The First Ask

After being at the State Capitol since 10:00 AM yesterday, working to pass the State Budget and multiple meaningful bills, I’m proud to share that at 5:15 AM this morning, the Michigan House of Representatives passed my first legislation, HB 5826 with bipartisan support. In addition, I had the opportunity to vote for the first time on our State Budget, which will provide meaningful revenue sharing for local municipalities, investments in our schools, funding for infrastructure upgrades, and so much more! I am so incredibly grateful to my colleagues, our staff, stakeholders, and everyone who had a role in making this possible. HB 5826 creates a doula scholarship program for individuals who are training to become a doula in the state of Michigan while experiencing financial hardships. This legislation will not only empower individuals to pursue meaningful careers as doulas, it will simultaneously improve maternal health for all mothers in our state. The bill is now headed to the Senate chamber for a vote where I hope it will be taken up after the session break.

The next generation holds the key to shaping our future, and it is crucial that we support young women to become the leaders we need. When the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision overturned the right to safe, legal abortion two years ago, Michiganders responded by overwhelmingly voting to pass Proposal 3 in 2022, and rejecting the outdated 1931 abortion law. We did this, through volunteer petition drives, writing postcards, phonebanking, and holding community rallies. On the second anniversary of the SCOTUS Dobbs decision, I am incredibly proud to not just talk about these values and principles, but to continue to practice and live by them. Through identifying, activating, and training young women to join me in our grassroots movement, together, we are upholding our commitment to protecting women's rights and ensuring women's voices at the table, one door knock and one conversation at a time. #ReproductiveRights #FutureLeaders #ReproRights #DobbsAnniversary #womensupportingwomen

Snow, rain, or shine, I am still out on doors talking to voters in the 13th House District about the important Special Election, coming up this Tuesday #vote – at Detroit, MI