Thank you for reading my e-news and allowing me to serve you in Michigan’s 1st House District and act as your voice in Lansing. My team and I remain committed to helping constituents with their questions and issues, while also providing useful resources.
As your representative, I am most effective at my job when acting on your input. This term, I am proud to serve on the following committees: Judiciary (minority vice chair), Finance, Regulatory Reform and the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have about issues in the community or legislation that will impact our state. You can contact me at (517) 373-0154, toll free at (888) 254-5291, by email TyroneCarter@house.mi.gov or through my website. Thank you for your commitment to the community we both call home. I look forward to hearing from you!
In Service,
Tyrone Carter
State Representative
1st House District
In this issue:
- March Community Hour
- Immigration Town Hall
- SW Detroit Water Damage Update
- Women’s History Month
- Legislative Update
- 313 Day and New Area code information
- Michigan Reconnect Internship Program
March Conversation with Carter – Community Hour
Please join me for my upcoming community hour this Friday, March 14! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community.
Friday, March 14, 2025
1-2 p.m.
Kemeny Recreation Center
2260 S. Fort St., Detroit 48217
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Pope Francis Center- Board Room
2915 W. Hancock St., Detroit 48208
(Parking lot located on Lawton St. just past Hancock. Please enter the building through the Public Entrance)
Immigration Town Hall: Know Your Rights
In response to recent federally implemented and enforced immigration policies, please join me for a town hall on issues of preparedness, immigrant rights, interaction with ICE immigration officers and legal help within the community. Special guest panelists will include Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, Hispanic Legal Center, Southwest Community Justice Center and Detroit Stand Strong.
— Saturday, March 15, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. —
RSVP for location or click here to join virtually
Please RSVP by phone (888) 254-5291 or online;
The location will be sent out 24 hours ahead of the event to those who have RSVP’d
If you are unable to attend but in need of resources, please reach out to the above email or phone number.
SW Detroit Water Damage Update
Ongoing efforts by the Detroit Water and Sewage Department and the Great Lakes Water Authority continue as they work on repairs and assist residents who were impacted by the water main break on Feb. 17. Crews are still on-site and remain actively engaged and committed to repair efforts.
As a reminder, residents impacted by the water main break should call Detroit Water and Sewerage Department at (313) 774-5261 for assistance, resources and to report water damage. You may also reach out to my office for a list of resources at (888) 254-5291.
Women’s History Month
In March we give special recognition to the extraordinary achievements and contributions of women throughout history, as well as those trailblazers who continue the fight for an equitable playing field. The theme for Women’s History Month in 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” It’s important to ensure diverse women’s voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated. Let’s honor the power and resilience of women who break barriers, uplift their communities, drive industries and much more. By amplifying diverse voices and fighting for inclusive policies, we can build a more equitable future for all. Click here for more information on celebrating Women of Detroit.
(State Rep. Carter and Maurene Smith, owner of McDonalds at 6876 Michigan Ave. in Detroit)
313 Day
Thursday, March 13, is 313 Day in the City! The area code 313 was established in 1947, and 313 Day originated in 2002. We embrace this opportunity to pay homage to the City’s legacy as a beacon of progress and change and we celebrate the heart, soul and spirit of Detroit. This day honors our city’s history, achievements and vibrant diversity, woven with stories of resilience and triumph. It provides a chance to uplift the talent, innovation and creativity of Detroit artists, take pride in our sports teams and support local entrepreneurs. Below are 313 Day events you can attend.
Valade Park on Detroit Riverfront
When: Thursday, March 13, from 3:13-7 p.m.
Where: Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit
What to expect: FREE Live Music, Trivia and Comedy, Poetry, Community Activations and more!
Late Night at the Museum: 313 Day
When: Thursday, March 13, from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Detroit Historical Society 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
What to expect: FREE admission, and Mocktails. Lecture from 6-7:30 p.m. Detroit’s Dynamite Dames: The Famous and Not-So-Famous Women Who Changed Detroit
New Area Code for Detroit Residents
Speaking of area codes, due to population growth and increased usage, the Detroit region’s 313 area code is running out of new telephone numbers to assign. Soon, new customers in the region could be assigned a telephone number beginning with a 679 area code.
