Myers Phillips Condemns Trump’s War with Iran, Calls for Immediate Congressional Actio
Myers Phillips Condemns Trump’s War with Iran, Calls for Immediate Congressional Action Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips LANSING, Mich., March 4, 2026 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) issued the following statement condemning President Donald Trump’s congressionally unauthorized war in Iran and calling on Congress to act immediately to stop further escalation: “President Donald Trump has launched a war with Iran without congressional authorization and without verified evidence of an imminent threat. His actions are unlawful [...]
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 [...]
Detroit Caucus Denounces Trump for Nationalized Elections
Detroit Caucus Denounces Trump’s Calls for Nationalized Elections in Detroit, Opposes SAVE Act DETROIT, Mich., Feb. 5, 2026 — Earlier this week, President Donald Trump reiterated previous remarks suggesting that elections should be nationalized in various cities, confirming that Detroit was among those referenced. This blatantly unconstitutional statement sparked widespread concern, as the authority to administer elections rests with states under the U.S. Constitution. Following Trump’s remarks, House Republicans introduced and adopted House Resolution 244 during session today, urging U.S. [...]
Detroit Caucus Backs Detroit Launch of Rx Kids Program Amid GOP Cuts
Program for mothers and babies expands to Detroit despite House Republicans’ attempt to yank back $18.5 million DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2025 — Mayor Mary Sheffield and the City of Detroit announced recently that the proven successful Rx Kids program, spearheaded by Dr. Mona Hanna, will be expanding into Detroit. This announcement makes Detroit the largest city in the nation participating in the transformational program that provides expecting parents $1,500 cash assistance during pregnancy and $500 a month after birth for [...]
Detroit Caucus Members Welcome Mayor-Elect Sheffield to Lansing
Members of the Detroit Caucus and Michigan Black Legislative Caucus stand with Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield on the House Floor following the presentation of a state seal on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 18, 2025 — Today, members of the Detroit Caucus were grateful to honor Detroit Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield on the House floor at the Capitol in Lansing. Members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and other Democratic legislative colleagues joined in honoring the mayor-elect. “As [...]
Detroit Caucus Slams House GOP for Yanking Back $645 Million in Funding for Michiganders
Republican lawmakers slash funding for people and programs across the state LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2025 — Yesterday, the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee removed nearly $645 million in previously negotiated and promised spending with no discussion or bipartisan input. By pulling back this funding, House Republicans effectively ripped away multi-year investments in Michiganders’ health, safety and economic opportunity. “Part of the cruelty is yanking back dollars that were already promised . Without funding, our communities suffer — the most vulnerable [...]
Myers Phillips Demands EGLE Halt Operations at US Ecology Detroit South Until Facility Fully Complies with the Law
Myers Phillips Demands EGLE Halt Operations at US Ecology Detroit South Until Facility Fully Complies with the Law Press Release DETROIT, Dec. 1, 2025 – State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) joined residents, local leaders and environmental justice advocates today in calling on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to deny the permit renewal for the US Ecology Detroit South hazardous waste facility and halt operations until the company fully complies with state law and court-ordered requirements. “Enough is enough,” Myers [...]
Detroit Caucus, MLBC, House Legislative Staff Help Local Center Prepare to Feed Detroiters During SNAP Uncertainty
DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 7, 2025 — Today, members of the Detroit Caucus and the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus joined Michigan House legislative staff to volunteer to help residents in and around Detroit with food security. “As the federal shutdown continues for another week, becoming the longest in history, individuals and families are feeling the pressure of higher grocery costs and lack of clarity around receiving full SNAP benefits,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young, (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus Chair. “SNAP is [...]
House Democrats Introduce Bills to Feed 1.4 Million Michiganders Despite Federal SNAP Pause
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 28, 2025 — House Democrats announced legislation today aimed at protecting food access for the 1.4 million Michiganders at risk of losing it this Saturday due to the Republican shutdown of the federal government. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered state departments administering the program to pause SNAP benefits due to the ongoing shutdown beginning Nov. 1, jeopardizing the ability to eat for millions of families, veterans, seniors and kids across the state. “I and [...]
Carter Kicks Off “Boots on the Ground: H.R. 1 Tour” to Educate and Empower Michigan Communities
Democratic lawmaker informs local communities in Oakland and Wayne Counties Press Release PONTIAC, Mich., Oct. 10, 2025 — State Reps. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) and Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) are partnering to kick off the Boots on the Ground: H.R. 1 Tour, a statewide effort to inform and mobilize Michigan residents around the implications of federal House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and its impact on local communities. The tour will officially kick [...]
