Aiyash on 2024 Michigan Climate Action Summit
Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, March 6 at the Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — The 2024 Michigan Climate Summit will be hosted by the Michigan Climate Action Network at University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability this week. In preparation for the event, Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “I am honored to speak at the fifth annual Michigan Climate Summit. This [...]
Aiyash Issues Response to Fatal Shooting Following the Lions Game
DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 16, 2024 — Two people were shot yesterday, leaving one dead, in Detroit at the Eastern Market after the Lions game. In response to the shooting, Majority Floor Leader Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: “My heart goes out to everyone tonight affected by the tragic events that have taken place. We cannot let gun violence become the norm of our everyday lives. Our communities should be safe for people to enjoy a football game without fear,” Aiyash said. [...]
Brabec, Aiyash on Last Night’s Detroit Shooting, Two Deaths
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 16, 2024 — After the Detroit Lions game last night, an argument erupted that led to gun violence. Two Detroiters were killed as a result. The violence took place around 4:30 p.m. near Eastern Market. Police responded quickly and arrested the shooter; two guns were collected from the scene. “The unfolding of last night’s events is incredibly tragic; violence took place, a firearm was used and lives were lost — that is not OK. The amount of [...]
STATEMENT: Aiyash Celebrates Passage of Locally Focused House Budget
State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) speaking at the podium to members on the House floor, April 24, 2024. LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its fiscal 2024-25 budget last week. It delivers on the pledges that House Democrats made to bring stability to local economies and hometowns with thoughtful investments in education and infrastructure. Specifically, the budget includes an increase in funding for students and investments in projects like replacing lead [...]
Tsernoglou, Aiyash Set to Introduce Landmark Bills Addressing PFAS Contamination this Week in Celebration of Earth Day
LANSING, Mich., April 22, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) announced plans today to introduce two landmark bills this week in celebration of Earth Day. The bills aim to phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a wide range of products. Discovered in Michigan in 2010, PFAS are synthetic chemicals that are widely used in various household and industrial products due to their water and oil resistance [...]
Democrats Deliver New Laws for Cleaner Energy and Jobs
Bills taking effect will protect the environment, power the economy, lower costs for customers LANSING, Mich., Feb. 11, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year. With its majority, the party that puts people first had a remarkably productive year that resulted in a historic number of bills passed and signed into law. Today, Michigan House Democrats celebrate Day 8 of the Countdown to a Better Michigan [...]
Aiyash Condemns Layoffs of Stellantis Workers
State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) delivered the invocation at the start of session on February 2, 2021. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 7, 2023 — Layoffs at the Detroit Mack Assembly plant of automaker Stellantis, will impact roughly one-third of the 4,600 workers who make Jeep sport utility vehicles, just weeks after the historic strike ended. In response to the announcement, Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) issued the following statement: “Layoffs, no matter when they happen, are never a [...]
House Democrats Celebrate Signing of Clean Energy Bills
DETROIT, Nov. 28, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two packages of bills today to make Michigan a national leader in clean energy standards and drive investment into new renewable energy projects. The legislation creates bold standards for decarbonizing the state’s energy grid and expands pathways to create the large-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects that will make them a reality. “Our Clean Energy Future and Clean Energy and Jobs Act will vault Michigan to the top of the [...]
Dems Pass One-Two Legislative Punch to Increase Renewable Energy, Create Jobs
Bills will protect environment, reduce costs, preserve local control LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the Clean Energy and Jobs Act. This House legislative package is designed to streamline the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects. These bills put into place the tools necessary to achieve energy independence, to thrive economically and to make Michigan a national leader in the clean energy landscape — all while enhancing personal property rights. Majority Floor [...]
Democratic Leadership Celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Cornerstone for the Lansing Capitol
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 5. 2023 — As Oct. 2 marked the 150th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Michigan’s current state Capitol, members of the 102nd Legislature reflected on the significance of one of the nation’s historic landmarks, the Michigan State Capitol Building. Members of House Majority Caucus Leadership released the following statements: “The very moment of laying the Capitol cornerstone, 150 years ago, was symbolic of the foundation and flourishing of Michigan’s ideals, values and prosperity as a [...]
