LANSING — State Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced today that she has selected freshman state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) to serve as the Deputy Policy Chair for the House Democratic Caucus during the 2017-18 legislative session. This is Rep. Brinks’ second term serving as the House Democratic Policy Chair.

“There are a number of policy areas we will continue to champion these next two years,” said Rep. Brinks. “Repairing Michigan’s infrastructure, reducing student debt, repealing the retirement tax and creating long-term jobs that pay well will remain priorities for Michigan House Democrats. But this last year of great upheaval also revealed a number of new issues that are important to the people of Michigan, and so it is important we incorporate those into our platform. As a new legislator, Rep. Hammoud brings with him fresh thinking and a new set of ideas about the direction our state should move in the coming session, and I have no doubt his perspective and input will prove valuable as we craft policy moving forward.”

Rep. Hammoud represents Michigan’s 15th House District, which comprises most of the city of Dearborn. A native of the city, the representative graduated from Dearborn Public Schools before pursuing a bachelor of science and a master of public health from the University of Michigan. Prior to his election, Rep. Hammoud served as a professional health adviser for the Henry Ford Health System.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help serve this caucus and the people of Michigan, as well as being able to work alongside a seasoned legislator like Rep. Brinks,” said Rep. Hammoud. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to draft legislation to address the immediate and long-term needs of our residents and to ensure a better Michigan for all.”