Dear Neighbor,
As the year comes to a close, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a peaceful start to the new year.
This year has been challenging, as events in Michigan, the U.S. and around the world have brought uncertainty and fear. It is in these times that we need each other and our community to lift us up. Let us bring light into the world and use our strengths to build a better, more just world.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your state representative for the 15th State House District, and I am proud to be of service to our community.
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
Save the Date:
Community Conversations are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with me. Here are my upcoming constituent events at JFK Library of Dearborn Heights (24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125):
- Monday, Jan. 26, from 2-3 p.m. at JFK Library
- Monday, Feb. 23, from 2-3 p.m. at JFK Library
- Monday, March 23, from 2-3 p.m. at JFK Library
- Monday, April 27, from 2-3 p.m. at JFK Library
Legislative Updates:
Michigan House Republicans Unilaterally Blocked Critical Community Funding
In early December, Michigan House Republicans used a procedural mechanism to block more than $644 million in previously approved funding, without a vote of the full House, the Senate, the governor or any opportunity for public input. In my opinion, this is not ethical, accountable, or transparent to Michiganders, especially when there is mass confusion about which programs and projects lost funding.
As a result, funding is potentially halted for several programs that have already begun operating, including:
- Rural health care providers and hospitals
- Rx Kids, which helps cover health care costs for pregnant women and families with infants
- Programs supporting children undergoing cancer treatment
I want to be honest: I am deeply frustrated that the Speaker and House Republicans took unilateral action that, in my view, has immediate and negative consequences for Michigan residents. This decision comes just weeks before the holidays, a time when many families are already stretched thin and relying on these supports.
I am fighting to restore funding to these community projects, and I am proud to represent a diverse, progressive district that believes in taking care of our neighbors and investing in the health, services and well-being of our communities.
Diet Pills Interview
I’m working hard to protect young people from underregulated over-the-counter weight loss and muscle building products. That is why I introduced HB 5250, which would ban online and over-the-counter sales of these items to minors in the state of Michigan. I was invited to join Local 4 Live recently to discuss my legislation, and you can watch the interview by clicking the image below.
Data Centers
Data centers are being proposed across the state, and we cannot allow massive tech and utility companies to operate with no transparency, no accountability and no regard for safety. We should not be left to pay the price through higher energy bills, a polluted environment and serious risk to our health.
I will always hold DTE accountable. Recently, I signed on to a letter with my House and Senate colleagues to demand transparency around the proposed data center in Saline.
I also introduced HB 5398 as part of a bipartisan bill package with state Reps. Wegela (HB 5396) and DeSana (HB 5397) to roll back the tax incentives we hand out to data centers. These companies must pay their own way and not rely on taxpayers!
I recently spoke on the Capitol steps to call out the damage data centers can do to our state. You can watch my speech by clicking the image below.
Wreaths Across America Day Resolution
The House voted to pass my resolution, HR 225, to proclaim Dec. 13 as Wreaths Across America Day in Michigan. This December, more than 60,000 wreaths were laid on the graves of our veterans across the state in honor of their service. Thank you to our veterans and Gold Star Families for their service and sacrifice and to Wreaths Across America for bringing this honor to our community. You can watch my speech by clicking the image below.
Year in Review
I’ve worked hard on behalf of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights this year, and I’m excited to continue advocating for our community!
- I have a 100% voting attendance record.
- I held and attended over 60 community events.
- Over 1,000 constituents have been contacted by my office.
- I sponsored and co-sponsored over 266 bills and resolutions.
News and Community Updates:
Dearborn’s Veterans Day Ceremony
This Veterans Day, we celebrated our veterans and honored their service to our country in numerous ways.
I introduced HB 5274, alongside 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.
I was proud to be at the grand reveal of Michigan’s newest license plate that acknowledges the service, sacrifice and contributions of Michigan’s women veterans. Eligible Michigan veterans may order the woman veteran specialty plate by downloading the Application for Veteran License Plate from the Michigan Department of State website, filling it out and mailing it in, or by scheduling a visit to a branch office.
Nov. 10, 2025 – At the unveiling ceremony of the Woman Veteran License Plate.
I was happy to attend Dearborn’s Veterans Day ceremony and celebrate our amazing veterans, who have given so much to our country.
Nov. 11 – With veterans at Dearborn’s Veteran’s Day ceremony.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
The annual Empty Bowls event benefits Blessings in a Backpack and Gleaners Food Bank, and features artwork created by students across Dearborn Public Schools. I was happy to attend and support this important fundraiser.
Nov. 17 – At the Empty Bowls fundraiser in Dearborn.
Women of Tomorrow Event
In November, I attended a wonderful event hosted by Women of Tomorrow! This program serves thousands of high school girls across the metro region, and I’m proud to be a former mentor! I’ll continue to advocate for Women of Tomorrow alongside my colleagues in Lansing.
Nov. 18 – From left to right, with state Reps. Myers-Phillips, Carter and Edwards.
Farewell to Superintendent Maleyko
Superintendent Glenn Maleyko has served the Dearborn community for decades, and I was happy to present him with a tribute as he transitions to the role of State Superintendent! I look forward to working with Superintendent Maleyko in his new role, and I am confident he will serve the students and teachers of our state well.
A Community for Everyone!
Dearborn is more than just a city; we’re a community. I am grateful for the people who make our community a special, close-knit place to live.
When white supremacist extremism came to our city, we came together to proclaim that hate has no place here, or anywhere else. As a proud Dearbornite, I want to thank our community members, Mayor Hammoud and the Dearborn Police Department for managing this horrific situation with humanity and professionalism. Please read my statement below:
And later that same week, we stood together at the City of Dearborn’s unity press conference to reaffirm our commitment to being a welcoming, diverse community where people from all around the world come together to live in peace.
Nov. 21 – At the Dearborn Unity Press Conference
Volunteering in the Community
The weekend before Thanksgiving, I volunteered at the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce turkey giveaway. I also helped rake leaves for a Dearborn Heights resident, who was an original Rosie the Riveter! During the holiday season, I’m thankful to be part of our community, where we always show up for each other.
Nov. 22 – Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce turkey giveaway
Nov. 22 – Raking leaves in Dearborn Heights