Action Items
In November 2018, 62% of Michiganders voters decided to change who draws our districts so that voters can choose their politicians, not the other way around. Proposal 2 established an independent redistricting commission with mandated funding that amounts to $4.6 million in the 2019-2020 budget
Fair, balanced districts. Who could be against that? We’ll apparently, our GOP state legislators are.
They don’t like Prop 2. So instead of following the will of the people, they are trying to undermine it by grabbing the $4.6 million needed from the Secretary of State’s budget. In doing so, they make it harder for SOS to shorten wait times, secure our elections, educate voters and more.
Some would call this move petty. $4.6 million is a huge cut to the SOS, but a rounding error in the state’s $59 billion annual budget. The money can easily be appropriated from the general fund. But balancing the budget is not the point. Undermining our SOS is.
This is where we come in. Let’s call these GOP legislators (phone numbers and script below) to let them know we demand that they implement Prop 2 without retribution. Tell them to restore the $4.6 million to the SOS budget.
Background:
The Republican-led Michigan Legislature is now completing the latest budget proposal for 2020. One of the line items is for the $4.6 million needed for the Citizens Redistricting Committee mandated by the passing of Proposal 2 and the redrawing of our gerrymandered voting districts. The funding could come from the General Fund like lots of other programs but the Republican-led legislature has chosen to pull it from the Secretary of State(SOS) budget. The SOS offices in Michigan are already overburdened and crowded and slashing their budget could result in longer lines and waiting periods.
The SOS is also charged with implementing the eight voting policies mandated by Proposal 3; including straight-ticket voting, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and no-excuse absentee voting. Under an already stressed system $4.6 million removed from the SOS’s budget is going to seriously impact the ability of the Secretary of State to implement these changes and continue to serve the public for their vehicle needs. A cut budget is a clear message the GOP-held legislature doesn’t care that the people overwhelmingly voted for Proposal 2 and 3. They want to score political points by cutting the budget out from under Democrat Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Call these Republicans in Lansing and demand they find another way to finance the Proposal 2 Citizens Redistricting Commission and keep the Secretary of States budget intact.
|
Sen Ruth Johnson(R) – (517) 373-1636
|
Sen Jim Runestad(R) – (517) 373-1758
|
|
Sen Kenneth Horn(R) – (517) 373-1760
|
Sen Dale Zorn(R) (517) – 373-3543
|
|
Rep Scott VanSingel(R) – (517) 373-7317
|
Rep Gary Howell(R)- (517) 373-1800
|
|
Rep Julie Calley(R)- (517) 373-0842
|
Rep Tommy Brann(R)- (517) 373-2277
|
Script for Calling Republican Leadership in the Michigan Legislature:
Hi, I’m calling to urge Senator/Representative *_______ to keep the Secretary Of State 2020 budget intact and fund the Citizens Redistricting Commission from the General Fund or other source. The SOS’s offices are already overburdened. I also have a concern that the Proposal 3 voting policies scheduled to be implemented by the SOS office, could be affected by a slashed budget. Find another source for the $4.6 million. Thank you.
References
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/14/redistricting-money-would-transferred-legislature-under-bill/3668687002/
https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/heres-how-michigans-redistricting-commission-would-work
https://thinkprogress.org/republicans-are-undermining-michigans-redistricting-effort-secretary-of-state-says-944a99601ec2/
Action Items
We are experiencing a mental health crisis in our state, and the budget proposed by the GOP does nothing to address it.
The opioid crisis, suicide rates, school safety challenges, and needs of persons with disabilities are at unprecedented levels. Yet the GOP budget is nowhere close to providing the funding our distressed Community Mental Health providers need to provide adequate services.
Michigan can and must do better.
Let’s make some calls this week and make sure our legislators know this neglect of our most challenged Michiganders will not stand.
Support budget increases for County Community Mental Health:
Background. Currently, the Michigan legislature is stalled on budget negotiations, with Republicans not sharing their proposals with Democrats. Michiganders run the risk of a budget that has shortfalls in many necessary programs, such as public transit, fixing the roads, education, and particularly, public health. Currently, Michigan’s public health system can no longer meet the needs of the people who depend on this care. County funds are used to cover state Medicaid obligations, and General Fund support for public mental health has fallen dramatically.
