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 of hope and creating opportunity. Our story is about creating policies that put people first, about working on issues important to Michiganders and their everyday lives — that’s at the heart of what we’ve been doing this legislative session,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “I’m proud to travel with my colleagues and look forward to the enriching conversations with other Black lawmakers across the country.”

 

This week at the CBC, House Democrats will hear from panelists and other legislators from around the United States on how policy priorities affect the Black community. 

 

“I’m most looking forward to networking with other lawmakers who share my passion and focus on solving the housing crisis,” said state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), chair of the House housing subcommittee. “We know the housing crisis has disproportionately affected communities and people of color. Systematically, affordable housing is moving out of reach for the working middle class. I’m here to gain insight and inspiration from others and to come back with more ideas to help address Michigan’s housing crisis.” 

 

In addition to housing, House Democrats plan to tackle other issues like reducing community risks for violence, health equity for Black women, and strategies for economic and generational growth and wealth. 

 

“Democrats in Michigan have been working hard to eliminate health disparities and increase support for initiatives like improving infant mortality rates for Black Michiganders, as well as passed legislation to support research for sickle cell disease, which affects Black people at higher rates than other races,” said State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee. “We’re working to build resources that promote health equity for all. I’m looking forward to hearing how lawmakers across the country are tackling these issues and how they are working to improve their child welfare systems.”

For Detroit Caucus Chair, state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), there’s more to talk about with public safety at this year’s CBC. 

 

“We’re beginning to address the gun problem in our country, by putting common sense policies into place, like universal background checks, and we’ve invested in community violence intervention programs in Michigan,” Carter said. “Yet in recent weeks, there’ve been reports of gun violence in our schools and communities. We all know more needs to be done, and we’re dedicated to the work. This is a problem every lawmaker in communities across the country is faced with — keeping the community safe.This conference offers an opportunity to receive expert policy and practical knowledge that will help continue the fight against gun violence.”

 

Youth programs and workforce development are other CBC topics of interest this year.

 

“I’ve been working with our lieutenant governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to take our story on the road about the Great Lakes being a great place for new businesses and the best place for businesses to continue expanding,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit). “Economic development must be met with equity to maximize the opportunities for everyone. This is about uplifting people’s earning potential and ability to find good-paying jobs they can retire from. When I think about keeping the talented youth of Michigan at home, I know it takes good-paying jobs in high demand fields to do that.”

 

Michigan has invested in a number of low- to no-cost options for educational training and certifications, including the Michigan Reconnect program. 

 

Michigan House Democrats traveling to Washington, D.C. include Tate, Grant, Young, Carter, McKinney and state Reps. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Helena Scott (D-Detroit) and Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti). 

 

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