Yesterday, the Michigan House voted to repeal the 1931 criminal abortion ban. The people of Michigan made it clear that they support access to safe and legal abortion, and I was proud to sponsor this repeal.
As someone elected in suburban Wayne County, I want to be crystal clear: only certifying the votes outside of Detroit is hideously racist and a clear attempt to subvert democracy.
The SNL skit was amusing, I guess, but last night my caucus was trying to figure out how to keep those on that committee safe from the deluge of death threats they’re receiving. I’m sorry to be a bummer and I’m glad people enjoyed the skit, but the reality of it is heinous.
Everyone has the right to protest, but to be clear: Lansing is empty. We are almost entirely working remotely. All Operation Gridlock is accomplishing is blocking traffic for essential workers and first responders in the middle of a pandemic. This is silly and irresponsible.
Prop 3 has passed in Michigan. Abortion will remain safe and legal because of countless hours activists and volunteers poured into the cause. I’m so grateful for them and for everyone who showed up. Abortion is healthcare, and here in Michigan we’ve made sure it stays that way.
To the white people who took part in vandalism in Detroit last night after the peaceful protest was over: YOU are part of the problem. We need to be allies right now, not co-opt demonstrations to exacerbate the issue. The black community faces the consequences, not you. Stop it.
“I have never in my life seen the government go after the relationship between a patient and a doctor like they have [regarding ivermectin].” -an actual legislative Republican just now.
Every person with a uterus and abortion provider ever would like a word.
Honestly, get fucked. I know and care about people sheltering in place this very moment and you’re on this app drawing false equivalencies. If people like you cared half as much about people as you do abortion, this shit wouldn’t happen constantly.
Trauma is not a pre-requisite for bodily autonomy. When we focus on stories of rape or incest, we’re elevating the theory that abortion should be reserved for special, horrific circumstances. It should not. It should be available and safe for everyone, regardless of their reason.
About three years ago, during a floor debate about a previous abortion method ban, I gave a speech about a pregnancy scare I had as a result of being raped and how abortion access affected me in that scenario. I would never give that speech today. Here’s why: 🧵
Given Rudy Giuliani’s positive COVID test, I would very much like
@RepMattHall
to explain how a sham of a hearing was worth exposing the public, staff, and other representatives to a virus that has killed nearly 10K Michiganders.
I am beyond livid. He should be ashamed.
No surprise to see that despite everything we’ve lost this year, men have still not lost the audacity. The author of this should be ashamed of himself.
Today, I listened to the MSU survivors who came to the Capitol. They don’t want our condolences. They do not want our thoughts and prayers. They want us to take action.
Ok MI, here's what we need to know now that Roe is overturned:
If you have an appointment for an abortion or need to make one, call your provider & keep the appointment. The 1931 law that criminalizes abortion is being temporarily blocked and providers are still operating. 1/
I just filed a motion to discharge the Reproductive Health Act directly to the House floor so that we can vote on it expeditiously. Michiganders deserve access to safe, legal abortion, or at the very least, to see which elected officials will fail to ensure it.
Really not up for this woman posturing that if she’d hugged her son more, he wouldn’t have tried to kidnap the Governor and assassinate me and my colleagues. It’s the epitome of privilege and she can have several seats with this nonsense.
This was sent to my office this evening from Randall Yaeger, who chose to send it from his work email at Yaeger Construction. This email has already been sent to the authorities after my staffer, Sara, read it. Sara gets emails like this every day. (1/5)
To everyone who told me mandates were unnecessary because people would act safely without them: This is your chance. A two week pause on indoor dining and in-person learning has been recommended. Hospitals are at capacity. Do your part. Mask up and get vaccinated.
While a compelling story, that speech played into a narrative that, if I’d been pregnant, I might have deserved an abortion because something bad happened to me. In reality, anyone who needs or wants an abortion deserves one.
I went to work yesterday to do my job, but I'll say this: hearing a colleague equate the LGBTQ+ community with pedophilia just before this moment tested every bit of professional patience I had. I hope Lansing lobbyists remember his words before working with him, because I will.
Michigan Democrats just gained full control of government for the first time in 40 years.