Majority of Detroit Caucus Opposes Bill to Recruit and Retain National Guard Members
Majority of Detroit Caucus Opposes Bill to Recruit and Retain National Guard Members Legislation comes in face of current threats of city takeover by the Trump administration Press Release | Office of State Rep. Stephanie Young, Detroit Caucus Chair LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2, 2025 — Yesterday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4962 in a 93-16 vote. This legislation is meant to recruit and retain national guard members by creating the Michigan National Guard Member Benefits Fund. [...]
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 17, 2025 – State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) has introduced the Protect Kids & Seniors from the Cold Act (House Bill 5047), important legislation to protect vulnerable Michigan families from life-threatening winter utility shutoffs. Far too many Michigan children and seniors experience utility shutoffs every year. Without heat during Michigan’s long and harsh winters, families are left to choose between dangerous alternatives or the extreme cold. The Protect Kids & Seniors from the Cold Act would [...]
Myers Phillips Condemns U.S. Education Secretary McMahon, Speaker Hall’s Visit to Renaissance High as a “Sham Tour,” Urges Real Investment in Public Schools
Press Release | Sept. 8, 2025 DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 8, 2025 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), a proud alumna of Renaissance High School, condemned Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s unannounced visit to Renaissance today, calling it a “political stunt” that ignores the real harm caused by their proposed cuts to public education. The visit was part of the Trump administration’s “Returning Education to the States” tour. Neither Hall nor McMahon informed [...]
Detroit Democratic Caucus Condemns Secretary McMahon’s “Returning Education to the States” Tour, Calls on Michigan Republicans for Reliable Funding
Members of the Detroit Caucus stand with state Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) and community members outside of Renaissance High School on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 8, 2025 — Today, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Renaissance High School in Detroit as part of Trump’s “Returning Education to the States Tour.” Prior to their arrival, a protest from community members sparked, with demands made that the federal government, Hall [...]
Detroit Caucus Condemns Disastrous House Republican Budget
DETROIT, Mich., Aug. 28, 2025 — This week, a majority of the members in the Detroit Caucus voted no on the House Republicans’ omnibus budget, House Bill 4706. Following D.C. Republicans’ playbook, the spending plan cuts necessary programs and services that Michiganders rely on — essentials like Medicaid to food assistance to public safety. “Budgets are moral documents that provide insight into what matters to those who craft them. The House Republican budget that was hastily brought up for a [...]
Myers Phillips Calls for a State Budget that Prioritizes Michiganders’ Needs
DETROIT, Mich., July 3, 2025 — July 1 marked the deadline for the Michigan Legislature to pass a balanced budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. House Republicans failed to fulfill their responsibility, stalling negotiations and delaying critical investments for Michigan families. Meanwhile, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” today, which will slash more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, devastating federal support for healthcare and other vital services. In response to the missed state deadline and harmful federal actions, state Rep. Tonya [...]
Detroit Caucus Mourns Loss of Legal Legend Virgil C. Smith
Former legislator and judge dies at 77 LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2025 — Michigan’s legal and political landscape are saddened by the loss of Judge Virgil C. Smith, who passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 77. “Virgil Smith was a champion for justice, equality and community,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus. “From his leadership in Lansing to his thoughtful decisions on the bench, his legacy will continue to inspire [...]
Myers Phillips Calls on Ciena to End Retaliation Against Nursing Home Workers, Restore Jobs and Reach a Fair Labor Agreeme
Punishing workers erodes justice, dignity and the care our communities rely on LANSING, Mich., June 5, 2025 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) is calling on Ciena Healthcare, one of Michigan’s largest nursing home companies, to immediately reinstate workers who were allegedly terminated in retaliation for exercising their right to strike. The workers, represented by SEIU Healthcare Michigan, walked off the job for one day on May 20 to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages and respect on [...]
MI House Dems Condemn ‘Billionaire Bailout Bill’
MI House Dems Condemn ‘Billionaire Bailout Bill’, Urge MI House GOP to Negotiate Finalized State Budget Democratic lawmakers call on House Republicans to stop hyper-partisan games, deliver real relief and job security for Michiganders LANSING, Mich., May 23, 2025 — The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — coined by Democrats as the “Billionaire Bailout Bill” — early Thursday morning, moving a devastating tax plan through Congress that would increase benefits for [...]
