Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my first e-newsletter! Allow me to introduce myself — I am Alabas Farhat, state representative for Michigan’s 3rd House District. As a proud member of this community, I have a deep appreciation for the rich cultural diversity and vibrant spirit that define Detroit, Dearborn and Melvindale. I am committed to using my experiences and voice to promote the well-being and success of our communities and our people.
I look forward to connecting with you and working together to build a brighter future for our communities!
Each month, you will receive two e-newsletters from my office. Included in each edition are important legislative and district updates and useful resources — all of which I hope will prove helpful.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0144 or email at AlabasFarhat@house.mi.gov, for questions or concerns on any state-level issue.
Sincerely,
Alabas A. Farhat
State Representative, 3rd House District
Upcoming Events
Coffee Hour
Our office will host a coffee hour each month. During these events, I’ll have the opportunity to sit down and hear from YOU on the issues that matter most, while also providing updates on what our office is doing in Lansing.
Please, join me on Monday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Biggby Coffee on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn for our first monthly Coffee Hour! I look forward to seeing you there.
Legislative Updates
Committee Assignments
I am pleased to share that I have been appointed to the following committees: Economic Development and Small Business; Health Policy; Tax Policy (majority vice chair); Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure; and the Appropriations Subcommittees on Health and Human Services, and Labor and Economic Opportunity.
House Resolution 14
On Jan.18, I introduced House Resolution 14 to commemorate January 2023 as the 94th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. This resolution serves as a tribute to the immense impact that Dr. King had on the civil rights movement and the ongoing efforts to promote equality and justice in our society. Through his leadership and advocacy, Dr. King inspired a generation to fight for change and helped bring about historic reforms that continue to shape our world today.
News Updates
The Detroit Taxpayer Resource Fair
The city of Detroit is partnering with the Detroit Taxpayer Service Center, Office of the Assessor, Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, and DivDat to host a Taxpayer Resource Fair on Friday, Feb. 24, from 1:00 – 4:40 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center. Residents can get information about available resources regarding property taxes in addition to information on current year tax bill questions, the Plan Ahead Program (city of Detroit), convenient ways to pay your taxes, delinquent tax questions and much more!
Dearborn Police Department Now Provides Social Work Co-Responder for Mental Health Crisis Calls
The Dearborn Police Department has collaborated with the nonprofit organization ACCESS to provide a full-time behavioral health specialist to respond, with officers, to situations involving mental and behavioral health crises.
Recognizing an increased need among the community, Dearborn is one of few jurisdictions in the state to employ the co-responder or Police-Mental Health Collaboration model.
In recent years, with the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Dearborn Police Department has seen an escalation in mental health calls — a 62% increase from 2020 to 2022 — and welfare check calls, which increased from 910 in 2020, to 1,139 in 2021 and 1,135 in 2022.
With the aim of improving the experience and outcomes of people in crisis, co-responders offer several advantages to both officers and the community. A co-response unit can facilitate de-escalation in crisis situations, divert individuals from the criminal justice system to crisis support, and connect those in need with appropriate services.
Rep. Farhat Statement on Shooting at Michigan State University
No college student should have to worry about feeling safe on campus.
While my thoughts and prayers are with the MSU community, thoughts and prayers are not enough.
I am committed to taking common-sense steps to reduce gun violence.
Important Dates
Jan. 17 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In 1983, the U.S. Congress established a new federal holiday on the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to remember his life and achievements. On this day, we honor Dr. King and remember his struggle for civil rights and social justice. We must also recognize the work that still needs to be done to create a more just and equitable society, just as Dr. King dreamed.
Black History Month
Let us celebrate Black History Month by honoring the legacy and remarkable contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history. From their unwavering determination in the face of adversity, to their enriching impact on our culture, Black Americans have left an indelible mark on our society. This month, let us recommit to understanding and appreciating their history and work towards creating a more equitable and just future for all. Black history is American history.