Rep. Koleszar’s News

LANSING, Mich., March 23, 2023 — State Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), Mike Mueller (R-Fenton) and Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) and state Sens. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Joseph Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren) sponsored a package of bills to strengthen and modernize Michigan’s distracted driving laws. House Bill 4250, introduced by Koleszar, and Senate Bill 239, introduced by Bellino, would prohibit a person from using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle or school bus. “Dangerous incidents tied to distracted drivers continue to increase, making it clear that our state’s [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2023 — House Democrats have introduced gun reform legislation today. The bill package focuses on tackling gun violence via three central reforms — universal background checks, safe 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. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement supporting the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 17, 2022 —  Gov. Gretchen Witmer announced a tax holiday in line with her MI Back to School Plan. A tax holiday is a suspension of certain taxes for a particular period of time. Last year, state Reps. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) introduced a similar tax holiday bill. Nineteen other states implemented temporary tax holidays to diminish the extra burden on parents and students. Michigan will implement its own tax holiday on back-to-school [...]

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 come back to work from their summer vacation. After the [...]

  LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2022 — The Promote the Vote petition initiative delivered signatures  today to the Bureau of Elections. This petition secures voter rights for working parents, military personnel and families, the elderly and many others. The ballot initiative makes absentee voting in any election more efficient and accessible, it secures state funding for absentee ballot applications and ballots, funds ballot drop-boxes, allows for military ballots to be counted if postmarked by Election Day, and requires nine days [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2022 — Organizers for the Reproductive Freedom For All petition delivered signatures to the Bureau of Elections today. The petition would amend the Michigan Constitution to ensure that no one goes to prison for providing safe medical care as well as ensure access to a broad range of reproductive health care, including abortion. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement on the delivery of the signatures: “Michiganders have spoken: They are demanding the right [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes significant investments in education, local communities and the economy. Specifically, the state budget allocates over $900,000 for the Ford Field disabled accessibility gateway project. In response, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage:   “The budget we passed today is not simply line items. It is an investment that goes into making a real difference in [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House Elections and Ethics Committee voted out House Bill 5254, which would ban the Secretary of State from receiving gifts of money or goods from non-governmental entities. Current law already prohibits any public officer or employee from receiving gifts of money or goods that would influence the manner in which they perform their duties. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), Democratic vice chair of the committee, issued the following statement on HB [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 3, 2022 — Recording and training materials obtained by Politico outline how Michigan Republicans plan to train partisan operatives as poll workers. The plan then places these workers in direct contact with Republican party attorneys to have more leverage to contest election results in Democratic precincts, including Detroit, Southfield and Pontiac. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement in response: “It is not only unethical but deeply disturbing that Michigan Republicans actually met to orchestrate [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 10, 2022 — The House of Representatives voted today to send a proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution to the November ballot. The amendment would require annual financial disclosure from legislators and state officers and change the number of years an individual can serve in the Legislature. After the vote, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement: “Michigan is one of just two states that doesn’t require financial disclosure from legislators, and today, I’m proud to take [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 25, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 565 yesterday, putting billions of dollars to work in communities across the state. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) voted in support of the bill, highlighting the more than $2.2 billion in funding for water infrastructure and $500,000 for the Michigan International Technology Center. Koleszar issued the following statement:   “With such an abundance of fresh water, it’s inexcusable that many across our state have struggled with [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 4, 2022 — Today, Michigan's Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released its conclusions from an audit of the state’s election systems. The report found that Michigan’s election system was effective in preventing unauthorized access to the Qualified Voter Registry (QVF) and that its integrity remained intact. It also found that the elections were well-run and secure.   “This report confirms what we’ve known all along: The system works, and our elections in Michigan were conducted with [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her priorities for the fiscal year 2023 state budget. In a presentation to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Budget Director Chris Harkins outlined the governor’s plans on a number of critical issues. The governor continued to stress much-need investments in our educational system and critical infrastructure across the state. In response, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement: “I’m glad to see the governor offer [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel. Her remarks highlighted proposals that put Michiganders first by growing Michigan’s economy, creating jobs, cutting taxes and lowering costs for families. In response, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement: “Gov. Whitmer’s remarks on the state of education cannot be overstated. Hiring, retaining and training the teachers responsible for fostering our children should be our number one [...]

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. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement celebrating the news:   “I’m thrilled [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 28, 2021 — Today, the House Elections and Ethics Committee passed House Bill 5258, which would require election officials to provide the Secretary of State and candidates proof copies of all ballots regardless of the size of the candidate’s county and change the mailing requirements. A proof copy of a ballot is a test ballot created to ensure there aren’t any mistakes on the ballots voters receive.   Currently, in the state, counties with 1.5 million or [...]

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 24, 2021 — Today, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) met with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) and faculty at Plymouth High School. The group met to wrap up the U.S. Department of Education’s five-state bus tour highlighting students and communities returning to in-person instruction. They also discussed the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda. Koleszar issued the following statement about the meeting:   “Betsy DeVos did not just champion profiting off education in Michigan; [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 23, 2021 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to announce that Rivian, a manufacturer of all-electric adventure vehicles, is establishing its new Rivian Service Support Operations facility in Plymouth. The move is expected to create 100 new high-wage jobs and invest $4.6 million into the area. In response, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement:   “Rivian’s continued expansion into Plymouth is good for Plymouth and good for business. This [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in health care, child care and infrastructure. In addition, the budget includes $250,000 to bring the Plymouth Cultural Center into ADA compliance and $1 million for the Michigan International Technical Center. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage: “While this budget included transformational investments across multiple industries, we were able to secure funding for [...]

