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 9, 2022 — Today, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion stating that Michigan universities should cease cruel and inhumane testing on dogs and establish clear guidelines for conducting any future experiments. The opinion follows efforts by state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and state Sens. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren) to ban the practice. Koleszar submitted the informal request to Nessel following public outrage over a controversial Wayne State University study. For over three decades, [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2022 — Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel argued before the Michigan Supreme Court that the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), who has been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, voiced her support for the attorney general and urged the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify that discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation is illegal. “Restricting employment, education, housing, or [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5637, which would modify Michigan's “Right to Try" law to include certain drugs and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “Amending a law because of widespread conspiracy theories is setting a dangerous precedent. The people promoting so-called “alternative treatments” to COVID-19, including the use of ivermectin, are not basing their claims on accurate science. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 10, 2021 — Earlier this week, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Bill 5641, which would expand Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to childless adults between the ages of 18 and 24. State Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Washtenaw County) is advancing a similar bill, SB 790, in the Senate. “Nearly a quarter of young adults live in poverty,” Pohutsky said. “They need a break. They’re just starting their lives, and many are carrying heavy student loan [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 7, 2021 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that six communities, including Livonia, would be receiving more than $2 million in grants to support clean water infrastructure as part of the governor’s MI Clean Water plan. Livonia specifically will receive over $400,000. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement in support of the announced grant: “I applaud the governor’s leadership on this issue. There is no excuse for communities in our state to struggle to [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in health care, child care and infrastructure. It also provides $1 million for the Bell Creek erosion mitigation project and $100,000 for a senior park in Livonia. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage: “Bringing this money back to our community will help protect Bell Creek from erosion and provide a park for senior [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept.14, 2021 —Yesterday, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) hosted a town hall at Livonia City Hall to discuss the state’s budget process, along with special guest and fellow state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “The budget is fairly complex if you’re not actively involved from the start and you only see the finished product,” Pohutsky said. “That’s why ensuring that my constituents understand the entire budget process and how it affects our community is extremely important. People want to [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 20, 2020 — Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced $366,150 in funding spread across four projects that will replace older diesel engines with newer and cleaner propane or diesel engines. As one of the grant recipients, Livonia Public Schools will receive nearly $74,000 to replace aging diesel engines in school buses with newer propane ones. In response, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky issued the following statement:   “School buses should be a [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 15, 2021 — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement after a jury found Edward Thomas Kelman not guilty of making a violent threat involving an AR-15. “I am saddened to learn that Kelman was found not guilty of the violent threat he made against my office. This verdict sets a dangerous precedent that the next time someone is unhappy with the government, all they have to do is call a legislator and threaten them [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 14, 2021 — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a budget for preK-12 schools that makes historic investments and closes the funding gap between districts: "To see a School Aid budget pass that will enable all school districts to receive equitable funding and every student have the support they need to reach their full potential is long overdue. Our schools are constantly told to do more with less money. [...]

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Bill 4919 that would repeal the “no stricter than federal” law passed during 2018’s lame duck legislative session that prohibits state agencies from enacting rules or guidelines more stringent than the relevant federal standard, compromising Michigan’s ability to best address environmental crises.   Addressing the prevalence of PFAS remains a significant challenge in Michigan, especially considering the contaminant is considered a “forever chemical.” Beyond identifying contamination sources and providing temporary alternative water options [...]

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and state Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills), members of the Michigan Legislature’s Progressive Women’s Caucus, introduced resolutions in their respective chambers this week to recognize October 2020 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. “October not only serves as a month of awareness for this important issue, but also a call to action to ensure every survivor in Michigan has the space, protection and resources they need and deserve,” said Pohutsky. “We [...]

Lansing, Mich., Sept. 10, 2020 — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Bill 6202 today to take concrete steps to curb human trafficking in Michigan. Pohutsky’s bill would prohibit hotels and motels in the state from providing rooms at hourly or sub-hourly rates to stop human labor and sex traffickers from using them in their unspeakable crimes. “When we see stories of horrific crimes depicted in movies or on TV, it’s far too easy to deceive ourselves into believing [...]

“The workers on the frontlines of our state’s response to this ongoing crisis have put their lives on the line day-in and day-out to serve our communities. While it’s important for all of us to voice how grateful and appreciative we are of their dedication and sacrifice, today we take real action to provide Michigan workers the resources and support they rightly deserve. Every Michigander should have access to a high-quality education to forge their own future — this program [...]

Lansing, Mich., Sept. 1, 2020 — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Bill 6160 today to extend parental leave to parents who have newly adopted a child so that they can provide the care and attention their family needs. Pohutsky’s bill would allow eligible employees to take four consecutive weeks of birth or adoption parental leave for parents or adoptive parents of a newborn child or a child newly placed for adoption. “Every new parent, whether biological or adoptive, [...]

