Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter. As the year draws to a close, my colleagues and I are making a final push to tackle key priorities and finish the legislative term strong. I’ve been working hard to push important legislation aimed at protecting peoples’ religious freedoms, access to public transit, and securing funding for start-up businesses in the state.

I hope you all are staying warm and enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones. Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope are helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0144 or email at AlabasFarhat@house.mi.gov with questions about this newsletter or any other state-level issue.

Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat

State Representative, 3rd House District

Holidays

Hanukkah (Dec. 25 – Jan. 2): a Jewish holiday lasting eight days and commemorating the rededications of the Holy Temple during the 2nd century B.C.E. The holiday is celebrated by lighting a candle in a menorah each night, eating foods fried in oil, and singing Hanukkah songs.

Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): Christian holiday celebrated the day before Christmas Day marked by religious services, family gathering, Christmas carols, and food.

Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. The holiday is celebrated by decorations, food, religious services, gift giving, and food.

Kwanzaa ( Dec. 26- Jan.1): A weeklong celebration that honors African American culture, heritage, and community. This celebration focuses on seven core principles including unity, self-determination, and collective work, to inspire reflection and action.

I am happy to announce that the following bills have passed the House:

House Bills 5651-5653

On Nov. 14, the House passed the Michigan Innovation Fund package, which establishes a state fund to support early-stage businesses — including historically geographically disadvantaged small businesses — as well as qualified nonprofit initiatives and start-up assistance programs throughout Michigan.

House Bill 5022

This bill updates rules for the flow-through entity tax, including extending the deadline for electing to pay it, allowing denied elections to be reviewed, and reducing penalties and interest for taxpayers who meet certain payment requirements.

House Bill 5716

This legislation provides protections for individuals wearing religious garments during booking and arrest. HB 5716 protects religious liberty by ensuring individuals can retain their garments during booking, searches are done by same-sex officers, and additional accommodations are provided. On Dec. 4, this bill was referred to a second reading in the House.

House Bill 6088

This will remove the ability for communities in Wayne County to voluntarily opt out of the millage that supports the regional SMART system. With this legislation, Wanye County will enjoy a better connected transportation system that is funded countywide.

House Bill 5924

This bill amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act of 2001 to designate a portion of Interstate 94 in Wayne County as the “Corporal Mohamed Said Memorial Highway.” Cpl. Said dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community, and his legacy will be further honored through this important legislation. 

Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat speaks on the House floor.

State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) speaks on the House floor.

Publications

A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, are constituent publications! The House of Representatives produces several resources 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 at the contact information below 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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