Dear Neighbor,

This e-newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest activities in the Michigan House of Representatives and will include an overview of this year’s budget process, which is underway. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative for the 15th state House District, which includes the west end of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. 

If you ever need to reach me, please call my office at (517) 373-0847 or email me at [email protected]. 

In Service,

Erin Byrnes

State Representative

Michigan’s 15th District

Legislative Updates

Budget Updates

House Republicans passed their budget with millions in cuts to higher education, maternal and mental health, veterans and other vital community programs. This budget falls short in providing Michiganders with much needed investments. I will continue to fight for a budget that works for all Michiganders and work to make sure that our district receives needed funds for our community resources and programs.

Know Your Rights Town Hall

I recently co-hosted a Know Your Rights Town Hall with my colleagues and community organizers. We heard from civil liberty experts and immigration rights activists about how our community can remain safe when exercising their right to protest and engaging with law enforcement.

News and Community Updates

Dearborn Heights Fire Department’s Fire Ops Training

Last weekend, I attended the Dearborn Heights Fire Department’s Fire Ops training. This was an incredible opportunity to understand the physical, mental, and technical demands that our firefighters face. Thank you to the Dearborn Heights Fire Department for having me!

Community Conversation

On May 11, I hosted our monthly Community Conversation at the Berwyn Senior Center. Our discussion focused on affordability, utility rate hikes, and data centers. I know the growing financial challenges Michiganders face, and I’ll keep fighting to limit rate increases, keep utility companies out of politics, and prevent data centers from draining our resources.

Community Tributes

Congratulations to Noor El-Hajj, a senior at Star International Academy at Dearborn Heights High School, for breaking a U.S. record and earning more than $11 million in scholarships. I was honored to be able to present Noor with a tribute in recognition of her outstanding accomplishment. Noor will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. 

Congratulations to Hassan Elhajj-Hassan, a junior at Crestwood High School, for earning the Outstanding Delegate Award at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. I was able to present Hassan and his family with a tribute recently. Of 5,000 students representing over 120 countries, Hassan earned the Outstanding Delegate Award, one of the highest honors bestowed at the conference. 

May Day

On May Day, I was proud to celebrate the workers who built the labor movement and continue to fight and work for all laborers!

Mother’s Day

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all moms across the state of Michigan. Our moms shape us, and they deserve recognition and celebration.

Teacher Appreciation Week

While Teacher Appreciation Week has wrapped up, I want to thank all of our amazing teachers, educators, and staff who work to support Michigan’s students and families. As a former teacher, I know the challenges teachers face in the classroom, and I thank our teachers who keep fighting to make a difference.

You can view my remarks on teacher appreciation week here.

Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month

I am proud to co-sponsor a resolution declaring May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes individuals and their families who are affected by Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s Disease has no known cure, and I’ll continue to advocate for research, funding and support.