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.

Sincerely,

Erin Byrnes
State Representative
Michigan’s 15th House District

Byrnes Stands Against Radioactive Waste brought to Wayne County

State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township) held a press conference on Sept. 11 calling for the transportation of radioactive waste to Michigan to be banned. In support of these efforts, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement:

 

“The potential radioactive waste disposal is a major issue for the people of Michigan, and it carries with it many health and environmental concerns. Allowing radioactive waste into our state could have many negative effects on the health and well-being of every Michigander, from the crops that farmers grow to the water in our lakes and rivers. That is why I support this ban on radioactive waste being dumped in our state.”

 

New Report Shows Clean Energy Legislation Will Lower Costs, Create Thousands of Good Paying Jobs, and Stimulate an Economic Boom

A new report from 5 Lakes Energy  projects that the historic clean energy package House Democrats signed into law last year, combined with the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, will drive significant economic growth and cost-savings in the state. According to the report, by 2030, the nation-leading package and federal investments will drive household energy bills down by $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, save $7.3 billion in public health costs and make progress toward the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

 

In Metro Detroit, which encompasses the counties of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

• Create 24,073 new jobs by 2030 and 40,240 by 2040.
• Increase gross domestic product by nearly $3 billion by 2030 and to over $5 billion by 2040.
• Deliver federal tax credit investment of nearly $6 billion by 2030 and around $12 by 2040.
• Save over $4 billion in public health costs by 2030 and over $16 billion by 2040

Read more here>>>

Patriot Day

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, Sept. 11, to honor and remember the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others, including first responders who showed bravery in responding to the attacks and aiding the victims.

 

“On Patriot Day, we remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11, honor those who serve and recommit ourselves to standing up for our values,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I encourage all Michiganders to come together in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. local time and participate in local community service or charitable giving. This day reminds us to cherish the fundamental, American values we all love — freedom and opportunity — and offers us an opportunity to build a brighter future where we stand together.”

Read more here>>>

 

Extension of Michigan Reconnect

The deadline for Michigan Reconnect has been extended, giving prospective and current students ages 21 to 24 more time to benefit from this limited-time opportunity. Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to allow students to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college. Students now have until Dec. 31 to apply.

 

Michiganders who are 21 to 24 years old and not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship:

1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31.

2. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3. Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester 2025.

Already enrolled students should contact their college’s financial aid office for additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and filing a FAFSA.

 

Upcoming District Events and Holidays

• Monday, Sept. 16, from 4-6 p.m.: 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. (Berwyn Senior Recreation Center)
• Monday, Sept. 16, from 10-11 a.m.: American House Bingo (Eton Senior Center Room 5)
• Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 5-7 p.m.: Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (Dearborn Heights City Hall)
• Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6-7 p.m.: Dearborn Heights City Council Meeting (Dearborn Heights City Hall)

Community Conversation and Town Halls

Community Conversations and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Representative Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:

 

Community Conversation with Rep. Byrnes & Special Guest U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib

Join your state representative for a discussion on mental health and in-district period updates!

 

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 30, from 6-7 p.m.

WHERE: Caroline Kennedy Library of Dearborn Heights,  24590 George St., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127