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 begin serving 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 15th House District
Legislative Update
Passage of Proposal 2 Bill Package
June 27, 2023
The Michigan House of Representatives passed a package of bills, House Bills 4695–4702, to implement Proposal 22-2. These bills would fulfill the ballot initiative aimed at expanding voting access, which Michiganders overwhelmingly supported in November 2022. Upon the passage of the package, HB 4699 sponsor, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) released the following statement:
“I’m proud to stand with the people of Michigan by introducing legislation that expands voter rights for Michiganders. The people of Michigan spoke loud and clear last November when they overwhelmingly supported Proposal 2. My bill, which streamlines the permanent absentee voter process, and the other bills that we passed will help ensure that the Great Lakes state continues to be a leading light in the democratic process.”
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Rep. Byrnes Applauds Passage of Historic State Budget
June 29, 2023
The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget this week and it includes $20 million in direct resources for House District 15, which encompasses Dearborn Heights and the west end of Dearborn. In response to the budget allocations, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement:
“I am thrilled that Dearborn and Dearborn Heights have received $15 million combined for the construction of two new fire stations. The health and wellbeing of our residents is my top priority, and our first responders are deserving of state-of-the-art facilities. I have worked hard to secure these funds and will continue to advocate for every available resource to enhance the quality of life in our community. With Dems in control, the state and our district have won with this budget.”
The total Investments that Byrnes secured includes:
- $10 million for a new fire station in Dearborn Heights.
- $5 million for a new fire station in Dearborn.
- $3.2 million for the Dearborn Public Health Authority Initiatives.
- $1 million for HYPE Athletics.
- $500,000 for Community-Based Crisis Response Pilot Grants.
This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic majority — it reflects Michigan’s values by making the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety.
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News and Publications
Secretary Jocelyn Benson Testifies in House Ethics and Oversight Committee
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified last week before chair Byrnes’ House Ethics and Oversight Committee in support of legislation to implement government ethics reforms supported by a bipartisan majority of Michigan voters last November and urged legislators to take further action to increase government transparency.
“For too long, our state has been among the worst, if not the worst state in the nation when it comes to government transparency and ethics laws,” Secretary Benson said. “Voters want this to change. They made this clear by passing Proposal 1, requiring more transparency at the intersection of money and politics. What I am here to do today is to urge you to go above and beyond what the voters required, and to pass laws that the voters, and many of you, actually want.”
EGLE Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Due to the recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple of weeks, the AQI for particulate matter is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
Fire Danger is High across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
Read some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
- When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time.
Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Additional fire tips and information about the DNR’s fire programs here.
Community Conversations and Town Halls
Please note community conversations and town halls will resume as we near the fall. Thank you to all who have attended thus far.
Follow my Facebook page and Website for updates on what i’m doing for Dearborn Heights and West Dearborn!