June 27 Capitol and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates! As it heats up this summer, I hope you are finding ways to enjoy the sunshine and stay cool! It’s been an eventful few weeks here in Lansing and back home in Dearborn, and I’m excited to keep you informed on all the work being done here at the Capitol for our community.

As your state representative and the minority vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to ensuring this year’s state budget reflects the issues that matter most to our communities. That includes making meaningful investments in public education so students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed, and schools can plan ahead with confidence. It also means funding the essential services that keep our neighborhoods strong like public safety, health care, infrastructure and economic development.

At the end of the day, the state budget is about people — it’s about making sure families have access to opportunity, that young people can build their futures here at home and that every resident feels the benefits of strong, reliable public services. I’m committed to making sure our community’s voices are reflected in every decision we make.

I am also excited to share that I will be hosting a Summer Health Fair next month! We invite you to join us for this community event on Friday, July 25, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hemlock Park (13355 Hemlock Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126)! You can connect with local health organizations and service providers offering valuable information, on-site services and free resources to support your well-being. From health screenings and consultations to giveaways and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!

Let us know if you’re able to attend! While the event is free and open to all, RSVPing helps us better plan for supplies and activities. RSVP using this link.

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.

Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat
State Representative
House District 3

Coffee Hour with Rep. Farhat
Friday, July 18 | 11 a.m. – noon
5461 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI

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

Rep. Farhat’s Summer Health Fair
Friday, July 25 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hemlock Park, 13355 Hemlock Ave., Dearborn, MI
RSVP here.

Come out for a free, family-friendly event featuring local health providers, on-site screenings, consultations, giveaways and more! It’s a great opportunity to prioritize your health and connect with community resources.

This past week, my House Bill 4090 successfully passed by the state Senate, which authorizes the State of Michigan to transfer a state-owned correctional facility to the City of Detroit. The facility is used by the Detroit Police Department (DPD) to house arrestees while they await processing, booking, court appearances or transport. Under their current contract, the state provides the city with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) staff to operate the facility. Conveying this facility from the state to the city will allow (DPD) to assume sole responsibility for the operation and staffing of the facility, freeing up MDOC staff to be placed elsewhere.

I’m also humbled to share that MIRS News recently named me Legislator of the Year, recognizing me as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the House. This recognition isn’t just mine; it’s a reflection of what we’ve achieved together by putting people first.

Serving District 3 in the Michigan House is an incredible honor, one that wouldn’t be possible without the trust and support of this community. Every step I’ve taken in Lansing is rooted in the values, voices and the needs of the people I represent. Whether it’s fighting for more affordable health care, investing in our public schools or strengthening public safety, I’m able to do this work because of you.

If you’re ever curious about the status of pending legislation or you would appreciate further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of reflection, remembrance and celebration.

June marks National Safety Month, a nationwide initiative focused on preventing injuries and saving lives. Whether at work, on the road or at home, it’s a time to spotlight simple-yet-impactful steps we can all take to create safer environments. By staying informed and proactive, we help protect ourselves and our communities every day.

Teddy Bear Picnic
Saturday, June 28 | 10 a.m.-noon
915 S Brandt St., Dearborn, MI

Bring your favorite stuffed animal to the Dearborn Historical Museum’s Teddy Bear Picnic this Saturday at 10AM! Enjoy games, crafts, a teddy bear parade, and fun contests

Downtown Dearborn Summer Market
Friday, July 11 | 4-8 p.m.
Peace Park West, 22271 Village Dr., Dearborn, MI

Join us for the Dearborn Downtown Summer Market — artisans, live music and family fun every second Friday from June to August!

Homecoming Family Bike Ride
Saturday, August 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
500 Monroe St., Dearborn, MI, 48126

Join Mayor Hammoud for a fun, family-friendly 6-mile bike ride through Dearborn! Slow pace, police support and no one left behind. Helmets required for kids under 16.

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 . . .