RFS alum and MI state Rep. @lauriepohutsky.bsky.social isn’t mincing words: “The authoritarian activation of troops against citizens exercising constitutional rights is deeply concerning.” That’s why she is sponsoring a bill to push back. ✨ Proof that if you want change, run for office.

After months of games and delays, House Republicans are rushing through an 800+ page bill with less than an hour for us to review. On first glance, it cuts funds for early voting, legal aid, consumer protection enforcement, and rape kit testing. I will be voting no.

Next week, I’ll introduce a bill to prohibit the unlawful deployment of the National Guard to Michigan. #MILeg #NoKings

Donald Trump preyed on people in a particularly vulnerable place and, no surprise, lied about supporting insurance coverage for IVF. Now, his team is lying about the current state of fertility treatment. He won’t support IVF because religious fanatics don’t. Full stop.

A victory for health care access: Medicaid funding for @ppfa.org will stay intact for the time being. We'll keep fighting so people in every ZIP code can access the care they need and deserve. #HandsOffMedicaid

Rep. Schriver’s bills to undo wildly popular and important protections for queer people and those seeking abortion care that were passed last term demonstrate that he isn’t interested in representing Michiganders or being godly. He merely wants to hurt people.

My coffee buddy.* *She actually just thinks that whenever we’re in the kitchen she gets cheese, but I like to think she’s just keeping me company.

@nathantriplett.bsky.social picked dinner tonight, creamy tomato spaghetti with preserved lemon. After we both hunted for preserved lemon, it was a breeze to make and absolutely delicious. Definitely going in the rotation.

Donald Trump can’t erase our history or our communities just by changing a website. But this should remind all of us that none of us are safe until all of us are safe.

I’m thrilled to support @barbbyrum.bsky.social in her run for Secretary of State. She’s a fierce defender of voting rights and election transparency, and Michigan needs her experience now more than ever.

I’m proud to endorse @garlingilchrist.bsky.social in his run for Governor of Michigan. Garlin is a fighter and a problem solver. I’ve partnered with him on reproductive and LGBTQ rights as well as maternal and infant health initiatives, and I can’t wait to get to work with him as Governor.

The fact that JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to gut Medicaid and SNAP after he talked about how much the community he grew up with benefitted from those programs in his crappy book has, I’m pretty sure, earned him a special place in hell.

The decision on birthright citizenship just demonstrates that at least six Supreme Court justices are more interested in licking Donald Trump’s fascist boots than either the rule of law or the constitution.

SCOTUS is using the least serious arguments to erase LGBTQ+ people from everywhere they can, including schools. Now would be a good time to read Lawless by @leahlitman.bsky.social if you haven’t yet.

SCOTUS just denied Medicaid patients the ability to go to Planned Parenthood for healthcare. This will limit access for cancer screenings and preventative care. SCOTUS doesn’t care if people die so long as they can defund Planned Parenthood.

“Well, I don’t care if you’re just thirteen, you look too good to be true” Ted Nugent talking about sex offenders in front of committee this morning is a choice.

I got to stop by Councilman James Tate’s office hours today and chat with folks about the state budget and upcoming events. Thank you, President Pro Tem, for the opportunity and conversation!

This morning, I took part in O’Hair Park’s Juneteenth Unity Walk. It was a great way to reflect on the day with the community and I was grateful for the chance to spend some time with everyone.

An important thing to remember in light of SCOTUS’ ruling on gender affirming care for minors: it does not ban this care. It allows states to enact laws to ban it. Michigan does not have such a law, and gender affirming care should still be available. 🏳️‍⚧️

My deepest condolences go out to the family of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and I hope Senator John Hoffman and his wife will recover fully from the senseless attempt on their lives. (1/6)

Today I took part in a press conference calling for peaceful protest in response to Donald Trump’s use of military force against Americans. This is straight out of a fascist playbook and cannot be normalized. We have no kings in the United States.

