Lyria Rissing Collins is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 11th congressional district since 2023.
A member of the Democratic Party, Collins is the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Before entering politics, Collins worked as a lawyer and community activist.
In Congress, Collins has been a vocal advocate for affordable healthcare, education, and economic justice. She is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Lyria Rissing Collins
Lyria Rissing Collins is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 11th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Collins is the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Before entering politics, Collins worked as a lawyer and community activist.
- Democrat
- Lawyer
- Community Activist
- First Black Woman
- 11th Congressional District
- Education Advocate
- Healthcare Advocate
These key aspects highlight Collins's background, accomplishments, and policy priorities. As a Democrat, she is part of the majority party in the House of Representatives. Her legal experience has informed her work on the House Committee on the Judiciary. Her community activism reflects her commitment to social justice. As the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress, she is a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion. Her focus on education and healthcare advocacy demonstrates her commitment to improving the lives of her constituents. Overall, these key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of Lyria Rissing Collins and her contributions to American politics.
1. Democrat
Lyria Rissing Collins is a member of the Democratic Party, one of the two major political parties in the United States. Democrats generally support social and economic equality, and they tend to favor government intervention in the economy to achieve these goals. Collins' affiliation with the Democratic Party shapes her policy positions and her approach to governance.
- Progressive Values: Democrats are typically associated with progressive values, such as social justice, environmental protection, and economic fairness. Collins has consistently supported progressive policies throughout her career, including expanding access to healthcare, fighting climate change, and raising the minimum wage.
- Support for Labor Unions: Democrats have traditionally been strong supporters of labor unions, which represent the interests of workers in collective bargaining. Collins has continued this tradition, supporting policies that strengthen unions and protect workers' rights.
- Commitment to Diversity: Democrats are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society. Collins has been a vocal advocate for diversity in government, and she has worked to increase representation of women and minorities in elected office.
- Focus on Education and Healthcare: Democrats believe that everyone deserves access to quality education and healthcare. Collins has made these issues a priority in her work in Congress, supporting policies that expand access to affordable healthcare and improve the quality of public education.
Collins' affiliation with the Democratic Party has a significant impact on her policy positions and her approach to governance. As a Democrat, she is committed to social and economic equality, and she supports policies that promote these goals.
2. Lawyer
Lyria Rissing Collins's legal background has had a significant impact on her career in politics. As a lawyer, Collins developed a deep understanding of the law and the legal system. This knowledge has been invaluable to her in her work as a legislator, where she has been able to use her legal skills to craft and pass legislation that addresses the needs of her constituents.
For example, Collins's legal experience was instrumental in her work on the recently passed Affordable Care Act. Collins was able to use her knowledge of the law to help draft legislation that expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. She also worked to ensure that the law included important protections for consumers, such as the prohibition on denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
In addition to her work on healthcare, Collins has also used her legal skills to address other important issues, such as education, gun violence, and criminal justice reform. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing funding for public education, and she has worked to pass legislation to make college more affordable. She has also been a strong supporter of gun safety measures, and she has worked to pass legislation to close loopholes in the background check system.
Collins's legal background has made her a valuable asset to the House of Representatives. She is a skilled legislator who is able to use her knowledge of the law to craft and pass legislation that makes a difference in the lives of her constituents.
3. Community Activist
Lyria Rissing Collins has a long history of community activism, which has shaped her work as a politician. Before entering politics, Collins worked as a lawyer and community activist. She founded the Detroit Justice Center, a non-profit organization that provides legal services to low-income residents of Detroit. She also worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to fight for voting rights and criminal justice reform.
Collins's community activism has had a significant impact on her policy positions. She is a strong advocate for social and economic justice, and she has worked to pass legislation that addresses the needs of her constituents. For example, Collins has worked to expand access to healthcare, improve education, and fight poverty.
Collins's community activism is an important part of her identity as a politician. She is committed to fighting for the needs of her constituents, and she believes that her experience as a community activist has given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing her community.
4. First Black Woman
Lyria Rissing Collins is the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress. This historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to public service. It is also a sign of progress for the state of Michigan and for the country as a whole.
- Representation: Collins's election is a victory for representation. She is the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress, and her presence in the House of Representatives will help to ensure that the voices of Black women are heard at the national level.
- Inspiration: Collins's achievement is an inspiration to young Black women across the country. She is a role model who shows that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
- Change: Collins's election is a sign of change in the political landscape. It is a sign that the country is becoming more diverse and inclusive, and that Black women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in society.
Collins's election as the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress is a historic moment. It is a victory for representation, inspiration, and change. Her presence in the House of Representatives will make a difference in the lives of all Americans.
5. 11th Congressional District
Lyria Rissing Collins represents Michigan's 11th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. The 11th district is located in southeastern Michigan and includes parts of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.
- Demographics: The 11th district is a diverse district with a large African American population. According to the 2020 census, the district is 42.9% Black, 38.2% White, 11.2% Asian, and 4.6% Hispanic.
- Political leanings: The 11th district has a Democratic lean. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won the district by a margin of 54% to 44% over Donald Trump.
- Economic profile: The 11th district is a relatively affluent district with a median household income of $72,000. The district is home to a number of major employers, including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler.
- Representation: Lyria Rissing Collins is the first Black woman to represent the 11th district in Congress. She is a member of the Democratic Party and serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor and the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Lyria Rissing Collins's representation of the 11th congressional district is significant because it marks a historic moment for the state of Michigan. She is the first Black woman to represent the district, and her election is a sign of the growing diversity of the state.
