Dear Neighbor,
In this month’s newsletter, I wanted to share highlights from this past month, from events I participated in to updates from Lansing. My colleagues and I went head-to-head at the 3rd Annual Legislative Softball game, where we raised money for charity. I also had the honor of attending two Juneteenth events, where our community came together to celebrate freedom and the continued fight for Black liberation.
Additionally, I’d like to share more on the genocide taking place in Gaza, discuss how we are pressuring the federal government to keep us out of war and address the president’s actions in California.
In Solidarity,
Dylan Wegela
State Representative
The 26th District
Included in this Newsletter
- Community Engagement Events
- Legislative Updates
- Contact information
Community Engagement
Coffee Hours
Please join me at our monthly District 26 coffee hours, where I share legislative updates from Lansing. If you live in Inkster, Garden City, Northeast Romulus or Southeast Westland, please make sure to attend and share any questions you have for me. Our next coffee hour will be at the Romulus Public Library, 11121 Wayne Road.
My July coffee hour date is
- Monday, July 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Romulus Public Library, 11121 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI 48174.
Juneteenth Events
Inkster Juneteenth Peacewalk.
The Michigan United Juneteenth event in Inkster.
This Juneteenth I had the privilege of joining two powerful celebrations of Black freedom and resilience. At the Michigan United Juneteenth event, I connected with community leaders and advocates who continue to fight for racial justice every day. I was also able to join the Inkster Juneteenth Peacewalk, where neighbors came together in solidarity to celebrate and recommit to building a more just future.
3rd Annual Legislative Softball Game
Michigan State Legislators at the 3rd Annual Softball Game.
On June 11, I joined my colleagues to play at the 3rd Annual Legislative Softball Game for Charity. Legislators from both sides of the aisle came together at Michigan State’s Secchia Stadium to play ball and raise money for Leader Dogs for the Blind, a non-profit organization aimed at helping those who are visually impaired. This night of friendly competition raised $26,000 for Leader Dogs for the Blind. Thank you to everyone who came out!
Legislative Updates
Gaza Statement
Israel’s assault on Gaza is the defining moral issue of our time. I refuse to remain silent on this issue, and I am committed to fighting back against Michigan taxpayer money funding this devastation. In my view, what’s happening in Gaza is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a national ethnic group — a genocide. The capacity of unchecked violence and the global community’s failure to protect the most basic human rights is deplorable. This is not a distant conflict, it is a mirror held up to the world, reflecting our values, our priorities and our willingness to speak out against injustice. To remain silent is to accept a status quo where civilian lives are expendable and accountability is optional. We must demand a permanent ceasefire, safe humanitarian access and a future for Palestine. It is unconscionable that our tax dollars are funding this genocide. Thousands of families across Michigan have been directly impacted by this man-made tragedy and I’m standing up for those affected here in Michigan. The federal government has further escalated the tragedy in Gaza through their unjust and illegal deportation and detainment of those advocating for Palestine, like Mahmoud Khalil. Mahmoud was illegally arrested and detained for 104 days, until a judge ruled his arrest was unconstitutional and he was finally freed. My office worked to advocate for Mahmoud by writing a letter to the Homeland Security Secretary and later circulating it to elected officials across Michigan to advocate for Mr. Khalil’s release. You can read the letter here.
Iran Attack and Letter
In response to the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, my colleague and I co-authored a letter demanding an immediate end to what many believe to be the unconstitutional military action in Iran, urging Congress and the administration to immediately de-escalate and re-engage through diplomacy. You can read the full letter here. The U.S. Constitution makes it clear that war is to be declared by Congress, not the president. These federal issues directly affect our work at the state level. The vast majority of our community doesn’t want our tax dollars being spent on endless wars. We want to invest in our neighborhoods so that we have well-funded schools, safe communities and well-funded bridges and roads.
ICE Statement
In California, the federal government’s takeover of the National Guard and deployment of Marines is a stark escalation aimed at intimidating citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. Despite no request from the governor and widespread peaceful protests, this move bypasses constitutional guardrails and blurs the line between military and civilian life. Civil liberties groups, state officials and legal experts rightly see this as an unprecedented overreach that undermines trust in our government. Californians deserve security, not suppression from the military for speaking out. These impulsive decisions by the current administration underscore the urgent need for civic participation. They have led to nationwide protests, urging civic participation at rallies and other protests to counteract efforts to curb state power. In Michigan, ICE raids have been conducted in many communities, and they continue to be a constant threat against our immigrant friends and neighbors. We must work to protect our immigrant communities in Michigan and ensure that all people can exercise their constitutional right to protest. We must work together, now more than ever to stay engaged, demand accountability and ensure power remains in the hands of the people, not unchecked federal forces.
Contact Us
Comment on Legislation: You can stay updated on legislative advancements through my e-newsletters or by clicking here.
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person or organization for help.
Please reach out if you need anything: Call my office at (517) 373-3818 or email me at DylanWegela@house.mi.gov.
Helpful Links
