Farhat Voted MIRS Most Effective Democratic Legislator
LANSING, Mich., May 29, 2025 — A recent MIRS news poll found state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) was voted the most effective Democratic legislator in the Michigan House. This award comes after his first two years in office, during which several of his bills were signed into law, including legislation that establishes a statewide innovation fund for Michigan entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as bills to increase access to transit in Wayne County and reduce prescription drug costs across the [...]
Farhat Responds to State Revenue Holding Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty, Calls for Additional Revenue Meetings
Minority Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee demands additional CREC due to predicted delays in the budget process and potential federal cuts LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2025 — Today, fiscal leaders from both chambers of the Legislature and the executive office met for the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC). The conference included revenue forecast presentations from experts at the House Fiscal Agency, Senate Fiscal Agency, Department of Treasury, the University of Michigan, and the Federal Reserve Bank [...]
House Democrats Commend Senate for Advancing People-Centered Budget
Democrats stay committed to building people up LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2025 — The Michigan Senate finished passing its budget bills yesterday, which aim to lower costs and invest in people, especially during a time when Trump’s trade war and Republicans are tanking the economy and making it harder to get by. These bills are serious about investing in Michigan’s state departments, residents and the future of Michigan. Both chambers of the Legislature are required to pass their budgets before [...]
Farhat Says No to Medicaid Cuts
Minority vice chair of House Appropriations demands new budget that fully funds healthcare for Michiganders LANSING, Mich., April 17, 2025 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) spoke with members of the press after the House Appropriations Committee yesterday to demand answers on the House Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid, a program that provides coverage for 2.7 million Michiganders and saves the state billions of dollars. In firm opposition to the defunding of this lifesaving health insurance program, Farhat, minority vice chair of the [...]
Farhat Criticizes Lackluster Republican Budget
LANSING, Mich., March 7, 2025 — House Republicans passed two bills yesterday to cut the state budget by nearly 92%, stripping essential funding to veterans services and the Department of Health and Human Services and cutting health care access from 2.7 million Michiganders. The bills were given no deliberation in committee and officials were given only minutes to read the language before casting their votes. In response, Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “This is [...]
Farhat Looks Ahead to Budget After State of the State Address
Minority Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee committed to passing a budget that addresses the cost of living crisis LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session today. In her speech, the governor discussed her plan to lower costs for families, increase funding for public schools and improve infrastructure across Michigan. After the address, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “People [...]
Farhat Applauds Governor’s Budget Recommendation Improving Schools, Infrastructure
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), center, attends the presentation of the governor’s executive budget recommendation in the Anderson House Office Building on Feb. 5, 2025, in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her executive recommendations for the fiscal year 2025-26 state budget yesterday, proposing continued historic investments in public schools and infrastructure improvement. Some of the education highlights include a 4.1% increase in base per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,000 per pupil, and [...]
Farhat Appointed Minority Vice Chair of Appropriations Committee
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 5, 2025 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) was appointed to serve as minority vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, where he will work across the aisle to ensure Michigan’s budget and funding priorities uplift all Michiganders. He was also assigned to serve as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the House Fiscal Agency Governing Committee. After the announcement, Farhat issued the following statement: “I am honored to serve in this [...]
Farhat Introduces Legislation to Establish State Crypto Coin, Michcoin
Bills create first state-backed digital currency, bullion depository LANSING, Mich., Dec. 12, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) has introduced two innovative bills aimed at revolutionizing Michigan’s financial landscape by establishing a state-backed digital currency and a secure bullion depository. House Bill 6214, known as the Michcoin Act, proposes the creation of a gold and silver-backed digital currency, Michcoin, that will offer Michiganders a stable, secure alternative to traditional fiat currencies. The bill also establishes the Michigan Bullion Depository, [...]
Bill Package to Provide Child Care Relief Passes Tax Policy Committee
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2024 — The House Tax Policy Committee passed a bill package today to amend the Child Care Licensing Act to provide greater oversight flexibility, authorize safety inspections, make it easier to appeal for rules violations and require reimbursements to child care providers to be inflation-indexed. “Fixing a broken system that’s causing Michigan’s economy to lose nearly $3 billion annually and crushing our families and businesses is going to take a sustained public investment,” said Sen. Kristen [...]
