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SOUTHGATE, Mich. – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Legislative Forum, her first State of the District address as the Representative for Michigan’s new Sixth Congressional District.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell provided updates on legislative successes from the previous year for the Downriver community, including federal investments in clean water and the environment, as well as and priorities for the coming year, including continuing to support auto workers and local industry, expanding access to health care, and lowering everyday costs for families. 

Key excerpts

On clean water and environment:

“Every single day, I hear concerns from residents about clean water. Here in Michigan, we know far too well the importance of access to clean water – how many don’t have it, and how fiercely we must protect it. Clean water is a basic human right. Protecting our natural resources requires cooperation at all levels of government, and I remain in close touch with the EPA, EGLE, and our local authorities to address PFAS contamination in the Huron and recovering former industrial sites like Arkema and McLouth. Water is our most precious natural resource and requires constant vigilance to keep it safe. The Downriver Community Conference is managing one of the best Brownfields programs in the country. Since 1999, the DCC coalition has received around $20 million and has supported assessment or cleanup activities at over 300 Brownfields sites. I will continue to work to ensure we continue to get the resources to make Downriver communities cleaner, healthier, more vibrant places to work, live, and raise a family.”

On the auto industry and local business:

“Another one of the most critical ways we’re making Downriver a more vibrant, prosperous place is – with your help – investing in our local businesses and workers. The auto industry is at an inflection point, and I’m excited about our state’s opportunity to lead this new era of mobility and reclaim our role as a world leader in auto innovation and manufacturing. Last September, the Detroit Regional Partnership Foundation received $52 million from the American Rescue Plan to launch the Global Epicenter of Mobility, which will support the advancement of a smart, secure, sustainable, and inclusive advanced-mobility industry in Southeast Michigan. Our strengths that have driven the growth of the automotive sector for more than a century will help transform our area’s economy into a robust and growing industrial mobility hub. We have the immense capabilities of a century’s old auto industry to support the transition into cutting-edge mobility epicenter and help keep our region forefront of manufacturing and innovation across the globe.”

On expanding access to health care: 

“You all know that expanding access to quality, affordable health care has long been, and will remain, one of my biggest priorities. Henry Ford Health System is one of the biggest employers in Wayne County, and I’m working closely with them to support our frontline health care workers, and ensure they can provide critical services to our community. Last September, FEMA granted $7.6 million to Henry Ford Health to cover costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been and continue to be so instrumental in the response to this pandemic. And last year, I helped secure $900,000 to help Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital improve facilities and expand telehealth services.”

Click here to view Rep. Dingell’s full remarks. Click here for photos.