

Nov. 16 – 20, 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.
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
SPOTLIGHT

Abraham Aiyash being sworn in as State Representative in the 4th district.
Meet Abraham Aiyash
State Representative | 4th House District
Abraham Aiyash, the seventh of eight children was born and raised in Michigan. His parents emigrated from Yemen and built a middle class family in the 4th House District. They taught him the value of hard work, giving back, and commitment to service. As the first person in his family to go away for college, Aiyash graduated from MSU and has committed his life to serving his district. Aiyash made history as the youngest member of a city commission in Hamtramck and co-founded a non-profit that promotes literacy in poor and working class communities in Detroit and Flint. His life’s work has been committed to helping people find their own agency and serving his community.
COVID-19 UPDATE
We all desperately want to see Michigan get back on track to a more familiar tomorrow in the wake of this crisis, but we will only get there by taking meaningful, targeted steps right now to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control. As the numbers of cases and hospitalizations continue to increase dramatically, it’s time for us to devote our full time and attention to fighting our shared enemy, not each other. This year has taken a tremendously personal toll on all of us; and with the holidays approaching, I know we all want to spend precious time with our families and enjoying the company of our loved ones. If all of us commit to doing our part by listening to public health experts, wearing our masks, and maintaining distance from others as much as possible, we may all get that chance — saving thousands of lives in the process.


legislative ACTION
legislative ACTION
BILLS INTRODUCED
Rep. Matt Koleszar
HB 6446
Food: other; representation of food items to be gluten-free; regulate. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6447’20
HB 6447
Crimes: other; sale of food items represented to be gluten-free that do not conform to a posted basis for that representation; prohibit.
Amends 1931 PA 328
Rep. Matt Koleszar
HB 6446
Food: other; representation of food items to be gluten-free; regulate. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6447’20
HB 6447
Crimes: other; sale of food items represented to be gluten-free that do not conform to a posted basis for that representation; prohibit.
Amends 1931 PA 328
MICHIGAN STRONG
A Stronger Future Starts Today
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges we’ve faced in a generation. It has upset the lives of Michiganders and families in ways no one could have imagined. The measure of our character as Michiganders is not the size of the challenge before us. It is our spirit and resolve in overcoming it. Our enduring determination defines all of us who call the Great Lakes State home. We’re ready to continue our work on behalf of all Michiganders, working families and for our children’s future.
Here’s a few things that we’ve been able to deliver so far:

Investing in Education and Closing the Divide
The cornerstone of a strong and healthy community is access to great education
- $5.4M for statewide tools and resources to support Michigan’s students and teachers during the pandemic.
- $18M in school district grants to support the health and safety of both students and teachers. Requiring equitable technology and internet access and teacher support.
- $25M for devices to improve internet connectivity for low income and rural families.
Access to Clean Air and Water
Air and water quality have always has been important to the health and well-being of Michiganders
- $7M to support two dozen community projects to repair, enhance and protect areas for outdoor recreation.


Safeguards to Help with Basic Needs
To be a force in the 21st Century, Michigan must have an economy that works for everyone with safeguards to support all Michiganders’ basic needs
- $7M to support two dozen community projects to repair, enhance and protect areas for outdoor recreation.
- $29M for increased Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) staffing and technology support to process claims quicker and more efficiently.
- $125M to help with the cost of Day Care.
- $10M for the food banks and the Double Up Food Bucks program.
- $4M to support domestic violence shelters.
- $60M for rental assistance, eviction diversion and legal aid.
- $25M for water utility assistance.
- $10M in Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) response grants to keep workers safe.
- $5M million for multicultural social services.
Supporting and Protecting Michigan Workers
Michigan’s workers didn’t just aide the rise of the auto industry, they helped give birth to the American middle class
- $120M to increase support for direct care workers.
- $100M for additional hazard pay for first responders.


A Strong and Healthy Michigan
Michigan House Democrats have always believed quality and affordable health care should be available to everyone — no matter their economic status
- $25M for additional personal protective equipment (PPE).
- $200M to support local public health and safety workers.
- $5M for hospital inpatient behavioral health grants.
- $1.41M for additional nursing home inspectors to keep residents safe.
Keeping Neighborhood Businesses Strong
To slow the spread of COVID-19, independent retailers, barber shops, bakeries and restaurants who employ their neighbors closed their doors to save countless lives in the process
- $3M to protect residents and businesses from flooding along the Detroit River.
- $100M for Small Business Restart Grants for businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, and dedicated support for minority, women and veteran owned businesses.
- $2.5M in grants for hospitality businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.
- $15M to support Michigan farms and farmers, as well as improving housing accommodations to keep workers safe.


Strengthening Our Democracy
In uncertain times, leadership matters — and electing our leaders is everyone’s responsibility
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
- Sarah Anthony
- Brenda Carter
- Tyrone Carter
- John Chirkun
- Cara Clemente
- Jim Ellison
- Alex Garza
- Jim Haadsma
- Abdullah Hammoud
- Rachel Hood
- Kara Hope
- Cynthia A. Johnson
- Sheryl Y. Kennedy
- Matt Koleszar
- Padma Kuppa
- Donna Lasinski
- Leslie Love
- Mari Manoogian
- Kristy Pagan
- Laurie Pohutsky
- Yousef Rabhi
- Terry Sabo
- Lori Stone
- Rebekah Warren
- Robert Wittenberg
- Angela Witwer
- Sarah Anthony
- Brenda Carter
- Tyrone Carter
- John Chirkun
- Cara Clemente
- Jim Ellison
- Alex Garza
- Jim Haadsma
- Abdullah Hammoud
- Rachel Hood
- Kara Hope
- Cynthia A. Johnson
- Sheryl Y. Kennedy
- Matt Koleszar
- Padma Kuppa
- Donna Lasinski
- Leslie Love
- Mari Manoogian
- Kristy Pagan
- Laurie Pohutsky
- Yousef Rabhi
- Terry Sabo
- Lori Stone
- Rebekah Warren
- Robert Wittenberg
- Angela Witwer