Farhat Introduces Bill to Protect Religious Freedoms
Legislation crafts inclusive law enforcement procedures LANSING, Mich., Dec. 10, 2024 — The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5716, introduced by state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), last week. The proposed legislation seeks to protect the religious freedom and dignity of Michiganders by establishing clear guidelines for the treatment of individuals wearing religious coverings during arrest and booking processes. Under the bill, individuals wearing religious garb that covers their hair or face will not be forced to remove [...]
House Passes MI Innovation Fund
Bipartisan legislation will boost economic growth State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) testifies in committee at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 14, 2024 — In a significant move to strengthen Michigan’s economy and promote innovation, the House passed House Bills 5651-53 yesterday. The Michigan Innovation Fund package creates a new state fund to invest in early-stage businesses — including historically geographically disadvantaged small businesses — qualified nonprofit programs, and start-up support services across Michigan. [...]
Farhat on $1.5 Million Secured for Salina Intermediate School
Rendition of the Salina Schools Green Schoolyard Plan DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 31, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) is proud to announce the successful allocation of $1.5 million in state funding for the development of a new outdoor recreational space at Salina Intermediate School in Dearborn. This significant investment will provide students and the surrounding community with a safe and engaging area for outdoor activities. “Investing in spaces that support both learning and well-being is critical for [...]
Farhat Leads Call for Humanitarian Parole Program for Lebanon
MI Congressional Delegation urges Biden administration to take immediate action DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 24, 2024 — In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) is working closely with key members of the Michigan congressional delegation to advocate for urgent relief measures. Farhat, in partnership with U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens (D-11), Debbie Dingell (D-06), Dan Kildee (D-08), Elissa Slotkin (D-07), Shri Thanedar (D-13), and Hilary Scholten (D-03), has spearheaded a formal request to the Biden administration, urging the establishment of a humanitarian parole program for Lebanese civilians fleeing violence [...]
Farhat Welcomes Temporary Protected Status for Lebanese Nationals in US
Representative of large Lebanese community calls for humanitarian parole WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 18, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) commends the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. Over the past few weeks, Farhat has been working diligently with partners in D.C. and the White House to secure this designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “Yesterday’s announcement of TPS for Lebanon is welcomed news,” said Farhat. “This is an important [...]
Farhat Demands Justice for 7-Year-Old Victim of Hate Crime
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) delivers a speech on the House Floor in the Michigan Capitol Building. DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 15, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) joins the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL) in demanding justice for a 7-year-old resident following an alleged anti-Arab hate crime and attempted murder. Last week, Saida Mashrah was playing at Ryan Park in Detroit when a man approached her and attacked her with a knife before fleeing the scene. “Saida [...]
Farhat and ADC Urge Action from the White House for 80,000 American Citizens Stranded in Lebanon
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct 3, 2024 — In a series of high-level meetings today in Washington, D.C., State Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), Abed Ayoub, executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Michigan, and Chris Habiby, government affairs director of ADC, met with senior government officials at a West Wing meeting to discuss the urgent plight of 80,000 American citizens currently stranded in Lebanon. Discussions were also had with the Embassy of Lebanon, and with U.S. Congressional members. The group highlighted [...]
Farhat Introduces Clean Michigan Initiative
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) has a conversation on the House Floor in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 18, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) reintroduced the Clean Michigan Initiative, a comprehensive, multibillion-dollar proposal aimed at revitalizing Michigan’s environment and fostering economic growth. This initiative seeks to address critical environmental challenges by investing in pollution control, water quality, and the redevelopment of contaminated sites. The Clean Michigan Initiative continues Michigan’s legacy of environmental leadership, building on the original effort from [...]
Farhat Introduces Bill to Designate Officer Mohamed Said Memorial Highway
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) speaks on House Floor at the State Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) introduced a bill today to officially designate the portion of I-94 touching Melvindale as “Officer Mohamed Said Memorial Highway”. This bill honors his life and sacrifice as a dedicated public servant who tragically lost his life in the line of duty earlier this year. Officer Said served with distinction as a member of the [...]
Farhat Delivers AEDs to Cody, Fordson High Schools
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), center right, delivers an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Cody High School on Friday, May 24, 2024. DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 29, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) presented new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Frank Cody and Fordson high schools in late May. A new law requires schools to maintain AEDs and ensure they are accessible within one to three minutes during a cardiac emergency. In celebration of the new law, the [...]
Legislators Celebrate Increased Public Safety in Michigan
State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) testify in a Senate committee on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Binsfeld Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., July 25, 2024 — This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of auto theft bills into law. The legislation establishes sentencing guidelines for individuals who knowingly possess traditional burglary tools or electronic devices used to break into motor vehicles with the intent to steal. Under the new laws, [...]
