Dear Neighbor,

 

Welcome to my June newsletter: The Latest from Lansing and the Lakes! Spring has sprung, which means in the state Legislature, we are working on crafting the state budget, funding state priorities and programs to assist as many Michiganders as possible, in as many ways as possible.

I look forward to talking with you about the work I am undertaking on your behalf in Lansing at my next Nosh with Noah community conversation on Monday, June 24, at 2 p.m. in Orchard Lake — sign up here to attend.

 

Topics covered in this newsletter include:

 

  • Renewed effort to pass my Michigan Hate Crime Act

 

  • Progress on my democracy protection bill

 

  • My statement on the oil spill in West Bloomfield

 

  • Community Spotlight on Commerce’s Three M Tool & Machine

 

  • Next “Nosh with Noah” community conversation

 

  • And much more!

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need, or to express your views. You can email NoahArbit@house.mi.gov or call my office at (517) 373-3816. It is an honor 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

 

Rep. Arbit Testifies in Support of the Michigan Hate Crime Act

 

In April, I testified on my legislation to strengthen Michigan’s ability to combat rising hate crimes, and the bill was positively reported by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Particularly given a climate of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia amid violence in the Middle East, I remain unwavering in my commitment to combat rising hate crimes in Michigan, and to see this legislation signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. 

Elections Committee Approves Rep. Arbit’s Board of Canvassers Bill

 

The House Elections Committee voted out my bill to prevent individuals convicted of election-related offenses from serving on our Board of State Canvassers and our county boards of election canvassers. People with a proven record of interfering with fair and free elections have no business certifying our election results, and House Bill 5551 helps us safeguard these important democratic processes. I look forward to continuing the work to get this bill on the governor’s desk. 

 

Supporting Ukraine Two Years Later

 

On Feb. 29, I introduced House Bill 5547 to add Russia to Michigan’s Divest from Terror Act, which prohibits state entities from investing public money in companies doing business in countries designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. 

 

That same week, I authored a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. House Speaker Rick Johnson signed by seven of my fellow state legislators demanding Congress pass funding, humanitarian aid and equipment provisions for Ukraine. I am ecstatic to see that Congress has passed this funding in support of our democratic ally, Ukraine. As a state legislator, I will continue to use my voice to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and condemn Russia’s unprovoked and unwarranted invasion.

The Latest from the Lakes

 

Statement on West Bloomfield Oil Spill

 

Late in the evening on May 6, the West Bloomfield Police Department closed multiple roadways near Square Lake and Middlebelt roads after an oily substance appeared to be dumped intentionally on the road and throughout the neighborhood. I visited the site the next morning, and have been in contact with residents, as well as officials from West Bloomfield Township, Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC), West Bloomfield Police Department (WBPD) and the Department for Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

 

I am deeply disturbed by the oil spill that occurred north of Pine Lake; the idea that an individual or entity would intentionally and recklessly harm West Bloomfield’s environment, including our lakes, is abhorrent. As a resident of the neighborhood, I am grateful for the vigilance of my neighbors who immediately reported the incident, and for the expedient, coordinated response of WBPD, RCOC and the township to investigate, clean up the spill and work to contain any environmental impact. 

 

Pine Lake will require careful monitoring in the coming weeks. Our current priority is to observe the area and take appropriate action to ensure the oil does not spread into and possibly infect Pine Lake. I have been in contact with EGLE to ensure an aggressive response by the state, and will follow the results of both the environmental health assessment and criminal investigation closely. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure an appropriate response and keep residents updated on any developments. 

 

Three M Tool & Machine in Commerce Receives Michigan Works! Award

 

The 20th District team and I received a tour of Three M Tool & Machine, a local manufacturer in Commerce that recently won the annual Impact Award from Oakland County Michigan Works! Three M has taken advantage of the Going PRO talent fund from the state to train up its employees, and since 1978, it has been leading the way in talent recruitment and retention. I am grateful for the informative tour. It is an honor to represent businesses like Three M that are doing their part to ensure Michigan can compete in a competitive global economy! 

Mark Your Calendar: Next ‘Nosh with Noah’ is June 24

 

Join me for my next Nosh with Noah community conversation on Monday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Sweet Dreams Bakery in Orchard Lake. Meeting and hearing from you is not only one of my favorite parts of my job, but an essential part of my duty as your state representative. You can sign up to attend here.

Reasons to Contact Your State Representative

 

There’s no wrong reason to reach out to me! I can best represent our district when I know what issues are most important to you.

 

My team and I are eager to assist you with any of the following services:

 

  • Unemployment insurance claims

 

  • Issues with state agencies like the Secretary of State, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Treasury

 

  • State income tax return questions

 

  • Legislative updates

 

  • Recognition for a small business or outstanding individual 

 

  • Connections with local or federal leaders who serve our community

 

  • Other resources or assistance — if we don’t offer it, we’ll help you find it!

 

Thank you for reading my newsletter! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any comments, questions or concerns that you have. Stay tuned for next month’s “Latest from Lansing and the Lakes!”