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Politics & Government

Rep. John Dingell Delivers State of the District Address

Dingell highlighted his legislative accomplishments, and spoke of what needs to come next for the 12th District.

Congressman John Dingell delivered his annual "State of the District" address Wednesday in Ann Arbor before the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The speech included an update on legislation and projects affecting Michigan’s 12th Congressional District in 2012, his ongoing work in Congress, and challenges that lie ahead for the district and the nation.

The newly formed 12th District includes much of southeastern Wayne County, including Trenton, Wyandotte and Dearborn, as well as parts of Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor.

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“I’ve come to tell you that the state of our 12th Congressional District is strong,” Dingell told the crowd in prepared remarks.

“Here at home, we know that we need a government that works for the people—not further hinders them," he continued. "We know that we need to come together to do the job required of us to leave this planet a little bit better for our children and grand children than it was left for you and I, and we know that nothing can be accomplished if it’s not done together.”

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Dingell also highlighted his legislative accomplishments of 2012, including his efforts to revamp food safety laws to better protect citizens from food-borne illness, as well as bipartisan pipeline safety legislation and Food and Drug Administration improvements he worked on with fellow Michigan colleague Congressman Fred Upton.

During 2012's election season, Dingell vowed to use his 30th term to continue to work on issues such as health care, environmentalism, and job creation.

What issues do you hope to see Dingell focus on in his 30th term in Congress? Tell us in the comments.

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