Lansing Latino legislative advocacy event brings labor issues, maternal health into focus

May 1, 2026 - 23:42

In the basement of a downtown Lansing church, members of Michigan's Latino community gathered to wrestle with policy and big ideas aimed at protecting their civil rights and building real political power across the state. The event, held on Thursday, was organized by MI Poder, a nonprofit focused on lifting up Latinx grassroots work and pushing for justice-based policy change. It marked the group's fourth annual Latino legislative advocacy day.

Attendees zeroed in on two main issues: labor rights and maternal health. Speakers and community leaders discussed the challenges faced by Latino workers, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and the need for stronger union protections. On the health side, advocates highlighted the high rates of maternal mortality among Latina women and called for better access to prenatal care, doula services, and culturally competent healthcare providers.

The event was not just about talking. Participants broke into small groups to practice talking with lawmakers and to map out specific policy goals for the coming year. Organizers said the goal was to turn frustration into action and to make sure Lansing hears from a community that is often overlooked in statehouse debates. For many in the room, the message was clear: the time for waiting is over.