Some Michigan lawmakers are trying to get a bill package aimed at water affordability passed before the end of the year.

The legislation would create a new fund to help low-income residents avoid water shutoffs.

State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) said the bills are a response to concerns residents share with lawmakers.

“It’s a crazy thing to think about in Michigan. Imagine that you have people right now in this winter who don’t have water to cook, clean, bathe, and just to keep their hands clean, to stay healthy,” Aiyash said during a press call Monday.

Money for the new Low-Income Water Residential Affordability Fund would come from a $2 monthly charge on retail water bills. There are provisions in the bills to potentially up that by an increment of 10% annually, to a maximum of $3 per month.

Monday, supporters of the package promoted some proposed changes they said would ensure the program would serve everyone across the state. Those changes include limiting how much water participating households could use, creating a task force to help with implementation, and ensuring the fee collected to pay for the fund would be spent regionally.

State Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) said that’s important because residents in his northern Michigan district often fear money for these programs would be mainly spent in other parts of the state.

“Some people might be hesitant about the $2 monthly fee, but let me be clear. This small investment will generate $65 million annually. Funds that will directly benefit families and communities across our state. And the utilities that provide them with clean water. And as we’ve seen, the cost of our inaction is far greater,” Damoose said.

The bills were last heard in committee in October of last year. At the time, some real estate and small business groups opposed parts of the package that would allow renters to put water bills in their own name instead of the property owner’s.

The Apartment Association of Michigan opposed that element, arguing it could cause trouble for landlords.

“Unpaid water bills become a lien on the rental property. If a resident does not pay their bill, it is the rental property owner who will suffer this consequence. Given this, the rental property owner should have the control of water bill payment for the property,” the organization wrote in a letter to the Senate Housing and Human Service Committee.

There are only a few session days left to get the bills to the governor’s desk. Once the state Legislature adjourns for the year later this month, all bills that haven’t made it out will die and need to be reintroduced next year.

Package co-sponsor Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) said everyone understands the urgency.

“We recognize how important it is that we get this bipartisan, common-sense solution passed for the good of all Michiganders, but also because we recognize that we if we don’t pass this in a few years, we will very much be in a crisis,” she said.

The bills are not on the agenda for a second hearing during tomorrow’s meeting of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee, where they haven’t yet been voted on.

Several priorities remain on the table for Michigan legislative Democrats as the clock ticks down on their time in charge of both the state House and Senate.

That puts extra pressure on lawmakers to get things done this current lame duck period before the legislative session ends and Republicans take control of the state House.

Outgoing House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said he sees the focus of the last few weeks taking shape after the Thanksgiving break.

“Everything from, you know, how are we working or supporting working families, you know, access to health care. I know there have been conversations around road funding, along with economic development,” Tate said.

That economic development piece could include bills to reshape a state business incentive program known as the SOAR Fund.

An automatic funding mechanism for the program is set to run out next after next year and Democrats will likely need at least some Republican support to get anything passed to replace or modify it.

But House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp) said the automatic way of funding development projects should expire.

“Every community should be represented in those votes. And if they’re such great projects for the state, then they’ll pass the House, they’ll pass the Senate, the governor will sign it. But they need to make that case on the individual projects,” Hall said during a press conference Monday.

Hall, who will serve as House Speaker next term, said he wants to focus on a road funding plan his party proposed. It would redirect some business and sales tax on fuel revenue to road repairs. 

Democrats are willing to negotiate on that plan. But they could face other obstacles.

In a razor-thin majority, some Democratic caucus members could protest if more ambitious policies don’t see votes.

Tate said constituents still want lawmakers to work together.

“I think it’s for us to find those solutions not always perfect and not always ideal, but that, you know, forgive the analogy, that moved the ball forward for us to improve people’s quality of life,” he said.

Attendance among Democrats could be a factor to watch during the year’s remaining House session days.

Lawmakers are set to return to Lansing on Dec. 3.

Some of Michigan’s Black lawmakers and policy advocates are sharing their frustration with Democratic leadership in the state Legislature and governor’s office.

A group gathered for a news conference Monday morning at Detroit’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center to lay its case.

Advocates said the Black community helped deliver Democrats a legislative majority in 2022 but haven’t received much in return.

And after a presidential election in which Republican Donald Trump made significant gains among Black voters in Detroit, advocates said Democrats risk losing the Black community’s support more broadly if things don’t change.