@mihousedems.bsky.social understand that our kids are the future, which is why we’re investing big in our K-12 schools. Together, we can build a brighter future with smaller classes, more literacy programs and stronger supports. #MichEd

“And for those of us who have not fallen into the MAGA trap of victimizing the most vulnerable among us: Happy Pride.” I would go to war for @govpritzker.illinois.gov

The first Pride was a riot led by a Black trans woman. Our community owes so much to our trans family, particularly now when they are being targeted by state and federal governments. (1/2)

After passing a budget that completely defunded Medicaid in March, MI House Republicans are complaining about the Senate proposed budget. If they were serious about addressing shortfalls, they’d focus on passing a budget by the July 1st deadline instead of playing games.

Local elections matter people.

The fact that Michigan House Republicans think the term “merit based” automatically excludes minorities is an incredible self own.

Michigan House Republicans just voted in favor of a state-level SAVE Act (HJR B), which would create a poll tax in the state and create expensive and unnecessary hurdles for married women to vote. I voted no and fortunately, we were able to kill the resolution.

It’s wild listening to Michigan House Republicans on the floor today trying to make immigrants the boogeyman around lack of resources when they voted to defund the entire state less than 90 days ago.

I seem to recall a member shouting, “When we’re in charge, we’ll let Democrats speak!” at me because I wouldn’t let him speak on the floor when he was out of order due to refusing to vote. Guess not though?

Two alumni celebrating ACYPL in D.C. this week and investing in the future of an essential organization (acypl.org). @lauriepohutsky.bsky.social traveled to North Macedonia in '24. For me, it was Ghana & South Africa in '14. I cannot say enough about the power & impact of this program.

I’m always grateful for the @acluofmichigan.bsky.social, but especially during times like these. The president is acting illegally, and pretending that this is normal is only going to lead to more illegal actions.

NEW: Yesterday a federal judge in New York temporarily blocked President Trump from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport people held in the Southern District of New York, as a result of our lawsuit earlier this week.

We don’t attempt to find middle ground with an administration that is wiping its ass with the constitution. Full stop.

www.michiganpublic.org/health/2025-... In every interview I gave last year, I countered the assertion that “abortion is a settled issue in Michigan.” Whole swaths of our state will be left without access Not just to abortion care, but basic preventative services. (1/2)

This whole thread is a very important read. This case is incredibly significant, but we should be cautious if any information we get about it right now. Also, sign up for @jessicavalenti.bsky.social’s newsletter Abortion, Every Day.

This week was disappointing and stressful. Comfort food was in order. Marry Me Chicken over mashed potatoes.

Bans on trans people were never about “fairness” — they’ve always been about controlling our lives and futures.

Trans rights are human rights. There is no compromising and no ceding ground.

Worried about federal cuts to Medicaid? Michigan Republicans just voted to completely eliminate state Medicaid funding.

The Michigan House passed bills to gut education, healthcare, and other essential services under the guise of “preventing a shutdown.” My district knows better and won’t fall for it. I voted no.

The right to protest is a constitutionally protected and a critical part of our democracy. Universities who comply with this threat without challenging it are complicit in propping up fascism.

It’s an honor to be at #SOTS2025 with @danielleatkinson.bsky.social , Executive Director of Mothering Justice and a true champion for Michigan’s workers and mamas.

@nathantriplett.bsky.social created a new sourdough starter for us, and this is our first loaf from this batch!

SB 8, a bill that subverts the will of hundreds of thousands of Michiganders that supported higher wages for all workers, just passed the House. I was proud to stand with workers and vote NO.

So @distillsocial.bsky.social has had my back through these last couple of crazy weeks, and I just wanted to say that they are doing exactly what they should be doing right now: advocating for Democratic values and policies that support working people. I’m grateful for the work they do.

Redeeming yesterday’s cake fail with a caramelized onion galette.

Miso mustard salmon with broccoli and brown rice.

This evening I was elected to serve as Chair of the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission for 2025. I'm looking forward to leading the Commission as we work toward, among other things, the renewal of the Ingham County Trails & Parks Millage in 2026.