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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 state Representative in the 15th State House District, which includes the west end of Dearborn and 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. |
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Erin Byrnes State Representative Michigan’s 15th District |
Legislative Updates |
Campaign Finance Reform Bill Passes House |
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Sept. 25, 2024 A bill part of the Bring Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act package passed out of the House today. House Bill 5583, sponsored by state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to allow the Secretary of State to apply to Ingham County Circuit Court for injunctive relief for alleged violations of the act. This will allow the Secretary of State to act on real-time campaign finance violations and abuses. “This is a bright day for the state of Michigan,” Byrnes said. “By passing this bill, we are strengthening our state’s ethics and transparency. The Secretary of State will now be able to act against violations to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act in real time, and will hopefully be able to stop violations in their tracks.” |
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State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, testifies on House Bills 5583 and 5586 on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the House Office Building in Lansing. |
Byrnes Introduces Bill on Huntington’s Disease Awareness |
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Sept. 26, 2024 State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) introduced House Bill 5963 this week that would permanently recognize May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in Michigan. “Huntington’s Disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects over 41,000 Americans, and an additional 200,000 are genetically at risk of inheriting the expanded gene responsible for causing this disease. This genetic disorder is so rare that there are many physicians who are still learning about the disease and its related medications. By introducing House Bill 5963, I aim to spread awareness of this disease,” Byrnes said. Huntington’s Disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. |
School Aid Supplemental for Strong Schools, Healthy Kids |
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Sept. 25, 2024 I am excited to share with you historic investments House Dems have secured for our public schools. This week, I voted to give schools a total of $150 million in funding for schools to spend responsibly on school safety and mental health. This legislation empowers school districts across the state to invest in solutions tailored to each school’s individual needs. Uplifting students and educators in our area is one of my utmost priorities. It is clear that the support our local schools provide for our bright-minded students is irreplaceable. That’s why I am delighted to share with you the estimated funding our district’s schools could receive from this bill:
House Dems are taking action to keep our schools strong and our kids healthy, and this funding is just one part of our transformative plan. The total of $150 million passed in this bill joins other great investments:
Strong schools support healthy kids, and I will continue fighting to put our schools first. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding the school aid supplemental. |
News and Publications |
| Gov. Whitmer Sends Tributes to 12 Michigan Schools Honored for National Blue Ribbon Recognition |
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Oct. 1, 2024 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent tributes to 12 Michigan schools for being named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious recognition is awarded annually to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among student groups. “I’m proud of our work to build a strong public education system that gives every Michigan student a real opportunity to succeed,” Whitmer said. “These twelve schools represent the best of what’s possible when we invest in our kids, teachers and communities. Their achievements show that every child can thrive academically and have a bright future with the right support. We will continue working together to ensure all of our schools have the resources they need to empower our students, close achievement gaps and help families continue to make it here in Michigan.” 12 Michigan Schools Honored for National Blue Ribbon Recognition include the following from the District:
“This is an exciting day for Dearborn STEM Middle School,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). “Our middle school and its students are being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for being a high-performing school. I would like to congratulate all the students, teachers and staff who have worked so hard to get this recognition. I am very proud of you all.” |
Community Conversation with Special Guest U.S. Congresswoman Tlaib Recap |
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Sept. 30, 2024 Thank you to everyone who attended our community conversation this past week! Our special guest, U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and I delved into Michigan’s ethics laws, notably how the BRITE ACT — House Bills 5580–86 — would bring greater transparency to Lansing. We further discussed the need to hold utility companies accountable for outdated infrastructure and constituent losses such as medicine, food and continued rate increases during all too frequent outages. As a reminder, inquiries and complaints are taken Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding state holidays) by calling: (800)292-9555 or (517)284-8100 at the Michigan Public Service Commission to share any difficulties you are having in your neighborhood. |
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Upcoming District Events and Holidays |
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Community Conversation and Town Halls |
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Community Conversations and town halls are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Here are Representative Byrnes’ upcoming constituent events: Community Conversation with Rep. Byrnes Join your state representative for a discussion on district updates! WHEN: Monday, Oct. 28 from 2-3 p.m. WHERE: JFK Library fireplace 24602 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI |
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