Why is increasing support for mental health important?
There has been an increase in suicide rates, opioid addiction, mental illness, concerns for children’s safety in schools, and a need to help individuals with disabilities become productive members of their communities.
In the past, Michigan had one of the most advanced public health systems in the country. However, Medicaid expansion led to a General Fund support reduction for mental health, because it was believed that Medicaid could cover it. But Medicaid only covers 20 mental health visits per year.. There are barriers to signing up for Medicaid and not all are eligible. Any costs not covered by Medicaid have been passed on to County Mental Health systems. Our systems are near collapse. The need for more funding is urgent.
What is happening? The Michigan House and Senate are working on the state budget. One of the most financially neglected public systems is our system of Community Mental Health. The legislature has an opportunity and obligation to restore past funding cuts and increase funding.
What can we do? We can call the following State House Representatives and Senators who should be concerned about Michigan’s mental health system crisis. Please call:
State Senator Ruth Johnson, 14thDistrict: 517-373-1636
State Senator Pete Lucido, 8thDistrict: 517-373-7670
State Senator Jim Runestad, 15thDistrict 517-373-1758
State Representative Mike Mueller, 51stDistrict, 517-373-1780
State Representative Tommy Brann, 77thDistrict, 517-373-2277
Call to State Representatives:
Hello, I’m a Michigan voter and I want to encourage Representative/Senator _________to support restored and increased funding to Michigan’s Community Mental Health System. There is currently a crisis as needs surpass availability of adequate mental health care. Needs range from addressing the opioid crisis, increased suicide rate, keeping residents safe and cared for, and improving the ability of persons with disabilities to be successful members of their communities.
Information provided by Susan Gannon of Michigan Resistance.
Additional resources:
https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/439890/Systemic-Underfunding-of-Michigans-Public-Mental-Health-System.htm
Action Items, Issues
Enbridge Energy is on the attack against the efforts of Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Nessel to close Line 5 and to forestall the dangerous tunnel project. They have been pushing the Grand Traverse Bay County Commission to sign on to a resolution supporting the tunnel, and they have now sent the same resolution to every county in Michigan. Read here, and here. and please contact your County Commissioners!
Action Items, News
Our DEMS CARE program is having a backpack and school supplies drive! Our hard-working WCDP office staff, led by Rae Ann Weymouth, have organized this to support the children of our community. Supplies can be dropped off at the WCDP office (call 734-879-0556 for hours & our address) or by contacting Kathy Wyatt at
KatherineAWyatt@aol.com or 734-678-8623
Action Items
Tell the Michigan GOP Leadership to Reject Cuts to the SOS Budget To Fund the Citizens Redistricting Commission:
The Republican-led Michigan Legislature is now completing the latest budget proposal for 2020. One of the line items is for the $4.6 million needed for the Citizens Redistricting Committee mandated by the passing of Proposal 2 and the redrawing of our gerrymandered voting districts. The funding could come from the General Fund like lots of other programs but the Republican-led legislature has chosen to pull it from the Secretary of State(SOS) budget. The SOS offices in Michigan are already overburdened and crowded and slashing their budget could result in longer lines and waiting periods.
The SOS is also charged with implementing the eight voting policies mandated by Proposal 3; including straight-ticket voting, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and no-excuse absentee voting. Under an already stressed system, $4.6 million removed from the SOS’s budget is going to seriously impact the ability of the Secretary of State to implement these changes and continue to serve the public for their vehicle needs. A cut budget is a clear message the GOP-held legislature doesn’t care that the people overwhelmingly voted for Proposal 2 and 3. They want to score political points by cutting the budget out from under Democrat Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Call the Republican leadership in Lansing and demand they find another way to finance the Proposal 2 Citizens Redistricting Commission and keep the Secretary of States budget intact.
