Community Events and Updates: August 29

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter. I cannot believe how quickly summer passed us by. I hope you’ve taken the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors while the season comes to an end. It’s been a busy season in Lansing and Dearborn, and I am thrilled to update you on the latest developments both in the Capitol and right here in our district.

This past month, I joined special guest state Rep. Erin Byrnes at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center’s Senior Center for a “Meet Your State Representatives” event. Standing there in Dearborn, I felt the importance of being face-to-face with the people I represent. Constituents came with questions, concerns, and hopes about infrastructure, education, public safety, or simply the future of our community. There’s nothing like listening directly to our neighbors to remind me that every vote, every decision I make in Lansing, has a real impact on real lives.

I also had the privilege of being a part of two back-to-school drives. Giving out backpacks and supplies might seem small, but for many families in Dearborn, it lifts a heavy burden and brings real relief. Watching students’ eyes light up as they pick up their new backpacks is what serving this community is all about. If I can do anything as a state representative to ease even a little bit of the cost of education, I’m proud to be part of that.

Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope will be helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0144 or email at AlabasFarhat@house.mi.gov with questions about this or any other state-level issue. Also, feel free to connect with me on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat
State Representative
House District 3

When: Friday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.-noon

Where: 5461 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI 48126

Join me for an informal conversation over coffee. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear updates on state and local issues directly from your state representative.

I recently spoke on the House floor sharing my concerns over the House Republican-led budget that cut nearly six billion dollars in funding from state programs.

In my view, it would be a disaster for Michiganders; instead of supporting the needs of Michiganders, this budget would reduce access to vital resources and leave our hardworking families vulnerable. The effects make me wonder, who is this Republican budget truly supporting?

As your representative, and the Democratic lead on the budget in the House, I will continue to advocate for a state budget that fully funds education and health care, uplifting the people of Michigan instead of holding them back.

September is National Literacy Month, a time to celebrate the transformative power of reading and writing. Literacy is a fundamental skill that opens doors to education, employment, and civic engagement. It empowers individuals to understand the world around them and to share their own stories.

This month, consider how you can promote literacy in your community. Whether it’s by donating books or volunteering at a local school or library, every effort helps build a more literate and informed society. Let’s make a commitment this month to support literacy in all its forms.

Women’s Inspiration Luncheon
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dearborn Country Club, 800 N. Military St., Dearborn

Join community leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an uplifting luncheon celebrating women’s leadership and mentorship. Expect inspiring remarks, networking, and practical takeaways to power your next chapter.

Detroit Central Market Weekends
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greenfield Village, Dearborn

Stroll the open-air market for fresh produce, artisan goods, and family-friendly activities in a historic setting. Perfect for a weekend outing. Shop local and enjoy live demos throughout the day.

If you know an individual, business, or community landmark that you believe deserves special recognition in the form of a tribute, please reach out to my office or submit a request here. One of my favorite parts of serving as your state representative is visiting teachers, small-business owners, and others to offer our gratitude for the work they do to support our community daily.

Our teachers and business leaders are pillars of the community and deserve recognition for their hard work. If you would like to nominate a teacher and/or business for me to recognize on social media, please fill out the forms below.

Stay connected on social media . . .