House Democrats Pass Bills Celebrating Michigan’s Diverse Cultures
Legislation establishes religious observances as state holidays LANSING, Mich., Sept. 13, 2023 — The House of Representatives passed a package of bills today acknowledging the rich diversity of cultures and religions that Michiganders celebrate and observe. The legislation establishes Diwali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Vaisakhi, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as state-recognized holidays in Michigan. State Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) speaks on bills establishing religious and cultural observances as state holidays on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, [...]
House Democrats Highlight Energy, Environmental Policies
Legislators prepared to meet, go beyond ‘What’s Next’ agenda LANSING, Mich., Sept. 1, 2023 — In her “What’s Next Address” this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out policy goals in several areas, including clean energy and environmental protection. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have already been working in these areas and are ready to push their sustainability agenda forward as legislative session resumes. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer details her environmental priorities during the "What's Next Address" on Wednesday, Aug. [...]
State Legislators Hold Community Listening Forum to Strengthen Energy Infrastructure in Michigan
MARQUETTE, July 14, 2023 — State Reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Abraham Aiyash, (D-Hamtramck), John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit), chair of the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, held an event as part of the Energy Reliability, Resilience and Accountability Task Force Listening Tour. Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) also joined the event with opening remarks. “Our U.P. communities have unique needs when it comes to energy, so I am very glad we held a forum to hear from Yoopers [...]
Legislators Introduce Bills to Reach 100% Clean Energy, Create Jobs
Package increases affordability, accessibility, efficiency illustrating commitment to environmental justice LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — A group of Democratic lawmakers and environmental partners debuted legislation today that sets a bold vision for Michigan’s energy future. The bills build on the MI Healthy Climate Plan that the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy released last year and set achievable goals for growing our economy, powering our communities and protecting our environment. Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) [...]
Legislators Introduce State Holiday Bill Package
LANSING, Mich., April 21, 2023 — Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and state Reps. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) introduced legislation to establish the holidays of Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Lunar New Year as official state-recognized holidays in Michigan. House Bill 4447, introduced by Aiyash, establishes Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr as state holidays. Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan, an Islamic month of fasting, spirituality and charity. Eid al-Adha celebrates Prophet Abraham [...]
Legislators Reintroduce Drive SAFE Legislation
Bills will restore access to driver’s licenses and state IDs, grow Michigan’s economy and improve road safety LANSING, Mich., April 12, 2023 — House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), state Reps. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) and state Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) hosted a press conference today to announce the reintroduction of legislation to allow all Michigan residents to obtain state identification cards or driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration [...]
House Democrats Introduce Returning Citizens Initiative Legislation
LANSING, Mich., March 7, 2023 — Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), along with State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) and Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), introduced House Bills 4191-94 to codify the Returning Citizens Initiative in state law. The Retuning Citizens Initiative is a program established by the Michigan Dept. of Corrections (MDOC) and Michigan Dept. of State (MDOS) to help individuals leaving the state corrections system to reintegrate into their communities by providing them with a [...]
Aiyash Introduces Asbestos Protection Bills
LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2023 — Majority Floor Leader Abraham Ayiash (D-Hamtramck) alongside state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) and Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington) introduced today a six-bill package — House Bills 4185-90 — to protect the public from asbestos air pollution and exposure. “For years, Michigan has lagged behind in holding bad actors accountable and protecting our families, children and seniors from asbestos,” Aiyash said. “This legislation will take important steps to ensure that contractors are responsibly handling asbestos — especially in the city of Detroit as [...]
Speaker-elect Tate Announces House Leadership Team
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 15, 2022 — Today, Speaker-elect of the House of Representatives Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced the members of the House of Representatives leadership team for the 102nd legislature. Likewise, Majority Floor Leader-elect Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) announced the Assistant Majority Floor Leaders for the upcoming legislative session. “This is the team that will bring forth the work of the people. It’s a phenomenally talented group of Representatives and Representatives-elect with an unmatched work ethic,” Tate said. “The people of [...]
