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:
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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.
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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.
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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/
Action Items, Issues
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, Featured Events, Issues
Fix Michigan’s Broken Bail Bond System:
The purpose of requiring bail when a person is charged with a crime is to encourage that individual not to flee justice and, if the alleged crime is violent and of a serious nature, to protect the public. The purpose should not be to acquire funds for the state or to disrupt potentially innocent persons’ lives. Although these bonds may be set low enough for many middle class people to afford, they are often impossible for poor people to pay, and are set neither because of concerns for safety nor flight risks.
Why is fixing our bail system important? Pretrial incarceration of Michigan residents can cause great harm to their lives and families. They often lose their jobs, which subsequently means loss of homes and even their children can be taken away. Even if convicted of a crime, they often are given sentences of less time than they have already spent waiting in jail for trial. This is not only disruptive to the lives of the charged individuals, but also to employers and landlords. Keeping these people in jail costs the taxpayers $150 million annually.
What is happening? Bail bond reform bills have been introduced into both the State Senate and House. These bills will fix our broken system by making cash bonds affordable, providing information to the courts on setting bonds, creating consistency among courts, and requiring to put bail determinations on the record. These bills need to be pushed out of committee and sent to the floor for a vote. Currently, the House Bail Bond Reform Package is in the State House Judiciary Committee.
What can we do? We can call the State House Representatives who are on the House Judiciary Committee and ask them to support the Bail Bond Reform Package and send it to the floor for a vote.
The following is a list of committee members who have not sponsored the bill:
Graham Filler (R) Committee Chair, 93rd District: 517-373-1778
Diana Farrington (R) 30th District: 517-373-7768
Daire Rendon (R) 103rd District: 517-373-3817
Ryan Berman (R) 39th District: 517-373-1799
Douglas Wozniak (R) 36th District: 517-373-0843
Vanessa Guerra (D) 95th District: 517-373-0152
Brian Elder (D) 96th District: 517-373-0158
Kyra Bolden (D) 35th District: 517-373-1788
Call to State Representatives on the House Judiciary Committee:
Hello, I’m a Michigan voter and I want to encourage Representative _________to support the Bail Bond Reform Package. The cost to taxpayers and the disruption to the lives of potentially innocent men and women speak to the need for bail reform. This also affects the poor and people of color disproportionately. Please support and send this bill to the House floor for a vote.
Information provided by Susan Gannon of Michigan Resistance. For more information, contact:
info@MichiganResistance.orgMore Links about this issue:
https://media.woodtv.com/nxs-woodtv-media-us-east-1/document_dev/2019/03/13/LaGrand%20Bail%20Reform%20Bill%20Package%20Summary%20Public%202019_1552517533069_77239493_ver1.0.pdf
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cxa110qxrb3wmj2cm2sf4jyd))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2019-HB-4351&query=on
https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/after-years-impasse-bipartisan-lansing-drive-criminal-justice-reform
Action Items, Issues
Republicans in the Michigan Legislature have had a busy couple of weeks passing bills that threaten healthcare through the back doors of our auto insurance and women’s right to choose. Although Governor Whitmer has publicly stated she will veto these bills she is still under tremendous pressure and needs to know we stand behind her. The Republicans will be out for her blood so let’s get busy and support her
Item #1: Michigan’s Anti-abortion Bills # 4320 and 4321:
Two bills were passed in the Michigan legislature with the purpose of banning “partial-birth” and dismemberment abortions, and including criminal sentencing of doctors and medical personnel who perform these abortions. Obstetricians/gynecologists have stated that these prohibitions will jeopardize women’s health and future fertility by denying evidence-based, medically preferred care.
Item #2: Auto Insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Choices: These bills allow drivers to choose low cost options for minimally capped Personal Injury Protection(PIP) coverage in their car insurance policies. Medical caps will increase uncompensated care for medical providers sought by people who have maxed out their PIP benefits, and shift the cost burden to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor. For the catastrophically injured, this bill is the difference between getting help to get to work and dying in bed.
