John,

This past week I spent time celebrating the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the communities I represent and it was clear: we are a community that isn’t afraid to speak the truth. From real conversations about the need for reparations for our Black neighbors to the fact that the John Lewis Voting Rights Act needs to become law, our district is not hesitating to get to work and make these meaningful policy changes.

I lovingly call our new district the Tenacious 12th. We don't give up. We show up for each other and we put the work in, ensuring our voices are heard.

Here are some photos from this past week:

Staying Rooted in the Community

As I took time this past week to attend local city council meetings in the new areas of our district, I was shocked to see the look of surprise that I showed up. I want to make it clear. I am here to listen, learn, and get to work. I can't do that if I don't understand the challenges at the local level.

It was clear that our local cities, villages, and townships are still in need of federal investment in services like water and sewage as well as ensuring that we can preserve our local branch libraries, upgrade our local fire houses, and so much more.

I also heard from residents who are asking that Congress do more to protect our democracy. They are fearful that a handful of Congress members―from both sides of the aisle―will jeopardize our access to Social Security and Medicare benefits. I assure you that I and members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are making sure that we are engaged and ready to push back against any rhetoric that calls for cuts to these critical programs that uplift our seniors and the most vulnerable.

One of the first projects that we got to work on immediately after my re-election was creating Neighborhood Service Centers in the Tenacious 12th. This approach of prioritizing service centers in our district ensures that getting our residents through everyday challenges is as important as our work crafting and advancing legislation. We can change people's lives today through our Neighborhood Service Centers. We now have three service centers: one in Western Wayne region (Inkster), one in Detroit (College Park neighborhood) and one in Oakland County (Southfield).

My team and I can't wait to use the power of our letterhead, our office, and the power to convene to ensure that not only are our federal agencies working hard for you, but also making it easy for you to connect with your local governments and nonprofit/community based organizations.

Thank you to the City of Southfield for working with us to create a Neighborhood Service Center at the Simmons House located in the Burgh Historical Park:

Today, I am back in Washington, DC, fighting for you and for our shared agenda that puts working and low-wealth families and communities first―and ensures millionaires, billionaires, and greedy corporations are paying their fair share.

If you can, support our critical work with a donation of $5 or more today to fight for voting rights, the human right to healthcare and water, to protect and expand Social Security, and ensure we’re serving the most vulnerable communities.

Always serving you,

Rashida