They just passed universal background checks, codified LGBT rights, and enacted the right to join a union. Here they are zooming through bullshit GOP amendments:
Once they got in, they stood in the gallery daring one another to take the first shot at us.
Pardon my language but as someone who got locked in an area with no way out while they tried to break through the door, I’m extending a hearty “fuck you” to whoever made this call.
NEW: According to an FBI informant, the Michigan State Police allowed armed protesters into the Capitol in Lansing on April 30, 2020, at the specific request of the FBI, which wanted to "de-escalate" the situation.
We don’t need to waste our time appealing to the emotions of abortion opponents. I know that because every GOP colleague of mine the day I told that story nodded sympathetically and still voted for the ban. We need to be clear with our message:
I'm hearing from constituents who are rightfully outraged that nothing is being done about gun violence, particularly in schools. Listing the bills I've cosponsored to address it doesn't cut it anymore, and it shouldn't. So I want to explain what happened in the Senate today. 1/
MI Republicans are adding an amendment to the DHHS budget that will suspend ALL Medicaid payments unless a bill removing the licenses of abortion providers passes. This is flat-out disgusting. I'm voting no.
Again, it's never been about life.
The vile comments and messages some of you have been leaving here are really driving the point home that this has never been about the sanctity of life, it's always been about misogyny and control. You're telling on yourselves.
Today I introduced HB 4942, a bipartisan bill to close a loophole that exists allowing for marital rape in cases where a spouse is drugged. It will address a glaring oversight in our state law, and I’m proud to have the support of my colleagues in this effort.
I will likely face backlash for posting this. Let me be clear: if your concern is that a person making threats of terrorism had his place of business disclosed and not that he made threats to begin with, then be mad but do it elsewhere. (4/5)
The next time you ask why we can’t get good people to run for office, consider today’s verdict. These men planned to kill the Governor, legislators, and legislative staff. The man that threatened to kill me in 2020 was acquitted. This won’t be taken seriously until someone dies.
Today in DC, Rep. Matt Maddock instigated the people who overtook the US Capitol. This is seditious, traitorous behavior and he needs to be censured immediately.
Sure, Dom Perignon might be good but have you ever had a White Claw in your home by yourself because we’re in the middle of a pandemic and that’s where you’re supposed to be?
Every time someone from
@MIGOP
follows me looking for material for an attack ad, I am going to retweet something from this account. This is the content you’ve all signed up for. Enjoy the ride.
Heeeey,
@LeeChatfield
. Your microbiologist colleague here. This is terribly inaccurate. It’s entirely possible to test negatively during the incubation phase and still be contagious. We don’t even know WHEN Giuliani tested negative, so that could be entirely irrelevant. (1/3)
For anyone keeping track, the federal tax dollars designated for Michigan have sat waiting for 59 days because MI Republicans refuse to accept them in an attempt to strongarm the Governor. If we don’t accept them, they get dispersed to other states.
Anti-abortion dudes have been in my mentions for weeks now telling me men don’t want to sleep with me as though that hurts my feelings. I’m bisexual, friends. Don’t threaten me with a good time.
My family is from the same area of Appalachia Vance is. I’m the first one to be born outside of KY and to graduate from a 4 yr college. My mom’s first house didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing. That being said, this dude is a caricature of himself and an embarrassment.
Serious question: I have to go to New York soon and I'm trying to figure out where to stay. I have heard it's disgusting and violent there. But is it like Walking Dead Season 1 or Season 4?
Thank you to the voters of House District 17 for electing me to a third term in the Michigan House! It’s an honor to be your representative and one I do not take lightly.
HB 4699, my bill to close a loophole in MI law that allows for marital rape, was reported unanimously out of the Judiciary committee today. This outdated law still prevents survivors from accessing justice, and I look forward to continuing to work to this bill signed into law.
I’d be way more disappointed about the
@detroitnews
not endorsing me if the editorial staff had bothered to do the bare minimum and spell my name correctly. They’re probably right, I bet Pahutsky is too liberal for this district.
It is with great pride that I’m announcing Senator Elizabeth Warren has endorsed my campaign for reelection. Sen. Warren is an example of someone who fights tirelessly for the people she represents and I couldn’t be more grateful to have her on Team Pohutsky.
