Dear Neighbor,
As the year winds down and uncertainty continues, I want to let you know I will never stop fighting in Lansing to ensure the well-being of all District 15 residents, which includes the west end of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative.
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 District
Upcoming Events:
Community Conversations are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are my upcoming constituent events:
November Community Conversation with State Rep. Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 17, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: JFK Library of Dearborn Heights, 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125.
Legislative Updates:
Weight Loss Products and Minors Act
I am proud to introduce House Bill 5250, the Weight Loss Products and Minors Act, which would prohibit the sale of certain dietary supplements and diet pills to minors.
Many young people have turned to weight loss supplements in the pursuit of unrealistic body standards, without understanding the risks involved. The Food and Drug Administration treats these supplements as food rather than drugs, resulting in oversight only AFTER someone has consumed these pills or powders. One study found that more than 15 protein powders and shakes contained dangerous levels of lead, with some exceeding 10 times the safe limit. Another study found that adolescent and young adult women who use such products are four to six times more likely to develop an eating disorder within a few years. These supplements are dangerously underregulated, often untested for safety in minors, but still aggressively marketed.
Even our own youth want this bill to become law. According to MyVoice, a national youth survey project from the University of Michigan, more than 70% of young people support restricting these sales to minors.
This legislation is about protecting our kids. We’ve seen other states take or begin to take the necessary steps to keep these harmful products out of the hands of kids, and it’s time Michigan did the same. For more information, click here.
Nov. 5, 2025 – Speaking at the “Protecting Kids, Promoting Health” press conference at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
100% Disabled Veterans Vehicle Purchase Tax Exemption
Our veterans have served our country honorably, but at great risk to their physical health. Veteran Affairs (VA) uses a disability rating, on a scale from 0% to 100%, to determine what benefits a veteran can get based on the severity of their service-connected condition. If a VA is given the status of 100%, that means a disabled veteran has the highest severity, representing the most need.
I am proud to honor their service and sacrifice by introducing HB 5274 alongside state Rep. Dievendorf’s HB 5257 to allow 100% disabled veterans to be exempt from the sales and use taxes applied at checkout for a personal new or used vehicle. As of now, the only transportation benefit that qualifying veterans receive is either a free disabled veteran standard plate or permanent plate.
News and Community Updates:
SODA Track or Treat
It was so much fun to hand out treats (and not tricks) at the annual Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association’s (SODA) Track or Treat event at Penn-Vassar Park in Dearborn. It’s a great event that draws an amazing crowd of children and is a fun way for the community to come together. I love getting to see all the cute costumes and the sweet faces. And any time this event takes place, and it doesn’t rain, we’re thrilled!
New Dearborn Heights Fire Station Update
I am excited to announce that there is progress being made on the new Dearborn Heights fire station further north on Beech Daly Road.
Back in 2023, we secured a $10 million investment from the state to build this new station, so our first responders would have a safer place to call headquarters as the current station is crumbling beneath their feet. On Oct. 14, 2025, the City Council took a critical next step and approved the location for the new station.
I have been working with the fire department and city administration to ensure a new and safe fire station is built to support our incredible first responders. I look forward to further progress as the design phase for the new fire station begins.
Oct. 14, 2025 – Offering public comment at the city council meeting regarding the new fire station in Dearborn Heights.
Food Resources
With the longest federal government shutdown in history ending, the confusion around SNAP benefits, higher prices at the grocery store and the upcoming holiday season, I know this is a trying time for so many families. Below is a list of food resources across Dearborn and Dearborn Heights to ensure our families, veterans, seniors and kids do not go hungry.
- The Helping Hand
- Address: 24110 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn 48124
- Phone: (313) 563-4800
- Hours: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Dearborn Community Food Pantry
- Address: 1570 Mason St., Dearborn 48124
- Phone: (313) 278-4350
- Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month from 9-10 a.m.
- First Assembly of God Food Pantry
- Address: 5650 S. Telegraph Road, Dearborn Heights
- Phone: (313) 292-1220
- Hours: Friday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Dearborn Community Fridge
- Address: 1176 Abbey Lane, Dearborn 48124
- Instagram: @dearbornmutualaid
- Hours: Available 24/7
- LAHC Food Pantry
- Address: 5275 Kenilworth St., Dearborn 48126
- Phone: (888) 315-5242
- Hours: Once per month, by appointment.
- Call to schedule an appointment.
- Eternal Light Food Distribution
- Address: 5752 N. Telegraph Road, Dearborn Heights
- Phone: (313) 600-2118
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9 a.m.
- The Salvation Army
- Address: 26700 W Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights
- Phone: (313) 563-4457
- Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, by appointment only
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
- Address: 20710 Colgate, Dearborn Heights 48125
- Phone: (313) 563-3970
- Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
You can also find more resources at:
- https://pantrynet.org/
- https://mi211.org/
- Calling 2-1-1
As always, my office is always available if you need assistance in finding resources.
Booklets
The Michigan Legislature publishes helpful guides for its citizens. You may see some at our constituent engagement hours or around the town. You can always view a digital version HERE or request a physical copy from our office. We have resources for seniors, veterans, children and families, tenants and landlords, crime victims and more! Learn more at: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/Publications.
Dearborn Heights and Dearborn Calendar:
Dearborn Heights
- Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. – City Council Meeting
- Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. – City Council Meeting
Dearborn
- Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. – City Council Meeting
- Monday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m. – Annual City of Dearborn Tree Lighting Ceremony
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!