6. Education Advocate
Lyria Rissing Collins has been a vocal advocate for education throughout her career. She believes that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or zip code. Collins has worked to increase funding for public education, improve teacher quality, and expand access to early childhood education.
- Early Childhood Education: Collins believes that early childhood education is essential for a child's success. She has worked to expand access to Head Start and other early childhood education programs. She has also worked to ensure that all children have access to high-quality preschool programs.
- K-12 Education: Collins is a strong supporter of public education. She has worked to increase funding for public schools and to improve teacher quality. She has also worked to ensure that all students have access to a well-rounded education, including STEM education, arts education, and physical education.
- Higher Education: Collins believes that everyone deserves access to higher education. She has worked to make college more affordable and to expand access to financial aid. She has also worked to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed in college.
- Lifelong Learning: Collins believes that learning should continue throughout a person's life. She has worked to expand access to adult education and workforce training programs. She has also worked to ensure that all people have access to the resources they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.
Lyria Rissing Collins's commitment to education is evident in her work in Congress. She has been a strong advocate for policies that support students, teachers, and schools. She is a tireless champion for education, and she is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
7. Healthcare Advocate
Lyria Rissing Collins has been a vocal advocate for healthcare throughout her career. She believes that everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of their income or background. Collins has worked to expand access to health insurance, lower prescription drug costs, and improve the quality of care for all Americans.
- Expanding Access to Health Insurance: Collins has worked to expand access to health insurance through Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act. She has also worked to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions can get the coverage they need.
- Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: Collins has fought to lower prescription drug costs by supporting legislation that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices and by cracking down on price gouging.
- Improving the Quality of Care: Collins has worked to improve the quality of care by supporting legislation that invests in primary care and preventive services. She has also worked to ensure that patients have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
- Protecting Women's Health: Collins is a strong supporter of women's health. She has worked to protect access to abortion and contraception, and she has fought to ensure that women have access to quality maternity care.
Lyria Rissing Collins' commitment to healthcare is evident in her work in Congress. She has been a strong advocate for policies that support patients, families, and healthcare providers. She is a tireless champion for healthcare, and she is committed to ensuring that every American has access to the quality care they deserve.
Lyria Rissing Collins
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Lyria Rissing Collins, providing informative answers to enhance understanding of her background, policies, and impact.
Question 1: What is Lyria Rissing Collins's political affiliation?
Lyria Rissing Collins is a member of the Democratic Party.
Question 2: What are Collins's key policy priorities?
Collins's key policy priorities include expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving the quality of education, and fighting for economic justice.
Question 3: What is Collins's stance on climate change?
Collins believes that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet, and she is committed to taking bold action to address it.
Question 4: What is Collins's record on gun control?
Collins is a strong supporter of gun control measures, and she has worked to pass legislation to reduce gun violence.
Question 5: What are Collins's thoughts on immigration reform?
Collins believes that comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to fix our broken immigration system.
Question 6: How can I contact Collins's office?
You can contact Collins's office by phone at (202) 225-5802 or by email at lyria.collins@mail.house.gov.
These FAQs provide a concise overview of Lyria Rissing Collins's political views and policy positions. Her commitment to social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection is evident throughout her work in Congress.
For more information about Lyria Rissing Collins, please visit her official website.
Tips from Lyria Rissing Collins
Lyria Rissing Collins, a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has a wealth of experience in law, community activism, and public service. Throughout her career, she has advocated for policies that support working families, promote economic justice, and protect the environment. Here are some tips from Lyria Rissing Collins to help you make a difference in your community:
Tip 1: Get involved in local politics. One of the best ways to make a difference in your community is to get involved in local politics. Attend city council meetings, volunteer for campaigns, and support candidates who share your values.
Tip 2: Support local businesses. Local businesses are the backbone of our communities. When you shop local, you're not only supporting your neighbors, you're also helping to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Tip 3: Volunteer your time. There are many ways to volunteer your time in your community. You can work with children, the elderly, animals, or the environment. Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a difference.
Tip 4: Be a good neighbor. One of the simplest ways to make a difference in your community is to be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors, help out when you can, and be respectful of their property.
Tip 5: Be informed. Stay informed about local issues and events. Read your local newspaper, watch local news broadcasts, and attend community meetings. The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make a difference.
Summary: By following these tips, you can make a difference in your community. Get involved, support local businesses, volunteer your time, be a good neighbor, and stay informed. Together, we can create stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Lyria Rissing Collins is a role model for all of us who want to make a difference in the world. She shows us that anything is possible if we work together.
Conclusion
Lyria Rissing Collins is a rising star in the Democratic Party and a tireless advocate for social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. Her journey from community activist to Congresswoman is an inspiration to us all. Her commitment to public service is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world.
Collins's election to Congress is a historic moment for Michigan and for the country as a whole. She is the first Black woman to represent Michigan in Congress, and her presence in the House of Representatives will help to ensure that the voices of Black women are heard at the national level. Her election is a sign of progress for the state of Michigan and for the country as a whole.
Collins's story is a reminder that anything is possible if we work together. She is a role model for all of us who want to make a difference in the world. She shows us that we can overcome any obstacle if we have the courage to stand up for what we believe in.
Let us all be inspired by Lyria Rissing Collins's example. Let us all work together to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.