Capitol & Community Updates

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 be serving as your new state representative for the 15th House District, 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 email me at erinbyrnes@house.mi.gov.

Erin Byrnes

State Representative

Michigan’s 15th District

Legislative Updates

Implementing the will of the voters

Oct. 25, 2023

Michigan voters overwhelmingly supported Proposal 1 in 2022, and with the recent passage of enabling legislation, state government officials will now be required to submit financial disclosures on a yearly basis, with a goal to eliminate conflicts of interest and provide the public with greater transparency. Proposal 1 is a critical step forward in the process of shining a light on Lansing, and I am committed to further advancing transparency in our state.

Expanding Opportunities for Clean, Renewable Energy

Nov. 3, 2023

With the passage of our Clean Energy & Jobs Act, Michigan is moving toward energy independence. Our economy and environment are at stake — and we can’t afford to be left behind! Representative Byrnes was proud to co-sponsor the House legislative package designed to streamline the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects. These bills put into place the tools necessary to achieve energy independence, to thrive economically and to make Michigan a national leader in the clean energy landscape — all while enhancing personal property rights. The Clean Energy & Jobs Act would require Michigan Public Service Commission regulated utilities to generate more electricity from renewable energy resources and ultimately achieve a clean energy portfolio of 100% clean energy by 2040.

Read more here >>>

News and Publications

Rep Byrnes Speaks on Women in Government Panel

This past month Rep. Byrnes spoke alongside a select group of women leaders in government at a conference at Henry Ford College in Dearborn. The conference featured leading women in elected office at the local, state and national level who discussed their perspectives on politics. The conference focused on women in public service today, which brings many challenges. At the conference, they heard from women leaders in government who have decided to take on these challenges to effectively and professionally serve our community, the state, and the nation. Speakers included Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch, state Sen. Sylvia Santanna and Shaquila Myers, chief of staff to Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate.

Byrnes Joins Student Voting Summit

Rep. Byrnes was pleased to participate in the 2023 Student Voting Summit a few weeks ago hosted at Oakland University by the Michigan Department of State and Campus Vote Project. This annual, nonpartisan summit welcomes college and high school students from across the state to learn about the importance of youth voter engagement and civic participation. Rep. Byrnes, alongside her Democratic colleagues, held open discussions on issues important to students and the importance of youth civic engagement and participation.

Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Opens

Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. Consumers must select a plan no later than Dec. 15 for coverage to start on Jan. 1. Shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or calling (800) 318-2596 (TTY: (855) 889-4325). During open enrollment for 2024 coverage, consumers will be able to choose from 169 health plans on the Marketplace. For the overall individual market, which includes off-Marketplace plans, 228 plans will be available. For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (877) 999-6442.

Important Travel Advisory

Please see the following information to take appropriate action as necessary regarding travel while tragic events continue to unfold overseas. See my statement here on the violence unfolding in Gaza. You can find critical updates from the Department of State and Congresswoman Talibs office at https://tlaib.house.gov/evacuation-support. If you know someone who may be impacted, and they need additional assistance do not hesitate to contact Congresswoman Tlaib’s office at Rashida@mail.house.gov.

Land Borders:

U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents with Palestinian Authority passports/IDs may not be able to reach U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Branch Office Tel Aviv for emergency passport service or access to Ben Gurion Airport for the scheduled assisted departure flights due to closures of checkpoints between the West Bank and Israel.

If you are unable to enter Israel from the West Bank, you should use the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to depart the West Bank.

For more information about the status of the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing, see https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/land-border-crossings/alenbi/ or call +972-02-548-2600.

Dual national U.S citizens with expired U.S. passports may be able to cross using a valid passport from their other country of nationality and renew their U.S. passport at the U.S. Embassy in Amman.

U.S. Embassy – Amman, Jordan

Al-Umawyeen 37, Amman, Jordan
Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000
Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500
Contact the U.S. Citizen Services Unit.
Embassy website: https://jo.usembassy.gov/.
Register for a passport appointment here.
You can register for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) here.

State Department – Consular Affairs

(833) 890-9595 (toll free) and 1-606-641-0131
U.S. citizens local number (+972-03-519-7426)

Community Conversations and Town Halls

Coffee hours and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Representative Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:

Community Conversation with Representative Erin Byrnes

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m.

WHERE: John F. Kennedy Jr. Library of Dearborn Heights 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125

Follow my Facebook page and Website for updates on what I’m doing for Dearborn Heights and the west end of Dearborn!