Jim Stamas(R) Senate Appropriations Committee Chair – (517) 373-7946
Ruth Johnson(R) Election Committee Chair – (517) 373-1636
Mike Shirkey(R) – Senate Majority Leader – (517) – 373-5932
Lee Chatfield(R) – House Majority Leader ( 517) -373-2629
Shane Hernandez(R) – House Appropriations Committee Chair – (517)-373-0835
Script for Calling Republican Leadership in the Michigan Legislature:
Hi, I’m calling to urge Senator/Representative *_______ to keep the Secretary Of State 2020 budget intact and fund the Citizens Redistricting Commission from the General Fund or other source. The SOS’s offices are already overburdened. I also have a concern that the Proposal 3 voting policies scheduled to be implemented by the SOS office, could be affected by a slashed budget. Find another source for the $4.6 million. Thank you.
Information provided by Connie Lippert of Michigan Resistance. For more information, contact: info@MichiganResistance.org
More Links about this issue:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/14/redistricting-money-would-transferred-legislature-under-bill/3668687002/
https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/heres-how-michigans-redistricting-commission-would-work
https://thinkprogress.org/republicans-are-undermining-michigans-redistricting-effort-secretary-of-state-says-944a99601ec2/
Action Items, News
Volunteers with the WCDP DEMS CARE Program helped tutor 2nd and 3rd graders at Erickson Elementary in Ypsilanti last year. The pilot program was very successful! We had ten tutors and 10 kids, along with the Director, our Caroline Nathan. All of the children’s reading levels improved up to a year in approximately 3 months. The school was thrilled. One little boy was so sad he didn’t want to celebrate at the final pizza party–he just wanted to continue. (A big thank you to volunteer and WCDP Outreach intern Edward Dance!)
We need more volunteers for this fall. You can help us increase the impact with just an an hour a week, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm (probably on Tuesdays), beginning near the end of September and following the school calendar. All training, materials and supervision are provided through Family Learning Institute, by reading expert Caroline Nathan. Please contact Kathy Wyatt at
Katherineawyatt@aol.com or call 734-678-8623. We are Democrats because we want to make the world better. This is a real-life, grassroots way to show people we care, while changing the future for 2nd and 3rd grade children.
Action Items
Governor Gretchen Whitmer knows that Michigan’s current way of funding schools is broken. She has plans to increase school funding by a half a billion dollars, increasing per-student annual funding and increase funding for special needs and at-risk students. Economically disadvantaged and academically at-risk students would see increases, as well as student opportunities for additional career and technical services. Large and small districts alike, such as Detroit and Indian River, have seen a loss of students to Charter and other schools, which leaves them with a disproportionate number of special needs students and no adequate way to fund them.
Why is fixing how we fund our schools so important? Current research shows that the decrease in student achievement is related to state funding. Michigan ranked 50th in growth in one of the major indicators of student performance, and ranks among the bottom 5 states when it comes to funding its low-income and special needs students. Our governor states that we cannot have a strong economy if we don’t invest in education. The complex and difficult needs of our individual school districts puts a strain on our local communities. By not properly funding special education, we are denying these students the potential to live productive and happy lives.
What is happening? Both the House and Senate presented their budgets including increased funding for education, but they have not adequately addressed the disproportionate funding for our special needs students. They are also looking to grab school funds from other sources, such as decreasing State University funding.
What can we do? We can call the Republican State House Representatives and Senators who should be concerned about Michigan’s low standing in education among other states, especially concerning special education.