While rates and local calling areas will not be affected by this change, how we dial another party within the area will. Beginning in April, customers living in the 313 area code geography should begin using the full 10-digit (area code plus telephone number) to reach their intended party.
More information about this new area code and how it impacts customers can be found here: 313-679 Area Code Changes
Legislative Update
Drive Safe Bills
This week, along with State Rep. Joe Tate and Minority Floor Leader John Fitzgerald, I was proud to reintroduce the Drive Safe legislative package to allow all Michigan residents to obtain state identification cards or driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status.
This legislation will provide for official personal identification cards and driver’s licenses for residents of Michigan, regardless of their immigration (or documentation) status in the United States. This bill package would apply to everyone living in Michigan who meets the definition of having a residence and would reinstate previous Michigan law that would improve public and road safety for all Michiganders. Other states who have passed similar legislation have seen an improvement with safety on the roads, decreased traffic fatalities, increased trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement and an increased number of insured drivers.
These bills would impact a wide variety of residents, such as those who may have lost records throughout their lives, individuals on visas, individuals who are undocumented and their families and the children of U.S. service members who were born on foreign bases. These cards would alleviate difficulties for law enforcement that may arise out of routine traffic stops, provide stability to the workforce and improve roadway safety by increasing drivers’ training participation. By passing these bills, Michigan would be joining 19 other states by eliminating barriers that prevent access to driver’s licenses and identification cards.
State of the State
The overarching message from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State Address this month was lowering costs, increasing jobs and delivering results. We have to work together to get things done for the people of Michigan, and that starts by protecting and supporting the entirety of our communities, which includes residents, businesses, organizations and resources. Equally important is making sure families have access to good jobs, affordable housing and accessible childcare. I’m committed to securing resources and funding for Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge and working with my colleagues to ensure Michigan remains a safe, healthy place for every family.
(State Rep. Tyrone Carter and Lisa Carter on the House floor, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.)
Tipped Wages and Earned Sick Time
The Michigan Legislature passed legislation last month aimed at balancing an increase in the minimum wage with stability for businesses and workers. These new laws ensure that hardworking Michiganders earning a minimum wage see steady wage growth while providing businesses with a predictable path forward. Public Act 1 of 2025 gradually increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour over three years, giving workers a much-needed boost while allowing businesses time to adjust.
Public Act 2 of 2025 provides employees who work for small employers (defined as 10 or less employees) 40 hours of earned paid sick time and all other employees are entitled to 72 hours of earned paid sick time. Small employers also have until October 1, 2025, to implement these sick time provisions and new small employers have 3 years after their first worker is hired to implement them. Thus, strengthening worker benefits, ensuring fair compensation and stability in the job market. Together, these measures reflect Michigan’s commitment to fostering a thriving economy that works for everyone and grows our small businesses.
(State Rep. Tyrone Carter in the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses)
Michigan Reconnect Student Internship Program
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced an $800,000 grant awarded to the Detroit-based Urban Alliance Foundation to launch an innovative internship program designed to support Michigan Reconnect students ages 21-24. This initiative aims to empower young adults pursuing an associate degree or industry-recognized skill certificate by providing paid internships, job training and mentorship opportunities.
How to Apply
Michigan Reconnect students ages 21-24 who are currently enrolled are eligible to apply. Interested students should:
- Complete and submit application by March 24.
We Want to Hear from You!
State Rep. Carter would like to hear from you! Use the link below to let us know your concerns about both legislation and issues within the district. Additionally, we would love to hear what you would like to see included in future monthly newsletters.
District 1 Concerns/Suggestions
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON OUR WEBSITE
Tyrone Carter
State Representative
House District 1
tyronecarter@house.mi.gov (517) 373-0154