Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter.  This past month, I introduced several key pieces of legislation and co-sponsored important bills put forward by my colleagues. On May 13, the Michigan House of Representatives passed its fiscal 2024-25 budget recommendation. By funding the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund, addressing the state’s housing crisis, and enhancing public health, this budget recommendation reflects House Democrats’ dedication to improving the quality of life for all Michiganders.

Back home in the district, I had the pleasure of hosting a coffee hour at Family Bakery, where I met with constituents to discuss concerns and build stronger relationships within our community. These informal gatherings are invaluable for understanding the issues that matter most to our community.

Included in this edition are some important legislative and community updates, along with a few resources I hope will be helpful to you. 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, please stay connected with me on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Alabas A. Farhat

State Representative, 3rd House District

Upcoming Events

Graphic inviting constituents to a community conversation with state Rep. Alabas Farhat. Details below.

Coffee Hour: Friday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at Family Bakery

An opportunity to discuss community issues with myself and your fellow neighbors. Please RSVP on Facebook.

Legislative Canvass: Friday, June 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Volunteers and I will be out in the community talking about the work we’re doing in Lansing and listening to your concerns and ideas.

Community Events

Safety Day | Dearborn Community Event and Resource Fair: June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corewell Health Care Center, 18101 Oakwood Blvd.

AED donation to Fordson and Cody High Schools

On May 24, we delivered an AED donated by Damar Hamlin and the NFL to Fordson and Cody high schools. As your state representative, public health and safety are my highest priorities. Having an AED readily available on school property could be the difference between life and death for a student, faculty member, or even a cheering fan at one of their games.

AEDs are critical lifesaving devices capable of restoring a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. The presence of AEDs along with a cardiac arrest plan in schools can significantly increase the chances of survival in such emergencies. I’m glad the Cody Comets and Fordson Tractors will have this tool moving forward, and I’m especially proud of the work done in Lansing that made this possible.

Pushing the People’s Agenda

State Rep. Alabas Farhat gestures while reading from a paper at a committee room table.
  • House Bill 5716: This legislation provides protections for individuals wearing religious garments during booking and arrest. House Bill 5716 protects religious liberty by ensuring individuals can retain their garments during booking, searches are done by same-sex officers, and additional accommodations are provided.  This bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where I am advocating for a hearing and a vote to the House Floor.
  • House Bill 5183: Sentencing guidelines for new technology known as “Pro-Pads” used for vehicle theft. This legislation was voted out of the House and referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
  • House Bill 5643: Legislation to establish a definition for microenterprises and a center for microenterprise development. This bill received a hearing in the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business.
  • House Bill 5653: Innovation Fund investing in startups and talent retention received a hearing in the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business.
  • House Bill 5640: Flexible vehicle financing received a hearing in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.

This month, I was honored to co-sponsor my colleagues’ important legislation:

  • House Bill 5696: To address excessive and unusual motor vehicle noise.
  • House Bill 5718: Designates the third Sunday of every April as “Autism Awareness Day.”
  • House Bill 5724: This legislation ensures that upon termination of employment, employees receive their unused earned paid time off benefits.
  • House Bill 5735: Allow schools to create more integrated, flexible classes by setting the Michigan Merit Curriculum courses to serve as examples, rather than mandates.
  • House Bill 5736: Supports our veterans by requiring employers with 50 or more employees to provide their employees with information regarding crucial services.

Holidays

Memorial Day, Monday, May 27

This Memorial Day, we paid tribute to those who have lost their lives defending our country. Thank you to all of the veterans and active-duty members of the military in our district for your bravery. God bless our troops, and God bless America.

Eid al-Adha, evening of Saturday, June 15 – Sunday, June 16

Also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is an Islamic holiday that honors Ibrahim’s devotion to God. The holiday is observed through prayers, charitable acts, and the sharing of sacrificial meat among family and community.

Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19

Juneteenth 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.

Publications

Resources my office has to offer that many may not know about are 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.