Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter. Over the past month, I’ve been deeply engaged in advancing crucial legislation while also lending my support to significant bills proposed by fellow lawmakers. Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect directly with constituents during a coffee hour at Family Bakery in our district. These gatherings are vital, as they allow me to hear firsthand about the concerns that are most important to our community and strengthen my relationships within it.
In June, my team and I took to the streets of our district, going door to door to distribute information and listen to our community members’ perspectives on the issues that matter most to them. I always appreciate hearing from my constituents and am looking forward to finding effective solutions that address their concerns.
Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope will prove 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 the contents of this letter or any other state-level issue.
Sincerely,
Alabas A. Farhat State Representative
3rd House District
Upcoming Coffee Hour
- Coffee Hour Friday: Friday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at Shibam Coffee (5461 Schafer Road) in Dearborn
- Please join me this month for good coffee and helpful conversation. This is a great opportunity to discuss community issues with myself and your fellow neighbors.
Community Events
- Surplus Food Distribution: Monday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at Dearborn Senior Center (15801 Michigan Ave.)
- Friends of the Library, Dearborn (FOLD) Used Book Sale: Wednesday, July 10, from 10-11 a.m. at Henry Ford Centennial Library (16301 Michigan Ave.)
- Hands On History: Friday, July 12, from 4-5 p.m. at Dearborn Historical Museum (915 Brady St.)
Holidays
Independence Day
July 4th, or Independence Day, is a federal holiday that commemorates the historic day in 1776 when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.
Budget
On June 27, the Michigan Legislature passed the 2025 fiscal year budget. The budget, crafted by Democratic leaders, emphasizes targeted investments in public safety, water infrastructure and mental health training. Among other highlights, the budget includes:
- $6 million for public safety and public health infrastructure in Dearborn.
- $75 million for the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund.
- $40.3 million for lead service line replacement projects.
- $25 million for local water infrastructure projects.
- $500 thousand for pedestrian walkways to cross over roadways.
- $10.8 million for the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program to minimize agricultural pollution.
Connecting With Constituents
Last month, my team and I engaged directly with constituents by knocking on doors and listening to community concerns. Some of the main issues we heard about pertained to public safety, health care and economic security. Please continue to reach out to our office with any state-level matters, including concerns about Medicaid, unemployment and food assistance. Your input helps us better serve you and our community.
Pushing the People’s Agenda
This month, I was proud to champion legislation that directly impacts our community:
- HB 5460: To allow for flexible vehicle financing options received a hearing and was voted unanimously out of the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. This legislation was then voted out of the House and Senate floors with overwhelming bipartisan support, and now heads to the governor’s desk to become law.
- HB 5183: Sentencing guidelines for technology known as “Pro-Pads” used in vehicle theft. This legislation passed the Senate floor with overwhelming bipartisan support, and is now on the governor’s desk to become law.
- HB 5653: The Innovation Fund investing in startups and talent retention received a hearing and vote out of the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business. This bill is now on the House of Representatives floor, where it will receive a vote before going to the Michigan Senate.
- HB 5463: Definition and center for microenterprise development received a hearing in the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business. This bill is now on the House of Representatives floor, where it will receive a vote before going to the Michigan Senate.
This month, I was also honored to co-sponsor my colleagues’ important legislation:
- HB 5773: Establishing insurance coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders.
- HB 5789–90: Strengthening environmental protection through reporting and enhancing compliance requirements.
- HB 5794: Enhance and clarify definitions for respiratory therapists and respiratory therapists licenses to streamline accessibility.
- HB 5816: Extend the timeframe charter commission elections from 60 to 200 days. This extension will allow cities to utilize the next regularly scheduled election to decide a revision of their charter.
Publications
A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, is constituent publications! The House of Representatives produces several publications full of useful information for constituents to use, and my office can provide them. Some of our most popular publications are:
- Constituent’s Guide to State Government
- Services for Seniors
- Veterans Benefits
- Tenant’s Rights
- Guide to Medical and Legal Decisions
- Guide to Custody, Parenting Time and Support
- A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
- And more!
Please reach out to my office at the contact information below if you are interested in learning more or would like us to send you any copies.
State of Michigan Tribute Nominations
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.
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