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Dear Neighbor,
Like our students, the Legislature is returning from our summer in-district work period. It has been a wonderful few months connecting with constituents from Commerce to Keego Harbor, and I am excited to return to Lansing to advocate on behalf of our community.
A number of critical items are on the agenda, including: environmental and energy reform to address the climate crisis; reproductive rights; juvenile justice reform; government transparency and ethics reform; expanding access to mental health care; combating hate crimes and protecting houses of worship; and so much more! I will keep you updated every step of the way, as we tackle these critical issues.
Topics covered in this newsletter include:
- No-cost public school meals!
- Action for energy utility accountability
- Narcan stations in West Bloomfield
- WB Parks Connect senior center grand opening
- Black-Jewish Unity Coalition Youth Fellowship
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need, or to express your views. You can email me at NoahArbit@house.mi.gov or call my office at (517) 373-3816. It is an honor, joy, and privilege to serve as your state representative; I strive every day to be worthy of the trust you have placed in me.
Make sure to follow my official Facebook page to keep up-to-date on upcoming events, legislation, and other announcements!
Sincerely,
State Representative Noah Arbit
Proudly serving the people of West Bloomfield, Commerce, and the Lakes
The Latest from Lansing
House Passes Multifaith Holiday Bills
On Sept. 14, the state House passed my bill to make Rosh Hashanah a state holiday — timely, no? This was part of a package of bills to symbolically recognize Jewish, Muslim and Hindu holidays in Michigan law. Because it is high time the state of Michigan reflects and recognizes the diverse communities who call our peninsulas home.
Next week, I anticipate that we will vote on my legislation to prevent the statewide student count day from occurring on a religious holiday, as it did last year on Yom Kippur, to the consternation of Jewish families across Greater West Bloomfield, and the state. I’m proud to be a leading champion in the Legislature for civil rights and religious freedom.
Policy Spotlight: Free School Meals and Budget Funding for Public Schools
For the first time in Michigan’s history, we are sending students back to school with the promise that they will not go hungry and alleviating the dreaded Sunday night burden of packing school lunches from parents. This year’s School Aid budget included funding for universal breakfast and lunch so every public school student has two guaranteed meals per day.
Beyond universal breakfast and lunch, I proudly voted to reinvest in our students across Greater West Bloomfield and Commerce with the largest School Aid budget in our state’s history. As students get back into the groove in their classrooms across House District 20 this fall, they will be benefiting from an increase of more than $54 million in their schools.
Take Action for Utility Reliability
and Accountability
After another round of storms and prolonged power outages, the Michigan Public Service Commission is seeking public comment on proposed changes to hold utility companies accountable for prolonged power outages. Comments are due by Friday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., and may be emailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov, referencing Case No. U-21400.
Commerce Township Receives
$100,000 Grant for Bicentennial Park
I’m excited to share that Commerce Township has been awarded a $100,000 Oakland County Parks Community Grant to renovate Bicentennial Park — funding I was proud to help advocate for this year. With this funding, the township will be able to install a trail connector, making the park accessible from several neighborhoods, as well as upgrade the tennis courts, basketball courts, and parking lot. Learn more about the renovations at this link.
The Latest from the Lakes:
Events & Updates
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‘Save a Life’ Narcan Stations Available in West Bloomfield
Across Greater West Bloomfield, new “Save a Life” stations have been installed. The stations have boxes with a lever that can be pulled to access free naloxone (also known as Narcan), fentanyl testing strips, and specially designed bags that destroy unused medication. Reducing barriers to overdose prevention and treatment and raising awareness to the presence of the opioid epidemic in our own community will save lives. The first two stations are active at West Bloomfield Township Hall and Fire Station No. 5 on Maple Road between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt roads, with more to come.
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West Bloomfield Parks Opens
New Connect Senior Center!
Earlier this month, I was honored to join West Bloomfield Parks for the grand opening of our new Connect Senior Center! This facility is the newest addition to WB Parks that is specifically designed to make sure our seniors have ample opportunities to stay active and connected to their neighbors. I’m glad to see this expansion of services for our seniors in West Bloomfield.
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