In her first term,
@lpohutsky19
championed working families, fought to protect seniors, defended the environment, and worked to make sure health care is affordable for every Michigander. We need leaders like Laurie in state legislatures and I'm proud to endorse her re-election.
Last night I spoke in opposition to a resolution that would harm LGBTQ kids by outing them to unsupportive parents. I have a message for those kids: You aren't alone and you have elected leaders that love you for who you are and want to keep you safe.
This morning, I was sworn in for my second term representing the 19th House district. It’s an honor to continue serving the people of Livonia. Ready for round two!
I don't know who's coming at LeVar Burton, but you best not. I have never known joy comparable to that of belting out the Reading Rainbow song in elementary school and I will defend that national treasure with my dying breath.
I'm honored and excited to be named Chair of the Michigan Progressive Women's Caucus for this term. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of issues like pay equity, access to child care, and reproductive rights and justice, and shown how much work we have left to do. (1/4)
Friends, we are NOT going to start 2023 off with people calling and threatening my staff. They are there to assist to the best of their ability, but they absolutely are not there to be abused, and we will pursue legal recourse to the fullest extent.
Enough.
Just walked past a handful of my GOP colleagues taking part in a press conference spewing hate and homophobia. I want every LGBTQ Michigander to know that this tiny, loud bisexual State Rep stands with our community. You are loved and valued, no matter what bigots have to say.
Hey
@freep
, any time you’d like to have someone actually impacted by lack of abortion access talk about the issue, let me know. You don’t have to actually publish the opinion of every cis-het guy that doesn’t support bodily autonomy, and so far you’ve done it twice.
When people ask me why I have faith in our city’s elections, THIS is why. This is our Livonia City Clerk, Susan Nash. She works harder and with more integrity than most anyone I know, and I’m so grateful she spoke out tonight.
I’ll just say this: we’re using the exact same rules in the exact same way that the GOP did when they were in the majority. They might not like that, but they can’t throw tantrums over breaking a thing and not liking how Dems use the pieces.
In March of 2019, two men blocked the only door to my office with me and my staff inside. One moved his jacket to show me he had a handgun in a holster and demanded I object to gun reform. He wasn’t open carrying and he wasn’t in the Capitol.
Banning open carry is not enough.
A dude criticized me for wearing a tank top during my virtual coffee hour in 95 degree heat and the ladies watching were having NONE OF IT. I love women supporting women.
Girl, what rock did you crawl out from under just to spout this nonsense? Only one of us has actually ever been sworn in on the constitution, but maybe you need to familiarize yourself with it before you keep embarrassing yourself.
Yesterday,
#MILeg
introduced legislation to create extreme risk protection orders, safe storage laws, and universal background checks.
We heard you, and we are taking action.
Today, I listened to the MSU survivors who came to the Capitol. They don’t want our condolences. They do not want our thoughts and prayers. They want us to take action.
I’m really amused by people writing mean things on my mailers and sending them back because 1. You’re paying to mail it back and 2. I’m a millennial. You are literally never going to say anything to me that is meaner than something I’ve said to myself.
In 2017, I had the privilege of meeting
@ewarren
. She talked about why she ran for public office and how she spent her political career fighting for the people she represented. As she left, I stopped her and told her that I had just filed to run. “Good. We need you,” she said. 1/
There’s no point in me condemning the co-chair of the MIGOP for her blatant homophobia, because she’s proud of it, but I am sorry for the LGBTQ+ Michiganders that see her nonsense and feel less welcome in their state. Just know that you belong.
Huge, huge thank you to
@gretchenwhitmer
for coming to Livonia today and talking with voters about what’s at stake for them with this election. Only 22 more days, friends. Let’s make them count!
Kyrsten Sinema makes me wanna dye my hair purple again and try to take over as the quirky bi legislator. It’s not the Highlander, there can be more than one of us, but geez does she give us a bad name.
Don’t snitch tag plz. I have stuff to do today and don’t wanna deal w/ her.
Yesterday, the Michigan House passed legislation to require all minors in the state be screened for lead poisoning. Early detection, treatment, and abatement are all crucial and I'm proud we were finally able to pass these bills.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Today the MI House and Senate Dems, with the incomparable amicus counsel
@LeahLitman
, filed an amicus brief arguing that the MI Supreme Court should grant certification in Gov. Whitmer’s suit re: the 1931 abortion law. (1/2)
Economists think the president's tariffs will add $4k-5k to the average price of cars, will cut auto sales by 25%, and will cause auto industry layoffs. This would be disastrous for Michigan. The president says he is for "America first" -- more like "Americans last."
