Democratic lawmakers introduce legislation in honor of Veterans Day
State Reps. Joe Tate (D-Detroit, center right), Mai Xiong (D-Warren, left) and Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn, right) stand together with Derek Blumke (center left) at the Supporting and Protecting Michigan Veterans Press Conference on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Michigan Veterans Foundation.
DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 10, 2025 — Today, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) hosted a press conference with state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and Derek Blumke, a United States Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard veteran. The lawmakers discussed their recently introduced bill package aimed at supporting and protecting veterans.
“Our veterans and service members have earned more than our gratitude — they deserve real, lasting support,” Tate said. “By exempting retirement pay from Michigan’s income tax, we’re helping put more money back into the pockets of those who served. And through my resolution urging Congress to let reservists and National Guard members receive both disability payments and drill pay, we’re standing up for fairness and respect for their continued service.”
The package of more than 20 bills aims to support Michigan veterans on multiple fronts — from expanding mental health and suicide prevention efforts to improving outreach and strengthening protocols for reporting veteran abuse.
“As a member of the Families and Veterans Committee, I am proud to champion legislation that directly supports Michigan’s military members, veterans and their families,” Xiong said. “Honoring our veterans and their families should not end with just words of gratitude. We are taking action to help those who have sacrificed so much for us. Whether it’s improving veteran housing, expanding mental health resources or supporting reintegration programs, my bill opens new doors for partnerships and investment opportunities that benefit our military and veteran community, and their families.”
A recording of the press conference can be viewed here: Supporting and Protecting Michigan Veterans Press Conference.
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