The Michigan Legislature's Government Operations meeting on May 22, 2025, focused on a significant legislative proposal to designate May as Chaldean American Month. The meeting began with procedural reminders and the approval of previous minutes before moving on to the main agenda item presented by Representative Tom ****.
Representative **** emphasized the importance of recognizing Chaldean Americans, who play a vital role in Michigan's cultural, economic, and civic life, particularly in Southeast Michigan, which hosts the largest Chaldean population outside of Iraq. He highlighted that there are over 87,000 Chaldean residents in Macomb and Oakland Counties, tracing their heritage back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. The representative noted that Chaldean Americans are successful entrepreneurs, with nearly 60% of households owning at least one business, contributing over $11 billion annually to the state's economy.
The proposal aims to celebrate the contributions of Chaldean Americans and affirm their place in Michigan's history. During the discussion, Representative McFaul inquired about the choice of May for this designation, to which Representative **** responded that it was the preference of the Chaldean community.
The meeting also included support from Martin Manna of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, who expressed his backing for the bill without wishing to speak. The committee is expected to vote on the proposal in the near future, marking a step towards recognizing the significant impact of the Chaldean community in Michigan.