Aiyash Introduces Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act
LANSING, Mich., June 16, 2022 — Yesterday, state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) hosted a press conference, alongside Nation Outside and state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), to announce the introduction of House Bill 6242. This bill is known as the “Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act.” The legislation would prohibit landlords from requiring the disclosure of criminal history records for most housing applicants and allow formerly incarcerated individuals to have a fair chance at having their rental application approved. “All [...]
Aiyash Introduces Legislation To Hold Community Polluters Financially Accountable
LANSING, Mich., June 16, 2022 — This week, state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) introduced legislation to hold Michigan’s polluters financially responsible for the costs of remediating any environmental contamination caused by their operations. Under House Bill 6232, corporate facilities regulated by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act would be required to invest in bonds when applying for a permit. The funds generated by these bonds, and the interest they collect, would be used to rectify any potential pollution caused [...]
Aiyash, Advocates Launch Petition to Reduce Pollution From Detroit Waste Facility
DETROIT, Mich., May 12, 2022 — State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Detroit residents have launched a petition calling on the city of Detroit to enter a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with US Ecology’s Detroit South facility, which stores and treats industrial and hazardous wastes, to improve its operations and reduce air pollution. "The people who live, work and play around US Ecology deserve an environment free of hazardous and toxic substances that pollute their [...]
Lawmakers: “Keep the Power On or Pay Up”
Legislation would hold electric utilities accountable for reliability LANSING - State Reps. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) have introduced legislation that would spur electrical utilities to invest in reliability. House Bills 6043-6047 would require utilities to compensate customers for the costs of outages and would require regulators to hold evidentiary hearings on electrical distribution plans. The bills have cosponsors from both parties. “Right now, everyone pays the price of power outages except the utilities,” Rabhi said. [...]
LaGrand, Sowerby and Bipartisan Coalition Continue Criminal Expungement Success
LANSING, Mich., March 17, 2022 — Yesterday, state Rep. David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids), state Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-Clinton Township) and a group of legislators unveiled a nine-bill, bipartisan package to expand Michigan’s new expungement laws. The bills fix gaps in the previous law and build on the work done last session to expand the number of convictions eligible for expungement and make the process easier. “As with any major legislative overhaul, there are issues and oversights that only appear once [...]
Aiyash on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel, outlining her vision to provide opportunities and solutions for Michiganders. She highlighted the need to cut taxes for working people and seniors while putting more money in their pockets during her remarks. In response, state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) issued the following statement: “The last two years have been tough for Michiganders. When speaking with seniors and families across the district, it's clear that [...]
Lasinski, Aiyash Welcome Biden to Michigan
House Dems push for quick allocation of federal infrastructure dollars HAMTRAMCK, Mich., Nov. 17, 2021 — Today, President Joe Biden visited Michigan to celebrate the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a federal spending plan that will bring billions of dollars to Michigan to put toward improving communities across the state. Unfortunately, the Republican-led Legislature has still neglected to appropriate federal COVID-19 relief funding from December 2020 and March 2021. “This monumental investment in our aging infrastructure [...]
Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Waive and Refund Late Fees, Improve Customer Service at Secretary of State
LANSING, Mich., June 24, 2021 — Today, lawmakers introduced legislation to waive and reimburse late fees and phase extensions for driver’s licenses and other documents after the Republican-controlled Legislature let 13 months of extensions expire on March 31 of this year, creating unprecedented demand for Secretary of State (SOS) appointments. In March of 2020, the Legislature passed laws allowing Michigan residents to drive on expired driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and other documents so residents would not have to worry about [...]
Aiyash Introduces Bill Included in ‘Justice for All’ Police Reform Package
LANSING, Mich., June 18, 2021 — House Democrats introduced a 16-bill Justice for All package that aims to improve safety and restore public trust through increased accountability measures and banning archaic and dangerous police procedures. State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), who introduced House Bill 5021, which would ban Michigan law enforcement from purchasing weapons from the military, issued the following statement: “We need to hold police accountable to the ones they serve and ban dangerous procedures that cost people their lives. That’s why the Justice for [...]
