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 continue 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’s 15th District
Legislative Update
BRITE Act released to coincide with Sunshine Week
March 13, 2024
A group of House Democratic lawmakers held a press conference to debut legislation to improve standards for government ethics and transparency. The BRITE Act — Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics — will increase reporting and disclosure requirements to safeguard democracy and improve the public’s understanding of who is influencing their elected officials.
“In honor of Sunshine Week, my fellow representatives and I are proud to introduce the BRITE Act,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee. “This legislation will go way beyond Sunshine Week — we are working to create real change that will make Michigan a more transparent state. These policies underscore that government officials work for the people of Michigan, not for lobby groups or dark money interests.”
“After decades of being among the least transparent state governments in the nation, Michigan is now moving in the right direction. This legislative package will strengthen our ethics and transparency laws and make government more accountable to the people we represent,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “I’m grateful for the leadership of the bill sponsors and look forward to strengthening our system so that Michigan is known as a place where the practices of governing, legislating and leading are done with integrity by all involved, in accordance with the will of the voters.”
Current law on lobbying disclosures leaves many loopholes that can be exploited. While most gifts to lawmakers are disclosed, some, such as tickets to concerts and sporting events, are not. Additionally, legislative staff are not considered “lobbyable,” meaning no spending to influence them is subject to disclosure. The BRITE Act closes these gaps and creates a one-year prohibition on lobbying after lawmakers leave office.
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State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), flanked by fellow Democratic legislators, speaks at the press conference introducing the BRITE Act legislation on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the House Office Building in Lansing.
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House Passes Sunshine Week Resolution
March 13, 2024
State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Resolution 207 to declare this week, March 10-16, 2024, as Sunshine Week in Michigan. Sunshine Week is a national initiative by the American Society of News Editors to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy.
Michigan is one of only three states that does not allow the Freedom of Information Act to apply to the executive office and Legislature and ranks last among all states in ethics transparency and accountability. Sunshine Week, which serves as an annual reminder of the foundational right of citizens to access government information and actively participate in the democratic process, plays a critical part in addressing these issues and improving transparency in Michigan’s government.
“In a time when trust in government is on the decline, it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to restore faith in our government. As chair of the Ethics and Oversight Committee, one of my main goals is to pass policies that will increase transparency in our state,” said resolution co-sponsor Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). “Sunshine Week provides an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and to engage with our constituents in an open and honest dialogue.”
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Gov. Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day
March 12 marks the number of days into the year that women would need to work to match what men made last year
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 12 as Equal Pay Day to bring attention to the Michigan women who experience unequal pay at all levels of work.
“Women in Michigan and across the nation deserve equal pay for equal work,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Women who work full-time are paid 84 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts, and women of color make even less. This discrepancy has ripple effects across our economy and impacts nearly every Michigan family. Fair pay is about making sure Michigan is a place where anyone can work hard and build a good life. I’m proud of every Michigan woman working hard to provide for themselves and their families. I want you to know that I’m going to keep fighting for you.”
Rep. Byrnes is proud to be working alongside her colleagues in the Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus to advance legislation on equal pay for equal work. Stay tuned to our website for updates on legislation on this topic when it comes to the house floor!
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Women’s History Month
Michigan’s history is rich with trailblazing women who shattered barriers and reshaped our society. From the right to vote to leadership roles, their legacy inspires us to keep pushing for equality and justice. As we begin Women’s History Month, let’s remember the battles fought and the victories won. From suffrage to workplace equality, women have paved the way for progress in Michigan and beyond!
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Holy Month of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan hopes to bring peace, love and blessings to all who celebrate. This year, the holy month looms in the shadow of the humanitarian crisis of the war on Gaza. Michigan families have come together to pray for lasting peace amid so much suffering. We mourn with Michiganders who have lost loved ones. Rep. Byrnes continues to advocate for an increase in security funding for places of worship in Michigan and a lasting ceasefire abroad.
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March is National Reading Month
Our schools and libraries are sanctuaries for students and adults alike to grow their education through reading. Reading books aloud to children ignites creativity, curiosity, and stimulates the imagination of young children as they expand their understanding of the world. Rep. Byrnes encourages you to share your favorite books through public readings or in the comfort of your own home.
How do you get involved?
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
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library
24602 Van Born Road
Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Main 313-791-6050
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 West Warren
Dearborn, MI 48126
313-943-4096
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Reps. Byrnes & Miller Celebrating March is Reading Month on the House floor!
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Fireside chats and Town Halls
Fireside chats and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Representative Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events:
Fireside Chat with Representative Erin Byrnes
WHEN: Monday, March 25, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: John F. Kennedy Jr. Library Fireplace, 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
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Follow my Facebook page and website for updates on what I’m doing for Dearborn Heights and the west end of Dearborn!