Dems Unveil Multi-Phase Plan to Make It Easier to Vote and Harder to Cheat, Not Only for Voters, but For Politicians as Well
LANSING, Mich., May 1, 2025 — Earlier today, State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids) and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) announced the upcoming introduction of the Security, Accountability, and Noninterference in our Elections (SANE) Plan. The SANE Plan includes several wide-ranging bills that make it easier to vote but harder to cheat in our elections. The bills that were announced today range from ensuring that all members of the legislature actually reside in the districts that they represent [...]
House Dems Condemn GOP Voter Suppression Resolution
LANSING, Mich., March 11, 2025 — House Democrats held a press conference opposing the passage of House Joint Resolution B (HJR B) out of the House Election Integrity Committee today. This resolution would require Michiganders to provide proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, passport or naturalization certificate, to vote in an election. “We can all agree that only American citizens should be voting in our elections, but this resolution doesn’t accomplish this,” said state Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids), Democratic [...]
Tsernoglou, Aragona and BeGole Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Animals
LANSING, Mich., March 3, 2025 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), alongside state Reps. Joseph Aragona (R-Clinton Twp.) and Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Twp.), have introduced “Buddy’s Law” to protect animals from abuse. House Bills 4030, 4031 and 4032 were named “Buddy’s Law” in honor of Buddy, a dog who froze to death in 2021 when his owner left him chained outside for 24 hours a day in the middle of the winter. These bills would fix a loophole that [...]
Tsernoglou Condemns Absurd, Unnecessary Republican Resolution Requiring Birth Certificate to Vote
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) testifies in the House Elections Committee at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing on March 12, 2024. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 — Yesterday, House Republicans introduced a joint resolution which would require Michigan residents to provide documented proof of citizenship prior to registering to vote. According to the resolution, Michigan voters would need to show a birth certificate, passport or naturalization certificate before being allowed to register to vote. Currently, [...]
House Dems Pass Firearm Safety Legislation
Bills encouraging safe storage in homes, prohibiting guns from polling places pass the House State Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) speaks on the House Floor in support of House Bills 5450-51, on Nov. 13. 2024, in the Michigan Capitol Building. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 13, 2024 — House Democrats passed four more bills today that will help to reduce gun violence. Building on the work Democrats have done this year to crack down on guns ending up in the wrong hands, [...]
Tsernoglou on AG Nessel’s Announcement to Charge Double Voters
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 11, 2024 — Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges last week against four St. Clair Shores residents for allegedly knowingly voting twice in the 2024 August Primary Election. Additional felony charges were filed against three St. Clair Shores assistant clerks for allegedly illegally altering the State Qualified Voter File. These changes designated the previously issued, voted and returned absentee ballots of the four individuals as rejected, rather than received. “I applaud AG Dana Nessel’s office for their timely response [...]
Tsernoglou, Edwards Introduce Bills to Reduce Barriers for Domestic Violence Survivors
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 4, 2024 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) recently introduced legislation to ensure domestic violence survivors are able to bring their pets with them while seeking emergency housing. Tsernoglou introduced House Bill 6013, which would amend existing law to allow eligible reimbursement to include short-term pet boarding and residential deposits so that pet costs are not a barrier for those seeking to escape a violent situation. “Survivors of domestic violence deserve every [...]
Tsernoglou Leads House Democrats in Advocating for Federal Voting Rights Legislation
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) announced today that she, along with fellow Michigan House Democrats, signed onto a statement advocating for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This statement highlights the urgent need for robust federal protections to ensure that every American has equal access to the ballot box. “Our democracy thrives when every citizen can exercise their right to vote,” Tsernoglou said. “These legislative measures are [...]
Tsernoglou Introduces Legislation to Protect Animals
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), alongside state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), have introduced legislation to protect animals from abuse. House Bills 6015-17 would fix a loophole that has prevented local agencies from being able to rescue animals kept in harsh weather conditions and without access to adequate shelter. This is in part due to the law’s lack of a coat length or dog breed specification to determine whether the animal has received adequate shelter requirements. [...]
Tsernoglou Encourages Active Civic Participation in Celebration of National Voter Registration Day
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) chairs the House Elections Committee meeting on Jan. 31, 2023 at the Anderson House Office Building. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 17, 2024 — National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan, civic holiday that celebrates the democratic process and encourages people across the country to register to vote. In recognition of this year’s holiday, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) issued the following statement: “I encourage everyone to be an active participant in our democracy by registering [...]
