LANSING — During budget negotiations, state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) was able to secure funding for projects and investments in Dearborn. Funding for projects includes:

  • $500,000 enhancement grant for The Henry Ford Museum to improve operations;
  • $500,000 enhancement grant for The Arab American National Museum, the only museum in the United States devoted to Arab American history and culture;
  • $98,300 in park funding to create new kayak and canoe access points on the Rouge River;
  • An increase of $120 in base per pupil funding for Dearborn Public Schools.

While Rep. Hammoud voted in favor of the general omnibus budget, Senate Bill 848, he stood opposed to the school omnibus budget, House Bill 5579.

“This year’s state budget has its shortcomings, but I am pleased to have worked with our local city officials and state Sen. David Knezek to secure the inclusion of several projects that will improve the lives of Dearborn residents,” said Hammoud. “We worked across the aisle to obtain additional state funding for our students, museums, and parks. However, we must keep fighting to improve funding for the things that matter most to Michigan families — critical needs like our deteriorating infrastructure, teacher pay, and mental health services.”

On the school budget, Hammoud added, “Although the budget was a step in the right direction, I could not support this year’s school omnibus budget due to inflated funding for cyber schools, as well as language added late in the process that attacks teachers and the students they work every day to support. Our students deserve access to a world-class education that will prepare them for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow. While this budget may not have provided that, it is something I am going to keep fighting for.”

###