Lansing, Mich., July 22, 2020 — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Resolution 297 today to declare August 2020 as Water Quality Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution also calls for the Legislature to prioritize the health and safety of all Michigan residents by developing meaningful water quality standards to preserve the state’s most precious natural resource. The resolution was adopted unanimously. “Calling ourselves the Great Lakes State isn’t just some clever slogan, it’s a constant reminder [...]

LANSING — The Michigan House passed two critically needed supplemental budget bills last night with overwhelming bipartisan support. In response, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “Although it was not an easy process to get to this point, I’m proud to see what we can accomplish when we take the time to listen to our communities, set our differences aside and reach across the aisle to do the work we were sent here to do. “Through these [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced House Bill 4942 today to close a glaring loophole in Michigan’s Penal Code that permits marital rape when the perpetrator’s legal spouse is mentally incapacitated. State law currently precludes charges or convictions for criminal sexual conduct in such cases, leaving Michigan as one of the few remaining states to expressly allow marital rape in law. “There is absolutely no excuse for allowing this reprehensible exemption to exist. If we want to really [...]

Dear Friends, I wanted to let you know that I will not be holding my regularly scheduled coffee hour on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Coffee + Cream in observance of Labor Day weekend. Please see my future e-newsletters for information on upcoming coffee hours where I look forward to connecting with you! If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding, you can also reach out to my office at (517) 373-3920 or by email at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. Sincerely, Laurie Pohutsky [...]

LIVONIA — After a closed session, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission voted recently to formally reprimand the state’s Department of Civil Rights Director, Agustin Arbulu, for making inappropriate comments objectifying women and creating an offensive work environment. Last week, it was revealed the comments included remarks about his daughter. In response, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) is calling for his resignation, and has issued the following statement: “The comments made by Director Arbulu are deeply disturbing, stripping him of the [...]

LANSING- Today, the House of Representatives finished passing the collection of bills comprising the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget, including the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy budget. Despite House Democrats introducing a number of amendments, House Republicans ultimately rejected them, resulting in budgets that fail to adequately fund road repairs, schools, or the infrastructure upgrades needed to ensure Michiganders have access to clean water. In response, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “No one should have [...]

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. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “Insurance companies have been allowed to take advantage of Michiganders for far too long, and I’m proud to say the plan we passed today puts us [...]

LANSING — State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn), Tim Sneller (D-Burton), Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak) Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park), Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), and Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) introduced animal protection proposals to address broad animal safety topics and concerns. “This bill package would prevent unnecessary and avoidable harm to animals, while establishing clear standards for animal protection and safety,” said Hammoud. “Our plan will bring animal abusers to justice and protect the thousands of animals that are [...]

LANSING — With no hearings or public input, the legislative majority 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. [...]

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her budget recommendations today for the 2019-20 fiscal year to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Among her recommendations were significant allotments to clean up and protect our water and increasing school funding by $507 million—the largest increase in a generation. In response to her recommendations, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “Our greatest obstacle to tackling the challenges facing our communities has been an unwillingness to [...]

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. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement:              “People in my community and across the state expect their elected officials to work for them, not play politics based on party ideologies. Gov. Whitmer’s plans to build bridges across party lines to actually [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) introduced her first bill yesterday to guarantee state agencies are spending taxpayer dollars responsibly and to protect the paychecks and pocketbooks of state workers. House Bill 4151 would require state agencies to receive approval from the House and Senate Appropriations Committees before being able to privatize any of their services. The approval process would require submission of a detailed and objective cost-benefit analysis proving significant cost savings before agencies could make the shift. [...]

LANSING — Last night, the Speaker of the House announced the committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) was appointed to the House Health Policy Committee and the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee. “I could not be more excited for the opportunity to represent the interests of Livonia residents on these influential committees,” Rep. Pohutsky said. “As a scientist, I recognize that these areas, in particular, are in need of fact-based policies to [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 19th House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. In response, Rep. Pohutsky issued the following statement: “Livonia residents sent me to Lansing because they are tired of the status quo and politics as usual. They want a leader that will get to work on policies that allow them to take care of themselves [...]

LANSING — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive that works to close the gender wage gap by barring employers from requesting the salary histories of potential new employees. In response, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement: “Paying women less than their male counterparts for the same work is not solely a woman’s issue — it is a widespread problem that prevents Michigan’s economy from thriving. Prohibiting employers from discriminating against prospective employees based on their [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) was named an assistant House Democratic floor leader today for the 2019-2020 legislative term. Pohutsky is serving her first term representing 19th House District, which encompasses the majority of the city of Livonia. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve both the people of the 19th House District and the Democratic caucus for the upcoming session,” said Pohutsky. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in building a brighter future for [...]