Rashida Tlaib is a well-known progressive warrior and, in her own words, “a mother working for justice for all.” Her two young sons are at the root of her unwavering passion to help change lives for the better. She is the oldest of 14 children, born and raised in Detroit, the proud daughter of Palestinian immigrant parents.
Rashida made history in 2008 by becoming the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Michigan Legislature. She is beloved by residents for the transformative constituent services she provided, and for successfully fighting the billionaires and corporations that tried to pollute her district. When families get to know Rashida, they have no doubt that she will work tirelessly to knock down barriers for real change, and whether by policy or action, she will roll up her sleeves to make sure her residents are cared for, no matter how big the challenge.
Michigan’s 13th Congressional District is the third poorest in our nation. It is so important that our communities have access to resources that result in a better quality of life. We are championing issues like raising the minimum wage and the Green Jobs Act, preventing insurance redlining, expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and protecting low income housing. These are all issues that affect our residents’ financial health and puts them on a path toward stability and prosperity.
BOOST Act
The Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive (BOOST) Act will address poverty and provide relief for low- and moderate-income households by introducing a new tax credit for working class individuals and families. The bill provides additional income to and serves as a buffer for people and families who have seen their cost of living rise without their wages increasing at the same pace. Unlike the GOP Tax Scam, which was purported to benefit these families but only slashed their refunds, the BOOST Act will put real money in their pockets.
Experiencing respiratory illness, fallout from environmental emissions, and noxious odors on a daily basis has a profound negative impact on our communities’ quality of life. Protecting our air and water goes hand in hand with protecting our health, especially from the corporate polluters who place profit over people.
Access to affordable and safe healthcare is critical for residents of the 13th District. That’s why healthcare is a top priority for me as your member of congress. Ensuring that families can afford essential prescription drugs, receive equitable care and live healthy lives is vital to our district’s over well-being. I will continue to advocate for access to quality for our residents at home and in Washington.
Housing is critical in creating economic stability for our families. It is not just about building new homes, but also being able to afford your home payments now, repairing your home, and staying in your home.
Access to adequate and affording housing continues to be a critical issue in 13th District Strong and across the country. Families deserve to have a roof over their heads where they feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many.
As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which addresses housing, I’ve been laser-focused on working to ensure our federal government is holding banks, appraisal companies, credit reporting agencies and housing developers accountable. It is my job to tear down the barriers that get in your way and make sure our government puts you first.
Michigan’s 13th Congressional District has a Black majority, more than twenty different ethnicities comprise its population, and nearly nine percent of its population is foreign-born. In short, the 13th is home to a beautifully diverse place. Our residents may have different needs and priorities, but at the most basic level, we must protect civil rights and voting rights and ensure a quality education for all. It is also imperative that we work to help create a better pathway toward citizenship for our immigrant communities.
Justice for All Civil Rights Act
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) introduced the Justice for All (JFA) Act of 2020, historic legislation that pushes back against decades of conservative court rulings to restore the original intent of our civil rights laws by reaffirming the availability of discrimination claims based on disparate impact. The JFA Act includes a private right of action and a prohibition on forced arbitration, both essential to allowing victims of discrimination, actual or perceived, to vindicate their rights, enjoin discriminatory behavior, and/or receive an award of damages and attorneys’ fees.
Specifically, Justice For All restores and expands protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. America’s most critical civil rights laws have been significantly undermined by conservative court rulings over the years, including the elimination of the availability of civil rights claims based on disparate impact rather than the more difficult to prove discriminatory intent. Tlaib’s bill would result in expanded protections, stronger civil rights, and a more inclusive America by, in part:
The Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive (BOOST) Act will address poverty and provide relief for low- and moderate-income households by introducing a new tax credit for working class individuals and families. The bill provides additional income to and serves as a buffer for people and families who have seen their cost of living rise without their wages increasing at the same pace. Unlike the GOP Tax Scam, which was purported to benefit these families but only slashed their refunds, the BOOST Act will put real money in their pockets.
According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve, nearly half of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a $400 emergency expense. That means a rent increase, medical bill, childcare payment, tuition check, or even a blown tire can upset a family’s financial stability. The BOOST Act is designed to help cushion these blows, and chip away at economic inequality in our society.
The BOOST Act would provide a Middle-Class Tax Credit of up to $6,000 per family per year. A single taxpayer is eligible for up to $3,000 annually, while married couples/families/joint filers are eligible for a maximum of $6,000 annually. More importantly, the beneficiary can choose to receive the credit in advance to help families meet their basic financial needs. Below are additional specifics of this bill:
Impact
Michigan’s 13th Congressional District has a Black majority, more than twenty different ethnicities comprise its population, and nearly nine percent of its population is foreign-born. In short, the 13th is home to a beautifully diverse place. Our residents may have different needs and priorities, but at the most basic level, we must protect civil rights and voting rights and ensure a quality education for all. It is also imperative that we work to help create a better pathway toward citizenship for our immigrant communities.
Corporations, particularly in Detroit, are profiting on the backs of our neighborhoods. We have seen major projects in the name of corporate interest, like the construction of a multi-million dollar entertainment complex, run rough shot over our neighborhoods and driving out long-time residents. Corporations have failed to live up to promises such as job training programs and opportunities. What’s worse, they're also receiving handouts in the form of tax credits that divert funds from our public schools. What we need instead is to bolster our education funds and champion community benefits programs that create meaningful, positive changes to host communities of major projects.
Michigan’s 13th Congressional District is the third poorest in our nation. It is so important that our communities have access to resources that result in a better quality of life. We are championing issues like raising the minimum wage and the Green Jobs Act, preventing insurance redlining, expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and protecting low income housing. These are all issues that affect our residents’ financial health and puts them on a path toward stability and prosperity.