What can we do? Call Governor Whitmer and ask her to veto these bills: 517-335-7858
Script for Calling Governor Whitmer: Hi, I’m calling to support Governor Whitmer’s veto of the anti abortion bills HB 4320 and 4321. I am also urging her to veto any “PIP choice” auto insurance bills being presented now. Both of these bills undermine healthcare: one specifically for women and the other for Michigan drivers. Thanks.
Information provided by Michigan Resistance writer, Constance Lippert. Need more info? conlippert99@yahoo.com
Action Items
Republicans in the Michigan Legislature have had a busy couple of weeks passing bills that threaten healthcare through the back doors of our auto insurance and women’s right to choose. Although Governor Whitmer has publicly stated she will veto these bills she is still under tremendous pressure and needs to know we stand behind her. The Republicans will be out for her blood so let’s get busy and support her.
Item #1: Michigan’s Anti-abortion Bills # 4320 and 4321:
Two bills were passed in the Michigan legislature with the purpose of banning “partial-birth” and dismemberment abortions, and including criminal sentencing of doctors and medical personnel who perform these abortions. Obstetricians/gynecologists have stated that these prohibitions will jeopardize women’s health and future fertility by denying evidence-based, medically preferred care.
Item #2: Auto Insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Choices: These bills allow drivers to choose low cost options for minimally capped Personal Injury Protection(PIP) coverage in their car insurance policies. Medical caps will increase uncompensated care for medical providers sought by people who have maxed out their PIP benefits, and shift the cost burden to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor. For the catastrophically injured, this bill is the difference between getting help to get to work and dying in bed.
What can we do? Call Governor Whitmer and ask her to veto these bills: 517-335-7858
Script for Calling Governor Whitmer: Hi, I’m calling to support Governor Whitmer’s veto of the anti abortion bills HB 4320 and 4321. I am also urging her to veto any “PIP choice” auto insurance bills being presented now. Both of these bills undermine healthcare: one specifically for women and the other for Michigan drivers. Thanks.
Information provided by Michigan Resistance writer, Constance Lippert. Need more info? conlippert99@yahoo.com
Action Items, Issues
We need your help! Last week our comrades at Michigan Student Power Network let us know of their efforts to stop House Bill 4436. The bill is being dressed as a “freedom of speech” bill that will harm students. House Bill no. 4436 raises several major issues by forcing colleges to adopt policies around protestors and student speakers on campus.
Below is their quick info guide for you to catch up on the bill. We’re hoping you can reach out to your representative today or join us in Lansing tomorrow! I’ll be there so feel free to reach out!
Sign up to oppose the bill in Lansing on Thursday, 5/16! https://forms.gle/o9kSd7BgmSasVGt9A
Michigan Student Power Network Info Guide
What is this bill?
Read about this bill on the Michigan Legislature Website: MI House Bill 4436 – “Free speech” bill for universities and colleges
House Bill no. 4436 raises several major issues by forcing colleges to adopt policies around protestors and student speakers on campus.
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This bill would allow for student groups to invite any speaker that they want without being stopped by the University. A student group would be defined as any group officially recognized by the University.
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Any protests or demonstrations would be restricted in their actions in vague terms.
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“(iv) A statement assuring any person lawfully present on campus the right to protest or demonstrate there but making clear that protests and demonstrations that substantially and materially infringe upon the rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity are not permitted and are subject to sanction…”
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This could violate this First Amendment right of protestors to shout over or disrupt speakers in public spaces on campus.
History
Similar legislation to this bill was proposed by Patrick Colbeck last year. At that time, the ACLU made a broad series of criticisms that watered down the bills to the point where it no longer made sense to attempt to pass this bills.
In Florida, similar bills were proposed, but were also successfully defeated by organizers. This is part of a larger trend of hate speech bills being passed in state legislatures across the country following Trump’s executive order which threatened to withhold federal funds from universities.