Tsernoglou on Trump Campaign’s Lawsuit Against Whitmer, Benson
LANSING, Mich., July 15, 2024 — Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee filed suit in federal court today against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for designating Veterans Affairs locations and Small Business Administration offices as voter registration sites. In response, House Elections Committee Chair state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) issued the following statement: “This politically driven lawsuit is a blatant attempt to disenfranchise Michigan voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The governor and the secretary of state’s actions [...]
Tsernoglou Celebrates Successful Budget Passage
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) delivers a speech on the House floor on June 13, 2024. LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), issued the following statement: [...]
RELEASE: Bills Protecting Companion Animals Voted Out of the House
State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) testifies before the House Criminal Justice Committee on House Bill 5587, part of the animal cruelty package, on May 21, 2024. Also pictured, Beatrice Friedlander, Attorney for Animals. LANSING, Mich., June 20, 2024 — House Dems voted out House Bills 5587-5593 today, the animal cruelty package that increases the penalties of various forms of animal abuse and adds companion animals to several offense variable provisions, allowing the abuse of animals to increase sentences. State Rep. [...]
Tsernoglou’s Bill to Create Protections Against Non-Consensual Sexual AI Images Passes
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) speaks on behalf of House Bill 5569 on June 12, 2024 LANSING, Mich., June 12, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5569 today, sponsored by state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), with a vote of 108-2. The bill combats the nonconsensual creation or dissemination of AI-generated sexual images, imposing both civil liability and criminal penalties for offenders. The passage of this legislation comes at a time when the dangers of these highly [...]
Tsernoglou Bill Fighting Against Non-consensual Sexual Exploitation Passes Committee
Legislation bans use of AI to create explicit deep fakes LANSING, Mich., May 22, 2024 — A bill sponsored by state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), the Protection from Intimate Deep Fakes Act, successfully passed unanimously out of the House Criminal Justice Committee today. The legislation combats the nonconsensual dissemination of AI-generated sexual images, imposing both civil liability and criminal penalties for offenders. The bill addresses the growing issue of deep fake technology, which can create highly realistic but false depictions of individuals, [...]
House Dems Introduce Legislation to Improve Justice for Michiganders
Bills to enhance Michigan jury process, strengthening Sixth Amendment protections LANSING, Mich., April 25, 2024 — State Reps. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Kara Hope (D- Holt), Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) introduced a jury reform bill package yesterday. These bills enhance Michigander criminal defendants’ right to an impartial jury. “I originally started working on this package with the Jury Task Force, a task force put together by former state Sen. Jim Ananich, [...]
Tsernoglou, Aiyash Set to Introduce Landmark Bills Addressing PFAS Contamination this Week in Celebration of Earth Day
LANSING, Mich., April 22, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) announced plans today to introduce two landmark bills this week in celebration of Earth Day. The bills aim to phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a wide range of products. Discovered in Michigan in 2010, PFAS are synthetic chemicals that are widely used in various household and industrial products due to their water and oil resistance [...]
Steckloff, Tsernoglou Advocate for Access to Fertility Health Care
LANSING, Mich., March 18, 2024 — State Reps. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, medical professionals, students and community members held a roundtable discussion today on the topic of reproductive rights and fertility freedoms, including ensuring the right to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Among the topics discussed was access to fertility health care, an issue with which Steckloff and Tsernoglou have personal experience. “It was an honor to meet with the lieutenant governor [...]
Tsernoglou Introduces Landmark Bill to Keep Michiganders Safe
Legislation combats threats of nonconsensual explicit deepfake sharing, establishes legal safeguards for Michiganders LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) unveiled a bill today targeting the escalating issue of nonconsensual sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes, AI-driven tools that can be used to convincingly create a video appearing as footage of a person speaking and acting with their own voice and mannerisms. House Bill 5569, dubbed the “Intimate Deepfake Bill,” establishes civil recourse for victims, and creates criminal penalties [...]
House Dems Ring in Women’s History Month
Former Michigan Gov. Albert E. Sleeper signs the states suffrage bill surrounded by suffragists on June 10, 1919. From left, state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Senate staffer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) look on as Whitmer signs the last Reproductive Health Act bill into law on Dec. 11, 2023, on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Lansing. Legislators honor past while signaling [...]
