(WXYZ) — As the president prepares to deliver his State of the Union speech, the guest list of Michigan congressional members give insight into some of the top issues the president will likely discuss.
While the president has the option of inviting up to 24 guests, each member of Congress is allowed one guest. Those invited by Andy Levin, Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens and Rashida Tlaib represent key talking points expected to be discussed during the 2019 State of the Union, or major legislation under their new duties as Congressional Members.
IMMIGRATION REFORM
With the most recent shutdown in the rear-view mirror, and another looming, there is little doubt that President Donald Trump will discuss border funding and renew calls to build a wall.
The White House has said that the president is working to heal old wounds, but his latest tweet on Sunday evening signals that more tough border security talk could be on the horizon: “With Caravans marching through Mexico and toward our Country, Republicans must be prepared to do whatever is necessary for STRONG Border Security," Trump wrote. "Dems do nothing. If there is no Wall, there is no Security. Human Trafficking, Drugs and Criminals of all dimensions - KEEP OUT!"
Rashida Tlaib’s guest is a local immigrant rights and environmental justice advocate. Consuela Barber-Lopez is an artist that Tlaib said showcases our nation’s struggle for immigration reform.
“Consuela uses art and music to bring communities of color together on social justice movements that seem so disconnected. I am excited to have her join me at the State of the Union,” said Tlaib. “She is the embodiment of the district, the connectivity of the district, the commitment of social justice and community, and the rich cultural history that the district has.”
Barber-Lopez is the director and founder of BombaRica, a folkloric performing arts and cultural education group. She facilitates trainings on identity, culture, and the illustrious history of arts activism in Detroit’s ethnic communities. She also does work to create community ties to advocate for victims of human trafficking and child abduction.
MANUFACTURING JOBS
It’s no secret that General Motors' move to cut jobs has angered the president. In November, he reacted to news of GM restructuring its company by laying off 4,000 salaried workers by threatening to cut subsidies.
On Monday, just one day ahead of the State of the Union, GM began its layoffs at the Renaissance Center.
Congressman Andy Levin is bringing Local UAW 909 President Ghana Goodwin-Dye with hopes that the UAW has a voice at the table. She will be joined by Dave Green, a UAW local president from the Lordstown, Ohio-area who has been invited by Levin’s Ohio counterpart.
“I hope to get an opportunity to speak with Representatives about the impact GM’s decision is having on not just my members, but other businesses and the charitable institutions we support,” explains Goodwin-Dye. “GM has other options. Our government has given them tax breaks to build jobs for our people, but instead GM used those tax breaks to build facilities in other countries. The Warren plant was the first to meet GM quality standards and what we got for that was our doors are closing. It’s a slap in the face.”
Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ guest also falls into the manufacturing sector, but in a very different way. Stevens opted to bring Michigan’s Middle School Teacher of the Year Jean Buller.
Buller — who teaches at Walled Lakes Consolidated School District — has been a school teacher for 30 years and is a STEM teacher. Stevens brings Buller to Washington the same week she co-sponsored the Rebuilt America’s Schools Act, which proposes a $100 billion investment in America’s public schools.
TITLE IX CHANGES
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin has chosen Amanda Thomashow, a sexual assault survivor advocate, as her special guest for Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
Thomashow — among the dozens of women who testified against Larry Nassar — has been an outspoken advocate for victims of campus sexual assault. Her efforts are a big part of the movement to change Michigan State’s culture and leadership following the Larry Nassar scandal.
Slotkin has recently written a letter questioning Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ proposed rule changes to Title IX, which she said could shield universities from responsibilities to protect survivors of sexual abuse.
“At a time when survivors at MSU and college campuses across the country have been raising our voices and demanding changes, it’s so important that our leaders in Washington hear us and fight for us,” said Thomashow.
Slotkin said she’s pleased to be joined at the State of the Union by a woman who has exhibited leadership and effected real change.
