Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my July newsletter — the Latest from Lansing and the Lakes! 

Happy 4th of July! Our nation looks much different than it did in 1776, and our struggle to build a more perfect union continues. Let us continue to rise, each and every day, in ways both big and small, to create an America where everyone’s rights are protected, where every man, woman, and child has the rights, resources, and opportunities to determine their future, and fulfill their potential.

The past month was jam-packed with legislative action as we passed a historic state budget for the 2025 fiscal year, investing in Michiganders to ensure our state is a place where all families can thrive.

 

Topics covered in this newsletter include:

  • 2025 Budget: Big Wins for West Bloomfield!
  • Chaldean American Month
  • Veterans’ Mental Health Legislation
  • Pride Month and Progress for LGBTQ+ Michiganders
  • Marking Two Years since The Fall of Roe v Wade
  • Sylvan Lake Lead Line Replacement Grant
  • Severe Weather Preparedness
  • And much more!

 

NOTE: Members are prohibited from using state resources for mass communication from July 6th through August 6th. During this restricted period our office will not be sending out an eNews, our constituent services remain strong and you can reach us at NoahArbit@house.mi.gov or call my office at (517) 373-3816 if you have any questions.

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need, or to express your views. 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

 

(3 a.m scenes from the House floor during our 19-hour marathon session on June 27-28 to pass the state budget!)

 

FY 2025 State Budget: Big Wins for West Bloomfield!

 

Last week, we spent 19 hours on the House floor for a marathon session day to pass the state budget and many other critical pieces of legislation. I am particularly excited to share that, as with last year’s budget, I was able to secure major investments for projects and programs for the 20th House District:

 

  • $1,000,000 community museum grant to support the expansion and relocation of the state-of-the-art Chaldean Cultural Center in West Bloomfield — currently located in Shenandoah and moving to the new Chaldean Community Center at the Corners.

 

  • $800,000 infrastructure grant to replace the failing Greer Road bridge in northern West Bloomfield. The bridge serves nearly 700 people in the Zox-Cass Lakeside neighborhood, but can no longer safely support the lightest of emergency vehicles, posing health and safety risks to residents, visitors, and first responders.

 

  • $4,000,000 public safety grant to the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s communal security fund, which helps defray the costs of securing synagogues and other Jewish institutions across Metro Detroit in a time of rapidly increasing threats.

 

  • $1,200,000 grant for Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit, a social service organization based in West Bloomfield that supports community members, including seniors, with mental health, wellness, transportation, and meals.

 

In addition to last year’s support for Commerce Township and Keego Harbor, these investments in infrastructure and public safety in West Bloomfield are reflective of a statewide strategy to build up our communities and correct decades of disinvestment in essential services, so we can make Michigan a better place to live, work, and raise a family. 

 

House Passes Rep. Arbit’s Chaldean American Month Bill

 

I’m proud to represent one of the largest Chaldean communities in the state of Michigan here in Greater West Bloomfield and Commerce.

 

On June 20, the House passed my legislation recognizing May as Chaldean American Month by a vote of 106-3. I also helped secure a $500,000 programmatic grant in the state budget for Chaldean American Social Service Advocates, an Oakland County-based nonprofit, which helps community members with limited English navigate state and federal social services and benefits. 

 

Rep. Arbit and LGBTQ+ Caucus Celebrate Pride Month

 

Each June, we celebrate Pride Month, honoring the history and progress of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, celebrating gains in civil rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, and calling attention to the areas where our neighborhoods, state, and country still need to grow in equality and acceptance. 

 

This year, we passed a resolution declaring June as Pride Month with the largest LGBTQ+ caucus in the Legislature’s history: seven members. Together, we have expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, and banned the discredited practice of “conversion therapy” for minors. There’s plenty left to do to increase protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders, including finally passing my Michigan Hate Crime Act, and repealing Michigan’s unconstitutional ban on same-sex intimacy. I will fight to pass these important bills in the lame duck session following the November election.

 

Second Anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson

 

On June 24, we marked two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ripping the rug out from under Americans who have relied on the constitutional right to access abortion care for 50 years. Dobbs v. Jackson triggered state abortion bans across the country, and Michigan House Democrats stepped up to ensure every Michigander can access safe abortion care. I proudly voted to repeal Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and co-sponsored the Reproductive Health Act. I will continue to stand up and ensure every Michigander has access to vital sexual and reproductive health care services.

 

Rep. Arbit Votes for Veterans’ Mental Health Legislation

 

I was proud to deliver a “yes” vote on legislation that will strengthen support for mental health resources for veterans in Michigan. These bipartisan bills will transform Michigan’s veterans mental health services to ensure no one falls through the cracks when they return home from serving our country. House Bills 5276-80 establish a Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

 

The new office will oversee the recently codified buddy-to-buddy mentorship program for veterans, inventory our state’s current resources for veterans to help them fill geographical and service gaps, provide resources related to PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention, and create a “transition bridge program” for service members preparing to leave the service to help smooth the transition home and help them be informed about what to look for in themselves or their friends related to mental health and suicide. 

 

The Latest from the Lakes

Sylvan Lake Receives EGLE Grant for Lead Line Replacement

 

I’m thrilled to share that Sylvan Lake was awarded a $264,900 grant from EGLE’s Lead Line Replacement Grant Program! This grant will help Sylvan Lake verify about 150 lead service lines still in use to help prepare them for replacement. As we work to modernize Michigan’s water infrastructure, I’m excited to see the benefits of these programs right here in our community.

 

Severe Weather Preparedness

 

It feels like summer just began, and we’ve already faced a heat wave, nearby tornados, and power outages during brutal thunderstorms. Be mindful to document any damage to your property and report any hazards to law enforcement in the event of flooding, fallen trees, or downed power lines. If you are experiencing issues with a prolonged outage, please contact my office so we can help expedite your restoration of service. 

 

Reasons to Contact Rep. Arbit’s Office

 

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 the next “Latest from Lansing and the Lakes”!