From Lived Experience to Legislative Action: Representative Emily Dievendorf Fights for Water Affordability

The fight for water affordability has a new legislative champion, and their passion for water access is personal. Representative Emily Dievendorf, (D-Lansing) knows firsthand the devastating choices too many families are forced to make: having to decide between paying their water bill or putting food on the table. They refuse to accept a system that forces people into such impossible decisions and are stepping up to fight for solutions that ensure water is accessible and affordable for all.

For many policymakers, issues of poverty and water insecurity exist in reports and statistics. But for Dievendorf, these struggles are real and lived. They have openly shared their experiences with economic hardship, bringing a critical and often overlooked perspective to the legislature. This firsthand knowledge fuels their advocacy, making them a powerful voice for families who are drowning in rising water costs.

Their belief is clear: no one should have to choose between eating and keeping their water on. Yet, for too many Michiganders, that choice is an everyday reality. By standing with the Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition, Dievendorf is helping to push for policies that prioritize people. Policies that ensure every household has access to clean, affordable water. No exceptions.

Before stepping into the legislature, Rep. Dievendorf spent years fighting for marginalized communities. Their career in public service includes leadership roles with Equality Michigan, the Lansing Association of Human Rights (LAHR), and the Firecracker Foundation. In 2015, they were federally appointed to the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and later served as a co-chair. They have been a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, survivors of violence, and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. Their background in grassroots activism and legislative work gives them a unique ability to bridge policy with the lived experiences of impacted communities.

Dievendorf’s leadership comes at a crucial time. As Michigan communities continue to grapple with water shutoffs and increasingly unaffordable rates, their voice in the State House will be a driving force behind real, systemic change. They understand that water is not a privilege. It’s a basic human need.

With Dievendorf as a legislative ally, the WEL Coalition is doubling down on efforts to pass policies that:

• Ensure Universal Access: Guarantee that everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water.

• Implement Income-Based Rates: Mandate that water systems apply income-based rates to eligible customers capped at no more than 3% of income, making certain that everyone pays a bill they can afford, including tenants.

• Restrict Water Shutoffs: Limit instances in which water utilities can disconnect a customer's water service.

• Facilitate Debt Forgiveness: Provide a process for customers to receive forgiveness of their water debt.

Dievendorf’s commitment to policy that improves the lives of Michiganders, combined with their personal experience and deep-rooted advocacy, makes them an invaluable partner in the movement. We are honored to welcome them as a champion for water affordability and look forward to working alongside them to ensure every Michigan family has access to safe and affordable water.

Join us in supporting Rep. Emily Dievendorf and the fight for water affordability by signing the Water Affordability Pledge today.