BRITE Act Passes Committee
State Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) testifies in the House Ethics and Oversight Committee on Dec. 12, 2024 in the Anderson House Office Building. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 12, 2024 — The final two bills of the Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act package were voted out of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee today. House Bills 5584 and 5585 will limit the influence of special interests and wealthy donors. “With these two bills passing out of the [...]
BRITE Act Sees Movement in Committee
State Reps. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), right, and Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) testify in the House Ethics and Oversight Committee on Dec. 5, 2024, in the Anderson House Office Building. LANSING, Mich., Dec. 5, 2024 — Two more bills from the Bring Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act package passed out of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee today. House Bills 5580 and 5582 require that 527 and 501(c)4s file the name of the organization and the name [...]
BRITE Act Bills See Movement in Committee
State Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) testifies in the House Ethics and Oversight Committee on Nov. 14, 2024, in the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 15, 2024 — Two bills out of BRITE Act have passed out of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee yesterday. House Bills 5581 and 5586 ensure transparency and reduce the influence of special interests. “This is a ‘brite’ day in the state of Michigan,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes [...]
Byrnes Introduces Bill on Huntington’s Disease Awareness
State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) speaks on her Huntington's Disease Awareness resolution on May 7, 2024, in the Michigan Capitol House Floor. LANSING, Mich., 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 [...]
Campaign Finance Reform Bill Passes House
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. LANSING, Mich., 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 [...]
Byrnes Stands Against Radioactive Waste
State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) stands with state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township) after the Not Your Dumping Ground press conference on Sept. 11, 2024, in the Anderson House Office Building. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 16, 2024 — State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement after a press conference last week, hosted by state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township), calling for the transportation of radioactive waste to Michigan to be banned: “The potential radioactive waste disposal is a major issue for [...]
Byrnes Celebrates Investments Coming Home from State Budget
Lawmaker highlights investments in hometowns, public safety and mental health State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) speaks on May 7, 2024, on the House floor in the Michigan Capitol Building. LANSING, Mich., July 11, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature recently passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) [...]
Byrnes Celebrates Budget Investments in Hometowns, Education
Democrats continue building stronger hometowns, supporting the future State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) speaks on the House Floor on May 7, 2024, in the Michigan Capitol Building. LANSING, Mich., May 14, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its budget last week. It includes substantial investments in Michigan students, local economies, safety and greater focus on the wellbeing of Michiganders. House Dems are reinforcing their commitment to building stronger hometowns and investing in Michiganders. After voting, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) [...]
Lawmakers Begin Testimony on Ethics, Transparency Bills
BRITE Act aims to tackle dark money in politics LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2024 — The first round of testimony began with the package of bills that make up the Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act. This package of bills plans to improve standards for government ethics, transparency and accountability, curtail the influence of lobbying and financial interests and increase enforcement of election and campaign finance law violations. Testimony on two bills, House Bills 5583 and 5586, was heard today. [...]
Byrnes on Chatfield Charges
LANSING, Mich, April 17, 2024 — Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges yesterday in the investigation against former Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R-Levering). The charges include conducting a criminal enterprise and multiple allegations of embezzlement from nonprofit political funds. Following the announcement, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, issued the following statement: “The alleged misuse of political nonprofit funds of former Speaker Chatfield have disgraced the Legislature and our government institutions. No one should abuse their position [...]
Byrnes Celebrates Pay Equity Package
Bills put all people first with equal pay, opportunities, transparency Lawmakers stand together to introduce the pay equity bill package on the Michigan House of Representatives floor on March 19, 2024. Lawmakers stand together to introduce the pay equity bill package on the Michigan House of Representatives floor on March 19, 2024. LANSING, Mich., March 21, 2024 — National Equal Pay Day has come and gone this year, and still, the pay gap remains. As a way to diminish this [...]
House Passes Hope’s Sunshine Week Resolution
LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Resolution 207 today 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 [...]
Dem Reps Introduce Bills to Increase Government, Election Transparency
BRITE Act released to coincide with Sunshine Week LANSING, Mich., March 13, 2024 — A group of House Democratic lawmakers held a press conference today 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 [...]
Democrats Unveil Sweeping Legislation to Tackle Short-Term Rental Crisis
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 21, 2024 — A group of legislators led by state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) recently introduced a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at addressing the short-term rental crisis. “Local control was our guiding light,” Andrews said. “Through these bills, we aim to empower local communities to manage the impact of short-term rentals within their borders, ensuring a balance between economic benefits and neighborhood stability.” Andrews introduced House Bills 5437-5446 alongside co-sponsors state Reps. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), Mike [...]
Byrnes on the State of the State Address
Lawmaker focused on creating a better Michigan for all State Rep. Erin Byrnes (center) (D-Dearborn) was joined by Dearborn Heights City Clerk Lynne Senia (right) and Deaborn President Pro Tem Leslie Herrick at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — Before a joint legislative session today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered this year’s State of the State address. In her speech, the governor discussed her agenda for the new term, which includes [...]
Byrnes on Performance Audit of Department of Civil Rights
State Rep. Erin Byrnes chairing the Ethics and Oversight Committee, Jan. 18, 2024. LANSING, Mich, Jan. 18, 2024 — State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, heard a presentation from the Office of Auditor General today regarding the performance audit of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Following the testimony, Byrnes issued the following statement: “The House Ethics and Oversight committee has hit the ground running in 2024. The review of audit reports [...]
