Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter. It’s hard to believe that it’s already May; April was a busy month in the People’s House. I introduced several pieces of legislation to support entrepreneurs, grow our economy, and expand access to child care. At the end of the month, Democrats returned to full strength in the majority after two Democrats from Westland and Warren were sworn in as Members of the House.
Back home in the district, it was a joy to bring my team on a tour of several impactful community organizations. Salina Elementary welcomed me with enthusiasm, attention, and lots of laughs while I read to its second- and third-grade classes. Thank you to everyone who joined me at our coffee hour at Family Bakery. We had insightful conversations on issues facing seniors, ballot access, and more.
Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope will be helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0144 or email at AlabasFarhat@house.mi.gov with questions about this or any other state-level issue.
Sincerely,
Alabas A. Farhat
State Representative, 3rd House District
Upcoming Events
Coffee Hour
Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Family Bakery, 17032 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48228
Legislative Snapshot: Pushing the People’s Agenda
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This month, I was proud to champion legislation directly affecting our community.
House Bill 5638 is part of the Michigan Child Care for All package I introduced with my colleagues in the Legislature. This legislation is aimed at tackling the child care crisis. In the last decade, Michigan has lost 40% of its child care capacity.
The package includes substantive components aimed at lowering costs and expanding access to child care. This package of bills aims to create a working parents tax credit, putting dollars back in the pockets of parents with infant- to toddler-aged children, worth $5,500 annually; update and modernize licensing requirements to ease the financial burden on providers and professionals; create operational grants and startup capital for licensed providers caring for infants and toddlers to stabilize their business and increase staff wages; and streamline and expand access to child care subsidies by re-establishing provider rates to fiscal year 2023-24 levels. For more information, find our press release here.
House Bill 5653 establishes the Michigan Innovation Fund, aimed at supporting startups and growing the innovation economy in Michigan. This bipartisan legislation will create early-stage evergreen funds that will support new businesses and build a strong ecosystem for Michigan’s startup community. Making a committed effort to support our entrepreneurs and startups here will mean our homegrown talent won’t have to move to California or New York to find the capital to support their ideas and grow their businesses.
House Resolution 228 declares April 2024 as Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan. This April, we honored the significant contributions of Arab Americans to the fabric and foundation of our country. People with Arab heritage embody the courage, tenacity, and resilience that make up the American Dream. As the earliest immigrants built their lives, they helped build our country. Their sacrifices in the armed forces and public service, job creation, scientific breakthroughs, and everyday contributions have made an indelible mark on our communities.
This April, we came together to celebrate the cultural significance and contributions of the Arab American community. At the same time, we pause to recognize those currently experiencing pain and suffering in Gaza and the Middle East. As your state representative, I am committed to ensuring those voices and those of their family members are heard, supported, and uplifted.
If you’re ever curious about the status of pending legislation or you would appreciate further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
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May is National Foster Care Awareness Month
Have you experienced foster care and are currently a student? Apply for the Fostering Futures Scholarship and learn more about YOUR eligibility here: Michigan Foster Care Scholarship. The application priority deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is Aug. 1.
In the Community
Friends & Neighbors Halal Congregate Meals
For Middle Eastern adults, ages 60 and up.
Meals are hosted every Monday and Friday after 3 p.m. at ACCESS (6451 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI 48126). To register, contact Ashgan Mashrah at (313) 203-1874. Participants must register 24 hours in advance to receive meals.
Volunteer Opportunities
Evergreen Community Garden Clean Up Day — Saturday, May 11, at 7600 Evergreen Road. Contact Shirley Rankin for more information: (248) 818-1952.
Motor City Makeover 365 Clean Up — Saturday, May 18. Contact the City of Detroit for more information: (313) 2224-415.
State of Michigan Tribute Nominations
If you know an individual, business, or community landmark that you believe deserves special recognition in the form of a tribute, please reach out to my office or submit a request here. One of my favorite parts of serving as your state representative is visiting teachers, small-business owners, and others to offer our gratitude for the work they do to support our community daily.
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