Farhat Champions Strong Investments
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) testifying on his bill on June 20, 2024, in the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued [...]
State Budget Delivers for Working Families, Keeps Neighborhoods Safe
LANSING, Mich., May 13, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its fiscal 2024-25 budget last Wednesday. By funding the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund, tackling our state’s housing crisis, and strengthening public health, this budget reflects House Democrats’ commitment to bolstering strong hometowns. After passage of the House budget, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “The House budget puts the people of Michigan first and reflects values that families across our state have [...]
Farhat, Mentzer Anti-Crime Bills Pass Michigan House
Legislation cracks down on organized grand theft auto State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) delivers a speech on House Bill 5183 on Wednesday, May 1, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., May 1, 2024 — State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Denise Mentzer’s (D-Mt. Clemens) two-bill package to cut down on auto theft passed the Michigan House of Representatives today. Together, House Bills 5182 and 5183 make knowingly possessing traditional burglar tools or electronic devices to break into motor vehicles with the intent to [...]
Farhat’s Resolution to Recognize Arab American Heritage Month Adopted
LANSING, Mich., April 30, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat’s (D-Dearborn) House Resolution 228 recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month passed last week. Recognition at the state level holds profound significance to Arab American Michiganders. “Arab Americans have long called Michigan home, and their contributions in health care, entrepreneurship and many other sectors are what help our state prosper,” Farhat said. “This resolution underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring the voices within our state.” Michigan takes pride in its [...]
Farhat Applauds Clean Air for Residents
DEARBORN, Mich., April 15, 2024 — The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp. (formerly AK Steel) finalized an update to a 2015 settlement between the same parties on April 5. Under the modified terms, Cleveland-Cliffs must supply air purifiers to neighboring residents, pay a penalty to the state for releasing too many chemicals, and replace and regularly monitor its electrostatic precipitator, a device used to reduce air emissions. In [...]
Farhat Celebrates Grants for New Water Infrastructure Investments
LANSING, Mich., April 5, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) celebrated Melvindale’s award of over $4 million in funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a grant from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The grant will go toward updating Melvindale’s water infrastructure. In response to the news, Farhat released the following statement: “Access to reliable and clean water is crucial for everyone. Melvindale’s water system is nearing its 80th year of operation and is in dire need of [...]
Farhat Commends Grants for Wayne County Blight Remediation
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 23, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) applauded Wayne County’s award of nearly $750,000 from the State Land Bank Authority to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and create affordable housing opportunities from blighted properties through round four of the Blight Elimination Program. “In Wayne County, we are no strangers to blight or the challenges it presents. Blight has a cascading effect in our neighborhoods on everything from public safety to the local economy and environment. This grant signifies [...]
Farhat Uplifts Dearborn in Wake of Hateful Opinion Piece
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) introduced House Resolution 182 today in response to the bigoted opinion piece about Dearborn published in the Wall Street Journal last Friday. Following the piece’s publishing, leaders from across the nation, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and President Joe Biden, have spoken up against the vile rhetoric leveled against the city and its residents. “As a proud resident of Dearborn, I am deeply troubled by the fear-mongering and discriminatory language used by the Wall [...]
Farhat Celebrates Grants for New Water Infrastructure Investments
State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) enters the Michigan House chamber for the 2023 State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) applauded Melvindale’s award of a $9.2 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) grant from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The grant will go toward updating Melvindale’s water infrastructure. “Clean water is a basic human right, and this investment is a step towards ensuring all residents [...]
STATEMENT: Farhat on State of the State Address
Representative highlights support for helping more make it in Michigan LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2024 — Before a joint legislative session yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered this year’s State of the State address. In her speech, the governor discussed her agenda for the new year, which includes lowering costs for Michiganders, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy. State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s address: “Yesterday's state of the state address affirms that we will continue to fight [...]
Institutional Desecration Act Becomes Law
Michigan joins 35 other states with statutes banning targeted vandalism LANSING, Mich., Dec. 11, 2023 — House Bills 4476 and 4477, introduced by state Reps. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), respectively, were signed into law last week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Known collectively as the Institutional Desecration Act, the bills specify vandalism against houses of worship, minority-owned businesses and community centers above other destruction of property. State Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) speaks in favor of the Institutional Desecration Act on the House floor [...]
