Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to the June edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter.
With summer in full swing and the days growing longer, I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the sunshine and spend some time outdoors. It’s been a busy and productive season in Lansing and Dearborn, and I am thrilled to update you on the latest developments both in the Capitol and right here in our district.
As minority vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve been working diligently to negotiate a fiscally responsible, people-first budget. We must pass a budget that fully funds the critical school programs so many Michiganders rely on and provides schools with the stability they need to plan ahead. This month, I held a press conference where my Democratic colleagues and I unveiled our education funding proposal that puts Michigan students, families and educators first.
Our proposal increases per-pupil funding and dedicates meaningful investments in areas we know matter most: reducing class sizes, boosting literacy and expanding access to school-based mental health services. We proposed major funding for school infrastructure, ensuring students across the state can learn in safe, modern and supportive environments. Importantly, our proposal protects vital funding for the programs our most vulnerable students rely on: special education services, universal school meals and at-risk student support. These are not areas we can afford to scale back; they are the foundation for equitable, high-quality public education. This initiative is more than numbers, it’s about the future of our kids, and I won’t stop fighting for a budget that delivers the support they deserve.
House Republicans rolled out their education budget proposal this week, and it passed the House with solely Republican votes. Their K-12 and higher education budgets include meaningful cuts to funding for students and schools. The clock is still ticking to get final budgets negotiated with the Senate and the Governor by July 1. I will continue working as hard as I can to ensure the priorities that matter to parents and schools are included. We cannot play games with our kids’ education.
I am also excited to share that I will be hosting a Summer Health Fair next month! We invite you to join us for this community event on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hemlock Park (13355 Hemlock Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126)! Connect with local health organizations and service providers offering valuable information, on-site services and free resources to support your well-being. From health screenings and consultations to giveaways and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
Let us know if you’re able to attend! While the event is free and open to all, RSVPing helps us better plan for supplies and activities. RSVP using this link.
Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope will be 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 or any other state-level issue.
Sincerely,
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Alabas A. Farhat |
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Coffee Hour — Friday, June 20, at 11 a.m.-noon 5461 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI 48126 Legislative Snapshot: Pushing the People’s Agenda This month, my office had the opportunity to testify in the Senate Committee on local government on my bill, House Bill 4090. This bill authorizes the State of Michigan to transfer a state-owned correctional facility to the city of Detroit. The facility is utilized by the Detroit Police Department to house arrestees while they await processing, booking, court appearances or transport. Under their current contract, the state provides the city with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) staff to operate the facility. Conveying this facility from the state to the city will allow the Detroit Police Department to assume sole responsibility for the operation and staffing of the facility, freeing up MDOC staff to be placed elsewhere and absolving the state from the long-term cost liability of the property. If you’re ever curious about the status of pending legislation or you would appreciate further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. June is National Safety Month June marks National Safety Month, a nationwide initiative focused on preventing injuries and saving lives. Whether at work, on the road, or at home, it’s a time to spotlight simple yet impactful steps we can all take to create safer environments. By staying informed and proactive, we help protect ourselves and our communities every day. In the Community Downtown Dearborn Summer Market — Friday, June 13, 4-8 p.m., Peace Park West, 22271 Village Dr., Dearborn, MI, 48126 Taste of Dearborn — Wednesday, June 18, 6-9 p.m. (registration begins at 5:30 p.m.), West Village Commons, 22223 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI, 48126 Mayor’s Neighborhood walks — South End Walk: Tuesday, June 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 10163 Dix Ave.; Historic neighborhood walk: Monday, June 30, 1-3 p.m. at 2600 Stephens St. Rep. Farhat’s Summer Health Fair — Friday, July 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Hemlock Park, 13355 Hemlock Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, RSVP here. 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. Nominate a Teacher and Business of the Month Our teachers and business leaders are pillars of the community and deserve recognition for their hard work. If you would like to nominate a teacher and/or business for me to recognize on social media, please fill out the forms below. Stay Connected on Social |