Dec 2, 2024 Story by: Editor
Black lawmakers and policy advocates in Michigan have voiced frustration with the Democratic leadership in the state Legislature and the governor’s office. Their concerns were aired during a press conference at Detroit’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
Advocates underscored that the Black community was instrumental in securing a Democratic legislative majority in 2022 but felt little progress has been made on their priorities. They warned of a potential erosion of support for Democrats if these issues remain unresolved, particularly in light of Republican Donald Trump’s notable gains among Black voters in Detroit during the last presidential election.
“We’ve seen people walking away from the party already. Certainly, those of us who have been in there, have been loyal to a fault almost will not continue to carry their water,” said Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a former state representative and current Detroit school board member. “We will speak out for those who have not stood with us. We will not forget that they did not address the systemic barriers and issues that impact our community. We will not forget.”
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus highlighted key policy areas, including utility affordability, justice reform, and economic advancement, while also advocating for the repeal of the state’s emergency manager law and changes to the auto no-fault law.
State Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) emphasized the urgency of taking action. “I think we’re at a point where it’s do or die. And if that means that, strategically, there has to be leverage to hold off on votes to support bigger issues that matter to our communities, then that’s what we have to do,” she said.
Santana pointed to the lack of movement on issues as partially due to legislative leadership and the governor’s office. House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) acknowledged the frustration and highlighted the historical disinvestment in Black communities. “There has been quite a bit of disinvestment over time in the Black community. And that’s something that is real and something that’s significant,” he said, noting some progress, including expansions in the earned income tax credit, gun safety laws, and housing investments.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) expressed optimism in a statement, citing advancements such as the “Momnibus” bill aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes for Black families. “There are a lot of solid policies in this list, and the good news is that we’ve already made great strides on a number of these issues and we look forward to getting them to the governor’s desk,” Brinks said.
However, with fewer than 10 voting days left in the legislative calendar and Republicans set to regain control of the state House next year, time is running out. Representative Donovan McKinney (D-Detroit) explained the challenges in garnering enough support for Black community-backed legislation. “We’ve got Republicans on the other side that are playing games because they know they’re going to get the gavel back,” he noted.
As the Michigan Democratic Party prepares to choose a new leader in February, Detroit advocates urged the party to ensure a transparent process, warning against decisions made behind closed doors. Source: WEMU
