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 State 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 House District
Legislative Update
Byrnes Celebrates Budget Investments in Hometowns, Education
May 14
The Michigan House of Representatives passed its budget last month. It includes substantial investments in Michigan students, local economies, safety and a greater focus on the wellbeing of Michiganders. House Dems are reinforcing their commitment to building stronger hometowns and investing in Michiganders. After voting, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement:
“This budget builds on many of the successes from last year’s investments. We passed our budget that continues to fund universal public-school lunches, increases per-pupil spending and makes postsecondary opportunities more affordable. We are focused on making our hometowns better off and safer through this budget. We are continuing to put the health, safety, and well-being of all Michiganders first and are ensuring a prosperous Michigan future.”
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Bold New Housing and Energy Initiatives to Lower Costs for Michigan
May 29
At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced significant strides in housing and energy initiatives, continuing Michigan’s national leadership in leveraging climate and clean energy-related federal funding. This includes raising the state’s five-year housing production goal by over 50% and investing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households through the Solar for All and Home Energy Rebate Programs. These initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
News and Publications
Proclamation Declaring June as Pride Month
June 1
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking June as Pride Month in Michigan.
“Michigan will always be a place where everyone has the freedom to be who they are and love who they love,” said Gov. Whitmer. “As a proud, lifelong ally, I am grateful to celebrate Pride Month and celebrate the work we have done to protect the LGBTQ+ community. Since I took office, we expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to cover the LGBTQ+ community, established the Michigan LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and banned conversion therapy for minors. Our work is not done, but every year, we make progress to move Michigan forward. Let’s keep getting it done.”
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Michigan Department of Education: Summer Meal Programs
Michigan children will have access to healthy food all summer, even as they are on summer break from school.
The Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals to low-income children via a congregate meal service at locations within local communities across Michigan. In eligible locations where congregate meal service sites are not available, families can participate in the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program. Non-congregate meal service is a food service in which meals are made available for children to enjoy in non-group settings. Non-congregate meal service may be operated only at sites designated as rural and with no congregate meal service.
To find a Summer Food Service Program site in your community, please visit the Meet Up and Eat Up locator map at www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup. All information, including meal service times and serving dates, will be available once school is out for summer recess. The locator map website is updated regularly throughout the summer months.
For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, go to www.michigan.gov/sfsp. For more information about how to help with Meet Up and Eat Up this summer, contact the Michigan Department of Education at (517) 241-5374 or mde-sfsp@michigan.gov.
Nominations Now Open for 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year
The window for nominating candidates for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year program is now open!
The purpose of the Michigan Teacher of the Year program is to honor and recognize teachers from across Michigan.
“Michigan schools are fortunate to have so many outstanding teachers,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We want to recognize their efforts, encourage their collaboration, and honor their commitment to the children of our great state.”
Each year, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) selects 10 Regional Teachers of the Year through a competitive application process, with one of those teachers being named Michigan Teacher of the Year. Teacher of the Year awardees have an opportunity to learn more about educational initiatives and policies at the state level and provide input on how to better serve Michigan’s teachers and students.
The nomination window opened earlier this year to provide additional time to nominate teachers. People wishing to nominate a teacher for this program are asked to use the online form by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. To be eligible, a nominee must have a valid Michigan teaching certificate, at least five years of teaching experience in Michigan and be in good standing with their school or district.
Upcoming District Events and Holidays
- June 14—Flag Day Ceremony City of Dearborn (Ford Field Park) 6-7 p.m.
- June 16—Eid Al-Adha
- June 19—Juneteenth—No School, Library Closed
- June 26— Genealogy Group (Berwyn Senior Center) Activities/Classes 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- June 28—Dearborn Summer Children’s Theater Performance “Willy Wonka” (The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center) 6-7 p.m.
- June 29—Teddy Bear Picnic (Dearborn Historical Museum) 10-11 a.m., Household Hazardous Waste Collection (Henry Ford College) 8 a.m-1 p.m.
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 Representative Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:
Fireside Chat with Representative Erin Byrnes
Join your state representative for a discussion on public health legislation, ethics & oversight and budget process updates!
WHEN: Monday, June 17, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: John F Kennedy Jr. Library Fireplace, 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
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