Dear Neighbor,
This e-newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest activities in the Michigan House of Representatives. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative for the 15th State House District, which includes the west end of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights.
If you ever need to reach me, please call my office at (517) 373-0847 or email me at [email protected].
In Service,
Erin Byrnes
State Representative
Michigan’s 15th House District
Upcoming Events:
Community Conversations are chances to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are my upcoming constituent events:
September Community Conversation with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 22, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: JFK Library of Dearborn Heights, 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Save the Dates:
- Monday, Oct. 20, 2-3 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 17, 2-3 p.m.
House Democrats’ Vision Project:
My colleagues and I are developing a vision for the coming years, and we want you to be part of the process. If you want to share your thoughts to help guide Democratic priorities in Lansing, now is your opportunity!
I look forward to your feedback as I work with my colleagues to develop policy priorities that center Michiganders’ needs. Please consider filling out the short survey at this link: Michigan House Democrats Vision Project Survey. Thank you!
Legislative Updates:
Wayne County is Not Your Dumping Ground!
Earlier this month, I stood with state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.) to denounce Wayne Disposal’s plan to expand their hazardous waste landfill and even accept atomic waste from the Manhattan Project. This landfill is already up to twenty stories high and filled with some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is hosting a public informational meeting and hearing on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Be sure to register and let EGLE know you do not want Wayne Disposal to expand and make us sicker. We deserve to live without fear of getting asthma or cancer from how businesses treat our environment.
Speaking at the “Not Your Dumping Ground” Press Conference at the Belleville Area District Library with state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (left) and state Rep. Reggie Miller (center) on Aug. 20.
House Republicans Passed a Budget Proposal that will directly impact ALL Michiganders
The budget was supposed to be signed into law by July 1, but on Aug. 26, House Republican leadership gave Democrats less than an hour to read an 800-page budget (HB 4706), even though, according to a Republican state representative, the budget was drafted before the end of June.
I voted no on this budget that would:
- Cut Michigan State Police funding
- Defund the Arab American National Museum
- Not specify funding for school meals for K-12 students
- Cut adult dental coverage
- Eliminate veterans’ homelessness grants
- Cut maternal and infant support programs
- Reduce food safety and inspection programs
- Defund sexual assault kit funding
- Cut support for farmers and agricultural development
- Increase funding for horse-racing prizes
- And much more!
Now it is up to the House and Senate to negotiate and pass a bill both chambers agree on. However, the Republican House Appropriations Chair recently said, “We’re not budging as much as [Democrats are] going to have to budge if they want to have a budget done.” The end of this month marks the end of our fiscal year. Make sure your voice is heard as this budget process continues! It will have a profound impact on our neighborhoods and communities, so I urge you to stay informed on this process.
I’ll be providing more information on the Republican budget on my Facebook page — stay tuned for updates.
News and Community Updates:
Celebrating 10 Years with Dearborn Brewing
I love celebrating milestones for businesses in the district, and this was no exception. On Aug. 9, we celebrated 10 years with Dearborn Brewing, the city’s first microbrewery, and I was proud to present them with a state tribute. They celebrated all weekend with good music, community and of course, brews!
If you have an idea for an individual, organization or business who deserves a tribute, suggest one here!
Dearborn Homecoming
I recently celebrated Dearborn Homecoming with all of you. It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the ribbon cutting and so many people enjoying the rides and food. This is my favorite event each year, and I already look forward to 2026!
Dearborn Heights and Dearborn Calendars:
Dearborn Heights
- Sept. 9, 6 p.m. – City Council Meeting
- Sept. 11, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission Meeting
- Sept. 18, 6 p.m. – Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
- Sept. 23, 6 p.m. – City Council Meeting
Dearborn
- Sept. 9, 7 p.m. – City Council Meeting
- Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-noon – DPW Shred Day – DPW Building
- Sept. 23, 7 p.m. – City Council Meeting
- Sept. 25, 6 p.m. – Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting