Aisha Farooqi- Michigan – State House (District 57)
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
Hi, I’m Aisha Farooqi and I am running for State Representative in Michigan House District 57. My family and I moved to the US because my parents knew that their two daughters would be provided with opportunities in America that no other nation could offer. Here, in the land of opportunity, no dream was too big, and anything was possible. So, Michigan became our new home.
Growing up, my sister and I attended Detroit Public Schools and witnessed first hand the impact of systematic inequities.
An attorney, I have worked primarily in public service, amplifying the voices of the marginalized. I have fought hard to protect individuals’ rights and autonomy and will continue to fight for civil, economic, and human rights.
Being an attorney taught me that folks want a leader who’ll listen to them, see them, believe in them, and fight for them. And when I say fight, I mean show up every day and demand change. When I am your representative, I will fight for you.
Why are you running for office?
My family and I were lucky enough to be able to experience the American Dream. It is now my goal to ensure that those same opportunities are attainable for all. The future of Michigan’s economy depends on not only producing talent, but retaining it.
What are the three biggest issues facing your community?
In my district and in the state as a whole, aging infrastructure is a serious concern. For example, 11.0% (1,240) of Michigan bridges are classified as structurally deficient. No one should depend on unsafe roadways to get to work every day. The lack of public school funding in Michigan is a disgrace and our kids deserve better. The economy in our state could use a boost, and that starts with jobs that are attractive to employees and profitable to businesses!
How do you propose to solve those problems?
We must invest in our infrastructure so that our communities are safe and functional. We must repair & maintain our roads, bridges & water systems by having forward thinking, environmentally sustainable solutions. Our students deserve equitable education regardless of their zip code. We must stop playing games with public school funding and properly support all public schools so that our children are prepared for secondary education and the work force. I will work within our legislature to support small businesses and corporate institutions to encourage job growth. Working with our business community to provide real life solutions such as affordable child care and tax incentives for our small businesses.
What is your stance on environmental and climate concerns that are facing your community?
We live in the Motor City, which has the best work force. We built this city on creativity and grit. To remain competitive as a state, we must invest in EV technology and help metro Detroit become a leader in environmentally sustainable production. We have learned so much about air and water pollution, and we must protect the Great Lake state by imposing and creating environmentally sustainable solutions and restrictions for industrial and corporate entities.
What commonsense gun safety measures would have the most impact on your community?
I don’t believe that doing nothing is the answer to gun violence prevention. By banning assault weapons and imposing background checks as well as restricting gun sales to domestic abusers, I feel confident we would see an immediate decrease in gun violence.
How would criminal justice reforms impact your community?
I believe we will create a more functional society if we educate and provide job training for the incarcerated members of our community. Our community would benefit from available resources provided to our law enforcement members, including mental health care resources and implicit bias training.
How would you work to protect a woman’s reproductive health?
Women should have the same rights as men when it comes to body autonomy. I will work tirelessly to protect reproductive freedom for all.
What measures would you advocate to ensure that your constituents have the right to vote?
Accessible voting is a right for all American citizens. We must ensure absentee ballots and same day voter registration, as well as easy to access ballots are available to everyone in the voting population. Clear and concise voting information is so important and I will work to ensure all Americans can vote easily and without obstruction.
This election may be the most important of our lifetime. The Democratic Party of Michigan has never controlled the governorship, house and senate. The time to protect our democracy and pass good legislation that helps the people of Michigan is now.
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