Michigan House Democrats Deliver a Clear Message: Politicians Should Stay Out of Individual Reproductive Health Decisions
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2024 — House Dems have united to denounce threats against and confusion about access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Yesterday, bills were introduced in both the Alabama Senate and House that aim to give legal protection to anyone who provides IVF in the state. This comes after the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision asserting that frozen embryos possess the same legal rights as children. The decision has caused confusion and anxiety for patients and providers, causing some [...]
Tsernoglou on Charges in Unlock Michigan Case
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 21, 2024 — Attorney General Dana Nesselannounced today that two funds connected to former Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey violated campaign finance laws by seeking funds for the Unlock Michigan ballot initiative in 2020. The funds allegedly targeted donations specifically for the Unlock Michigan proposal, allowing donors to contribute anonymously and bypass transparency regulations. In response, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), who chairs the House Elections Committee, issued the following statement: “The charges announced today are [...]
Laws Taking Effect to Empower Michigan Voters
Landmark Legislation Protects Elections, Expands Voting Access State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), right, high-fives Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a bill-signing ceremony on Nov. 30, 2023, at the ACLU in Detroit. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year — with majority, they led a remarkably productive year, passing and signing into law a historic number of bills. A significant number [...]
Tsernoglou on State of the State Address
East Lansing lawmaker supports jobs, education, lowering costs State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) was joined by community member Milton Scales at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — Before a joint legislative session today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered this year’s State of the State address. In her speech, the governor discussed her agenda for the new term, which includes lowering costs for Michiganders, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy. State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou [...]
Michigan Democrats Make Elections More Accessible, Secure
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) delivers a speech at the signing for the election bills package on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the NAACP Headquarters in Detroit. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 30, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer solidified Michigan’s commitment to ensuring accessible and secure elections with the signing of several key election and voter rights related bills today. The legislation focuses on enhancing Michigan’s democracy, such as increasing access to voting and safeguarding the integrity of [...]
Visionary AI Bills Signed into Law, Protecting Voters from Misinformation, Upholding Election Integrity
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 1, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has underscored Michigan lawmakers’ commitment to protecting the integrity of the democratic process by signing 23 elections-related bills yesterday. Among the pro-democracy bills signed was a bipartisan four-bill package that requires a disclaimer on political advertisements that use materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These new laws also set penalties for the use of these AI “deepfakes” to deceive or influence voters. “There’s a lot of mistrust in government these days, [...]
Michigan Democrats Make Elections More Accessible, Secure
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 30, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer solidified Michigan’s commitment to ensuring accessible and secure elections with the signing of several key election and voter rights related bills today. The legislation focuses on enhancing Michigan’s democracy, such as increasing access to voting and safeguarding the integrity of state election campaigning rules. ”Among the legislation signed today was a bill package sponsored by state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), chair of the House Committee on Elections, along with state [...]
Legislators Pass Bills to Enhance Michiganders’ Safety
Guardianship, conservatorship safeguards alongside protections for witness, survivors’ personal information legislation voted out with bipartisan support LANSING, Mich., Oct. 25, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed two bill packages yesterday, each helping to protect Michiganders. The first bill package, House Bills 4909-12 and HB 5047, amends guardian and conservator standards. Michigan’s most vulnerable people are not receiving the support and assistance they require. While most guardians and conservators work to protect their ward’s best interest, there are [...]
Bipartisan Legislation Strengthens Regulations on Election Advertisements
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 12, 2023 – State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Matt Bierlein (R-Vassar), Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) introduced bipartisan legislation today, House Bills 5141-45, that would require a disclaimer on political advertisements that contain audio, images or videos that were generated using artificial intelligence (AI). These bills would also create penalties for trying to use deepfakes to deceive and influence voters close to an election. “Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, while simultaneously becoming more [...]
Tsernoglou Applauds Passage of Voter Registration Upgrade Bill Out of House Elections Committee
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2023 — Earlier today, House Bills 4983-86 passed out of the House Elections Committee by a vote of 6-2, clearing the way for a vote by the full chamber in the coming days. The legislation would make significant improvements to Michigan’s automatic voter registration system, expanding the list of agencies that provide the service beyond just Secretary of State branch offices, and streamlining the process at participating locations. It would also work hand-in-glove with an existing House-passed measure to enable [...]
Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Dogs, Owners Introduced in the House
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 27, 2023 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) and Joe Aragona (R-Macomb County) introduced House Bills 5039-41, which would protect dogs from discrimination based on their actual or perceived pedigree. The legislation would free dog owners from interference from local or county government, allowing them to live in any community in Michigan. “Municipalities in the past have contemplated bans on specific breeds of dogs based on common, false associations between breeds and [...]