House Dems Champion Community Advocated Initiatives, Passion Becoming Policy
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 8, 2023 — As part of a historic Legislature with a Democratic trifecta, House Democrats celebrated the official signing of legislation inspired by real issues brought forth by constituent and community advocates. As part of their Putting People First Agenda, Michigan Democrats have continuously prioritized meeting and working with grassroots and community activists on critical legislation that positively impacts countless Michiganders. Democrats are listening and putting power back where it belongs — with the people. The community-led [...]
Farhat, Shannon Bills to Promote Public Safety Pass Michigan House
Package establishes a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) speak to reporters about their HB 4606 and HB 4605, respectively, on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 8, 2023 — State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Nate Shannon’s (D-Sterling Heights) two-bill package to create a dedicated source of funding for local public safety passed the state House today with broad bipartisan support. House Bills 4605 and 4606 creates the [...]
Farhat Introduces Bill to Keep Kids Safe from Vapes
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 24, 2023 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) introduced House Bill 5198 today to combat the use of illegal disposable vape products disguised as everyday items, such as highlighters and ink pens. These products, manufactured overseas and sold illegally in Michigan, have gained attention recently for their rising popularity among teenagers and youth. “Illegal disposable vapes and those craftily designed to look like innocent school supplies, such as the HighLight Office 4, have become a concerning trend,” Farhat said. “This [...]
STATEMENT: Farhat Calls to Return American Citizens Trapped in Gaza Home
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 17, 2023 — Instability and loss of life persists in Gaza, and reports from the region are disturbing and heartbreaking. In response to the continued violence, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “Right now, a couple from Dearborn is trapped in Gaza. The Alarayashis are American citizens. I am outraged by the lack of empathy toward innocent Arabs in danger. The glaring indifference the Biden administration has shown to the suffering of my people [...]
Farhat, Kunse Organize Bipartisan Softball Game for Charity
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 12, 2023 — State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Tom Kunse (R-Clare) have together organized an official Michigan House of Representatives charity softball game. The bipartisan event will take place at scenic Jackson Field, home of the Lansing Lugnuts, down the street from the state Capitol. “For our democracy to survive, we need people who have diverse ideas and general disagreements to be able to exist in common spaces,” Farhat said. “At a macro level, that's what [...]
House Dems Pass More Bills Protecting Kids from Abuse
Legislation banning child marriage heads to governor LANSING, Mich., Sept. 6, 2023 — On their first day in session after the summer in-district work period, House Democrats gave final passage to three bills that, with their companions already signed into law, outlaw child marriage in Michigan. The bills now head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk; a fourth will return to the Senate. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) speaks in favor of legislation to ban child marriage in Michigan [...]
Farhat Responds to SCOTUS Decision to Block Loan Forgiveness
LANSING, Mich., June 30, 2023 — The U.S. Supreme Court handed down one of the last of its decisions of the term this week, blocking student loan debt relief. After hearing the court’s decision, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is devastating to the millions of Americans seeking relief from the student debt crisis. I’m disappointed the court failed to accept the plain text of the HEROs act. In one [...]
Farhat Appointed to Growing Michigan Together Council
LANSING, Mich. June 20, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced his choice for appointment to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council today. The council was created by the governor to develop a statewide strategy to grow Michigan’s population, while cultivating a Michigan people want to call home. After hearing he was appointed, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “It is an honor to be asked to serve on this new council. When my family [...]
Speaker Tate, Reps. Farhat and Shannon Unveil Plan to Address Public Safety and Violence Prevention
LANSING, Mich., May 24, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and state Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) held a press conference today to discuss upcoming legislation to address crucial public safety and violence prevention priorities. The legislation would keep Michigan’s people and communities safe by providing local communities with additional funding. They were joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Police Chief James E. White, and Grand Rapids Deputy Chief Joe Trigg, who spoke about how [...]
Farhat Votes to Improve Safety for Michigan Drivers, Passengers
LANSING, Mich., April 20, 2023 — The House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee voted out a set of road safety bills yesterday. House Bills 4250-52 are a bipartisan legislative package aiming to strengthen and modernize Michigan’s distracted driving laws — the policies would prohibit drivers from using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle or school bus and hold accountable those who violate the regulations. After voting in favor of the bills, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), a [...]
Farhat on Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2023 - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address tonight before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education and attracting talent to Michigan. State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement on Whitmer's address: "I'm [...]