Detroit Caucus Celebrates City’s Population Growth
State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing. DETROIT, Mich., May 16, 2025 — The U.S. Census released a report yesterday showing that the city of Detroit experienced a population growth of more than 12,000 residents in the last year. With this increase, the city is now ranked the 26th largest in the nation, surpassing Portland and coming in just behind Boston. “Detroit’s population [...]
House Dems Speak Out Against Tone-Deaf, Reckless MI GOP Agenda, Demand Better for Michiganders
Democratic lawmakers take action to lower costs, condemn Republican “Gulf of America” bill LANSING, Mich., May 2, 2025 — Michigan House Democrats spoke up about making life more affordable and spoke out and voted against Republican efforts to inject toxic D.C. politics and chaos into the Michigan Legislature this week. View their media availability here. Democratic members criticized Republican House members for wasting taxpayers’ time and money on political messaging, instead of working with House Dems to lower costs for [...]
Michigan’s Election Safeguards Work, House Dems Commend SOS on Swift, Transparent Response
LANSING, Mich., April 3, 2025 — The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) announced that, after an exhaustive audit, they identified only 15 probable non-citizens who The Michigan Secretary of State has referred 13 of these cases to the Attorney General for further investigative action and is continuing to investigate a 14th case for possible other fraudulent voting activity. One of the 15 has since deceased. “Attempting to vote illegally is extremely rare. I commend Secretary Benson’s swift action to investigate [...]
MLBC Condemns U of M’s Abolishment of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
Attacks destroy efforts for equity and inclusion LANSING, Mich., April 1, 2025 — The University of Michigan announced abruptly last week that they are closing the doors of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices and ending their strategic DEI plan. This step comes after Trump’s attack on programs across the nation. “This is a disheartening situation and an act of tolerance of intolerance by the university. As chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I know how serious these [...]
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 [...]
Detroit Caucus Applauds Governor’s Vision for Michigan’s Future in State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session this week. The governor highlighted key investments that will have a direct impact on Detroiters. Detroit Caucus members stand ready to work with the governor and their legislative colleagues to turn this vision into reality. [...]
Myers Phillips Celebrates State of the State Address Centered on Building People Up
Democratic legislator affirms commitment to fighting for equitable access to education, justice LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session today. In her speech, the governor discussed her plan to lower costs for families ahead of more looming tariffs, increase the workforce and deliver results for the people of Michigan. After the address, state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “It was [...]
Myers Phillips Stands Up for Workers
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 20, 2025 — Today, legislative action was taken to alter minimum wage and earned sick leave changes that were mandated in the state Supreme Court’s ruling and set to take place tomorrow. After negotiations, substitutions to House Bill 4002 — which focuses on the earned sick time changes — were made in the Senate and then returned to the House, where it passed. This bill was tie-barred to Senate Bill 8 which focuses on the minimum wage [...]
House Dem Members Stand Up for Workers, Push for Improved Earned Sick Leave
Pro-worker advocates joined Democratic legislators to call for Earned Sick Leave Act to take effect LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) hosted a press conference today with fellow Democratic legislators and representatives from Mothering Justice, the Michigan League of Public Policy and Planned Parenthood to call on the Legislature to allow changes to the Earned Sick Time Act to take effect on Friday, Feb. 21. Participating House Democrats affirmed their commitment to protecting [...]
Myers Phillips’ Committee Assignments
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 31, 2025 — State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) is thrilled to announce her appointment to serve as a member of the Energy and Natural Resources and Tourism House Committees for the 103rd Legislature. She is excited to get to work to advance environmental justice, drive responsible energy policy and make a difference for the people of Michigan.
Democratic Legislators Condemn House GOP Passage of Anti-Worker Bills, Blocking Minimum Wage Increases
State Reps Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) and Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) on the House floor in the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on Jan. 23, 2025. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 23, 2025 — Michigan House Republicans voted legislation out of the House that strips away minimum wage increases and worsens earned sick leave policies for millions of Michigan workers today. House Democrats introduced a combined 13 amendments to the package to keep increased wages and earned sick leave, improving the bills [...]
Myers Phillips Takes Office on First Day of 103rd Legislature
State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) ceremoniously swears into the 103rd Legislature in the Michigan State Capitol Building on Jan. 8, 2025, in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 — The Michigan House of Representatives met for the first session of the 103rd Legislature yesterday, marking the first day in office for four new Democratic members. As House Democrats took to the floor unified in their goal to continue building up Michigan’s communities, State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) [...]