Please call the following State Senators:
Jim Stamas, Senate Appropriations Chair, 517-373-7946
Kim LaSata, 21th District: 517-373-6960
Ruth Johnson, 14th District: 517-373-1636
Lana Theis, 22nd District: 517-373-2420
Pete Lucido, 8th District: 517-373-7670
Michael McDonald 10th District: 517-373-7315
Ed Broom, 38th District: 517-373-7840
State Representatives:
Shane Hernandez, House Appropriations Chair, 517-313-0835
JoeBellino, 17th District: 517-373-1530
Julie Calley, 87th District: 517-373-0842
Diana Farrington, 30th District: 517-373-7768
Roger Hauck, 99th District: 517-373-1789
Gary Howell, 82nd District: 517-373-1800
Steve Marino, 24th District: 517-373-0113
Aaron Miller, 59th District: 517-373-0832
Brad Paquette, 78th District: 517-373-1796
Scott VanSingel, 100th District: 517-373-7317
Hank Vaupel, 47th District: 517-373-8835
Mike Webber, 45th District: 517-373-1773
Jeff Yaroch, 33rd District: 517-373- 0820
Call to State Representatives on the House Judiciary Committee and Chairs of both Appropriations Committees:
Hello, I’m a Michigan voter and I want to encourage Representative/Senator _________to support our Governor’s school funding proposal. The cost to taxpayers will not be as great as the continued deficit in learning among Michigan’s school children. Adequate funding for education is imperative to making Michigan a state where families want to come to live, work, and educate their children. Increased funding for special needs, at-risk students, and career technical education is badly needed in our state, especially since these students have been traditionally underfunded.
Information provided by Susan Gannon of Michigan Resistance. For more information, contact:
info@MichiganResistance.org
Action Items
Background on anti-abortion petition drives: On May 15th, after Governor Whitmer vowed to veto the anti-abortion legislation introduced in the House and Senate ( HB 4320 &4321 and SB 0229 & 0230), Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition filed paperwork to initiate two petition drives to pass identical measures. The Michigan Board of Canvassers approved the petition drive on June 19th. Under the Michigan Constitution, if the initiatives receive roughly 340,000 signatures each, the Republican-led Michigan Legislature can adopt the measures and pass the bill without Governor Whitmer’s signature. Right to life has successfully passed four anti-abortion drives before, and Republicans in the Michigan Legislature have signaled their support. Right to Life has already ordered 44,000 petition sheets and is moving quickly to secure the required amount of signatures within the 180 day time span. While most petition drives intend to access the ballot for a statewide vote, this drive’s express intent is to circumvent the ballot box and Governor Whitmer’s veto. This is an affront on not only a woman’s right to choose, but also our democracy.
Why is resisting these anti-abortion petition drives important? Both of these proposals are a gross assault on a woman’s reproductive freedom, and measures in the heartbeat ban patently runs afoul of Roe vs. Wade. Right to Life’s initiative bans a process known as dilation and evacuation, (inaccurately titled “dismemberment” abortion by opponents). It is considered the safest procedure for second trimester abortions. This procedure usually ensures future fertility, and is considered painless for a fetus that at this gestation period lacks the physical structures for experiencing pain. The initiative put forth by the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition would ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected. Often, a “fetal heartbeat” is recorded around six weeks, before most women are even aware of their pregnancy. The sentencing aspects of both proposals would deter many health practitioners from following their consciences to provide the safest health care available to the woman in need of an abortion. Women should be able to decide with their doctors what is best for them. While the fetal heartbeat ban clearly violates Roe vs. Wade, proponents hope that the influx of heartbeat bills around the country will spur the Supreme Court to review the original decision, and ultimately overturn the ban. These ballot drives are the first step in fully prohibiting abortions not only in our state, but the entire country.
What can we do? We can dissuade potential signees by educating them about the awful proposals included in the initiatives. Already, organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Michigan ACLU are launching campaigns to inform Michiganders about this ongoing assault on a woman’s reproductive autonomy. We can help ensure that their efforts are successful by calling as well.
We’re having several calling parties (kind of like phone banks) about this issue as well– please come out to a calling party!
Action Items
On Friday July 12th, 2019, Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps will bring thousands of people to locations worldwide as well as to concentration camps across country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees.
The Ann Arbor vigil is 8-10 pm at the Federal Building
https://www.facebook.com/events/2365990303462262/
Ypsilanti’s is at Riverside Park, 1 W Cross St Ypsilanti
https://www.facebook.com/events/688362441624525/
The events are hosted by Corky Wa and Desirae Simmons of the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice and Love Resilience Action Ypsi
Action Items
Why is fixing how we fund our schools so important? Current research shows that the decrease in student achievement is related to state funding. Michigan ranked 50thin growth in one of the major indicators of student performance, and ranks among the bottom 5 states when it comes to funding its low-income students. The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators calls the current means of funding “extremely antiquated” and increased funding, including a weighted funding formula, is “proven to be effective and in the best interests of the students.” The Michigan legislature has focused on accountability (through standardized tests) and on providing school choice, while thinking that they needn’t worry about funding. Policymakers have stressed testing schools as a means to making them achieve more, but the tests only show that the schools are sinking even further compared to other states.