“We’ve seen people walking away from the party already. Certainly, those of us who have been in there, have been loyal to a fault almost will not continue to carry their water,” said former state representative and current Detroit school board member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo.

“We will speak out for those who have not stood with us. We will not forget that they did not stand with us. We will not forget that they did not address the systemic barriers and issues that impact our community. We will not forget,” she said.

Gay-Dagnogo and other advocates are looking for policies in areas like utility affordability, justice reform, and economic advancement, encouraging legislative leadership to hold votes on bills from the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

And after a presidential election in which Republican Donald Trump made significant gains among Black voters in Detroit, advocates said Democrats risk losing the Black community’s support more broadly if things don’t change.

They’re looking for policies in areas like utility affordability, justice reform, and economic advancement, encouraging legislative leadership to hold votes on bills from the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

Attendees also mentioned a desire to repeal the state’s emergency manager law and address issues with the state’s auto no-fault law.

State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) said it’s time for Black lawmakers to take a stand to ensure their priorities move.

“I think we’re at a point where it’s do or die. And if that means that, strategically, that there has to be leverage to hold off on votes to support bigger issues that matter to our communities, then that’s what we have to do,” Santana told reporters following the press conference.

Santana said she feels some of the blame for the perceived lack of action belongs with legislative leadership and the governor’s office.

House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said he gets the anger and agreed there’s a need for more action.

“There has been quite a bit of disinvestment over time in the black community. And that’s something that is real and something that’s significant. I think that’s also something that’s happened over time. And, in terms of trying to move the needle, we’ve certainly done quite a bit of it, but we know that there’s a lot more that needs to be done,” Tate said in an interview with Michigan Public Radio.

But Tate emphasized he believed that the Democratic trifecta of the House, Senate, and governor’s office control did deliver wins for the Black community. He listed out an expansion of the earned income tax credit, gun safety and violence prevention legislation, and budget spending on housing as examples.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) provided a statement painting an optimistic picture for activists.

“There are a lot of solid policies in this list and the good news is that we’ve already made great strides on a number of these issues and we look forward to getting them to the governor’s desk. One set of bills that I’m particularly excited about is the ‘Momnibus,’ led by Sen. Erika Geiss, which is aimed at improving health outcomes for Black pregnant women and their babies,” Brinks’ statement said.

There are fewer than 10 voting days left in the schedule this year for lawmakers to pass any more bills this legislative session.

Next year, Republicans will regain control of the state House of Representatives.

That’s a problem for Democrats when it comes down to finding enough support to pass legislation, especially in the House where Democrats can’t afford to lose a single member of their outgoing 56-vote majority.

Representative Donovan McKinney (D-Detroit) said the math doesn’t always shake out for bills that the Black community supports to move forward. He noted some Democrats may come from communities who don’t support the legislation on the table, meaning it could take some Republican support to get a policy across the finish line.

“We’ve got Republicans on the other side that are playing games because they know they’re going to get the gavel back, at least in the House, and that split government starting in January. So, they don’t have the urgency to do anything to at least give us some votes,” McKinney said following the press conference.

The next major election for Black Democrats could be in February, when the Michigan Democratic Party is expected to pick a new leader. 

Advocates in Detroit are warning party members against picking someone behind the scenes without an open process.

The campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris leaned into star power Tuesday night with a rally in Detroit featuring former President Barack Obama and Eminem.

The event leaned heavily into the narrative the Harris campaign has been pushing that Trump is both out of touch with working class people and possibly in cognitive decline.

Obama brought up lies Trump has told about the 2020 election being stolen, and false claims that FEMA funds were diverted away from hurricane relief.

Obama said it’s time to stop giving Trump the benefit of the doubt.

“We act like it’s okay. Or at least those who say they support him, they say well, you know, he’s just joking or it’s not that serious. Or, as long as we win, that’s how politics is played. No, it’s not,” Obama said.

Earlier in the speaking lineup, Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow referenced Trump’s recent comments calling some notable Democrats “the enemy within.”

“What does he mean about that? I assume he means anybody who disagrees with him,” Stabenow said.

In a press release ahead of the visit, the Trump campaign said it’s not worried about the Obama appearance, adding that it suggested Obama himself was out of touch.

Victoria LaCivita is the spokesperson for Trump’s campaign efforts in Michigan.

