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 serve as your new state representative for the 15th State 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
Byrnes Applauds Signing of Clean Energy Bill Packages
Nov. 29, 2023
Two bill packages — the Clean Energy and Jobs Act and the Clean Energy Future — were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month. Together, this legislation will make Michigan a national leader in clean energy standards and drive investment into new renewable energy projects, creating good-paying jobs in the state.
The Clean Energy and Jobs Act will allow for more large-scale renewable energy projects in Michigan so that new clean energy standards can be met. In order for Michigan to reach its renewable energy goals, this package was designed to streamline the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects. Growing energy right here at home and making Michigan energy independent will also create union jobs for hardworking Michiganders.
“By making Michigan a desirable place for clean energy projects, we are ensuring that thousands of jobs with good wages are brought to the state as well,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). “Not only that, but it will also enable us to reach our clean energy goals and reduce energy costs by leveraging billions in available federal funding.”
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State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), fourth from right, stands with fellow members of the Michigan Legislature and stakeholders during the signing of the clean energy bills on Nov. 28, 2023, in Detroit.
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Reproductive Health Act Package Signed Into Law
Nov, 21, 2023
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act. The package of bills repeals politically motivated, medically unnecessary statutes that criminalized nurses and doctors, forced health care providers to close, raised costs for patients, and restricted access to abortion. The RHA builds on efforts to expand access to abortion in Michigan after the passage of Proposal 3 last November and the repeal of the state’s extreme 1931 criminal abortion ban earlier this year.
Gov. Whitmer first called for passage of the RHA in the What’s Next Address, a first-of-its-kind speech delivered in August laying out a policy vision for the fall after the Michigan Legislature’s unprecedented productivity in the first half of 2023. Voters enshrined the right to abortion care in our state constitution, and it’s incumbent upon us to make sure that right is accessible to all. The RHA brings us one step closer to that goal.
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Byrnes Signs Gaza Cease-fire Letter
Nov, 22, 2023
Rep. Byrnes was proud to stand in support with her colleagues in the House and Senate to call for a lasting cease-fire and safe return of all hostages, and wrote, “There is a stark humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes. Let’s not look away.”
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Read the letter posted here on my Facebook page.
That’s a Wrap!
Spotify Wrapped has nothing on House District 15. We have had a productive year, and we have exciting things in store for the community in 2024. See below for highlights from 2023!
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News and Publications
Dearborn Goodfellows
Keep an eye out for the Dearborn Goodfellows this season! Representative Byrnes is part of the group of volunteers that provides year-round assistance to children in need, whether it be for school supplies, unforeseen situational emergencies, scholarships, and anything else we do to ensure our children are taken care of. Dec. 15 and 16 Goodfellows will be packaging & delivering gifts to children in need throughout the community. If you are interested in helping at any of the events, see the group’s event schedule online.
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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: 1-855-889-4325). 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 the Department of Insurance and Financial Services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (877) 999-6442.
MI Healthy Climate Corps to Launch in January 2024
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has announced that the MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHCC) program will start in January 2024. MHCC will field a cohort of 30 federal AmeriCorps members who will provide vital support for climate action across Michigan. Corps members will receive training and career development support to bolster Michigan’s climate leadership pool.
Interested in being a candidate or a host community? Fill out this form to keep connected on program updates and launch information.
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 Rep. Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:
*Save the Date*: Fireside Chat with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library of Dearborn Heights 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
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Follow my Facebook page and Website for updates on what I’m doing for Dearborn Heights and the west end of Dearborn!