Dear Neighbor, this e-newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest activities in the Michigan House of Representatives and will include an overview of recent and upcoming events, news and activities. 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,
State Representative
Michigan’s 15th House District
Upcoming Events
Join me and my special guests U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, state Rep. Dylan Wegela and Marta Johnson from the Michigan Sierra Club on Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon for a town hall on data centers. It will be held at 19501 W. Outer Drive in Dearborn. We’ll talk about pending legislation, environmental impacts and get your input on this critical issue! RSVP here!
I’d also like to invite you to join me for my upcoming community conversation on Monday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Library (24602 Van Born Road in Dearborn Heights). Community conversations are a great way to hear updates from Lansing and discuss the issues facing our community. I look forward to seeing you at the library!
Legislative Updates
ICE Out Legislation
I recently introduced two bills alongside my colleague state Rep. Dylan Wegela to limit ICE’s operating power in Michigan. The first bill would place a 100% tax on all receipts of businesses that contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its supporting agencies, like ICE and U.S. Border Patrol. The bill also creates the Due Process for All Fund, which would be used to pay for immigration-related services.
The other bill would prevent any disbursement of funds from the Michigan Strategic Fund to businesses that contract with DHS and its supporting agencies or other DHS activities. I want to ensure that ICE does not use our tax dollars to fund their aggressive enforcement tactics that have sown fear in our community.
You can read the bill text of HB 6452 and HB 6453 here.
Passage of Proposal 2
The people of Michigan recently adopted a new law that will amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to prohibit electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts and people with connections to utilities and contractors from making campaign contributions to those who run for state-level offices. The law will further limit spending on political communications and increase disclosure requirements for political ads and communications.
News and Community Updates
Track or Treat
On Oct. 25, I joined hundreds of children and their families at the Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association Track or Treat at Penn-Vassar Park. I was happy to sponsor a treat station full of resources, kids’ activities and candy for the kids. It was wonderful to see so many of our community members come together in support of this event!
Veterans Village Grand Opening
I was honored to join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Detroit Veterans Village on Oct. 21. The Veterans Village offers 84 units and will provide long-term, affordable housing with on-site services and support for our veterans. During National Veterans and Military Families Month, it is important that we honor and invest in the people who have made sacrifices and dedicated their lives to protecting us.
Honoring Monday Coffee Club
On Oct. 19, I presented Monday Coffee Club with a tribute in recognition of their excellent customer service and carefully crafted beverages and snacks. Monday Coffee Club is a wonderful small business that continues to open new locations across southeast Michigan. I am always happy to support local businesses and business owners who help make Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Special.
Western Wayne Family Health Centers 20th Anniversary Celebration
I attended the 20th Anniversary Gala for Western Wayne Family Health Centers (WWFHC) on Oct. 16 where I joined several of my colleagues in presenting a tribute for WWFHC in celebration of their years of service to the community. WWFHC serves over 20,000 patients each year and remains dedicated to providing affordable care to folks in Wayne County.
Michigan LCV Annual Detroit Gala
On Oct. 7, I joined the Michigan League of Conservation Voters at their 14th Annual Detroit Gala. This gala was a wonderful opportunity to highlight those who have taken action to support and defend our environment. I will continue to fight alongside LCV to protect Michigan’s air, land and water.
Dearborn Heights Fire Department Open House
The Dearborn Heights Fire Department held an open house on Oct. 3 in honor of Fire Prevention Week. Residents had the opportunity to tour the station, watch live demonstrations, see the fire trucks up close and enjoy refreshments. The Fire Department expects to break ground on their new fire headquarters soon!
Celebrating the Legacy of Maha Freij
On Sept. 29, I joined ACCESS for a reception to celebrate the retirement of Maha Freij, who served as President and CEO of ACCESS for many years. Maha has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service over the course of 35 years, and her dedication and passion will be missed. I wish Maha a wonderful retirement, and I thank her for her service.