Rep. Hood’s News

LANSING, Mich., Feb 1, 2023 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) hosted a press conference yesterday to discuss legislation to provide tax breaks for verified blood donations. House bill 4068 would provide Michiganders a tax break on all blood donations made in the calendar year. The legislation encourages life-saving blood donations and helps stimulate the lagging economy by helping people save on taxes. “I introduced this bill because it is an absolute win-win for the residents of Michigan,” Hood [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 17, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced last week the chairs and members of the Michigan House of Representatives’ standing committees, subcommittees and appropriations subcommittees. State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) has been appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and the following subcommittees: Environment; Great Lakes and Energy (chair); Health and Human Services; General Government (majority vice chair); and Transportation.    “These appointments will allow me to better serve the people of Michigan, by building on [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) was sworn in today as state representative for the 2023-24 legislative term. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature and the first day of House Democrats having the majority in over a decade.    “I am both honored and excited to serve again as representative for the folks of Grand Rapids,” Hood said. “My commitment to strengthening West Michigan is stronger than ever, and [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2022 — Michigan House Democrats unveiled the MI Pocketbook Plan, an urgent agenda aimed to strengthen economic revitalization efforts and reduce the kitchen table impacts of the current economic climate. The six-bill package would support Michiganders by bolstering household finances, providing tax relief and protecting workers’ rights. Included in the plan is House Bill 4986, introduced by state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids). HB 4986 expands working families' earned income tax credit (EITC) from 6% to [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 7, 2022 — The 2022-23 state budget included $100 million for the Community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants Program (RAP Program). This program provides competitive grants to eligible real estate rehabilitation and place-based infrastructure projects, public space improvements, and local or regional partners coordinated subgrant programs. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced today which projects have been awarded funding, including one in Grand Rapids. In response to the announcement, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8, 2022 — In the ongoing debate surrounding Michigan’s strict 1931 anti-abortion law, Court of Claims Chief Judge Elizabeth Gleicher ruled the law is unconstitutional. As a result of the ruling, neither Attorney General Dana Nessel nor county prosecutors can enforce the law that prohibits abortion, even in the case of rape or incest. Abortion remains legal across the state. In response to the decision, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:    “The [...]

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 — 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. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement on the delivery of the signatures:    “Republicans are desperately trying to take [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 5, 2022 — Republican Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker released a decision to enforce Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban despite a court injunction. This news has made national press, as Michigan is among seven states with a pre-Roe abortion ban that was never repealed. In response to the decision, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) sent a letter to Becker explaining that his decision puts Kent County on the wrong side of history. Her letter urges him to [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2023 state budget. The finalized budget is the successful result of much negotiation and work on the part of the policymakers. It includes expenditures for contaminated site cleanup across the state, dollars to advance recreation priorities, funding for our students, mental health, and so much more. In response to the approved budget, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:  “Our local [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 29, 2022 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) today to announce that HOLO Footwear, a sustainable footwear manufacturer, is relocating its headquarters to downtown Grand Rapids. The expansion illustrates the continued economic recovery and growth in the region and in the state more broadly. In response to the announcement, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) expressed her excitement for the business relocation in the following statement:     “I am absolutely thrilled to [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2022 — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision on Dobbs upholds the Mississippi law that places a ban on abortion after 15 weeks as constitutional. By upholding this law, Roe v. Wade is overturned — thus, allowing states to place a ban on abortions. In response to the court’s decision, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:     “This is a tragic [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 15, 2022 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) is introducing a bipartisan bill that would allow a taxpayer to claim a $25 income tax credit for each verified blood donation during the tax year. Hood issued the following statement: “We have all seen the stories about the nationwide blood shortage, and we know how critical it is to have an ample blood supply. This tax credit will reward those who are already in the practice of [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2022 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) spoke today in a hearing about a bill package, House Bills 6080-6084, that adds safeguards to protect veterans who reside in veterans homes from neglect, abuse or exploitation. Hood, whose district includes the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, has been advocating for veterans in Grand Rapids and across the state for years, and she continues that fight by playing an important role in this set of bills. Hood, [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 11, 2022 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) announced legislation, HB 6099, that would require employers to pay a prevailing wage to employees who work on a renewable energy project to prohibit retaliation and provide remedies. The bill would ensure employees in the renewable energy sector receive fair and competitive wages and benefits. This significant and growing industry includes electric, steam, solar, water and wind-generated energy systems. Securing prevailing wages for renewable energy employees will deliver [...]

