LANSING — Due to redistricting, which happens every ten years, I am proud to have the opportunity to represent part of Dearborn as your State Representative in the Ninth District.  While most of my district is in Detroit and the majority of Dearborn continues to be well represented by State Representative George Darany, I want you to know that I intend to look out for all of Dearborn’s interests.  

The Arab community in Dearborn believes in America as I believe in America.  For several generations families in search of the American dream have migrated to Dearborn because of the strong quality of life.  I pledge to do everything in my power to keep that Dream alive for all of us.  

Throughout the last several weeks I have engaged in numerous conversations with community leaders to better understand how I can serve the needs of the people of Dearborn.  I want to earn your trust and that requires your community to engage me at every opportunity so I can best address your concerns.

Harvey Santana.

As your State Representative I want you to hold me accountable for my actions in Lansing and in the district.  Uncompromising integrity is my standard and I stand ready to represent you with strong values and fairness.  

There are two big issues I would like to address with you as we work toward achieving the changes we need in our government.  The first is immigration.  With immigrants from the Middle East having made Dearborn the largest center of Arabic people in the United States, immigration issues impact the lives of area residents on a daily basis.  President Obama has asked Congress to develop a comprehensive reform package which addresses the needs of the eleven million people now in the United States who are without a current path to citizenship.  I am committing to you that I will find ways to ensure Michigan embraces these changes.  Moreover, while we await the actions of the Congress and President Obama, I want you to know that I am not idly standing by. 

As a member of the Michigan Competitiveness Committee I have asked that we begin exploring immigration as a tool to make Michigan more economically competitive.  How can we harness the strength of our talented and diverse immigrant population into an economic engine to help grow our state?  That is a strong question that I want answered.

The second issue is related to the first – making the economy of Michigan grow.  As a member of the State House Commerce Committee, my highest priority is to facilitate a pro-business environment which brings new businesses to Michigan and protects the ones already here.   Businesses mean jobs and jobs mean money in the pockets of our citizens.  Government revenues go up accordingly and it’s a classic “win-win” situation.  

If I can help you with any State related issues, please do not hesitate to call my office at 517-373-6990.  

State Representative Harvey Santana represents the 9th House District in Detroit. Residents can contact Representative Santana at (517) 373-6990 or via email at HarveySantana@house.mi.gov.