Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter. Over the past month, I’ve been engaging with constituents and attending community events to hear directly about the issues that matter most to you. Your feedback continues to be invaluable as we work to address your concerns and improve our community.

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 contact 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.

Upcoming Event

Coffee Hour Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Shibam Coffee, 5461 Schafer Road in Dearborn. This is a great opportunity to discuss community issues with myself and your fellow neighbors.

Community Events

Surplus Food Distribution Monday, Sept. 9, at 12 a.m. Senior Services, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn.

Friends of the Library – Dearborn (FOLD) Used Book Sale Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dearborn Public Libraries, 16301 Michigan Ave., Dearborn.

Dearborn Summer Market- Music at the Market Friday, Sept. 13, 4-8 p.m.

One Day Only Concert Series Saturday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. to midnight at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn.

Dearborn Specials Pizza and Bingo Tuesday, Sept. 24, at  6 p.m. at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn.

Labor Day

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement. The holiday marks the end of summer and often features parades, picnics and other festivities.

Back To School

Backpack Drive

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, our team organized a backpack drive to help students in our community get ready for the upcoming school year. Our partners Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Dearborn PTA, The Hot Dog Stand and The Custard Company helped make this drive possible and played a crucial role in ensuring that students received the supplies they needed for a successful school year.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Sessions

High school students and families are invited to attend a free informational webinar on the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, hosted by MI Student Aid. The session will cover the Community College Guarantee, scholarship eligibility, award amounts and key action items for students. Space is limited, so please register for one session only. The sessions will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m.

Student Rights Helpline

I am pleased to share an important update from the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan regarding its statewide Student Rights Helpline. This helpline offers no-cost support and educational advice to both general and special education students facing challenges. Over the past school year, the helpline handled the highest volume of calls in its history, assisting 730 students across Michigan and extending its reach to more counties than ever before. If you or someone you know encounters issues related to school discipline, special education needs, discrimination or other barriers to education, please reach out to the Helpline at (734) 482-0489, via email at helpline@studentadvocacycenter.org for assistance.

Dearborn Green Schoolyards- Salina Elementary

I am thrilled to support the Dearborn Green Schoolyards initiative, which will transform four school playgrounds into ecologically sustainable recreational and learning environments for our students. Our community faces high pollution rates and frequent flooding, which impact both our schools and our daily lives. This initiative will address these challenges by turning existing playgrounds into vibrant, nature-rich spaces that not only mitigate stormwater and filter the air but also provide essential heat buffers. These new green environments will enhance our children’s physical and emotional well-being while fostering their connection to nature through experiential learning opportunities.

I am proud to have secured $1.5 million for this incredible project in the fiscal year 2025 budget and am excited to see this transformation come to life. It is an honor to have such dedicated individuals in our community who are invested in creating a better education environment and brighter future for our students.

Publications

A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, are constituent publications! The Michigan House of Representatives produces several publications full of useful information for constituents to use, and my office can provide them. Some of our most popular publications are:

  • Constituent’s Guide to State Government
  • Services for Seniors
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Tenant’s Rights
  • Guide to Medical and Legal Decisions
  • Guide to Custody, Parenting Time and Support
  • A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
  • And more!

Please reach out to my office if you are interested in learning more or would like us to send you any copies.

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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Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat 

State Representative, 3rd House District