Dear Friend,
Last week, I had another busy week both in DC and the district! Started the week off strong by showing the UM football team around DC, then headed home for some important events throughout MI-06. I visited Riverview to hear about the State of the City and spoke with Protect Our Care about the importance of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement for people with disabilities. Later in the week, we held our hazardous waste forum to address community concerns about hazardous materials in our communities, I joined the formal opening and dedication of the Canton VA clinic, and on Saturday I stopped by several of our great local farmers markets. And those are just the highlights!
UM Football Visit
Last Monday morning, the University of Michigan football team and Coach Harbaugh joined me, Rep. Upton, and Rep McClain for a tour of the Capitol. We stopped by the Gerald Ford Statue in the Rotunda, looked out over the National Mall from the Speaker’s Balcony, visited the House Floor where we talked about the importance of democracy, and sang the Fight Song on the steps of the Capitol.
We visited the Library of Congress and the Arlington National Cemetery as well. I was honored to have the chance to share such a sacred spot with the team and was impressed by their appreciation for those who have so bravely served our country. I am confident that these boys will bring everything they learned back to Michigan and continue to exercise integrity and hard work. Go Blue!
Riverview State of the City
On Wednesday, I joined Mayor Andy Swift, and a number of other downriver mayors, in Riverview for the mayor’s State of the City, where he discussed the great projects, programs, and initiatives taken to improve the city over the last year. I appreciate his leadership and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen quality of life for our residents. And most importantly, it was great to hear from many of you.
J Street
On Wednesday, I met with J Street, and we discussed the importance of peace and security in the region. The United States must remain committed to a just, two-state solution to the conflict that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, side-by-side. We must be clear-eyed about the obstacles that remain in resolving this conflict and remain committed to promoting peace and democracy around the world.
Protecting Medicaid Coverage for People with Disabilities
Thursday morning, Senator Bob Casey and I joined forces with Protect our Care to emphasize the importance of protecting Medicaid coverage, especially for people with disabilities, in light of the end of the continuous coverage requirement. The unwinding of Medicaid is the single largest health coverage transition event since the first open enrollment period of the ACA, and we cannot allow people to slip through the cracks and lose critical coverage simply because they don’t have the right paperwork or don’t know what steps to take to work through the red tape. And it’s especially vital that individuals with disabilities have the support they need to navigate this challenging transition.
As a nation, our values are judged by how we help our most vulnerable citizens. Protecting, expanding, and strengthening Medicaid for generations of Americans to come should be one of our country’s top priorities. For more information about Medicaid benefit changes, visit Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services website here.
Hazardous Waste Public Forum
On Thursday evening, Reps Tlaib, Thanedar, and I hosted a public forum in Belleville with EPA, EGLE, Norfolk Southern, and Republic to provide information and answer questions about the transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in our communities. The train derailment and subsequent waste transport from East Palestine sparked interest and media attention on this issue, but here in Southeast Michigan, hazardous waste is an issue we have known all too well for decades. We heard from Michigan residents with real concerns about what materials are being brought into our communities, and whether they pose a safety risk. Moving forward, I am focusing on improving community engagement and accountability between these companies and the neighborhoods they are in, and taking a serious look at if we are doing our best to safely handle and dispose of hazardous waste.
I think the most important thing we can do is ensure that the people who are directly affected have the opportunity to make their voices heard and express their opinions and concerns, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to do that last night. If you weren’t able to make it, you can watch the event here.
Tour of Wayne Disposal in Belleville
On Thursday, I toured the U.S. Ecology/Wayne Disposal site in Belleville with EPA Region 5 administrator Debra Shore prior to our public forum. Hazardous waste is regularly disposed of in these sites where little attention is paid except by the residents who are negatively impacted. We must hold polluters accountable in Michigan and require they pay for the cleanup when incidents like this happen, and they must consider the impact on communities. We had an important conversation about larger policy issues, what we do with hazardous materials, and whether they should be disposed of in populated areas, where so many of these sites currently exist.
Canton VA Clinic
On Friday I joined the Canton VA Clinic for their formal opening and dedication in honor of Major General Oliver W. Dillard, first black officer to graduate from the National War College. Major General Oliver W. Dillard was a trailblazer who dedicated his life to serving our country, and this clinic will bring much needed care for veterans closer to where they live. Naming the Canton clinic after Major General Dillard means his story and life will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Fox Run
On Friday, I met with the residents of Fox Run Senior Living to discuss what I have been working on in Washington. We went over it all, from the debt ceiling to the Better Care, Better Jobs Act and HCBS Access Act. I updated them on the progression of EV manufacturing and shared my excitement about our state’s opportunity to lead this new era of mobility and reclaim our role as a leader in auto innovation and manufacturing. The residents then presented me with a few questions, and I was happy to have had the opportunity to answer them. I always look forward to speaking with Michiganders and hearing about their concerns and priorities.
Michigan Nurses Association
On Thursday I met with several nurses from the Michigan Nurses Association and the University of Michigan to discuss how we can support them in Congress. Throughout the COVID pandemic, nurses provided life-saving care, often at great personal risk and under difficult working conditions. Now, the nursing workforce is facing a severe staffing shortage, and we must ensure they have safe and stable work environments to improve retention, which will in turn improve patient experiences. Nurses deserve better. COVID may not have caused these issues, but it exposed them and brought greater attention to the demands nurses face every day.
Dearborn with Friends
It was great to be back in Dearborn and to see so many friends. A special thanks to Abbie Bazzi for bringing us all together at her annual banquet. Even though the district I represent no longer officially includes Dearborn, and it was heartbreaking to leave, this was my home for decades and always will be. You will always be my neighbors and dear friends.
Meals on Heels
On Friday, I joined Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels for their annual “Meals on Heels” event to support their mission to provide hot meals for homebound seniors, helping to alleviate food insecurity. Meals on Wheels provides a chance for homebound seniors to live independently, keep food on the table, and have a meaningful conversation with someone who truly cares. They deliver more than 10,000 meals per month to persons 60 years or older, and adults with disabilities in our community who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves.
Farmers Markets
On Saturday, I stopped by the season openings of our great local farmers markets in Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsi, and made my regular stop in Ann Arbor. I love to support the farmers of our state, you can’t beat their fresh produce! And I love the opportunity to talk with all of you, and to hear about what is on your mind. If I didn’t get the chance to talk to you last weekend, I look forward to seeing you at a farmer’s market soon.
