Urge Michigan Senate to finalize HB4189 for Memorial Bridge

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The Issue

Get the Michigan Senate to finalize HB4189 to name a memorial bridge in Fowlerville after LCpl Michael W. Hanks. It’s been on the agenda for 7 months without action. 

 

 

Where we stand on the Lance Cpl. Michael W. Hanks Bridge Bill

I want to give a real update, because a lot of you have been asking where things are at.

The bill to name the I-96 overpass in honor of Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks has already passed through the House.

Now it sits in the Senate.

And this is where things have stalled.

Because the bill was introduced and passed through a Republican-led House, it now needs action from a Democrat-led Senate… and right now, it’s not being prioritized.

Let me be clear, this is not about merit.

Recently, the House voted on a Senate bill to name a Memorial Highway for another service member killed in action, and rightfully so. That’s exactly how this should work. Honor should not be political.

Which means the expectation is simple. The Senate should now bring this bill forward for a vote.

Instead, it’s sitting.

Low priority.

Somewhere behind a long list of “awareness” resolutions that don’t actually require action.

And that’s where I’m asking for your help.

If you’ve been waiting to do something, this is it.

 

This should not be complicated.

This is about honoring a Marine who was killed in Fallujah.

Not politics. Not timing. Not convenience.

Just doing what’s right.

Let’s get this done for Mike.

avatar of the starter
April MeadowsPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Jason Woolford
Jason Woolford
Michigan House of Representatives - District 50
Responded
“Democrats in the Michigan Senate are playing sick political games with the memory of a fallen hero. Lance Corporal Michael Hanks, a Silver Star recipient, Michigan Military Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the Marines immortalized in We Were One, paid the ultimate price for this country. His family buried a son and brother. We owe it to them, especially his sister, who has continued fighting this battle for her brother and for the very Americans he gave his life to protect. Senate Democrats passed this simple bridge-naming bill out of committee under Senator Klinefelt, but the Senate Majority Leader is still holding it hostage for partisan reasons. This isn’t politics. This is vile, childish, and disgraceful. Release the bill. Bring it to the floor. Name the bridge after Lance Corporal Michael Hanks. Stop dishonoring a Marine who gave everything. To all United States Marines — active duty, veterans, at home and stationed around the globe — and to every service member from the other branches of our military, and to all American citizens: Demand justice now. Contact your Michigan senators and force them to pass this bill immediately. Honor the fallen. Enough is enough.”
Erika Geiss
Erika Geiss
Michigan State Senate - District 1
Responded
“Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your advocacy regarding House Bill 4189, which would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the bridge on South Grand Avenue over Highway I-96 in the Village of Fowlerville as the "LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge.” I always appreciate hearing from neighbors about the issues most important to them. As you know, on March 6th, 2025, HB 4189 was introduced by State Representative Woolford and subsequently referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. On June 4th, 2025, HB 4189 passed the Michigan House with 137 “yea” votes and 0 “nay" votes. On June 10th, 2025, HB 4189 moved to the Michigan Senate and was referred to the Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services. On December 4th, 2025, HB 4189 passed from this Committee and moved to the Senate Floor for a full vote. You can track the movement of this legislation at the following link. Due to the fact that HB 4189 has passed its respective committee and awaits a full vote on the Senate Floor, I would encourage you to contact the office of State Senate Majority Floor Leader Brinks to request that HB 4189 is scheduled for a full vote. Her office can be reached at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov or (517) 373-1801. Once more, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding state legislation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Best regards, Erika Geiss State Senator District 1 [Note: The Change.org Community Connection Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Lana Theis
Lana Theis
Michigan State Senator — District 22
Responded
“As your State Senator, I am honored to express my support for House Bill 4189, which seeks to rename the Grand Ave Bridge over I-96 in Fowlerville as the LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge. This designation is a fitting tribute to Lance Corporal Hanks, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. By memorializing his name, we ensure that his legacy lives on and that the community remembers the courage and dedication he exemplified. I fully support this bill and urge my colleagues to join me in honoring LCpl Hanks through this meaningful recognition. Sincerely, Lana Theis Michigan State Senator District 22 Michigan Senate”

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Petition created on April 22, 2026