Hope, Dievendorf Defend Lansing Schools, Question Politics of DOJ Investigation
Hope, Dievendorf Defend Lansing Schools, Question Politics of DOJ Investigation Joint Press Statement | State Reps. Kara Hope and Emily Dievendorf LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2026 — The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced yesterday that it has opened investigations into three Michigan public school districts, including the Lansing School District, to examine whether courses include sexual orientation and gender identity content and whether parents were properly notified. In response, state Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) issued the [...]
Andrews Celebrates Bipartisan Housing Readiness Package to Lower Housing Costs
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 18, 2026 — A bipartisan, bicameral group of state lawmakers, including state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), unveiled the Housing Readiness Package this week to address Michigan’s housing shortage and the growing housing affordability crisis the shortage has created. After the introduction of the package, Rep. Andrews, who introduced the House version of the Duplex by Right Bill, released the following statement: “The Housing Readiness Package recognizes that increasing housing supply is essential to lowering costs for [...]
Farhat: Wage War on Pedophiles, Not Iran
Farhat: Wage War on Pedophiles, Not Iran Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Alabas Farhat LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19. 2026 — Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump is preparing for a potential military strike against Iran as early as this weekend, a move that could bring the United States closer to war with the country. In response, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “We’re hearing more about the U.S. moving closer to war with Iran, which means more taxpayer dollars [...]
Dievendorf, Pohutsky Introduce SAFER Act Designed to Protect Students
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 18, 2026 — State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) hosted a press conference today to introduce the Michigan Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER) Act. The legislation, a two-bill package introduced alongside state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), is designed to enhance protections for students facing harassment in educational settings. Currently, federal law is insufficient to hold schools accountable when harassment takes place, but the SAFER Act would clarify rules around harassment in schools and ensure students’ [...]
Pohutsky, Rigas Legislation to Protect At-Risk Children, Passes Michigan House
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 18, 2026 — Today, the Michigan House passed two bills, House Bills 4530 and 5220, designed to better protect children at risk of harm. HB 4530, introduced by state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), would change the timeline for when a mental health professional would have to report important medical information to the Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker or administrator from 14 days to seven days. HB 5220, tie-barred to HB 4530, introduced by state Rep. Angela Rigas [...]
Lawmakers Unveil Bipartisan Plan to Lower the Cost of Housing
Lawmakers Unveil Bipartisan Plan to Lower the Cost of Housing Press Release | Office of State Rep. Kristian Grant LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2026 — Today, state Reps. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) and Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Twp.) held a press conference to announce the introduction of a bipartisan Housing Readiness Package, a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at addressing Michigan’s housing shortage and lowering costs for families across the state. The package reflects years of sustained work by Grant to make [...]
Detroit Caucus Reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Enduring Legacy in the Fight for Justice
Detroit Caucus Reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Enduring Legacy in the Fight for Justice Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Stephanie Young, Detroit Caucus Chair DETROIT, Feb. 17, 2026 — The Detroit Caucus today reflects on the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, honoring his enduring relationship with Detroit and his decades-long presence in the city’s fight for civil rights and economic justice: “Detroit held a lasting place in Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life, a city he returned to when the [...]
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Mourns Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Mourns Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Amos O'Neal, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Chair LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2026 — The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) today honors the life of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, a towering civil rights leader whose life’s work advanced justice, strengthened democracy and left an enduring mark on communities across Michigan and the nation. The MLBC issued the following statement in remembrance: “The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus reflects on the [...]
Carter Launches “Why Am I Black History?” Essay Contest
Carter Launches “Why Am I Black History?” Essay Contest to Honor Elders During Black History Month PONTIAC, Mich., Feb. 13, 2026 — As part of Black History Month, state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) announced the launch of the “Why Am I Black History?” Essay Contest, an initiative designed to honor elders whose lived experiences, resilience and leadership represent living Black history. The contest invites individuals 65 years of age and older to submit a one-page essay reflecting on why they [...]
MLBC on Ford’s Departure From the MMSDC Board
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus on Ford’s Departure From the Minority Supplier Council Board Democratic lawmakers call out departure during Black History Month Press Release | Michigan Legislative Black Caucus LANSING, Mich., Feb. 13, 2026 — It was recently reported that Ford Chief Supply Chain Officer Liz Door would be stepping down from her role as co-chair of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), effectively ending the company’s leadership role on the council. “It is deeply disappointing to see [...]