Fred Durhal Jr. facts for kids

Fred Durhal Jr., born in 1951, is an American politician. He served as an important member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He worked to help the people of Michigan for many years.

Early Life and Education

Fred Durhal Jr. was born on December 27, 1951, in Rochester, New York. His parents were Doris Jean and Fred Durhal Sr. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan.

He attended schools in Detroit and graduated from Northwestern High School (Michigan). After high school, he continued his education. He studied at Wayne State University, Wayne County Community College District, and the University of Phoenix. His studies focused on political science and government administration. Mr. Durhal is a father to six children.

Political Career

Fred Durhal Jr. first became a state representative in 2002. This happened after a legal challenge to make sure a special election was held. He won this election to fill a seat that had become empty.

He served in the Michigan House of Representatives for three and a half terms. This long service made him one of the most experienced members. He was known for his dedication to public service.

Important Roles and Achievements

Before becoming a state representative, Mr. Durhal held many important positions. He was the Executive Director of the Virginia Park Citizens District Council. This group worked to rebuild a Detroit neighborhood after a period of major unrest in 1967.

He also worked as an assistant to Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young. Later, he was a District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins. He helped with community development for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Mr. Durhal also served as the first Black Political Director for the Michigan State Democratic Party. He was also the Executive Director and Chairman of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. This group works to support Black legislators and their communities.

Key Legislative Work

During his time as a state representative, Fred Durhal Jr. worked on many important laws. He was the Chairman of the General Government Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how state money is spent. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Corrections Appropriations Sub Committee.

He helped create the Michigan Amber Alert Acts. These laws help find missing children quickly. One of his most notable achievements was sponsoring the Detroit Bankruptcy 'Grand Bargain' Act. This law helped Detroit recover from a major financial crisis. It provided state money to help save pensions for city workers. Many other laws he supported were also signed into law.

In 2008, when he was re-elected as State Representative, he was on the same election ticket as Barack Obama. Mr. Obama became the first Black U.S. President that year.

External links

• bio of Durhal