Dear Neighbor,
It’s been another whirlwind of a month. From the evolving chaos in Washington, DC, with an escalating, ruinous trade war on our closest trading partners that will incinerate Michiganders’ pocketbooks, to destabilizing rhetoric appeasing Russia and selling out Ukraine, to the repugnant and devastating news of the murders of Israeli hostages Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas — an innocent mother and her two infants — by Hamas terrorists, I know so many in our community are feeling worried and anxious about the state of the world, our country, our democracy. I share that worry and anxiety, and I am committed to standing up, speaking out, and using every tool and power I have to defend our rights and our freedoms from those who threaten them.
I was inspired by a quote from actress Jane Fonda I heard this week. She said: “We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future. One that will help people believe that, to quote the novelist Pearl Cleage, on the other side of the conflagration there will still be love, there will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in. Let us make it so.”
Topics covered in this month’s newsletter include:
- Commemorating Black History Month
- Gov. Whitmer signs my Michigan Hate Crime Act into Law!
- Town Hall with AG Dana Nessel on May 7th!
- Advancing MI Mental Health legislation
- Standing with Huron Valley Nurses
- Responding to DOGE and Tariff Threats
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your state representative, and I strive every day to be worthy of the trust you have placed in me. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to express your views, or to seek help on an issue or with a state agency. Make sure to follow my official Facebook page to keep up-to-date on my upcoming events, legislation, and other initiatives!
Sincerely,
State Representative Noah Arbit
The Latest from Lansing
◆ Gov. Whitmer signs my Michigan Hate Crime Act into law!
I am so thrilled to share that the Governor signed my Michigan Hate Crime Act into law. The signing of my Michigan Hate Crime Act marks a historic, long-overdue victory in Michigan’s decades-long battle against hate crimes, and I could not be prouder to see this gold standard legislation become law. I promised the people of West Bloomfield, Commerce, and the Lakes that I would move heaven and earth to tackle rising hate crimes and extremism. Now, after two years of tremendous effort, battling disinformation, bigotry, lies, and political paralysis, I am so proud to have delivered on that promise with this law. The Michigan Hate Crime Act sets a national gold standard for tackling hate crimes by providing our state much-needed and long overdue tools to pursue justice for victims of hate crimes by strengthening criminal penalties for perpetrators of violent hate crimes to be the toughest in the nation, closing loopholes that have left communities unprotected, and creating opportunities to reduce hate violence through alternative sentencing. Michigan will be a safer, freer state because of the Michigan Hate Crime Act.
◆ NEW: Town Hall on Hate Crimes & Extremism with Dana Nessel!
>> Click Here to RSVP! <<
I am excited to announce that on May 7th, I will host a Town Hall conversation on Hate Crimes and Extremism, featuring special guests Attorney General Dana Nessel and renowned author and scholar Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University. This event will equip you with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to join the fight to combat hate crimes, targeted violence, and radicalization starting in our own community. Space is limited. RSVP Required.
◆ Cutting Red Tape for Mental Health Providers
No issue is more pressing than ensuring every Michigander has access to mental health care. This month, I introduced my “Advancing MI Mental Health” legislation, which seeks to increase access to care by cutting red tape encountered by many mental and behavioral health practitioners in applying to join insurance network panels. This legislation is common-sense, and I hope it will have bipartisan support.
◆ Black History Month
February is Black History Month — a time to honor the history, resilience and important contributions of Black Americans, and to rededicate ourselves to delivering results for Black communities across Michigan. From taking on hate crimes to improving maternal health outcomes to investing record funds in our students, to knocking down barriers to starting a business and implementing key justice reforms, we have made significant strides in shaping freer, fairer, stronger Michigan not only for Black Michiganders, but all Michiganders.
The Latest from the Lakes
◆ Standing with Nurses at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
I had the honor of joining our local nurses at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce as they organized for a fair contract. I have a deep and personal history with HVSH, with my Dad serving on staff as Chief of PM&R, and with many members of my family having received great care there. This hospital and its staff always shows up for members of our community when they need care, and I am proud to support our HVSH nurses in their fight for a fair contract.
◆ Responding to DOGE Vandalism and Tariffs
Earlier this month, I joined Fox 2 Detroit’s The Pulse host Roop Raj and former MI House Speaker Tom Leonard to discuss the disastrous impact of Trump’s tariffs on Michigan consumers, as well as the vandalism of key federal government agencies by Elon Musk’s “DOGE” hackers, and the impact of these actions on Michiganders.
◆ 4th Annual Black Expo
It was great to be at the annual West Bloomfield Black Expo on Saturday to celebrate our amazing Black-owned businesses during Black History Month! It was wonderful to connect with members of the community and to see all of the amazing local businesses that our Black community has to offer. Thank you to all the vendors, partners, and volunteers that made this event possible–it was a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of our Black community to making West Bloomfield the amazing community it is.
Upcoming Events
>> Click Here to RSVP! <<
Join me for my second “Nosh with Noah” community conversation of the year at the Commerce Township Community Library on March 17th at 1:00 PM! These monthly conversations give me a chance to update you on what I’ve been working on in the State House – from protecting our inland lakes to expanding consumer protections to supporting our small businesses. These conversations are also your best opportunity to discuss your views about issues impacting you or your family directly with me. All are welcome to join!
>> Click Here to RSVP! <<
I am excited to announce that on May 7th, I will host a Town Hall conversation on Hate Crimes and Extremism, featuring special guests Attorney General Dana Nessel and renowned author and scholar Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University. This event will equip you with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to join the fight to combat hate crimes, targeted violence, and radicalization starting in our own community. Space is limited. RSVP Required.
How Can We Help? Get In Touch with my Office!
There’s no wrong reason to reach out to me! My team and I are eager to assist you with any of the following services:
- Unemployment insurance claims
- Navigating issues with state agencies like the Secretary of State, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Treasury, Department of Insurance and Financial Services
- 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!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any comments, questions, or concerns that you have. Stay tuned for next month’s edition of the Latest from Lansing and the Lakes!