My 2024 Hopes for Michigan’s Legislature

Guest Opinion

By Levi Teitel | Jan. 20, 2024

During some much needed relaxing over the start of the new year, I kept thinking about the slew of progressive victories that Michiganders made possible in 2023. We made important strides for workers, the environment, women, and LGBTQ+ folks that will improve the quality of life for all Michiganders. It was a good reminder about what can happen with a Democratic trifecta in Lansing. In 2024, I’m looking forward to the legislature getting back to work and seeing what they accomplish before the November election.

In the coming legislative session, lawmakers have an opportunity to meet voters where they are on a variety of popular issues. One thing is certain: Our state must continue making bold progress so our communities have what they need to thrive. Reforms that deliver government transparency and corporate accountability, while keeping our communities safe and ensuring that basic needs like water are affordable, are popular with Michiganders.

In my role, it’s been apparent that while the needs of folks in Bellaire and Baldwin may look different than those in Detroit and Downriver, there’s a commonality that most of us believe: No matter your age, race, or gender, everyone deserves to live safely, freely, and without having to worry about whether or not they can pay their bills. While there is hardship and pain facing our rural communities, there are also opportunities where our state lawmakers can make sure people can succeed no matter where they live.

One issue that can have a real impact (including on our northern Michigan lawmakers) is government transparency. We hope that this year presents the opportunity to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to cover the governor’s office and the legislature. Progress Michigan’s polling in December found that 85 percent of voters support expanding FOIA. FOIA is how the public, journalists, and activists can request public records and communications to ensure their elected officials and public services are working for them, and since Michigan has some of the worst ethics and transparency rankings in the country, we should apply this same standard to all branches of state government.

What’s clear is that powerful corporate lobbyists in Lansing hide behind these weak transparency laws to further their agendas, which takes away the trust people have in our government.

One way corporate interests have accomplished this is by passing the “Death Star” laws under former Gov. Rick Snyder, laws that rob communities of the ability to pass local wage and benefit policies. Two bills, SB 270 and 271 and HB 4231 and 4237, would repeal the “Death Star” laws and restore local control so communities can offer adequate benefits to serve the needs of their residents. When people can enjoy good wages, paid sick leave, and fair scheduling, they’re not the only ones who do better—the whole state does better.

We should also consider people’s basic needs, including access to safe, affordable water, which is out of reach for too many Michiganders. More than one in three Michigan households can’t afford their water bills, and that trend is increasing. The legislature should adopt an income-based water affordability program to ensure all Michiganders have access to safe, affordable drinking water and sanitation. Five bills (SB 549-554), will address this water affordability crisis, and it’s time to get them passed this year.

Lastly, providing Michigan’s immigrant communities with the dignity and respect they deserve is something that deserves swift action. Many of our friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers may be immigrants, and they are critical to the success of many of the top industries in northern Michigan, like agriculture and tourism. Undocumented immigrants had access to driver’s licenses in Michigan until 2008. And the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom and the Economy) bills will restore that right while improving road safety, boosting state revenue and most importantly, keeping families together.

After a year of busyness and a holiday break of relaxation, I’m looking forward to the exciting news that will come out of Lansing in 2024—if we’re all willing to work together to achieve it. The issues that our legislature is considering can significantly impact our communities and are too important to simply ignore. I urge you to stay informed with what’s happening in state government and to engage with your lawmakers so they hear your voice on the issues that are important to you. Let’s all hope that what we build together in 2024 will leave a lasting, positive impact on Michigan!

Levi Teitel is the rural communications coordinator with Progress Michigan, a nonprofit communications advocacy and government watchdog group.