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 in the 15th House District, which includes the west end of Dearborn and 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
Investing in you and your hometown
May 8, 2024
House Democrats are investing in hometowns to make life easier for Michigan families. Last week, the House voted out its initial budget bills, and they will soon move to the Senate. Good jobs and being able to pay the bills matter. Resources to grow skills and expand training matter. Smooth roads and clean water matter. Good health and safe neighborhoods matter. Our locally focused budget puts people over politics — we’re getting the work done for Michigan to make places that people want to live, work and raise a family. Michigan is a hometown state, so we’re ensuring yours is strong.
See highlights of proposed investments below:
- $20 million in economic development and community revitalization.
- $200 million to increase housing stock and affordability.
- $4 million for Double Up Food Bucks — this is a significant increase. Plus, $3 million for expansion into grocery stores and farmer’s markets. This means more healthy food for more Michiganders.
- $200 million to continue providing breakfast and lunch for all students.
- $331.3 million for mental health and school safety — including security upgrades.
- Investing in drinking water and wastewater projects — $82.2 million for water infrastructure projects.
- Additionally, there are lead line replacement dollars — $50 million for lead service line replacement to remove and replace lead lines in the most economically disadvantaged 10% of Michigan communities.
Byrnes Resolution to Declare May Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
May 7, 2024
On May 7, I was proud to introduce House Resolution 249 to designate May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. Huntington’s disease is a rare, inherited disorder that is the result of a mutation that causes abnormal proteins to accumulate in the brain and damage cells. It affects an estimated 41,000 people living in the United States, with another 200,000 people at risk of developing the disease. This May, we raise awareness and inspire hope, as medical research continues to advance options for treatment, and take steps towards a cure.
Lawmakers Begin Testimony on Ethics, Transparency Bills
BRITE Act aims to tackle dark money in politics
April 18, 2024
The first round of testimony began with the package of bills that make up the Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act. This package of bills plans to improve standards for government ethics, transparency and accountability, curtail the influence of lobbying and financial interests and increase enforcement of election and campaign finance law violations. Testimony on two bills, House Bills 5583 and 5586, was heard in April.
“These bills are long overdue,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Committee on Ethics and Oversight and sponsor of HB 5583. “It’s time that we put the people of Michigan first and hold our elected officials and candidates accountable. That’s why my bill provides enforcement power to the Michigan Secretary of State, and with this power the secretary will be able to stop campaign finance violations and abuse in real time.”
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News and Publications
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, I believe you would be great in being an active part of our democracy by leaving a legacy of our vision and values through an appointment. I encourage you to apply for an appointment by visiting michigan.gov/appointments.
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 Rep. Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, May 20, 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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