What is happening? The House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Department of Education approved a funding appropriations bill that did not include the weighted funding formula, even though it was advanced by several bipartisan groups concerned with education. The House also released a budget that did not include the weighted formula.
What can we do? We can call the Republican State House Representatives and Senators who should be concerned about Michigan’s low standing in education compared to other states. Please call:
Senators: Ruth Johnson, 14thDistrict: 517-373-1636 Kim LaSata, 21th District: 517-373-6960
Pete Lucido, 8thDistrict: 517-373-7670 Michael McDonald 10thDistrict: 517-373-7315
Ed Broom, 38thDistrict: 517-373-7840 Lana Theis, 22ndDistrict: 517-373-2420
State Representatives:
JoeBellino, 17thDistrict: 517-373-1530 Julie Calley, 87thDistrict: 517-373-0842
Diana Farrington, 30thDistrict: 517-373-7768 Roger Hauck, 99thDistrict: 517-373-1789
Gary Howell, 82ndDistrict: 517-373-1800 Steve Marino, 24thDistrict: 517-373-0113
Aaron Miller, 59thDistrict: 517-373-0832 Brad Paquette, 78thDistrict: 517-373-1796
Scott VanSingel, 100thDistrict: 517-373-7317 Hank Vaupel, 47thDistrict: 517-373-8835
Mike Webber, 45thDistrict: 517-373-1773 Jeff Yaroch, 33rdDistrict: 517-373- 0820
Call to State Representatives on the House Judiciary Committee:
Hello, I’m a Michigan voter and I want to encourage Representative/Senator _________to support our Governor’s school funding proposal. The cost to taxpayers will not be as great as the continued deficit in learning among Michigan’s school children. Adequate funding for education is imperative to making Michigan a state where families want to come to live, work, and educate their children. Increased funding for special needs, at-risk students, and career technical education is badly needed in our state.
Information provided by Susan Gannon of Michigan Resistance. For more information, contact:
info@MichiganResistance.org
Additional resources:
https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/gov-whitmer-boost-michigan-schools-507-million-more-neediest-students
http://education.msu.edu/ed-policy-phd/pdf/Michigan-School-Finance-at-the-Crossroads-A-Quarter-Center-of-State-Control.pdf
https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-cut-school-funding-and-school-performance-plummeted-coincidence
Action Items, Issues
On June 13th, House Republicans passed a short-sighted budget that fails to provide adequate funding to improve Michigan’s dire road and infrastructure conditions. HB 4246 passed on a straight party line vote. Instead of considering Governor Whitmer’s commonsense $2.5 billion gas tax proposal, the Republican House bill floats multiple ill-advised, harmful ideas. Not only does the combination of these proposals only provide 22% of the necessary funding, but they harm other public programs in the process. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans simply ignored road funding in the 2020 budget and are seeking to design a separate plan at a later date. Both budget bills will now be reconciled in a conference committee, and we must urge Republicans in the Legislature to design a plan that responsibly fixes Michigan’s road crisis. Below are the three proposals included in HB 4246 that we must oppose:
-
Divert the sales tax on gas from schools and local governments to public infrastructure: The House Fiscal Agency projects that this funding shift will siphon $542.5 million from localities. In order to maintain this funding level to local schools and municipalities, the budget then redirects appropriations from the university school aid fund, further depriving our higher education institutions of necessary funding.
-
Transfer public transit funding to infrastructure needs: The budget includes cuts to a transit capital program that provides funding assistance to localities, and depletes funding for programs that provide transportation assistance to the elderly and disabled. As public ridership soars to historic levels, this misguided proposal could have catastrophic consequences. For example, it could force the Ann Arbor Transit Authority to eliminate routes that could result in a loss of nearly 300,000 riders per year. Furthermore, the effects of this provision will harm efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the face of climate change.