Rep. Koleszar supports investment in Michigan’s economic recovery, schools PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 12, 2021 — Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), the Democratic Caucus Whip, led Michigan House Democrats in applauding the economic and education priorities outlined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her budget presentation to the Legislature Thursday. The executive budget, which will now be reviewed by the Legislature, calls for significant increases in economic recovery and education funding – marking the largest investment in K-12 schools in Michigan to date. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 22, 2021 — House Democratic Whip Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) was appointed yesterday to serve as the Democratic Vice Chair of the House Committee on Elections and Ethics, as well as return to his role serving on the House Committee on Education. Koleszar is serving his second term representing Michigan’s 20th House District, prior to which he spent over 12 years as a public school teacher. Koleszar issued the following statement:   "As an AP Government teacher, education [...]

“I’m proud to have a governor that understands what educators know all too well – there is no true substitute for in-person instruction in the classroom. This pandemic gave us no other option than to use distance learning as a temporary alternative, but it is a far cry from a real replacement for a teacher in the classroom who can be responsive to a student’s specific learning style and emotional needs. Every student learns at a different pace and in [...]

As the Betsy DeVos era in the U.S. Department of Education is coming to an end, she has made one final plea to Congress to resist Biden’s common-sense education policies and uphold the destructive policies she enacted. Policies which pad the pockets of her fellow “one-percenters” who own for-profit schools at the expense of public-school students. In doing so, she had one final farewell message: I drove the car off the cliff, but please don’t fix the car. Secretary DeVos [...]

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel, on behalf of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), filed a civil lawsuit today against the operator of the Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township for failing to comply with state and federal regulations and endangering the public health, safety and welfare. Attorney General Nessel and EGLE are seeking injunctive relief in Ingham County 30th Circuit Court to require Advanced Disposal Services Arbor Hills Landfill Inc. to operate its landfill [...]

“The COVID-19 pandemic caused us to rethink the way we value certain professions, as many previously underappreciated essential workers have kept our society afloat. It is important that we take some time to reflect on the sacrifices and recognize the contributions they have made during this time of crisis, as well as take concrete action to thank them. I’m proud to support the Futures for Frontliners program, which gives essential workers access to tuition-free community college and provides these heroes [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2020 — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recently notified State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice and other state school chiefs across the country that states should not anticipate any waivers to the federal requirement to administer statewide summative assessments for the 2020-2021 school year. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), who introduced House Bill 6017 to pause the state mandate that districts administer standardized tests, issued the following statement: “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced our students, parents [...]

“When developing this plan, I cannot understand why my colleagues on the other side of the aisle didn’t seek the input of those on the frontlines of our education system – our teachers. Teachers were not only left out of the conversation, they’re being left behind, and in doing so we’re leaving our students behind as well. This plan is intended to provide students and parents more options for their education; but in reality, it will syphon money away from [...]

“As an educator, I understand that there is no true substitute for receiving in-person instruction in the classroom. However, the current situation does not allow for that and requires us to explore alternatives. I applaud the governor for taking decisive action to protect our entire K-12 education community. I am confident that our teachers will show, like they always do, that they can rise to the occasion and provide a quality education to Michigan’s students, despite these unprecedented circumstances.”   [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 10, 2020 — State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) successfully secured $250,000 of additional funding to renovate the Plymouth Cultural Center to ensure the facility is fully accessible to those with disabilities. “Everyone in our community deserves the opportunity to attend events at the Plymouth Cultural Center, which frequently hosts programs for our seniors and serves children with special needs who play ball at the nearby Bilkie Family Field. Nobody should feel excluded from participating in our community, [...]

PLYMOUTH – State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), Attorney General Dana Nessel and Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub met with residents at a town hall on Monday, June 24, to discuss issues relevant to seniors in the community. Nessel provided information about her recently announced Elder Abuse Task Force and representatives from The Senior Alliance were on hand to share available resources. The event received an impressive turnout from seniors eager to ask important questions and learn about various assistance they [...]

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. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement:   “The bill we passed today is both the culmination of weeks of bipartisan effort that puts us on the path toward providing real relief [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) introduced legislation this week to make Michigan the seventeenth state to ban the use of conversion therapy by health professionals. House Bill 4515 protects the rights of LGBTQ youth by prohibiting treatments that seek to force changes to sexual orientation or gender identity in individuals under the age of 18. As a co-sponsor of the legislation, state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) issued the following statement: “Not only is conversion therapy abusive and psychologically [...]

LANSING — State Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) have introduced House Bill 4426 to guarantee in-state college tuition for all surviving school-aged children of police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty, regardless of their surviving parent’s economic circumstances. Current law caps tuition assistance based on their surviving parent’s financial status. “When someone gives their life in service to our state or community, we don’t just have an obligation to honor them, [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 20th House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. In response, Rep. Koleszar issued the following statement: “Over the past eight years, too many families throughout our state have been left behind by policies that support profits over people. Now we have an opportunity to change that. I’m ready to fight for our communities [...]