I’m not sure what the proper response is when the first place that felt like home becomes a place of unspeakable tragedy and fear. It’s a small gesture, but I’m wearing our school’s colors in solidarity with everyone else who feels unmoored today.
Livonia – we won! I will be the Democratic representative for House District 19 in November! I’m overwhelmed by your support tonight. Together, we won a race against ALL the odds. Thank you so much! Now let’s get to work to win this district.
#PohutskyForProgress
I applaud
@GovWhitmer
for revoking the easement allowing for the operation of Line 5. Time and time again, Enbridge has demonstrated that it poses a danger to Michigan’s natural resources. This is a crucial step in safeguarding our Great Lakes.
It’s really difficult to know how to react when a school shooting happens this close to home. Now is a time for mourning, but I can’t deny that it’s deeply painful to know we’ve spent years working for common sense gun reform in MI and the Majority refuses to take action.
One of these days, the MI political bubble will quit being overly deferential to and enamored by an anonymous, out of state Twitter account that has consistently tweeted out information that was mostly based on vibes with no real factual foundation.
Not today though, apparently.
The fact that as soon as I got elected, people began asking me what I was planning on running for next is just one reason term limits are incredibly problematic. Ensuring fair elections and ending gerrymandering create better elected officials, not implementing term limits.
What a night, Livonia! Our win, along with the many other outstanding victories for Democrats throughout Michigan last night, means that the people of this state have a genuine chance to influence the agenda. Thank you all so much. I won’t let you down.
And it's not just about voting, it's about voting for people who will fight for the things you care about. Joe Manchin has a D next to his name and is as useless as the letter G in the word lasagna. Yes, vote. But know who you're voting for... 7/
The Michigan House is ready to clean up the books and repeal the 1931 abortion ban. Abortion is health care, full stop, and no one should feel afraid to access it because of vague laws.
Once again, MI already has a voter ID law on the books. And again, asking people to send in copies of their licenses or portions of their SSN to obtain an absentee ballot puts them at risk, needlessly, for identity theft.
🏳️🌈BIG NEWS🏳️🌈
For the first time, the MI House passed a resolution designating June 2021 as Pride Month in MI. Huge thank you to Rep. Sneller for introducing it, and an incredible amount of gratitude to
@JeremyAllenMoss
and
@JonHoadley
for their years of work on this.
I’m marrying Halsey.
See? Like most very important things, running for president involves filing official documents and following protocols. Just because you tell Twitter you’re doing it doesn’t make it so, no matter what Kanye says.
One thing is for sure: no matter what happens tonight, Gen Z has made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with and elected officials would do well to keep that in mind.
The scene at Brody Hall at Michigan State University. The line to vote has been down the hallway since noon. In the last few hours the line has moved out the door. Students near the front of the line to vote say they've been there for 3 hours.
Today, Gov. Whitmer signed HB 4718, my bill to ban the use of the LGBTQ panic defense, into law, making MI the 20th state to do so. A case should be decided based on its merits, not because of anti-LGBTQ bias. Thank you to
@EliNSavit
and
@AnthonyMKreis
for all of their help.
Every day, she hears from people who think my colleagues and I should be killed. Every day, she recognizes that her workplace is getting less and less safe for her. We have a policy right now that no one other than me is allowed in the office unless there is an emergency. (2/5)
In 2020, Trump beat Biden 3,660-2,081 in Grandville. Today, Democrat Carol Glanville beat
@Regan4Michigan
1,378-1,120. Trump won 2,495-1,135 in Solon Twp. Today, Regan won by 8 votes.
Ok, I have time…
You and your husband have enabled multiple treasonous insurrections and shouldn’t be welcomed in polite company anywhere in this state. My masked photo is from me taking my oath of office, which I took seriously, unlike your husband. You, too, can have a seat.
Hey little miss masked, no one is listening to you. Which is a good thing for you because you’re telling a one legged man to “sit down”. Bad form for proponent of “kindness”.