-
A public infrastructure “garage sale”: The budget seeks to privatize multiple state assets like welcome centers, bridges and airports. This is a short-sighted idea that will bring an uncertain, one-time infusion of revenue to an ongoing, long-term problem. This is an unsustainable solution that could ultimately deprive communities of necessary services if private corporations decide the investments aren’t profitable enough.
Call Republican Leadership demanding them to adequately, and responsibly address road funding:
Jim Stamas (R) Senate Appropriations Committee Chair – (517) 373-7946
Shane Hernandez (R) – House Appropriations Committee Chair – (517)-373-0835
Tom Barrett (R) – Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair – (517) -373-3447
Jack O’Malley (R) – House Transportation Committee Chair – (517) 373-0825
Mike Shirkey (R) – Senate Majority Leader – (517) – 373-5932
Lee Chatfield (R) – House Majority Leader – ( 517) -373-2629
Script for Call to Republican Leadership:
Hi, I am calling to urge _______ to oppose the transportation funding proposals in HB 4246 during the conference committee. In order to address our state’s crippling road conditions, we must find a dedicated, consistent funding stream. Reassigning revenue from the sales tax on gas, slashing public transit funding, and selling our state’s assets does not achieve this in any regard. In fact, these proposals will do more harm than good. Governor Whitmer’s gas tax proposal is a strong solution that will adequately fund our roads in the long term, and I strongly urge you to support this during conference negotiations. Thank you for your time.
Action Items
Tell the Michigan GOP Leadership to Reject Cuts to the SOS Budget To Fund the Citizens Redistricting Commission:
The Republican-led Michigan Legislature is now completing the latest budget proposal for 2020. One of the line items is for the $4.6 million needed for the Citizens Redistricting Committee mandated by the passing of Proposal 2 and the redrawing of our gerrymandered voting districts. The funding could come from the General Fund like lots of other programs but the Republican-led legislature has chosen to pull it from the Secretary of State(SOS) budget. The SOS offices in Michigan are already overburdened and crowded and slashing their budget could result in longer lines and waiting periods.
The SOS is also charged with implementing the eight voting policies mandated by Proposal 3; including straight-ticket voting, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and no-excuse absentee voting. Under an already stressed system $4.6 million removed from the SOS’s budget is going to seriously impact the ability of the Secretary of State to implement these changes and continue to serve the public for their vehicle needs. A cut budget is a clear message the GOP-held legislature doesn’t care that the people overwhelmingly voted for Proposal 2 and 3. They want to score political points by cutting the budget out from under Democrat Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Call the Republican leadership in Lansing and demand they find another way to finance the Proposal 2 Citizens Redistricting Commission and keep the Secretary of States budget intact.
Jim Stamas(R) Senate Appropriations Committee Chair – (517) 373-7946
Ruth Johnson(R) Election Committee Chair – (517) 373-1636
Mike Shirkey(R) – Senate Majority Leader – (517) – 373-5932
Lee Chatfield(R) – House Majority Leader ( 517) -373-2629
Shane Hernandez(R) – House Appropriations Committee Chair – (517)-373-0835
Script for Calling Republican Leadership in the Michigan Legislature:
Hi, I’m calling to urge Senator/Representative *_______ to keep the Secretary Of State 2020 budget intact and fund the Citizens Redistricting Commission from the General Fund or other source. The SOS’s offices are already overburdened. I also have a concern that the Proposal 3 voting policies scheduled to be implemented by the SOS office, could be affected by a slashed budget. Find another source for the $4.6 million. Thank you.
Information provided by Connie Lippert of Michigan Resistance. For more information, contact: info@MichiganResistance.org
More Links about this issue:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/14/redistricting-money-would-transferred-legislature-under-bill/3668687002/
https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/heres-how-michigans-redistricting-commission-would-work
https://thinkprogress.org/republicans-are-undermining-michigans-redistricting-effort-secretary-of-state-says-944a99601ec2/
