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 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 Update
Byrnes Celebrates Pay Equity Package
March 21, 2024
National Equal Pay Day has come and gone this year, and still, the pay gap remains. As a way to diminish this inequality, to address issues of transparency and continue the fight for equal rights, the bicameral Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) introduced a pay equity bill package, House Bills 5618–27.
“I’m proud to stand in support of equal pay for equal work. For far too long, the pay scale has been tipped to systematically disadvantage women, particularly women of color” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), sponsor of HB 5620. “This is wrong. It’s time for things to change and for us to close the gender pay gap once and for all. My bill will create penalties if an employer does not post a salary range when posting a job opening. Employees have been left in the dark on what salary range an employer can offer. Pay transparency is an important step in advancing equal pay for all Michiganders.”
This 10-bill package works to diminish the discrepancies between pay by providing equal pay certification, requiring employers to educate employees of their equal pay rights, and requiring employers to follow certain protocol, such as prohibiting inquiries about previous wage situations or wage discrimination, and would allow for anonymous wage discrimination reporting through the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that women make up a little over 50% of Michigan’s population, and yet women’s pay is not equal; they also reported that women working full time earn 84 cents to every dollar a man does. LGBTQ+ individuals tend to receive only 90 cents per dollar of a typical worker. As discrimination continues to be easily identified in the statistics, House Dems are working for equity for all people.
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News and Publications
Byrnes Alongside Clean Air Advocates, Voice Support for Historic Federal Clean Car Standards for a Zero Emission Future
March 27, 2024
Rep. Erin Byrnes joined a virtual press conference with key Detroit and Ann Arbor leaders expressing their enthusiastic support for the new historic federal clean car standards. This event highlighted how the new clean car standards will slash emissions in the transportation sector, the leading domestic source of the carbon pollution driving climate change, while supporting the state’s auto manufacturing industry.
Michigan, the nation’s leader in EV and battery manufacturing, saw its clean energy sector workforce grow to nearly 124,000 in 2022. The implementation of the new clean car standards will not only reinforce this growth, but also encourage auto manufacturers to scale up EV production, advancing technology and broadening the range of consumer choices.
Speakers lauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Biden administration for their commitment in establishing these landmark clean car regulations for all automobiles, light pickup trucks and delivery vans slated for production from 2027 to 2032.
Rep. Erin Byrnes highlighted the alignment between public health and Michigan’s vibrant automotive economy. “As we celebrate the implementation of these groundbreaking clean car standards, we’re not just advancing our environmental goals; we’re also making a significant leap in public health. The automotive industry is a key part of our economy and Michigan is the country’s leader in clean transportation. These standards represent a winning balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth.”
The Appointments Division
Gov. Whitmer is committed to a cabinet and executive office that is representative of Michigan. That commitment applies as well to the governor’s 240 appointments to the various boards and commissions that serve the state. The Appointments Division is responsible for seeking qualified candidates to fulfill these responsibilities.
As your state representative, Rep. Byrnes believes you would be great in being an active part of our democracy by leaving a legacy of our vision and values through an appointment. She encourages you to apply for an appointment by visiting michigan.gov/appointments.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid Mubarak! Last year, Rep. Byrnes was happy to vote for HB 4447, recognizing Eid al-Fitr as a state holiday. This year, Eid looms in the shadow of the humanitarian crisis of the war on Gaza. Michigan families have come together to pray for lasting peace amid so much suffering. We mourn with Michiganders who have lost loved ones. Rep. Byrnes continues to advocate for an increase in security funding for places of worship in Michigan and a lasting ceasefire abroad. We encourage constituents to continue raising awareness about the situation in Gaza and mobilizing support for humanitarian aid initiatives. Please hold your loved ones a little closer this year. Wishing you all a blessed holiday filled with good health and peace.
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Fireside chats and Town Halls
Fireside chats and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Rep. Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:
Fireside Chat with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, April 22, from 2 to 3 p.m.
WHERE: John F Kennedy Jr. Library Fireplace 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
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