WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative John Dingell (D-MI15) traveled across Southeast Michigan to meet with his constituents.
“District work periods are critical as a Member of Congress, especially in a time as divided and heated as the one we are in. This week I met with seniors and youngsters, working people and unemployed, all who care deeply about this country and are gravely concerned about the current trajectory of America’s future. It further motivated my passion that we must create security in America with jobs and economic vitality.”
At the beginning of the week, Congressman Dingell met with civic leaders and advocates for seniors at the Dearborn and Western Wayne County Senior Olympic Opening Ceremony in Westland. He met with AARP representatives in Dearborn to discuss protecting Social Security and Medicare programs. He heard concerns and many questions about the Super committee and how its decisions or the trigger may affect these valued programs.
Of most concern to those in Michigan is the continued high unemployment and the woes of Michigan’s economic status. This is why Dingell produced an updated version of his Displaced Worker Guidebook to provide to displaced workers at the Downriver Community Conference in Southgate. Dingell said, “While this guidebook is not meant to be a silver bullet to finding employment, it will help displaced workers access assistance available to them both on a federal level and in the community.” Dingell will continue to advocate for federal assistance for the unemployed, and has future events planned to help those still searching for assistance.
Dingell also made it a point to meet with business leaders big and small to learn about new products they are developing and what help they could use in Washington. Dingell visited Brownstown Township’s business-to business development initiative, and was quite impressed by their showcase. “Historically, small businesses, which create two-thirds of net new jobs in the U.S., have driven past economic recoveries,” said Dingell. “With Michigan’s technological know-how, innovative and creative workforce, and never-say-die attitude, I’m confident Southeast Michigan will help lead the recovery.”
In addition, Dingell announced two grants that will create jobs and promote economic development in Southeast Michigan: The first grant provides $250,000 in investment funds to Ann Arbor SPARK to develop and implement a Business Accelerator model in Washtenaw and Western Wayne counties. This funding will create 255 jobs and leverage $1.3 million in private investment to promote business development in Southeast Michigan. The second grant provides $260,880 in investment funds for the Aerotropolis project to develop the 60,000 acres surrounding the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and the neighboring Willow Run Cargo Airport. This initiative to develop one of the largest air transportation hubs in the world has the potential to create 70,000 new jobs and generate $9.6 billion a year for Michigan’s economic growth.
When Dingell visited the Danotek Wind Energy plant in Canton, he was impressed at their innovative technology and clean energy industry development. Commending their efforts, Dingell told these business leaders that, “industries like Danotek are the key to unlocking Michigan’s revitalization.” Later in the week, when Dingell attended the Futuramic Tool & Engineering F-35 Cockpit Demonstrator Leadership Program in Warren, he noted, “Futuramic provides a strong example of how Michigan’s auto trade knowledge is both valuable and transferrable to a variety of innovative and manufacturing industries.”
He also focused on protecting our future, both the people and the land. When he was in Ann Arbor, Dingell spoke at the RiverUp! Launch event and lauded the work of public-private partnerships working together to clean up the Huron river for future generations to enjoy. At Monroe Community College, he convened with civic and community leaders to develop a long-term maintenance plan for the historic River Raisin Battlefield. In addition, Dingell hosted many office meetings on improving health care for providers and patients. He met with Michigan Dentists in Dearborn to discuss their concerns about Congress, health care, and protecting the public’s health; the American Cancer Society to discuss cancer research and prevention programs; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation about budget process and the importance of funding health research.
“My Daddy always told me that God gave me two ears and only one mouth for a reason. My constituents are my job, and why I fortunate enough to serve in Congress am here. It is my duty to serve them and most importantly listen and truly hear their concerns.”
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