In a study of contrasts, Donald Trump and Trump wannabes are gathered in Indianapolis as we recorded this week’s podcast. They are all paying homage to the National Rifle Association at the gun manufacturing groups annual convention … even as Governor Whitmer signs two more gun safety laws opposed by the NRA into law with state and national leaders of March for Our Lives at her side…and additional laws working their way through the Legislature.

The national debate over reproductive rights grows even more heated. Just before we started recording, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito — who wrote the Dobbs decision overturning Roe – has issued a short stay on the Texas court ban on the abortion drug mifopristone.

In Michigan, the Governor and Attorney General have joined forces with their Democratic counterparts nationally in challenging the initial court finding. We’ll talk about the how this debate is nothing but bad news for Republicans.

It’s not just reproductive rights under national attack. Republican legislatures across the nation have declared war on transgender Americans. We’re joined on the pod this week by Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, for the Equality Michigan Action Network. 

Emme is a dedicated advocate for equality with integral roles in candidate campaign management, statewide caucus leadership, progressive coalition advisory, non-profit board service, and enhancing LGBTQ+ issue awareness and protections in the private sector. As a transgender woman who too often relied or had to rely on self-advocacy, Emme’s passion is in coalition-building, empowering fellow-LGBTQ+ Michiganders to enter the advocacy arena, and making sure the community is well-represented at the tables where decision-making is happening about their lives and well-being. 

She is a former board member at Stand with Trans where she still facilitates a monthly support group for young trans women, and she most recently served as co-Chair and Vice Chair of the #HateWont Win Coalition and the Michigan Democratic Party’s LGBT&A Caucus.

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This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in:

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Stories We’re Following This Week

Republican Attacks on Transgender Americans

GOP state legislatures pass historic surge in bills targeting LGBTQ rights - The Washington Post

Trans kids feel unsafe and stressed at school. This study shows why. - Washington Post

Indiana transgender bill signed by Holcomb backed by national groups - State Affairs

GOP lawmakers override veto of transgender bill in Kentucky – AP News

Florida Senate approves ban on transgender treatments for kids – POLITICO

North Dakota advances suite of restrictions on trans rights – AP News

West Virginia governor signs ban on gender-affirming care – AP News

Kansas passes trans bathroom bill; Arkansas OKs own version – AP News

Utah Is “Protecting” LGBTQ+ Kids by Letting Their Parents Read All Their Messages – Mother Jones

High court: Trans girl can run girls track in West Virginia – AP News

Climate Change and Environment

Michigan Democrats: Utilities must use 100% carbon free energy by 2035 | Bridge Michigan

Momentum Builds in Michigan Senate for Clean Energy Transition | Evergreen Action

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