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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. |
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Erin Byrnes State Representative Michigan’s 15th District |
Legislative Update |
BRITE Act Bills See Movement in Committee |
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Nov. 15, 2024
Two bills out of the Bring Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act passed out of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee last week. House Bills 5581 and 5586 ensure transparency and reduce the influence of special interests
“This is a ‘brite’ day in the state of Michigan,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the committee. “With these two bills moving forward, we can now take them up in the full House. I’m confident that these bills will help the government return to serving the people instead of high-powered lobbyists. Together, we will strengthen Michigan and help to restore the people’s trust in government.
HB 5581, sponsored by state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), would update the list of “lobbyable officials” to include legislative staff and positions in the executive branch. This means members of legislative and executive staff would fall under the same rules and regulations that other public officials must follow.
“This legislation will increase transparency in the Legislature,” Wilson said. “In the era of term limits, staffers now hold a lot of the institutional knowledge within the Legislature. Lobbyists have been able to concentrate their efforts with meals, drinks and more without having to report it. This is a loophole in our current laws that must be closed to help safeguard against excessive lobbying efforts.”
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State Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) testifies in the House Ethics and Oversight Committee on Nov. 14, 2024, in the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. |
Byrnes Campaign Finance Reform Bill moves to Senate Elections & Ethics Committee |
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Oct. 2, 2024
A bill from the BRITE Act package that passed out of the House has moved to the Senate Committee on Elections and Ethics, where it awaits a hearing. House Bill 5583, sponsored by state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to allow the Secretary of State to apply to Ingham County Circuit Court for injunctive relief for alleged violations of the act. This will allow the Secretary of State to act on campaign finance violations and abuses in real time.
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News and Publications |
Veterans Day Recap |
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Nov. 11, 2024
Rep. Byrnes joined the city of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Michael A. Guido Theater in Dearborn. The representative joined in honoring the bravery and dedication of our city’s military veterans, as well as recognizing our 2024 Veteran of the Year, Roger Amenson and presenting him with a state of Michigan tribute! |
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From left to right, U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, honoree Roger Amenson, state Rep. Erin Byrnes, and Dearborn City Council President Pro Tem Leslie Herrick. |
Freedom to Read Day |
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Oct. 19, 2024
Rep. Byrnes donated a copy of “Bridge to Terabithia” to a local Little Free Library to promote access to literacy.
The American Library Association (ALA) and the ALA-founded Unite Against Book Bans campaign joined some of the nation’s largest and smallest library systems to celebrate America’s libraries, safeguard the freedom to read and encourage civic participation in a Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on Oct. 19. Coordinated attempts to censor reading material continue to impact schools and public libraries nationwide, threatening the First Amendment rights of all Americans.
Did you know that “Bridge to Terabithia” has been placed on banned book lists across the country? It’s always the right time to stand up against book banning and promote stories that present a variety of ideas and lived experiences! |
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Byrnes Donates Little Free Library |
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Oct. 17, 2024
Rep. Erin Byrnes donated a little free library to the American Association of University Women that has since been installed at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center (DISC)! Stop by the DISC to take a book or leave a book. Special thanks to the city of Dearborn government and AAUW-Dearborn for getting this Little Free Library up and running! |
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Leaf Collection |
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It’s the last few weeks of leaf collection season! For Dearborn residents, loose leaf collection begins the last week of October and ends during the first week in December. You can track your Dearborn neighborhood collection status here, or contact Dearborn Heights Public Works for leaf collection status at (313) 791-6000.
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Upcoming District Events and Holidays |
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Community Conversation and Town Halls |
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Community Conversations and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Due to the holiday season, we aren’t planning on any in December. Visit state Rep. Byrnes’ website (HERE) to search for events near you! |