“You know things aren’t going well for Democrats when they have to fly in Barack Obama from his $12 million Martha’s Vineyard estate and his ‘high eight-figure’ Netflix production deal to campaign for Kamala Harris during the homestretch. And while it’ll probably be a slightly less unhinged affair than what other Kamala surrogates are doing to move the needle, an Obama visit isn’t going to convince Michiganders to vote for another four years of open borders, rising prices, and disaster at home and abroad,” LaCivita said in a statement.

With two weeks left until election day, the presidential race remains tight in Michigan, a key swing state. Tuesday’s rally in Detroit sought to bring enough excitement to the Harris ticket to break through the noise.

Speakers met the crowd with the popular Detroit greeting, “What up, doe?” Obama came on stage to Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself.’ And Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson Jr. gave the first speech to a packed room at the Huntington Place convention center.

Eminem said supporters need to volunteer with the campaign and knock on doors.

“There are still a lot of people who have not made up their minds about this election. And they’re not going to be convinced by another ad or another email. They’re going to get out and vote because of people like you and me. So, with that being said, politics is not a spectator sport,” he said.

Early in-person voting is already open in Detroit and will become available statewide on Saturday.

Both Harris and Trump will be back in Michigan later this week to continue rallying voters. That includes competing events on Saturday.

Former President Donald Trump sought to bring together various parts of his coalition during an Oakland County roundtable Friday evening.

The talk included a New York businessman, representatives of the law enforcement community and members of the United Auto Workers and Teamsters unions. Each was there to highlight a different part of the Republican candidate’s campaign messaging.

For the union workers, Trump discussed his plans for U.S. trade policy should he win back the White House.

Trump has been using promises to jack up tariffs to appeal to autoworkers in particular. He says raising taxes on imported goods would boost the auto industry.

“The higher it goes, the more likely it is that they build in this country,” Trump said.

Presidential campaigns spend a lot of time in Michigan.

Whichever candidate gets the most statewide votes wins all of Michigan’s 15 coveted electoral votes. Kamala Harris (D) and Donald Trump (R) are nearly tied in most polls of the state’s voters.

The map below shows where we know candidates (and some surrogates) have publicly appeared in Michigan since July 15, 2024.

The height of each county on the map represents the number of voters in the 2020 presidential election.

The colors of each county show which party had the lead in votes and how big the lead was. Dark red means Republicans had a big lead and dark blue means the same for Democrats. Counties that look almost white had both parties nearly tied.

The presidential campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris is taking its messaging to Black men in Detroit this week.

That’s through the release of a new policy platform and events aimed at Black male audiences, like a nationally syndicated radio appearance with The Breakfast Club host, Charlamagne tha God.

During that interview, Harris fielded questions about the border, the stakes of the election, and how she would advance the Black community if she wins in November. Harris took that chance to highlight parts of her recently unveiled agenda for Black men.

Those include proposals for increased downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers, and forgivable loans for Black businessowners, before being ribbed by Charlamagne that some of her general talking points have become her “greatest hits.”

“The needs of the Black community are not just about criminal justice,” Harris said. “The community is not going to stand up and applaud just because everybody has a job. That should be a baseline.”

Harris also fielded a question from Detroit rapper Icewear Vezzo, who has said he’s dissatisfied with Democratic politicians, over whether her proposals for the Black community were opportunistic, given the timing.

Harris said her plan “is not new and not for the sake of winning this election,” before continuing into her record working with Black business owners prior to running for president.

The push to shore up Harris’ support among Black men comes at a time when there’s been reporting that her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, was making inroads in that community.

In that vein, the Harris campaign hosted an event this week in Detroit also geared toward Black men. Harris was not there, but it featured range of speakers, including political commentator Bakari Sellers and actors Don Cheadle and Delroy Lindo.

Lindo said he got involved after hearing about doubts young Black men had about Harris.

“For me, it’s a question of coming out, meeting people where they are, if I can, talk to as many young people as I can, and try to understand why are you feeling that way. Well, let me tell you what I feel, let me tell you what I understand. And see if we can have a meeting of the minds,” Lindo said.

Campaign staff said the Tuesday event built upon ones in other states.

BET personality Jeff Johnson, who also spoke, said this is the first presidential election he’s seen campaigns discuss what he calls the “complexity of Black men.”

“To help make Black men the center of this election is a blessing and I’m excited about that. And I think it gives us an unbelievable opportunity to really show who we are and what our power is in a way that the country has never paid attention to before,” Johnson said.

