Kent State University alumna Emilia Sykes says her goals have not changed as she begins her second term in Congress. Sykes, who hails from Akron, Ohio, spoke with the Akron Beacon Journal about her plans for the second term and what she’ll be focusing on.
In 2022, Sykes was first elected to represent Ohio’s 13th House District in Congress, making her the first Black Kent State alumna to serve in the House of Representatives, as well as the first Black person ever to represent the 13th Congressional District, which includes Summit County and parts of Portage and Stark Counties.
Here’s a recap of Sykes’ key plans for her second term in Congress as shared by the Akron Beacon Journal and Record-Courier:
- Lower Your Taxes Act: Expanding access to the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to alleviate financial strain on families. The bill would reinstate a COVID-era tax credit that significantly reduced child poverty and removes the age limits on EITC eligibility.
- Addressing the Housing Crisis: Supporting efforts to increase housing supply by encouraging banks to lend to developers and reintroducing a bill to combat predatory real estate practices that turn homeownership opportunities into rental markets.
- Police Reform and Community Safety: Advocating for de-escalation training nationwide by redirecting Department of Justice funds. She also supports Akron’s use-of-force review and seeks to build trust between law enforcement and communities.
- Immigration Policy and Rights Protection: Criticizing chaotic ICE raids and calling for comprehensive immigration reform. Her office is distributing multilingual “Know Your Rights” materials to inform constituents.
- Federal Funding for Local Projects: Defending Akron’s Innerbelt revitalization and Polymer Industry Cluster from funding freezes that would jeopardize economic growth and community restoration.
- Community Engagement: Holding town halls, school visits and social media outreach to stay connected with constituents. She prioritizes direct support through programs like Congress in Our Community and Girls in STEAM.
Sykes graduated with high honors from Kent State with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2007. She earned a Juris Doctor with a certificate in family law and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Florida.