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 House District, which extends from 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
Legislative Update
Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Voting Rights Signed into Law
July 18, 2023
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bipartisan legislation expanding voting rights. The bills implement Ballot Proposal 22-2, also known as ‘Prop 2,’ which Michiganders passed overwhelmingly last November. The new laws make it easier to vote in a secure way, ensuring Michiganders can make their voices heard in every election.
House Bill 4699, sponsored by Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), makes it so voters can fill out a single application to vote by mail and have a ballot mailed to them in all future elections without going through the hassle of extra paperwork, saving them time and money.
“The implementation of Proposal 2 will create generational change for Michigan voters at a critical moment in our democracy,” Byrnes said. “House Bill 4699 will establish a permanent absentee voter list, easing access to the ballot and empowering voters with the option to vote by mail indefinitely. I am thrilled to be part of this process, and excited to see Michigan leading the way on voting rights.”
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Gov. Whitmer Signs ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget
July 31, 2023
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan general government state budget for fiscal year 2024 to grow the economy, lower costs, deliver on kitchen-table issues and help anyone “Make it in Michigan.”
The FY24 budget, when combined with the education budget previously signed by the governor, lowers costs on health care, preschool, meals for kids, higher education, housing and workforce training. Additionally, the fiscal year 2024 budget will help fix bridges, replace lead pipes and protect public safety.
The FY24 budget totals $81.7 billion, including a general fund total of $15.2 billion. For more information, see House Bill 4437 for the general budget and Public Act 103 of 2023 for the education budget.
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News and Publications
Rep. Byrnes Presents $10 Million Check for Dearborn Heights Fire Station
July 6, 2023
Dearborn Heights and state officials held a press conference regarding the recent $10 million allocation for the construction of a new fire department headquarters building. The current station on Beech Daly has experienced settlement and deterioration of its interior walls that have caused noticeable gaps and cracks. The location for the new building will be announced soon.
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Key provisions of auto insurance reform don’t apply to previously injured
July 31, 2023
In a 5-2 ruling, the Michigan Supreme Court found that a key provision in the 2019 law that reformed Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system does not apply to individuals injured prior to the law’s passage. This decision ensures that people who started receiving no fault benefits before the change won’t have those benefits cut.
Following the decision, Rep. Erin Byrnes released the following statement:
“Today, the court ruled in favor of survivors of catastrophic auto accidents. This is the right thing to do — legally and morally.”
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North Branch of Ecorse Creek Drain
The Wayne County Drain Commission recently received a $10 million grant to perform work on the North Branch Ecorse Creek Drain. If this drain runs along your property, please be aware you should receive a letter regarding this work and how it may impact you! The letter also requests that you participate in a survey run by the county. This survey is very important and will help the county to better prepare for the work that needs to take place on the drain.
Your help is appreciated ! If you have questions or concerns, call (313) 241-0704 or email info@NBEcorseCreek.com.
Summer Reading is here!
Rep. Byrnes encourages you to share your favorite books through public readings or in the comfort of your own home. See below for Rep. Byrnes’ new read on loan from the Dearborn Heights Library! What are you reading right now?
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Contact your local public library to find scheduled reads or check out a book!
Caroline Kennedy Library
24590 George St. Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Main 313-791-3800
dhreference@gmail.com
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library
24602 Van Born Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Main 313-791-6050
jfkreference@gmail.com
Henry Ford Centennial Library
16301 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48126
313-943-2330
Bryant Branch Library
22100 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124
313-943-4091
Esper Branch Library
12929 W. Warren Ave.Dearborn, MI 48126
313-943-4096
Community Conversations and Town Halls
Please note community conversations and town halls will resume as we near the fall, and dates will be shared soon. 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 the west end of Dearborn!