State Representative Denise Mentzer

Spoke up for our teachers at the Macomb County Educators Fest at MEA Local 1 today. Teachers are training the leaders of tomorrow. Their voices need to be heard.

I’m pleased to see the federal appeals court ruling last week that the Department of Energy exceeded its authority when it ordered the J.H. Campbell Coal Plant to remain open beyond its planned retirement date. The court’s decision reaffirms that Michigan should be able to make its own energy decisions through established state processes and careful planning.

In the fall of 2025, I spoke out against extending the operation of the Campbell plant because it would have increased costs for ratepayers while delaying Michigan's transition to more affordable and sustainable energy sources. The retirement plan had already been reviewed and approved by state regulators and grid reliability experts.

Michigan families deserve energy that is reliable, affordable, and accountable. This ruling is an important step toward protecting consumers, respecting state authority, and ensuring that long-term energy decisions are guided by sound planning rather than unnecessary federal intervention.

I will continue working to support policies that protect both Michigan residents and our energy future.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates First DOE Order Forcing Operation of J.H. Campbell Coal Plant Federal Appeals Court Vacates First DOE Order Forcing Operation of J.H. Campbell Coal Plant

Last week, I was proud to see the Michigan Senate pass legislation that will help working Michiganders all across the state, building on efforts in the House that included my bill, HB 6234.

HB 6234 creates a pathway for eligible corrections officers to join the Michigan State Police Retirement System and allows qualifying employees to purchase service credit for prior years of service.

Our corrections officers work in challenging environments and continue to face staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, and growing safety concerns. As legislators, we have a responsibility to support the workers who serve our state every day. Providing a pathway to a secure retirement helps strengthen recruitment and retention while recognizing the important work these public servants do.

At a time when many Michigan families are feeling the strain of rising costs, retirement security matters. This legislation is an important step toward giving corrections officers the support and stability they have earned.

Today, I was honored to join two dedicated firefighters from the Mount Clemens Fire Department at the Michigan Capitol for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

Twenty-five years later, we still remember the lives that were lost, the families forever changed, and the courage shown by first responders who ran toward danger to help others. Their sacrifice continues to inspire us and reminds us of the strength and resilience of our nation.

I am grateful to have shared this moment of reflection with members of our local fire service who carry on that same commitment to protecting our communities every day.

Saturday morning was the annual Mount Clemens pancake breakfast during the soapbox derby. Nothing is better than pancakes with firefighters!

Attended the scholarship dinner for the Official Democratic Caucus of Macomb County last night. I was totally surprised to be presented a community service award.

Standing with Mount Clemens firefighters for the 9/11 ceremony in downtown Mount Clemens.

Today, we pause to honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the brave first responders who ran toward danger when others were fleeing to safety.

Twenty-five years later, the courage, sacrifice, and resilience displayed on that day continue to inspire us. We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, service members, and everyday Americans who answered the call in our nation's time of need.

As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, let us also remember the strength that emerged from tragedy and the unity that brought our country together.

May we never forget those we lost, those who served, and those who continue to carry the memories of that day with them.

This Labor Day, we honor the hardworking men and women whose labor keeps our communities strong.

From our firefighters, nurses, teachers, and public servants to the skilled tradespeople, manufacturing workers, small business employees, and countless others who keep Michigan moving forward, today is a reminder that every job has dignity and every worker deserves respect.

The labor movement helped build the middle class and secured many of the workplace protections we often take for granted today, including safer working conditions, fair wages, and the right to organize. Those gains were made because working people came together and demanded a voice.

As your State Representative, I remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen workers, create good-paying jobs, and ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed through hard work.

Today, let us celebrate the contributions of workers past and present and recommit ourselves to building an economy that works for everyone.

Everything goes better with the MCFD on the scene. Come join this awesome team.