WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) to designate the post office located at 404 US-41 North in Baraga County, Michigan as the “Cora Reynolds Anderson Post Office” has advanced in the Senate. Cora Reynolds Anderson, a member of the Ojibwa tribe, was the first woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and represented parts of Baraga County. She was also the first Native American woman elected to serve in any state legislature. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair.
“During her distinguished career, Cora Reynolds Anderson worked to improve education and public health for folks all across the Upper Peninsula. As the first Native American woman to serve in any state legislature, she remains an extraordinary part of our nation’s history,” said Senator Peters. “Naming a post office in Baraga County after this pioneer will help uphold her legacy for generations to come. Now that this important bill has advanced in the Senate with bipartisan support – I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure it is signed into law as soon as possible.”
“Cora Reynolds Anderson is such an important part of Michigan’s history. As the first woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives – and the first Native American woman to serve in any state legislature – she paved the way for so many women, including me, to hold public office. Naming this post office in the county she represented after her is one special way that Michiganders can honor and remember her for generations to come,” said Senator Stabenow.
Cora Reynolds Anderson was born in L’Anse, Michigan in 1882. She was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1925 where she represented Baraga, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties. While serving in Michigan’s Legislature, she chaired the Industrial Home for Girls Committee and served on the Committees for Agriculture, Insurance, and the Northern State Normal School. Her work included fighting to recognize Native American fishing rights, and combatting the alcoholism and tuberculosis epidemics. In 2001, she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to society.
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