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. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “I voted in favor of the proposed amendment because I am a strong proponent of transparency and [...]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 13, 2022 — At 3 p.m. today, officials from the Grand Rapids Police Department released the body-cam footage of the officer involved in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, 26, on April 4. After pulling over Lyoya for a license plate issue, the video shows the police officer, who has not yet been named, chasing a fleeing, unarmed Lyoya down and, after a prolonged struggle, fatally shooting him. State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 24, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 565 today, putting billions of dollars to work in communities across the state. State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) voted in support of the bill, highlighting the more than $2.2 billion in funding for water-related projects and $55 million for parks, trails and flood control infrastructure improvements along the Grand River. Hood issued the following statement: “This supplemental budget is a reminder of what happens when [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 17, 2022 — Yesterday, Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) announced that he will not be taking up any reform bills to the 2019 Auto No-Fault law, breaking his caucus’ promise to legislators and the auto-accident victim community. The enactment of this law saw hundreds of auto accident survivors lose access to life sustaining care they need for their quality of life to continue. Bipartisan reform bills, co-sponsored by a majority of Michigan House members, have been [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 10, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives voted yesterday to pass House Bill 5570, a bill that would pause the collection of the state’s gas and diesel taxes until Oct. 1. The move would reduce revenues to the state’s transportation fund by $725 million without any plans to backfill that amount. State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement after voting against the bill. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am responsible [...]

Vote Mama Foundation is the only organization tracking the use of Campaign Funds for Childcare and working to pass legislation in all 50 states by 2023.     LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24, 2022 — State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) have introduced legislation to allow political candidates to use campaign funds for child care. Senate Bill 882 and House Bill 5840 remove a significant obstacle that many candidates, particularly those who are mothers, face when [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2022 — Today, members of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus joined a coalition of labor voices in downtown Lansing in support of the United Six — a group of electricians formerly employed by United Electric Contractors. In a lawsuit filed last month, the group alleges that UEC maintained a retaliatory and hostile work environment where racial slurs and discrimination against Black and brown workers were commonplace. They held the demonstration in front of the Associated Builders [...]

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 education system and critical infrastructure across the state. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “Crumbling infrastructure and underperforming schools share [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel, outlining her vision for the state and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the issues that matter most to Michigan’s working families. In her address, she proposed a repeal of the retirement tax and expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “Our families and seniors have enough [...]

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 more than 4,000 jobs. Both projects are part of GM’s effort to shift to 100% electric vehicle production by 2035. In response to the announcement, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 7, 2021 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) has begun drafting legislation that would institute a seven-day wait period for all pistol purchases in the state of Michigan. “In light of the recent tragedy at Oxford High School, we need more than just thoughts and prayers — we need action,” Hood said. “If my bill were enacted, the gun used in the Oxford High School shooting would still be in the store where it was bought. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 12, 2021 — This week, Democratic state senators and representatives introduced legislation that would help Michiganders affected by extreme, more frequent weather events caused by climate change. Massive storms, flooding, and power outages over the past few years have illustrated a clear need for investments in jobs, weatherization, and infrastructure upgrades and bold policy changes in order to better protect Michigan residents. “Too many Michiganders have lost furnaces, water heaters, cars, and cherished mementos due to basement [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov 10, 2021 — Today, Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 5576, a bill with bipartisan co-sponsorship, which would strengthen the penalties for vessels over 700 feet who deploy, drag or set anchors, chains and cables in the Straits of Mackinac. Violators would face a misdemeanor charge with up to one year in jail, a fine of no more than $10,000 or both. The bill would also require certified maritime pilots for large vessels navigating through the [...]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 22, 2021 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) held an event yesterday focused on improving mental health in the community. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) moderated the event, which was part of her Mental Health Listening Tour across the state.    Community partners and constituents joined the discussion of the community’s mental health systems and needs going forward. Once the tour is finished, the recommendations and feedback gathered will be used to craft legislation that [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bipartisan budget that includes historic investments in education, childcare, the economy and infrastructure. Grand Rapids and Kent County will benefit from specific projects, including:     $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Public Museum Riverfront project.     $7 million for the Grand Rapids Whitewater Rapids restoration project.     $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Center for Transformation capital campaign.     $4 million for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park. In addition, state Rep. Rachel [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 9, 2021 — Last week, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) joined Michigan House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township) to stand in solidarity with Democratic legislators from Texas, who have fled the state to block anti-voter legislation. Democratic state legislators from across the nation flew to Washington, D.C., to lobby for federal legislation to protect voting rights.    “Voting rights are under attack as part of a national agenda to sow doubt, disrupt governance and obstruct [...]

Michigan residents and communities would be able to participate in Michigan’s growing solar economy under bipartisan legislation introduced today by state Reps. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) and Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton).   Together, House Bills 4715 and 4716 would remove existing restrictions to allow for the development of small-scale community solar projects while enabling greater access to solar energy, lowering utility bills, and creating jobs and economic growth across the state. Currently, more than 50 percent of Michiganders cannot access solar [...]

LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2021) — Today, Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced legislation to waive penalties and interest for certain property and business owners who didn’t pay their summer 2020 property taxes due to financial and economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 112 and House Bill 4185 would direct the Michigan Department of Treasury to create a form that taxpayers can use to claim a waiver of penalty and interest [...]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), today joined Michigan House Democrats in opposing House Republican legislation that would leave needed COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money in Washington, D.C. Earlier this week, House Democrats released a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately unleash over $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 8, 2021 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) expressed her support today for the agreement signed between Gov. Whitmer (MI) and Gov. Pritzker (IL) to provide for the development of the Brandon Road Ecosystem Project, which will prevent invasive species of carp from accessing the Great Lakes. “The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s most important natural resources, both for the clean fresh water they supply to millions of families across our state, as well as [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 15, 2020 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) announced today the launch of the Grand Rapids Featured Frontliner program to commend and recognize local Frontline workers for their dedication to serving the Grand Rapids community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning today, Rep. Hood will accept nominations through this link and the program will recognize ten Frontline workers over the coming months. Frontline workers include anyone who has continued working in an essential industry through the pandemic, [...]

