Courtesy Photo-Emily Dievendorf State Representative Michigan 77th House District
Democracy is a powerful tool in the fight for justice and equity, but it only works effectively and ethically when it works for the people. More importantly, democracy only works when it reflects the will of the people and is utilized to amplify the voices, and needs, of our most underrepresented and underserved communities.
When I ran for my first term as State Representative in Michigan’s 77th House District I committed to making our democratic process more collaborative and accessible. I pledged to make our criminal justice system one of rehabilitation and not merely consequence. I promised to prioritize securing access to basic needs like housing, food, a fair wage, clean water, and quality education. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice, I focused all policy priorities on the equity and fairness all Michigan residents deserve. I didn’t run to save anybody or to speak for our community, rather I ran because together we build our community back up, and because every part of our community has a right, and a route, to speak for themselves.
Fighting for a more collaborative and representative democracy is exactly what we have done. We have held our ground to make housing a core issue that is addressed not only through development but also through investments in strengthening tenants’ rights, building new affordable and accessible housing, and by setting a baseline for the humane treatment of our homeless neighbors. We eliminated harmful debt from court fines and fees for justice-impacted youth. We have worked to close a loophole in the law that has been used for hundreds of years to steal homes and farms from our low-income property owners, particularly Black and Brown property owners. And we have set unprecedented standards for clean energy.
Over the last year and a half in office, we, you and I, have secured worker protections, access to reproductive health, free school breakfasts and lunches, universal pre-K, funding for gun violence prevention programs, eliminated the pension tax, and increased the working families tax credit. And that is the shortlist.
Photo Credit-Emily Dievendorf felt compelled to run to represent Lansing, 77th district in the Michigan state House (lansingstatejournal.com)
We aren’t done. I've learned from our collaborative coffee hours, community events, and meetings that our community wants and needs more. I too am thrilled with the unprecedented investment in our community that has already been achieved.
But you elected a fighter that is rooted in acts of love. And I am here to champion you. We are champions for the US.
Thank you for the immeasurable support this community has offered me as I held the line at the Capitol to ensure that with each year we struggle less and thrive more. Let’s keep going. A better and stronger democracy needs us.
Please consider voting for me and the team we have been with throughout my first term. Vote Dievendorf for State Representative in Michigan’s 77th House District.