Trump is also trying to engage Black audiences. A few months ago, he visited a Black church on Detroit’s west side.

The Trump campaign says he has a history “delivering for Black Americans.”

Janiyah Thomas is Black media director for the campaign.

“Under his leadership, we saw historic job creation, rising wages, and real opportunities for building generational wealth. In contrast, the Harris-Biden administration’s policies have reversed these gains, leaving many Black families burdened by higher living costs, stagnant wages, and a surge in crime,” Thomas said in a statement.

The statement went on to criticize Harris for some of the ways she’s campaigned for the Black vote.

“While Kamala Harris panders to Black voters with collard green recipes and cheap ads at the BET Awards, Team Trump is actively making inroads with Black voters,” Thomas said.

Both Harris and Trump will be in metro Detroit on Friday.

New polling from the Democracy Defense Project found a vast majority of voters would have confidence in election results if a dozen practices went into use.

That list included steps like securing paper ballot storage, double checking close elections with hand counts, and cleaning up voter rolls.

The problem is each of those measures is already in place.

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, a Democrat, said most people didn’t think about how elections are run until misinformation and conspiracy theories began to spread.

“Once the questioning of the election, the integrity of our elections has already begun, we are trying to make up for the loss of faith and we have to rebuild the trust now. The clerks didn’t do anything to lose the faith but now we have to rebuild trust,” Byrum said during a press conference Thursday.

Byrum said it’s important for candidates to watch what they say and avoid creating further distrust in election results.

In the Democracy Defense Project poll, over 75% of people said they felt initial confidence in the election process, though there were stark differences between Republicans and Democrats.

That number broke down to a little over 60% confidence from supporters of former President Donald Trump and over 90% of supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump supporters also saw concerns like people who weren’t eligible to vote casting a ballot as a higher threat than Harris supporters did.

There are very few reported cases of voter fraud.

Byrum asked people with concerns to get involved.

“If you question, please, large jurisdictions are always looking for Republican precinct workers. So please contact your local city or township clerk. And it’s not a volunteer job, you actually do get paid, not well, but you do get paid,” Byrum said.

Overall, members of the Michigan team for the Democracy Defense Project say they view the poll as demonstrating a path forward and away from election denialism.

Education and outreach were listed as ways to rebuild the trust with the general public, who may not be in tune with how elections are run.

Former Republican Governor John Engler is on the board for the Democracy Defense Project. He said news outlets need to also do more to explain that U.S. elections are secure.

“And all of the media is no match for the internet. You’re being killed by social media. The conspiracy theorists on the internet dwarf whatever, and, I would say, minor, efforts have been made by traditional media,” Engler said.

An imam in Detroit is signing onto a letter from more than 20 Muslim religious leaders from around the country in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign.

It’s a response to heavy criticism Harris has faced for her and President Joe Biden’s support of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

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Imam Mika’il Stewart Saadiq said Harris shouldn’t take the punishment for Biden’s policies.

“We don’t believe that it should fall upon everyone who he’s affiliated with, who is not the commander in chief. The Vice President is not the commander in chief. The Vice President, she works for her boss,” Stewart Saadiq said.

Harris has said she does not support any changes in U.S. policy when it comes to sending weapons to Israel. Stewart Saadiq said he interpreted her words to be more in favor of continuing American allyship with Israel, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a “bad friend” in that partnership.

Both the letter and the Harris campaign say the Vice President has been reaching out to Muslim and Arab leaders, using a meeting last week with folks from the Washington D.C.-based group, Emgage, in Flint as an example.

That lack of a support for a policy shift, however, has led to pro-ceasefire groups working against Harris this election cycle. One of those groups, Abandon Harris, recently endorsed Green Party Candidate Jill Stein as an alternative. The organization held a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Dearborn to formally announce its pick.

Stewart Saadiq acknowledged the pain and frustration communities across the state and country are feeling as war in the region continues and spreads. But he said a previous letter he saw encouraging Muslims to vote third party didn’t have as much perspective from African American imams.

“Those that possibly were of generations of Americans that really gained civil rights victories and descendants of those who gained civil rights victories for all of us, especially minorities,” Stewart Saadiq said.

He previously told WDET that he would not “spit in the face of [his] ancestors,” when discussing his views on the election. When asked to clarify Wednesday, Stewart Saadiq said he sees accomplishments of the American civil rights movement as at risk this election.

