Gilchrist: Whitmer, Legislature are ‘taking out the trash’ in reversing Snyder-era insurance policies

“[That] says that we spend a whole lot of time taking out the trash,” Gilchrist mentioned. “Laws, issues that ought to by no means have been executed to the individuals of Michigan that had been executed underneath the earlier administration and [GOP-led] Legislature.

“We’re righting these wrongs. However we additionally frolicked making issues higher and increasing entry to our rights and alternative, and that’s what primarily the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act [ELCRA] represents. That’s what’s represented by a whole lot of the investments we’re making within the price range,” Gilchrist continued.

The growth of ELCRA was a very vivid spot for Democratic leaders, who’ve been urgent to increase its protections to the LGBTQ+ group since its enactment many many years in the past.

“Our LGBTQ+ pals, household and neighbors deserve equal safety underneath the regulation in order that they can reside their genuine lives, and I would like everybody to know that Michigan is a spot that may combat to your freedom to be your self,” Whitmer mentioned in an announcement to the Advance. “Guaranteeing equal authorized protections to LGBTQ+ Michiganders is the appropriate factor to do.”

Having the ability to hit the bottom operating to enact measures just like the ELCRA growth within the first 100 days of the brand new session is a testomony to Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Chief Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and Home Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Gilchrist mentioned.

“We targeted on what was pressing in entrance of the individuals of Michigan and we’re going to proceed to concentrate on the issues which can be most essential,” he mentioned. ” … I can let you know that the whole lot we signal, together with our state price range this 12 months, goes to be impactful.”

Different coverage areas which have up to now been prioritized by the brand new Legislature embody labor, faculties, reproductive rights, taxes and gun reform.

Gilchrist mentioned he and Whitmer are “keen” to signal the primary spherical of firearm regulation payments “very quickly,” which embody protected storage, “purple flag” legal guidelines and common background checks. He emphasised that almost all of Michiganders assist all three.

“This has been the start of what we will do to maintain individuals protected,” Gilchrist mentioned. “As a result of I don’t need anyone else in Michigan to die by the hands of a gun. There’s no cause. These deaths are utterly preventable. I believe we’ve the chance now to do one thing about that.”

One coverage space that has but to be placed on the quick observe within the new session: Environmental and vitality points. 

However Gilchrist pointed to the MI Wholesome Local weather Plan that he and Whitmer introduced final 12 months and mentioned lawmakers are “very keen to ensure it’s codified into Michigan regulation — whereas setting aggressive objectives for the state of Michigan to not solely be carbon impartial, however to be a pacesetter on this area.”