STATE CAPITOL, Mich.(WLNS) — A Michigan organization gathered at the state Capitol for two reasons—to make sure everyone can get a driver’s license and make sure everyone can afford a place to live.
We The People Michigan Action rallied at the Capitol Wednesday afternoon in hopes that state lawmakers can pass the Drive SAFE bill . The bill would allow everyone to get a driver’s license—including undocumented immigrants.
Yvonne Navarrete, policy director for the organization, says the bill would help many undocumented immigrants and their daily lives.
“Many industries across the state rely on immigrant labor, and in order to do those jobs safely, we need driver’s licenses for all,” says Navarrete.
She says they also want the legislature to pass a renter’s rights house bill, like HB 4947 while the Democratic majority still has power within the House.
April Ailes, co-organizer of the organization, says in Kalamazoo they’re at 96% occupancy.
“Our un-housed population is growing every day,” said Ailes. “Families are being priced out of their units consistently. Elderly folks are on fixed incomes. Their rent keeps going up and they can’t afford to pay those increases.”