Dear Neighbor,
This e-newsletter aims to keep you updated on the previous month’s activities in the Michigan House of Representatives. It’s an honor to serve as your new state representative for the 15th state House District, which includes the west end of Dearborn to Dearborn Heights. If you should ever need to contact me, don’t hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0847 or email me at erinbyrnes@house.mi.gov.
Erin Byrnes
State Representative
Michigan’s 15th District
News and Publications
Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
Last week, we honored our fallen service members with a beautiful Memorial Day parade in Dearborn. I was proud to walk alongside our state and federal partners in support and memory of those who served.
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Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Thursday, June 1 in Southeast Michigan
Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area. Effective Wednesday, June 1, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense gas that does not exceed 7 pounds per square inch vapor pressure.
The summer gasoline program was introduced in 1996, due to monitored violations of the national ambient air quality for ozone, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Air Act, in the Detroit area. Enforcing the low-RVP requirement by MDARD ensures Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding dollars. MDARD, as part of its duties under Michigan’s Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, is charged with enforcing ozone protection measures in addition to assuring the quality of the gasoline being dispensed in the state.
Anyone who suspects problems at the pump should call MDARD’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, (800) MDA-FUEL ((800) 632-3835).
Looking for additional information on gasoline? Please visit: MDARD – Gasoline Information – michigan.gov.
Helping Medicaid Members Keep Their Coverage
Take action to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications were sent by main beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.
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Legislative Update
Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference
May 19, 2023
State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, Senate Fiscal Agency Director Kathryn Summers and House Fiscal Agency Director Mary Ann Cleary reached consensus on revised economic and revenue figures for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
“Our economic strategy is working because of our efforts to bring thousands of manufacturing jobs home and put money back in people’s pockets,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Earlier today, our state’s top economists shared that revenues are well above pre-pandemic levels after factoring in our $1 billion tax cut for seniors and working families, and corporate tax revenues are up significantly. Just yesterday, we learned that Michigan’s unemployment rate is 3.8%, below 4% for only the third time since the 1970s and the labor force participation rate is up. All of the work we are doing is helping more families and businesses make it in Michigan. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and deliver a balanced budget that lowers costs on kitchen-table priorities and keeps growing our economy.”
In the weeks ahead, Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature will deliver another balanced budget that lowers costs on many kitchen-table priorities: pre-K, school meals, child care, health care, higher education and energy.
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Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation Signed into Law to Keep Michigan Communities Safe
May 22, 2023
Gov. Whitmer signed commonsense gun violence prevention bills establishing extreme risk protection orders in Michigan, ensuring police officers, health care professionals and family members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms. At the bill signing, Gov. Whitmer was joined by bill sponsors, legislators, public safety advocates and law enforcement officials.
“Extreme risk protection orders save lives by allowing people to take concrete steps to prevent acts of gun violence when they notice that a loved one or community member poses a risk. I am proud to co-sponsor and vote alongside my democratic colleagues in support of this commonsense legislation,” said Rep. Erin Byrnes.
Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bill 83 and House Bills 4146, 4147 and 4148.
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Community Conversations and Town Halls
Coffee hours and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Rep. Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:
Community Conversation with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Friday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Caroline Kennedy Library of Dearborn Heights – 24590 George Ave., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Follow my Facebook page for updates on upcoming community conversations near you!
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