Bill Sponsors
John Reilly (district 46)
Michele Hoitenga, Steven Johnson, Aaron Miller, Luke Meerman, Brad Paquette, Gregory Markkanen, Pamela Hornberger, Beau LaFave, Gary Eisen, Mike Mueller
Status and Trajectory of the Bill
Status
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On 4/9/19, it was referred to House Committee on Oversight and chaired by Matt Hall
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On 4/18/19, met in Committee and brought to the floor, where the ACLU testified against it
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On 5/16/19, the ACLU, the Michigan Student Power Network, and other community members will be testifying against this bill in the Michigan House
Trajectory
Opposition to these bills
It is important to note that opposition from this bill is from all sides of the aisle. Who are some major stakeholders who oppose this bill?
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Universities and colleges in Michigan
This bill would force institutions to do a complete overhaul of many of their policies, and limit the free speech of people affiliated with those institutions. The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) have publicly testified against this bill. MASU is a lobbying organization that represents all major MI universities including U-M, MSU, WMU, EMU, CMU, GVSU, WSU, and OU.
Part of this bill reads “(viii) A statement assuring that the institution will strive to remain neutral, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day, except those that affect the function of the institution or the rights and welfare of members of its community, and will not take any action, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day that would require students or faculty to publicly express a given view of social policy.”
This could severely limit the ability of colleges to engage in divestment campaigns or other forms of political engagement that universities have traditionally engaged in e.g. South Africa. Further, this bill doesn’t seem like it is addressing areal problem. Most universities already have rules around disruptive speech on campus and are cautious in taking public political stances (such as a divestment campaign). Laws like these can create more confusion than clarity, creating administrative burdens on universities, and ironically end up limiting speech.
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Representatives who represent districts that have universities and colleges
In recognizing the harmful impacts of this bill to all involved, both Democratic and Republican legislators are opposed to this bill, particularly those whose constituency includes higher education institutions.
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The ACLU
As this is limiting free speech, the ACLU is in opposition to this bill and has testified against it.
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Students and community members (including the Michigan Student Power Network)
The Michigan Student Power Network (MSPN), a statewide network of college organizers, has reached out to other organizations and elected officials to work to oppose this bill. Their stance is that attacks on university budgets, affirmative action, and independence have come via legislation, combining with ideological attacks on safe spaces, student organizers, and the legitimacy of marginalized students on campus.
Further, this bill seems to encourage sanctioning students that interfere with the speech of others (such as heckling a speaker). This threat of sanctions will probably make students, faculty, staff, etc. afraid of speaking out (even if it’s just a sharply worded disagreement). In their words, speakers that call for genocidal policies, or that use pseudo science to justify white supremacy are not a legitimate part of debate on campus, they are weaponized voices being used to justify and inspire violence.
What can you do?
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Support opposition to this bill in legislature in Lansing!
On Thursday, May 15, Michiganders are heading to Lansing to testify in front of the Michigan House of Representatives. If you’d like to testify in person, submit written testimony, or show up to support, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/y5Fg9w27xjBPHDCM8
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Call your representatives and Governor Whitmer, and ask Whitmer to veto the bill!
Phone Script:
Hello my name is __________________
I’m a student at _______________ and I wanted to share my feelings on MI House Bill 4436. This bill claims to be about protecting our freedom of speech on college campuses but it actually does the opposite by restricting debate and disagreement, and forbidding universities from taking stands on important issues.
Section four of this bill would violate the right of students to disagree with speakers on campus and is worded vaguely. I fear this could make verbal disruptions or even just sharp disagreement during Q&A segments punishable offenses on our campuses.
The bill would also forbid universities from taking a public stand on “public policy controversies of the day.” This wording could easily be interpreted to ban important stances that universities took in the past, like divestment from Apartheid South Africa.
This bill isn’t about free speech, it’s about mobilizing our university infrastructure against student protest in order to create more of a haven for hateful ideologies on our campus. Please vote against this bill.
Thank you for your time.
2. Email your representatives!
Hello my name is __________________ I’m a student at _______________ and I wanted to share my feelings on MI House Bill 4436. This bill claims to be about freedom of speech campuses, but there are key provisions that I think endanger that freedom and give more weight to voices of hate on our campus. There are two key places where I feel like this legislation harms our campus.