Hood Demands Action on Water Protection Package LANSING, Mich., Nov. 24, 2020 —  Late last week, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) dismissed a challenge to Nestle Waters North America’s 2018 permit that allows the multinational corporation to extract Michigan’s groundwater at an extraordinarily minimal cost. Under the current Safe Drinking Water Act, EGLE is authorized to issue permits for water extraction, but may not charge a fee for groundwater extracted for bottled water. In late 2019, [...]

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 16, 2020 ­— Last week, Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a suit at the direction of Gov. Whitmer after DNR Director Dan Eichinger issued a Notice of Revocation and Termination of the 1953 Easement that has allowed Enbridge to operate Line 5. The suit aims to revoke and terminate the easement 6 months after the Court of Claims issues a judgment, which would see the end of Line 5’s operations. “I am proud to see Attorney General [...]

Ensures bicyclists are covered in the event of a collision with a car           LANSING, Mich., Aug. 7, 2020, —  State Rep. Rachel  Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 5934 in June to amend Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance structure to protect bicyclists from financial hardship and instability as a result of injuries suffered from a collision with a vehicle on the road. “I have witnessed first-hand the potentially devastating impact of a traumatic bicycle injury when my husband was [...]

“The Pure Michigan, Going Pro and MI Reconnect programs are crucial to expanding opportunities for education while preserving our air and water for future generations. Not only does this budget support those efforts, but funding will also accelerate the completion of local nonprofit campaigns that provide critical services to Kent County and much of West Michigan like the Center for Transformation, United Methodist Community House and Kids Food Basket. I was proud to join together with my colleagues on both [...]

LANSING — The House of Representatives approved state budgets today for Fiscal Year 2019-20. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “The budgets passed by the House today did not provide substantive relief from decades of disinvestment in Michigan. While some of the budgets include positive provisions, there are no excuses for the threats made to county sheriff offices that choose not to cooperate with ICE, restrictions placed on our proud union workers, or the [...]

LANSING — Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to protect Michigan’s kids from the harmful effects of vaping. The governor’s order bans the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products, and misleading marketing regarding their safety. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “Our state is currently facing an unprecedented public health crisis caused by the exponential rise in e-cigarette use, particularly among Michigan’s youth. [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 4720 this week to make it easier for Michigan residents to correct the sex designation assigned at birth on their birth certificates. Hood’s bill would eliminate the current cumbersome requirements of undergoing gender reassignment surgery and obtaining an affidavit from their physician certifying the completion of the procedure before a corrected birth certificate is issued. “Birth certificates act as a vital record to establish proof of U.S. citizenship and [...]

LANSING — Following weeks of negotiations, the House passed sweeping changes to Michigan’s auto insurance system today. Despite efforts by House Democrats, the final bill does not include provisions to eliminate red-lining or guaranteed rate reductions that keep access to quality coverage intact. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “The families of Michigan are watching as we determine the future for millions of Michiganders. We owe it to our constituents to design a solution [...]

LANSING — With no hearings or public input, Republicans rushed through House Bill 4397 today, providing a giveaway to insurance companies in the form of loopholes to avoid guaranteed lower rates or an end to discriminatory rate setting practices. Michigan’s auto insurance industry is one of the least regulated in the U.S. with Michigan drivers paying nearly two times more than drivers anywhere else in the nation, according to a University of Michigan study. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Resolution 33 to change the standing rules of the Michigan House to open legislative records to public inspection. While current rules only require the disclosure of financial records, Hood’s resolution would make any material prepared, owned, used, in possession of or retained by the House available to the public after submitting a sufficiently detailed written request. “There is wide bipartisan support for a greater level of transparency and accountability in [...]

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her budget recommendations today for the 2019-20 fiscal year to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Among her recommendations were significant allotments to clean up and protect our water and increasing school funding by $507 million—the largest increase in a generation. In response to her recommendations, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “Michigan’s massive problems require bold solutions. Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget disrupts the financial shell [...]

LANSING — Tonight, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her first State of the State address, outlining her vision for the state and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the issues facing Michigan’s working families. In response, state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement: “My highest priorities when I decided to run for office was ensuring our families’ water was safe, our air was clean and our communities are freed of contamination. Gov. Whitmer’s address tonight only reinforced my [...]

LANSING — Last night, the Speaker of the House announced committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session. State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) was assigned to the  House Appropriations Committee, as well as the subcommittees on Natural Resources and Environmental Quality; School Aid and Education; and Military, Veterans Affairs and State Police. The Appropriations Committee plays a vital role in determining Michigan’s budget priorities and funding allocation. “I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to serve on these important [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 76th House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. Rep. Hood is serving her first term serving the 76th District, which covers a large section of the city of Grand Rapids. She was joined at the ceremony by her family, friends and supporters. “With a new Legislature and new administration, the people of [...]