Dear Neighbor,
This e-newsletter aims to keep you updated on the previous month’s activities in the Michigan House of Representatives. It’s an honor to begin serving as your new state representative for House District 15, which includes the west end of Dearborn to Dearborn Heights. If you should ever need to contact me, don’t hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0847 or erinbyrnes@house.mi.gov.
Erin Byrnes
State Representative
Michigan’s 15th District
Legislative Update
Opening of the 102nd Legislature
Last month was exciting with Jan. 11 marking the opening day of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature and the first day of a House Democratic majority in over a decade. We wasted no time when it came to our legislative priorities. Between the two chambers, bills to repeal the retirement tax, increase the working families tax credit (EITC), expand anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, repeal the abortion ban, repeal so-called “right to work” and restore the prevailing wage law were introduced. I proudly co-sponsored these initiatives to expand protections and opportunities for all Michiganders and look forward to sponsoring many more.
Below, you will find information on the makeup of House District 15 and the committees I will be serving on this term.
Michigan House District 15
With Michigan’s new district map, I am excited to serve the communities from the west end of Dearborn to Dearborn Heights. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
To the new constituents in Michigan’s House District 15 — those in Dearborn Heights — I am excited to make connections with your community. You can view a map of District 15 here.
2023 Committee Assignments
Committee assignments have been announced for the 102nd Legislature. I look forward to serving as chair of the House Committee on Ethics and Oversight. I will also be serving as majority vice chair of the House Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance.
Additionally, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues on the Elections; Higher Education; and Energy, Communications, and Technology committees.
Participating in these various committee assignments offers me the opportunity to make progress toward addressing the issues and legislative priorities that matter most to Michigan and my constituents.
You can sign up for committee notifications here.
News and Publications
Byrnes Sworn In and Appointed Chair of Ethics and Oversight Committee
Jan. 11, 2023
Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced the chairs and members for all committees and subcommittees for the 2023-24 legislative session. “I am excited to serve on these committees in the new Democratic majority,” Byrnes said. “As chair of the Ethics and Oversight committee, I look forward to making our state government more accessible and transparent. My additional committee assignments will give me the opportunity to support policies that will make higher education more attainable for all Michiganders, ensure that local governments have the resources necessary to provide vital services, and support local clerks in ensuring our elections remain free and fair.”
Whitmer’s State of the State Address
Jan. 26, 2023
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education and attracting talent to Michigan. State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s address:
“I am proud to fight for the people of Michigan. I look forward to working with the governor to uplift Michigan’s working families and deliver critical economic resources. With the governor’s support, we can address key issues in House District 15, such as resources for infrastructure, funding to empower our students and teachers, and job creation for our hardworking community members. I will advocate for the governor’s bold agenda and work to bring every available resource home.”
FBI Investigation Into Ex-House Speaker Johnson
Feb. 2, 2023
The Detroit News reported that the FBI has spent more than two years investigating former Michigan House speaker Rick Johnson and several others on whether they received bribes in return for awarding state licenses to operate medical marijuana facilities. Johnson is accused of accepting bribes during his time as chair of the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board from May 2017 to April 2019. As chairman of the board, Johnson had the power to influence the board’s agenda and determine which marijuana grower and retailer license applications were considered and when. In response to the news, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, issued the following statement:
“The news surrounding former Speaker Rick Johnson is alarming and deeply troubling. We have seen concerns regarding a lack of accountability in the Legislature arise time and time again. As chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, I plan to use instances like this to generate change for a more ethical and transparent model of leadership. I, along with my Democratic colleagues in the House, believe that elected officials and leadership should be held to the highest standards, and that no one is above the law.”
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot? You can find a provider at the “Find a Vaccine Near You” or the “Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Community Clinics” available across the state.
Or call the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136 (press 1) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sundays. Check HERE to learn more about Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters.
Coffee Hours and Town Halls
Coffee hours and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are my upcoming constituent events:
Community Conversation with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to Noon.
WHERE: Caroline Kennedy Library of Dearborn Heights, 24590 George Ave. in Dearborn Heights.