First, section three of this bill would strengthen the punishment guidelines against students who disrupt speakers on campus. The legislation is worded vaguely to make both the definition of “disrupt” and the sanctions faced by students far too broad. As currently worded we fear this could make verbal disruptions or even just sharp disagreement during Q&A segments punishable offenses on our campuses. We believe this guideline will have the practical effect of making speakers that advocate genocide, inequality, and racial prejudice more secure on campus, while pushing students who are targeted by these ideologies to the margins. This is unacceptable.
Second, the bill would forbid universities from taking a public stand on “public policy controversies of the day.” Such a guideline would ensure that our universities take a naturally conservative position, only adopting changes to their stances after the rest of society has changed. This wording could easily be interpreted to ban Important stances that universities took in the past, like Divestment from South Africa. It seems like this part of the legislation is less about free speech, and more about banning the exercise of speech by the students, faculty, and staff of the university. This bill isn’t about free speech, it’s about mobilizing our university infrastructure against student protest, in order to create more of a haven for hateful ideologies on our campus.
Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time
Action Items
Background on Michigan’s Anti-abortion Bills # 4320 and 4321:
Two bills were introduced into the house legislature with the purpose of banning “partial-birth” and (so-called) dismemberment abortions, and including criminal sentencing of doctors and medical personnel who perform these abortions. Obstetricians/gynecologists are concerned that these prohibitions will jeopardize women’s health and future fertility by denying evidence-based, medically preferred care. News: After passing out of the House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors, these bills were approved by the House Judiciary Committee on May 7th and now await a House floor vote.
Why are resisting Bills like 4320 and 4321 important? Although these bills may not overturn Roe vs. Wade, they certainly would restrict abortion for some women. In most situations, the procedure called dilation and evacuation, (inaccurately titled “dismemberment” abortion by opponents), 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 sentencing aspect of bill 4321 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. Bills like 4320 and 4321 are the first step in banning abortions entirely in this country.
What can we do? We can ask receptive GOP lawmakers to vote no on these bills. In Michigan, only about 6% of abortions involve dilation and evacuation procedures, and these procedures are followed to ensure the health, safety, and future fertility of the woman involved. The Government should not interfere with decisions between a woman and her doctors. Doctors need the all the tools possible to ensure that they make the right decision for the life of a woman. We can also call Governor Whitmer and urge her to veto these bills.
Call These Republican Lawmakers:
Senator Ruth Johnson: (517) 373-1636
Rep. Kathy Crawford: (517)-373-0827
Rep. Pauline Wendzel: (517) 373-1403
Call Governor Whitmer and ask her to veto these bills: 517-335-7858
Script for Calling Selected GOP Members:
Hi, I’m calling to urge Representative *_______ to vote “No” on House Bills 4320 and 4321 (Partial-birth and Dismemberment Abortion Ban). These bills make abortion inaccessible to many women and deny them the safest form of abortion for the second trimester. The Government should not interfere with decisions between a woman and her doctors, and physicians need all the tools possible to make the right decision for a woman and her life. Thanks.
Script for Calling Governor Whitmer: Hi, I’m calling to urge Governor Whitmer to veto HB 4320 and 4321, as she has said she would previously. These bills make abortion inaccessible to many women and deny them the safest form of abortion for the second trimester. The Government should not interfere with decisions between a woman and her doctors, and physicians need all the tools possible to make the right decision for a woman and her life. Thanks.