Kuppa, Aiyash Among House Dems Introduce Holiday Bill Package to Honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
LANSING, Mich., May 27, 2021 — Yesterday, state Reps. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy), Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), Kelly Breen (D-Novi), and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) introduced a four-bill legislative package that would establish the holidays of Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year and Vaisakhi as official state holidays in Michigan. Kuppa’s bill, HB 4935 would recognize Diwali, which is one of the most widely-celebrated Indian American holidays and is observed by Michiganders of Hindu, Jain and Sikh faith. “These bills would extend our recognition [...]
House Dems Continue Fight to Help Unemployed Workers, Families
LANSING, Mich., March 16, 2021 — In the face of continued Republican indifference and inaction, House Democrats this week unveiled the next step in their Hardworking Michiganders Recovery Plan. The legislation would hold bad actors accountable and, in the process, protect hardworking Michiganders and honest businesses who do things the right way. “Michigan needs to shore up its safety net so disasters like COVID-19 never leave us unprepared again,” said state Rep. Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park), who sponsored a bill [...]
As Washington Buckles, MI State Rep Abraham Aiyash Introduces Bill to Raise Minimum Wage to $15
Lansing, MI: State Representative Abraham Aiyash (D - Hamtramck) introduced HB 4413, to amend the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, to raise the Michigan minimum wage to $15 an hour. “In the richest and most powerful country in the history of the world, it is unconscionable that folks are still being paid starvation wages,” Aiyash said. “The pandemic has shown us that those who do essential work in our communities are paid far below what they deserve. Let’s be [...]
Rep Abraham Aiyash Introduces Bill to Protect Michiganders from Water Shutoffs and Expanding Water Affordability
Lansing, MI: Today, State Representative Abraham Aiyash (D - Hamtramck) introduced HB 4313, the Water Shutoff Protection Act, to permanently protect Michigan residents from water shutoffs and expand efforts to make water more affordable. “Water shutoff moratoriums are only temporary solutions to the long-term issue of water access and affordability. With the statewide moratorium on water shut-offs ending on March 31st, we need to advocate for permanent solutions to water access beyond the current state of emergency. Access to [...]
Yemeni American State Rep. Aiyash on President Biden’s pledge to end all U.S support of the Saudi-led war in Yemen
Last week, the Biden administration called for an end to the Saudi-Led war on Yemen and pledged that the U.S would stop supporting the selling of weapons that have been used in the violence against Yemen. “The U.S ending its support for the Saudi led effort provides a real opportunity to find an end to this war. The U.S should redirect its efforts to providing humanitarian relief to Yemen’s affected communities, aid that was halted during the Trump administration.” Rep. [...]
Aiyash on House vote to refuse billions in federal COVID relief funding
HAMTRAMCK, Mich., Feb. 5, 2021 — On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that leaves some of Michigan taxpayer dollars back in Washington, D.C. The package left billions of dollars on the table, severely underfunding food assistance, direct school aid, vaccine distribution and small business support. In response, Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) issued the following statement: “Why the House Republicans are choosing to leave billions of federal dollars already allocated to us on the table is beyond comprehension,” said [...]
Aiyash Appointed to House Committees
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 21, 2021 — State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) was appointed to the House Committees on Communications and Technology; Families, Children and Seniors; and Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation today. Aiyash is serving his first term representing Michigan’s 4th House District, prior to which he was a community organizer focusing on racial, economic, and environmental justice. "Serving on the committee for Natural Resources allows me to continue my advocacy for environmental justice and ensure there is a [...]
Resolutions to be Introduced to Censure, Investigate Rep. Matt Maddock
Lawmaker’s active role in pushing election conspiracy theories, supporting attack on nation’s Capitol deserve harsh and official rebuke from Michigan Legislature LANSING — Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, should be censured by the Michigan House of Representatives for his continued attempts at undermining our democracy by fomenting election conspiracy theories and assisting with the heinous attack on the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats said Thursday. “Rep. Matt Maddock is a leading Michigan voice in this movement to undermine the legitimate election [...]
Aiyash Sworn in as Representative for 4th House District
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 13, 2021 — State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) was sworn in today as representative for the 2021-2022 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 101st Legislature. "We are at a critical juncture in our American experiment, and we have a responsibility to uplift the best of Michigan and our nation. A pandemic and racial inequity exacerbated preexisting issues in underrepresented communities that are leaving families vulnerable. I am ready to tackle these issues [...]