Fred Durhal Jr. facts for kids

Fred Durhal Jr. (born 1951) is an American politician. He served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. This means he helped make laws for the state of Michigan.

Who is Fred Durhal Jr.?

Fred Durhal Jr. was born on December 27, 1951. His parents were Doris Jean and Fred Durhal Sr. He was born in Rochester, New York.

His family moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1952. Fred attended schools in Detroit. He graduated from Northwestern High School (Michigan).

His Education and Family Life

After high school, Fred Durhal Jr. continued his studies. He went to Wayne State University. He also attended Wayne County Community College District. Later, he studied at the University of Phoenix.

He focused on Political Science and Government Administration. This helped him learn how governments work. Fred Durhal Jr. is divorced and has six children.

Fred Durhal Jr.'s Political Career

Fred Durhal Jr. first became a member of the House of Representatives in 2002. This happened after a legal challenge. He had to sue the governor to get an election scheduled. He won the right to have the election. Then, he won the vacant seat.

He served for three and a half terms. This made him the "Dean" of the legislature. This title means he had the most seniority among the members.

Before Becoming a State Representative

Before he was elected, Fred Durhal Jr. worked in many important roles.

• He was the Executive Director of the Virginia Park Citizens District Council. This group helped rebuild a Detroit neighborhood.
• He worked as an assistant to Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young.
• He was a District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins.
• He also worked as a Community Development Specialist. This was for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
• He helped manage programs for the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority.
• He was the Economic Development Director for Highland Park, Michigan.
• He served as the Deputy Director of the Detroit Charter Revision Commission.
• He was the first Black Political Director of the Michigan State Democratic Party.
• He worked as a Communication Specialist for the Michigan House of Representatives.
• He was also the Executive Director and later Chairman of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

Important Laws and Achievements

In 2008, Fred Durhal Jr. was elected as State Representative. This was the same year Barack Obama became the first Black U.S. President.

During his time in office, Fred Durhal Jr. helped pass many laws.

• He was the Appropriations Chair of General Government.
• He was Vice Chairman of the Corrections Appropriations Sub Committee.
• He helped create the Michigan Amber Alert Acts. These acts help find missing children quickly.
• He sponsored the Detroit Bankruptcy 'Grand Bargain' Act. This act helped Detroit recover from a major financial crisis. It transferred $1.8 million from the state to the city. This money helped save pensions for city workers.

Fred Durhal Jr. has many Public Acts signed into law. This means many of his ideas became official laws.