https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/25/michigan-anti-abortion-bills/3555522002/
Information provided by Michigan Resistance writer, Susan Gannon. Need more info?susanagannon@gmail.com
Ask Governor Whitmer to Veto HB 4397 Auto Insurance Reform
Background on HB 4397: Under the veil of night early Thursday a.m. (05/09), Republicans in the Michigan House of Representatives rushed to pass an auto insurance reform bill. This non-transparent process prevented lawmakers and the public from truly understanding HB 4397. The bill revokes the purchase mandate of personal injury protection (PIP), and requires insurers to lower their PIP rates for the next five years. But, this is a short term, misguided solution that will harm the most vulnerable Michiganders who will be forced to opt out of purchasing PIP. Furthermore, once the five year period elapses, insurers will be free to increase PIP prices again. The bill also fails to explicitly prohibit insurers from using non-driving factors in their plan prices, allowing companies to find loopholes to still include these irrelevant, harmful factors in their pricing schemes. Finally, the bill would limit Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ability to prosecute insurance fraud cases by transferring authority to the Michigan State Police (MSP), which has no prosecutorial authority or experience pursuing insurance fraud cases. Michigan faces more than $820 million of insurance fraud annually, and this move only serves to disrupt the multiple cases that the AG’s insurance fraud task force is undertaking. HB 4397 is awaiting a Senate vote, where it is likely to be approved, and would then need to be signed by Governor Whitmer to go into law.
Why is Resisting HB 4397 important? Although this bill takes initial steps in reducing Michigan’s absurd auto insurance costs, it fails to tackle the root of the issue. This bill skirts around the central problems that make Michigan’s auto insurance premiums more than double the national average by leaving loopholes for insurance companies to still consider non-driving related factors. The goal is to make auto insurance more affordable and equitable, but HB 4397 lowers costs to the detriment of the most vulnerable Michiganders by eliminating mandatory PIP protections instead of outrightly prohibiting non-driving factors in their pricing. While Governor Whitmer has indicated that she intends to veto the bill, we need to ensure she does not have a last second change of heart by assuring her that everyday Michiganders want real change, not this harmful, half-baked piece of legislation
Call Governor Whitmer: 517-335-7858
Script For Governor Whitmer: Hi, I’m a Michigan voter and I’m calling Governor Whitmer to ask her to fulfill her intention to veto HB 4397, a non-transparent bill that fails to meaningfully lower Michigan’s outrageous auto insurance premiums. HB 4397 does not explicitly prohibit companies from considering non-driving factors in their premium amounts, and will frustrate the state’s efforts to crack down on crippling insurance fraud. Please remain steadfast in your opposition to this bill. As it currently stands, HB 4397 will only frustrate our state’s ability to truly make auto insurance affordable. Thank you.
Action Items, Issues
Background on Michigan’s Anti-abortion Bills # 4320 and 4321:
Two bills were introduced into the house legislature with the purpose of banning so-called “partial-birth” and dismemberment abortions, including criminal sentencing of doctors and medical personnel who perform these abortions. Obstetricians/gynecologists are concerned that these prohibitions will jeopardize women’s health and future fertility by denying evidence-based, medically preferred care. News: After passing out of the House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors, these bills were approved by the House Judiciary Committee on May 7th and now await a House floor vote.
Why are resisting Bills like 4320 and 4321 important?Although these bills may not overturn Roe vs. Wade, they certainly would restrict abortion for some women. In most situations, the procedure called dilation and evacuation, (inaccurately titled “dismemberment” abortion by opponents), 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 sentencing aspect of bill 4321 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. Bills like 4320 and 4321 are the first step in banning abortions entirely in this country.
What can we do? We can ask receptive GOP lawmakers to vote no on these bills. In Michigan, only about 6% of abortions involve dilation and evacuation procedures, and these procedures are followed to ensure the health, safety, and future fertility of the woman involved. The Government should not interfere with decisions between a woman and her doctors. Doctors need the all the tools possible to ensure that they make the right decision for the life of a woman. We can also call Governor Whitmer and urge her to veto these bills.
Call These Republican Lawmakers:
Senator Ruth Johnson: (517) 373-1636
Rep. Kathy Crawford: (517)-373-0827
Rep. Pauline Wendzel: (517) 373-1403
Call Governor Whitmer and ask her to veto these bills: 517-335-7858
Script for Calling Selected GOP Members:
Hi, I’m calling to urge Representative *_______ to vote “No” on House Bills 4320 and 4321 (Partial-birth and Dismemberment Abortion Ban). These bills make abortion inaccessible to many women and deny them the safest form of abortion for the second trimester. The Government should not interfere with decisions between a woman and her doctors, and physicians need all the tools possible to make the right decision for a woman and her life. Thanks.
