Oct. 12 – 16, 2020

Welcome to the Michigan House Democrats’ View from the Gallery! Here you will find a selection of the legislative actions our members take each week, including video highlights, photos and more. Make sure to watch for new editions each week.

SPOTLIGHT

This week Michigan House Democrats called on Speaker Lee Chatfield to prioritize the health and safety of legislative Members and staff. With a flawed COVID-19 preparedness and response plan along with the continued presence of firearms within the Anderson House Office Building and the Capitol – the safety of legislators, staff, and the public continues to be at risk. Michigan House Democrats will always put the health and safety of Michiganders first and we will not stand idly by as months of inaction puts lives at risk. It’s time to stand up.

As of right now, a life-saving mask is not required on the House floor but a neck-tie is. This week Michigan House Democrats called attention to this absurd lack of action by removing their neckties on the floor. If the House has the constitutional power to require a neck tie, they also have the power to require masks to protect the health and safety of legislators, staff and their families.

legislative ACTION

Representative Leslie Love speaks on her bill, HB 6137 that creates additional requirements to keep those in aged and nursing homes safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representative Nate Shannon speaks to his amendment on SB 911, making sure the retired state employees who have come back to help during COVID-19 retain access to their benefits.

Anchor strikes in the straits of Mackinac pose a real danger to the pipelines located there, threatening the environment and the economy.

Representative Laurie Pohutsky calls to declare October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE

Enough is Enough

For months the Joint Select Committee on COVID-19 has played partisan political games while thousands of Michiganders lose time, money and their lives. Enough is enough – it’s time for this committee to fulfill its duty of examining this crisis and provide solid recommendations to prevent or prepare for similar emergencies.

Rep. Ronnie Peterson testifies before the House Transportation committee on his bill to create a fund-raising registration plate for sickle cell and anemia research and treatment (HB 5920).

House Bill 5920 creates a specialty license plate to raise funds for sickle cell anemia research and awareness. Funds from the purchase of the specialty license plate created by Peterson’s bill would go toward a new Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness fund within the Department of Treasury and then distributed for research and awareness activities.

HB 6101

Rep. Wendell Byrd

HB 6101

Provide protection from liability to certain persons on reopening of business or school

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HB 4035

Rep. Jim Ellison

HB 4035

Prohibits local government from regulating a dog based on breed or perceived breed

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HB 6137

Rep. Leslie Love

HB 6137

Additional requirements for certain homes for the aged and nursing homes dedicated as CARE facilities and residents who test positive for coronavirus

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HR 319

Rep. Mari Manoogian

HR 319

To condemn Azerbaijan’s actions in Nagorno-Karabakh and Turkish involvement

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BILLS INTRODUCED

HB 6311

Rep. Kyra Bolden

HB 6311

Creates general revisions concering formation of benefit corporation in Michigan.

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HB 6306

Rep. LaTanya Garrett

HB 6306

Certain requirements related to seizure awareness; provide for

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HB 6309

Rep. Christine Greig

HB 6309

Authorize and establish duties of officers and directors

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HB 6307

Rep. Rachel Hood

HB 6307

Requirement for maritime pilot and prohibition of anchors in Straits of Mackinac

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HB 6310

Rep. Rachel Hood

HB 6310

Require annual benefit report

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HB 6312

Rep. Matt Koleszar

HB 6312

Establish annual report filing requirements for domestic and foreign corporations subject to chapter 10.

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HR 322

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

HR 322

Declares October 2020 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the state of Michigan

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HR 320

Rep. Tim Sneller

HR 320

Declares October 2020 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Michigan

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MICHIGAN STRONG

A Stronger Future Starts Today

A strong, healthy, and thriving Michigan begins right here – with hard work and dedication. To learn more about how we’re creating a stronger Michigan for all, visit mistrongplan.com

FUTURES FOR FRONTLINERS

Take A Step Forward

The Futures for Frontliners program serves as an important extension of the MI Reconnect Program, a bipartisan initiative spearheaded by Gov. Whitmer and Reps. Anthony and Kennedy. Rep. Anthony’s bill to establish the program was signed into law as Public Act 69 of 2020, clearing a tuition-free pathway to higher education for Michigan adults. Reps. Anthony and Kennedy also lead a group of 26 House Democratic Legislative Champions of the program.