Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources 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 or questions about this or any other state-level issue.

Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat

State Representative, 3rd House District

Upcoming Events

Coffee Hour

Thank you so much to those who joined me at our April Coffee Hour! Please join me for my next Coffee Hour on May 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Biggby Coffee on Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Event

The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is offering an exciting career opportunity for people with or without construction experience. This event is taking place on May 20 starting at 8 a.m. at the Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center at 11687 American Ave., Detroit, MI 48204.

If you are interested, please click this link for further details and to sign up.

News Updates

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, allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.

Get ready to renew now. 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.

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month

Have you experienced foster care and are currently a student? Apply for the Fostering Futures Scholarship and learn more about YOUR eligibility here. The priority deadline is Aug. 1.

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council Seeks Public Art Submissions in Celebration of Disability Pride Month in July 

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC), a part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) are proud to co-host the “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition, a celebration of Disability Pride Month through art made by Michigan artists with developmental disabilities.

The call for artwork is now open, and MiDDC and SAM will be accepting submissions from Michigan residents who identify as a person with a developmental disability until Friday, June 2. The “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition will take place both in-person and online in July. It will highlight the contributions of artists with disabilities while breaking down the stigmas preventing these artists from accessing more opportunities in the art world.

“Disabilities are a beautiful and natural part of human diversity, and we are thrilled to work with artists with disabilities to showcase their pride through art,” said Vendella Collins, MiDDC executive director. “This art exhibition is a powerful way to shine the spotlight on the rich diversity of artists with disabilities and serve as a reminder that art has the power to break down barriers and connect people of all abilities.”

MiDDC and SAM are seeking a wide range of artwork that explores the theme of Disability Pride. Disability Pride is the idea that persons with disabilities should feel inspired and celebrate their identity as a person with a disability. Disability Pride recognizes that people with disabilities have unique experiences and perspectives that are valuable contributions to society.

All artwork that meets the submission criteria will be displayed in an online gallery on MiDDC’s website. Selected artwork will be displayed at an in-person pop-up exhibition at Lansing Shuffle, 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The pop-up “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition will be open to the public.

To submit artwork for consideration, please go to Michigan.gov/DDCouncil.