Byrnes Reacts to Charges in Chatfield Staff Corruption Scandal
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2023 — After Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges today against Rob and Anné Minard, the chief of staff and director of external affairs for the embattled former Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, issued the following statement: “With trust in government at an all-time low, it is the job of the new majority to help restore it. The actions of Attorney General Dana Nessel today will help [...]
Byrnes Applauds Signing of Clean Energy Bill Packages
State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), fourth from right, stands with fellow members of the Michigan Legislature and stakeholders during the signing of the clean energy bills on Nov. 28, 2023, in Detroit. DEARBORN, Mich, Nov. 29, 2023 — Two bill packages — the Clean Energy and Jobs Act and the Clean Energy Future — were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday. Together, this legislation will make Michigan a national leader in clean energy standards and drive investment into new renewable [...]
Byrnes Stands Against Banning Books
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 25, 2023 — A school district in West Michigan announced last week it is currently reviewing eight books to determine if the texts should be banned in schools. In response, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “It was once said that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This important sentiment stands true to this day. Banning books is simply another step toward oppression. It is the responsibility of educators to broaden children’s [...]
Byrnes Stands in Support of Michigan Workers
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 18, 2023 — The United Auto Workers (UAW) officially went on strike last week. With a lack of consensus on negotiations, this is the first time UAW workers have struck simultaneously at all Big Three automakers — about 300,000 Michigan workers are hourly workers connected to the auto industry. The union has been in contract negotiations with the automobile companies fighting for fair pay and better benefits. This strike comes on the heels of others this week, [...]
Byrnes Applauds Passage of Historic State Budget
The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget this week and it includes $20 million in direct resources for House District 15, which encompasses Dearborn Heights and the west end of Dearborn. In response to the budget allocations, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement: “I am thrilled that Dearborn and Dearborn Heights have received $15 million combined for the construction of two new fire stations. The health and wellbeing of our residents is my [...]
Byrnes Applauds Passage of Proposal 2 Bill Package
LANSING, MICH, June 27, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a package of bills, House Bills 4695-4702, to implement Proposal 22-2. These bills would implement the ballot initiative aimed at expanding voting access, which Michiganders overwhelmingly supported in November 2022. Upon the passage of the package, HB 4699 sponsor, State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) released the following statement: “I’m proud to stand with the people of Michigan by introducing legislation that expands voter rights for Michiganders. The people of Michigan spoke loud and [...]
Legislation to Implement Proposal 2 Passes the House
LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — Legislation to implement Proposal 2 passed the House today. The landmark expansion of voting rights overwhelmingly supported by voters in November 2022 would ensure that ballot drop boxes are accessible to voters, voters could choose to receive an absent voter ballot before each election, and absent voter ballot applications and ballots have prepaid postage affixed on them, among other measures. “One of our most sacred responsibilities as legislators is to ensure that we have [...]
Byrnes on State Investments to BorgWarner
DEARBORN, Mich., April 4, 2023 — State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement after the Michigan Strategic Fund announced it approved incentives to support several Michigan projects, including investments that will infuse new funds into BorgWarner, which is planning an expansion project that will accelerate its electric vehicle product development and testing: “BorgWarner offers an exciting investment in Dearborn’s electric and sustainable future. With this project, we will attract even more talent to live and work in Dearborn, [...]
Byrnes Introduces Sunshine Week Resolution
LANSING, Mich., March 16, 2023 — State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) introduced House Resolution 56 today. This resolution would declare this week, March 13-18, 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. “Trust in government has been on the decline for more than 50 years,” Byrnes said. “It's time we do something [...]
Byrnes on Democratic Legislative Advances
LANSING, Mich., March 10, 2023 — The Michigan House passed several major pieces of legislation this week. House Bill 4003 and its companion Senate Bill 4 expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. HBs 4138, 4142 and 4143 mandate background checks for all firearm sales and close the private sale loophole. HBs 4004-05 restore worker freedoms, expand workers’ rights. HB 4007 ensures the government solely does business with contractors who pay their workers a fair wage. State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following [...]
Byrnes Supports Commonsense Gun Reform Bills
LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2023 — House Democrats held testimony yesterday on an 11-bill package addressing commonsense gun reforms. The bills will tackle gun violence through three central reforms — universal background checks for all firearms, secure storage laws, and extreme risk protection orders that allow a court to take temporary possession of a firearm if the court finds that an individual is at risk of harming themselves or others. Democrats have repeatedly introduced gun reform legislation in the previous [...]
Byrnes on FBI Investigation Into Ex-House Speaker Johnson
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 2, 2023 — The Detroit News reported yesterday that the FBI has spent more than two years investigating former Michigan House speaker Rick Johnson and several others on whether they received bribes in return for awarding state licenses to operate medical marijuana facilities. Johnson is accused of accepting bribes during his time as chair of the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board from May 2017 to April 2019. As chairman of the board, Johnson had the power to influence [...]
Byrnes on Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address last night before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education and attracting talent to Michigan. State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement on Whitmer’s [...]
Byrnes Sworn In and Appointed Chair of Ethics and Oversight Committee
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden (third from left) swears in Rep. Erin Byrnes, joined by her guests at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 17, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced last week the chairs and members for all committees and subcommittees for the 2023-24 legislative session. Tate appointed state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) chair of the Ethics and Oversight Committee. As chair of this committee, Byrnes will oversee which bills are [...]