Tsernoglou Introduces Historic Automatic Voter Registration Upgrade Bill
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 14, 2023 — Earlier today, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) introduced House Bill 4983, part of a package of bills (4983-4986) that would increase the number of state agencies that offer secure automatic voter registration services. The legislation would complement HB 4569, which has already passed the Michigan House, to pre-register young eligible Michigan voters. “This bill represents a historic effort to improve and expand automatic voter registration services for communities throughout Michigan,” said Tsernoglou, chair of [...]
Democrats Deliver Budget that Reinvests in Michigan
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget today. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta. It makes the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety. The legislators worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a [...]
Tsernoglou Introduces Puppy Protection Bill
LANSING, Mich., June 22, 2023 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) introduced House Bill 4838 today, which would phase out the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores. This bill would put an end to the puppy-mill-to-petstore pipeline and drive the pet market in Michigan toward more humane sources, like shelters, rescues and responsible breeders. “My legislation to phase out the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores will protect animals from inhumane breeding conditions [...]
Legislation to Implement Proposal 2 Passes the House
LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — Legislation to implement Proposal 2 passed the House today. The landmark expansion of voting rights overwhelmingly supported by voters in November 2022 would ensure that ballot drop boxes are accessible to voters, voters could choose to receive an absent voter ballot before each election, and absent voter ballot applications and ballots have prepaid postage affixed on them, among other measures. “One of our most sacred responsibilities as legislators is to ensure that we have [...]
Tsernoglou Announces Adoptable Pet Program
LANSING, Mich., May 24, 2023 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) has announced the creation of an “Adoptable Pet of the Month” program for the 75th House District to encourage pet adoptions from local animal shelters and rescue organizations. This month, Tsernoglou partnered with the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter to highlight Callisto, a very special dog in need of a loving home. “I hope that, with this program, we can increase the visibility of pets that are in [...]
House Democrats Introduce Voter Access Package
LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2023 — State Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) introduced a package of legislation to lift barriers that prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote and to encourage voter registration. “Voting should be efficient, secure and accessible,” said Tsernoglou, chair of the House Elections Committee. “Michigan has become a leading state in turning out our young voters. By continuing to remove unnecessary obstacles and promoting [...]
Tsernoglou on Funding for the Northern Tier Trail
LANSING, Mich., May 4, 2023 — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 4238 yesterday. This bill contains investments in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund capital outlay projects. There are 15 land acquisition projects funded at $15 million and 30 land development projects totaling $8.3 million, including $300,000 for an extension of the Northern Tier Trail. After the vote, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) issued the following statement: “The Northern Tier Trail is a gem of the Capital Area. [...]
Tsernoglou Introduces Infertility Awareness Resolution
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) prepares to speak in support of her resolution to recognize this week as Infertility Awareness Week in Michigan at the State Capitol on April 25, 2023. LANSING, Mich., April 25, 2023 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) introduced a resolution today to recognize this week as Infertility Awareness Week in Michigan. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining [...]
House Democrats Introduce Elections Protections Legislation
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 23, 2023 — State Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt), Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) introduced a bill package yesterday to enhance the safety of elections and election workers. Bills in the package would prohibit firearms from polling places, drop boxes, early voting locations, and counting boards and make the harassment and intimidation of election workers a felony. The House Elections Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on the package from the bill sponsors on [...]
Tsernoglou on East Lansing’s Drinking Water Asset Management Grant
EAST LANSING, Mich., Jan. 18, 2023 — The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced last week that East Lansing has been awarded a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant of nearly $750,000. The grant program was created to protect and enhance drinking water systems. State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) issued the following statement on the grant: “I’m grateful to EGLE and the governor for all they are doing to protect our water. No resident in our [...]
Tsernoglou Joins Benson to Announce Election-Related Priorities
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou announces election-related legislative priorities at a press conference at the state Capitol on Jan. 17, 2022. LANSING, Mich., Jan 17, 2023 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) joined Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson earlier today to announce election-related legislative priorities for the 2023-24 session. “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and I look forward to working in a collaborative manner to ensure that Michigan will serve as a [...]
Tsernoglou Named Chair of House Elections Committee
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden (second left) swears in state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, who was joined by her family, at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Jan 13, 2023 — Following Wednesday’s swearing-in of the 102nd Legislature for the 2023-24 term, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) was named chair of the House Elections Committee. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked hard to expand voting access, and I can’t wait to make an [...]