Hi Neighbor,
I am excited to share some good news from the legislature! Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed my bill, House Bill 4666, with a 104-1 vote. The bill, which I introduced in recognition of Juneteenth, would strike offensive and outdated racial language from our state’s Insurance Code. Specifically, it would remove references to “colored persons” — a term rooted in segregationist policies — and replace it with modern, inclusive language so insurers in Michigan cannot discriminate based on race or color.
This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. We all want our children to grow up in a state where respect is written not just in our hearts, but in our laws. For too long, our state laws have held aspects of the past — words written in another era, words that once defined people not by their character or contributions, but by the color of their skin. Those words no longer represent Michigan. I’m proud we’re taking these steps to remove the hurtful, insensitive language that exists in our laws. Now, it’s off to the Senate who will need to pass it to get the bill across the finish line and on to the governor’s desk. You can watch my floor speech here: HB 4666 Floor Speech
As always, reach out to my office at [email protected] or (517) 373-2577 if you have any questions.
In service,
Brenda Carter
State Representative
House District 53