In a week of Democrats’ hard at work, Trump tried to erase his history of abandoning Michiganders and our autoworkers
LANSING — This week, Michigan Dems sent IVF and surrogacy protections to Governor Whitmer’s desk, celebrated the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, and held Trump accountable for his lies about the auto industry. Unfortunately, the MIGOP, as expected, spent the week continuing to tear down our progress.
As Republicans nationwide try to duck, cover, and dodge the spotlight regarding their attacks on IVF and surrogacy, Michigan Dems took the next step in protecting reproductive freedom this week by repealing the archaic surrogacy ban and clarifying legal rights for IVF and surrogacy. These new laws will give the same rights to all families as Democrats continue supporting reproductive rights and Michiganders’ personal freedoms.
Not only are those freedoms under threat – Trump, once again, proved this week that our economy is also at stake as MAGA Republicans sell out Michiganders in favor of billionaires and corporations. He tried to erase his history of abandoning Michigan autoworkers, but thankfully, Michigan Dems still took the time to remind everyone of every single promise he broke to workers and how many jobs he sold down the river during his presidency.
Finally, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes joined the chorus of Democratic leaders celebrating the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and the over 1 million Michiganders covered by it, reminding everyone that the fate of the ACA hangs in the balance this cycle.
TL;DR? Check out below for the week’s highlights reel:
A major win from this week: Michigan Senate Dems sent IVF and surrogacy legislation, championed by Rep. Samantha Steckloff, to Governor Whitmer’s desk for her signature. The Michigan Family Protection Act removes Michigan’s ban on paid surrogacy — the only one in the country, and gives clear legal rights to the intended parents of those who use fertility care. Michigan is one step closer to protecting IVF from the extremist attacks that Republicans are waging nationwide:
MLive: Repealing ban on paid surrogacy passes Michigan Senate
- State Rep. Samantha Steckloff, D-Farmington Hills, one of the package’s sponsors, said the bills eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care, allowing Michiganders more ways to grow their families…
- According to Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes, Michigan is the only state that criminalizes paid surrogacy. Barnes called the law “antiquated.”
Then, in addition to passing this historic legislation, Michigan Dems also held Trump accountable for the lies he spread about autoworkers and his record on the auto industry. With help from Michigan leaders like UAW President Shawn Fain, Michigan Dems reminded everyone how Trump abandoned Michigan autoworkers and did nothing to stop two separate auto plants from closing on his watch. Don’t be fooled, President Biden has had our back, and because of him, we are beating China in planned new private sector investments in electric vehicle and EV battery manufacturing:
At the end of the week, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes applauded the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and the millions of Americans who got coverage under this life-changing legislation. Even after all these years, Republicans are still attacking the ACA to push their extremist agenda at the cost of the well-being of families and communities across Michigan:
“Over a million Michiganders have coverage because of the Affordable Care Act, and yet MAGA Republicans would love nothing more than to take these vital protections away. On this anniversary, we must not forget that during Trump’s presidency, the GOP constantly worked to undermine the ACA without regard for the millions of families across the country who rely on it to care for themselves and their children. While Democrats put the well-being of our communities first, Republicans continue their assault on this life-saving legislation.”
Other Michigan Democratic leaders joined the Chair to highlight the continued threats to the ACA by Trump and his MAGA cronies that have yet again promised to gut this landmark legislation. Unsurprisingly, Republicans don’t care that thousands of people with pre-existing conditions will now face outrageous insurance premiums that either bankrupt them or force them to go uncovered. They don’t care that the ACA helped insure millions of Americans and Michiganders alike, saving millions of dollars and countless lives. Thankfully, Michigan Democrats will never stop fighting to protect the ACA and those who rely on it:
It was a full week, but Democrats never tire of delivering for Michiganders. We look forward to continuing to build a brighter future for everyone. Til next week.
Signing off,
Michigan Dems
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