“A lot of these things that we’re trying to evolve, and to really try to gain all of our humanity as African Americans, they’re under assault,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is trying to make its own inroads into Black and Muslim communities, highlighting criminal justice legislation and public safety policy stances.

Both campaigns are likely to continue trying to court Muslim voters since the group could make a critical difference as the race remains tight in Michigan.

Reporting by Colin Jackson, Michigan Public Radio Network

Read more: Michigan Muslim voters say they feel misunderstood by Republicans and Democrats

Other headlines for Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024:

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was awarded more than $1.3 million for juvenile justice reform. The money comes from the U.S. Justice Department and will go toward efforts to reduce racial disparities in the juvenile justice system and programs aimed at keeping youth in the community.
• Detroit’s casinos continue to bring in tax money for the city and state. The three gaming establishments reported nearly $102 million in revenue for the month of September.
• It’s been a busy celestial year so far — between the total solar eclipse this past April and lots of chances to see the northern lights across Michigan. But if you missed the aurora borealis this past weekend, it’s not too late to see a storm with the naked eye.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org. 

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance and other Republicans worked to get out the vote during a stop in Detroit Tuesday.

Absentee ballots are already available in Michigan. And some jurisdictions are already able to begin their early in-person voting periods.

The mandatory early voting period begins on Oct. 26.

Vance said supporters of him and former President Donald Trump should embrace those methods.

“I’ve got to be honest with you. I don’t like the fact that we’ve gone from election day to election season in this country. But it is what it is. And if the Democrats are going to take advantage of every avenue to vote, then Republicans, we’ve got to do it too,” Vance told a crowd at Detroit’s Eastern Market.

That stands in stark contrast to messaging during the 2020 presidential race.

In that election, Trump disparaged absentee voting despite ample evidence that it was safe and secure.

The rally was an opportunity for Republicans to try to expand their base in Michigan during what has been a tight presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

It was Vance’s first event in the Motor City since he signed on as Trump’s running mate, according to the campaign.

In the heavily Black city, the campaign welcomed a speaking lineup that included a pastor and a choir member of a Black church Trump campaigned at this past summer, a woman who discussed being laid off from her auto job, and a congressional candidate.

Despite the handful of Black speakers, the audience for Vance’s mid-afternoon talk appeared to be largely white. Though speeches tried to reach a broader audience.

Martell Bivings Jr., a candidate running for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, encouraged attendees to build support in Detroit.

“It may not be the coolest thing to say you are a Republican in Detroit. But the time is coming where they will be wearing a shirt and saying it was cool to be a Republican in Detroit,” Bivings said, telling the audience to, “be a Republican in Detroit before it’s cool.”

Throughout the program, speakers implored attendees to reach out into their circles and communities and engage with so-called “low propensity voters.”

During his own speech, Vance pitched to young people.

“To young people, I want you to be able to own a slice of your own country. I want you to be able to build something, build some wealth for you and your family,” Vance said.

While this was his first campaign trip to Detroit proper, Vance has been to the region multiple times in recent weeks. Last week, he spoke in Auburn Hills.

Many of the talking points overlapped between the events. Especially on the topics of immigration, the economy and auto industry.

During the Auburn Hills visit, the Detroit News asked whether a second Trump presidency would honor a commitment to help convert a Lansing GM plant for electric vehicle production. Vance tiptoed around that answer.

The Biden Administration had promised a $500 million grant for the factory.

When asked to clarify, Vance told supporters that wasn’t enough.

“$500 million dollars when you have an EV mandate that’s going to cost 117,000 auto worker jobs, I think that Michigan autoworkers deserve more,” Vance said, citing a statistic provided by the America First Policy Initiative.

The “EV mandate” likely refers to an Environmental Protection Agency rule released earlier this year limiting tailpipe emissions in passenger vehicles. It would apply to cars made in model years 2027 to 2032.

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a largely symbolic executive order setting a goal of carbon emission-free vehicles making up half of all vehicles sold by 2030.

A bill package getting a hearing Tuesday before the Michigan Senate Labor Committee would create more oversight of child labor in the state.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The bills would create a centralized state registry of children in the workforce rather than relying on each school district to keep track. The package would also toughen penalties for having kids work in unsafe conditions.

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to update Michigan’s child labor laws since a New York Times investigation revealed extreme cases in West Michigan.

