Guess where Republicans stood on the most important issues facing Michigan…
LANSING — Michigan Democrats had a busy week in the legislature, where they made it clear that they are fighting to protect Michiganders and fight for their rights.
The list of critical wins includes, but is not limited to: delivering on clean energy, passing AI election protections, repealing harmful abortion restrictions, and banning convicted abusers from accessing firearms. Each and every one of these measures would make every Michigander safer, whether it’s with their health, in their homes, in our elections, or in Michigan’s beloved environment.
For MAGA Matt Hall and his extremist lackeys, the week was all about blocking progress and endangering Michiganders at every turn. It’s never a surprise to see the extremist MIGOP couldn’t be bothered to work to improve Michigan, but still, the least they could do is get out of Democrats’ way.
Check out Michigan Dems’ whirlwind of a week below:
The week started off strong with Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes applauding the tentative UAW agreements with GM and Stellantis saying:
“Autoworkers are showing the country what it means to fight to grow the middle class – and win. We are so excited about these historic tentative agreements that UAW members will now have the chance to vote on after bravely fighting for fair contracts that reflect the sacrifices autoworkers have made.”
Then, Democrats in the legislature got to work delivering for Michiganders on the issues they care about most: gun violence, climate change, reproductive rights, and secure elections.
First up: keeping guns out of the hands of abusers.
“Michigan Democrats are dedicated to making a safer Michigan by keeping firearms away from domestic abusers,” said Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes. “Even when almost every Republican, including MAGA Matt Hall, voted against these crucial protections, our House Democrats got the job done to protect Michiganders from harm.”
Fox 2 Detroit: Michigan bills to disarm convicted domestic abusers head to Gov. Whitmer’s desk
- These bills would prohibit all people convicted of both felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges from buying or possessing firearms for eight years after their sentence.
- Supporters of these laws say they will protect domestic violence survivors., citing the 50 women and 20 children killed yearly in Michigan by guns in domestic violence situations.
Michigan Advance: Legislation expanding gun restrictions for domestic abusers clears Michigan House
- The advocacy organization End Gun Violence Michigan noted that passage of the legislation capped off a “historic year” for gun safety legislation in Michigan, including for safe storage of firearms, universal background checks, and red flag laws.
- “In a country where access to a firearm makes it five times more likely an abuser will kill his female victim, this legislation is a necessary step towards preventing deadly gun violence,” said Ferrell-Zabala.
Second for the week: repealing restrictive abortion laws.
“After 40 years of so-called Republican leadership, Michigan’s Democratic trifecta is delivering on their promises to roll back archaic and dangerous abortion restrictions while expanding those fundamental rights,” said Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes. “Republican anti-abortion regulations made it a crime for doctors to provide care, raised costs for patients, and hurt health centers trying to serve their communities. While this is a momentous piece of legislation, we know there is still a lot of work to do on the path to achieving reproductive freedom in Michigan. Michigan Democrats will never stop working toward a more just future that ensures reproductive freedom for all Michiganders.”
Detroit Free Press: Michigan House approves Reproductive Health Act bills, removing some abortion restrictions
- “When we started the 102nd Legislature, we promised to put people first and protect reproductive rights,” House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, posted on social media after the vote. “Now, the people’s House just delivered on the Reproductive Health Act to keep abortion accessible and affordable for generations to come.”
- “This legislation makes important steps toward expanding access and protecting our personal freedoms. We will continue to take action to ensure that Michiganders can access the reproductive health care they deserve,” Whitmer said.
Keeping the good times rolling, the third success: Democrats passed AI restrictions for election materials – putting themselves at the forefront of this important issue.
Bloomberg Law: Felony for AI Election Deepfakes Bill Heads to Michigan Senate
- AI-created deepfakes could land unscrupulous Michiganders in prison in the coming months under legislation approved Wednesday by the state House of Representatives.
- The prospective laws—a set of five—would create a new felony offense for circulating “materially deceptive media” to sway an election along with disclosure requirements for any use of artificial intelligence.
Michigan Advance: Michigan House advances protections for poll workers, restrictions on AI in political ads
- Members of the House also voted to advance a set of bipartisan bills which would require disclaimers on political ads with audio, images or videos generated using artificial intelligence and create penalties for trying to deceive voters close to an election by using deepfake technology…
- “I’m also glad to see bills passed today that address the impact of artificial intelligence on our political discourse and election security,” Benson said, adding she would like to see the Senate support these measures before the Legislature adjourns for the year.
Finally, the Michigan House wrapped up the week by taking a final vote on the landmark Clean Energy Future Package that will protect Michigan’s environment and create more high-quality, green jobs, sending it to Governor Whitmer’s desk for her signature. Not only have Democrats taken significant steps to lead Michigan’s economy into the future, but this bill package will help preserve Michigan’s natural resources to deliver a cleaner future for generations to come.
Crain’s Business Detroit: 100% clean power standard clears House in marathon session
- Under Senate Bill 271, a 15% renewable mandate, which ended in 2021, would be reinstated and rise to 50% in 2030 and 60% in 2035, when a concurrent 80% “clean energy” requirement would kick in before going to 100% in 2040…
- “These legislative packages offer solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the energy transition,” said Trish Demeter, managing director with Advanced Energy United, an industry association. “With a 100% clean energy goal, and reduced barriers to building wind, solar and energy storage projects, Michigan affirms its place as a leader in the clean energy economy.”
Bridge Michigan: Michigan House passes climate change reform, mandating clean energy by 2040
- The Michigan House early Friday morning approved a suite of reforms to address climate change that would fundamentally change how the state gets its energy and require utilities to draw all their power from clean sources by 2040…
- “Passing this legislation solidifies Michigan as a national clean energy leader and is a crucial first step toward cleaner air, cleaner water and more affordable electricity bills for Michiganders,” said Derrell Slaughter, a state clean energy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
We are thankful for this legislation and so much more that Democrats passed this week. It has been a solid start to November, and we can’t wait for what’s next. It might seem like Michigan Democrats would be exhausted from passing historic legislation after historic legislation, but don’t be fooled, they are excited to get back at it next week! Fingers crossed Republicans finally get a grip – but we’re not holding our breath!
Signing off,
Michigan Dems
###