House bills to add more teeth to the state’s child labor laws have been before the full chamber for almost a year. And another to create a centralized way to monitor children in the workforce received a committee hearing in May but haven’t seen action since.

Opponents to those efforts say they could overcomplicate the child work permitting process.

-Reporting by Colin Jackson, Michigan Public Radio Network

Other headlines for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024:

• The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential is hosting a series of free webinars about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, with the first set for 6:30 p.m. this evening. 
• The city of Detroit is gearing up for its Halloween in the D festivities on Oct. 31, during which several police stations and fire engine houses across the city will host Trunk or Treat events. on Oct. 31. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume.
• The Detroit Police Athletic League is inviting young people to join its Youth Voice Council. The youth-led program is made up of 13- to 18-year-olds who will receive mentorship and training. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The wife of the Democratic nominee for Vice President is coming to Michigan Tuesday.

Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz is planning to speak with supporters at an Ann Arbor field office shared with the state Democratic Party.

Her husband, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is running along side current Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential bid.

The Gwen Walz appearance is happening as the Harris-Walz campaign has been hammering their Republican opponents for their record on abortion access and reproductive health care.

The event underscores the importance of Michigan as a key battleground state this electron cycle.

State Democrats and the Walz campaign have opened over 50 coordinated campaign offices across the state. According to the campaign, over 41,000 volunteers have joined since August 1.

Thursday, Harris was interviewed by TV personality Oprah Winfrey in Farmington Hills.

On Tuesday, Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, rallied supporters during a townhall-style event at a hockey arena in Flint. That same day, his running mate, JD Vance spoke to West Michigan voters in Sparta.

Polls have consistently projected a tight race in Michigan. And intensity could rise as overseas absentee ballots become available Saturday.

Domestic absentee voting begins on Sept. 26.

The auto industry, trade, and an apparent assassination attempt over the weekend were some of the major discussion points during former President Donald Trump’s campaign event in Flint Tuesday night.

The town hall-style event was one of the Republican presidential nominee’s first public appearances since an alleged would-be gunman was caught outside of Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump brought up a proposed tariff increase on auto imports from Mexico while joking about the incident.

“I’m telling you right now, I’m putting a 200% tariff on them, which means they’re unsellable, unsellable in the United States. And then you wonder why I get shot at, right? You know, only consequential presidents get shot at,” Trump said.

During his talk, Trump also promised to increase tariffs on imports from China. He brought up India and Brazil as well while discussing his views on U.S. trade deficits.

Democrats say Trump’s policies cost American manufacturing jobs while he was in office, and would drive up prices if he’s elected to a second term.

“Under Donald Trump’s watch, Michigan lost 280,000 jobs as he handed out tax giveaways to billionaires and corporations,” a statement from U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said. “A second Trump term would be even worse.”

Early in the evening, Trump launched familiar attacks against policies in support of a transition to electric vehicles.

“You’re going to have electric cars. But you’re going to have 7%, you’re going to have 9%, whatever it may be. And maybe, someday, the technology becomes so good that you can do more. You know, it’s fine. But, right now, the battery technology isn’t there for long term. I would say, I love the electric car but it doesn’t go far enough,” Trump said.

He seemed less willing to forcefully disparage electric cars than in past speeches. Trump brought up his relationship to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose company is the largest EV manufacturer in the world, and who has endorsed Trump for president.

Most of the questions at the discussion came from his former White House press secretary and current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The first audience question, however, came from a UAW worker at Ford who asked about Trump’s views of the major threats against Michigan’s auto manufacturing industry.

Trump responded with a warning about the threat posed by nuclear proliferation, arguing global instability could hurt automakers.

Elsewhere, Trump returned to other familiar campaign topics like the southern U.S. border and crime.

Trump again, proposed an approach that human rights groups have said would violate international law.

“Look, unless you have the death penalty for drug dealers, you’ll never get rid of the drug problem. Get that through your head. Alright? Put that through your head,” Trump said.

Some audience members at the Dort Financial Center, where the event was being held, wore shirts bearing phrases like, “I’m voting for the felon” in an apparent reference to Trump’s New York convictions for financial crimes.

Trump did not mention his legal troubles during the townhall, though he has denied wrongdoing in the past.

Trump’s pick for vice president, Ohio Senator JD Vance, also stopped in Michigan Tuesday. He held a rally near Sparta in Kent County.