PEG 12th Congressional District
Newsletter #98, Thursday, February 21, 2019
119 weeks down
|
|
(REAL) NATIONAL EMERGENCIES
|
|
Immigration: Child prison detention in Homestead!
According to a
report from NPR
, the Homestead "temporary influx facility" is the biggest and most controversial shelter for migrant children in the country. The facility has come under intense scrutiny because it is the only child shelter for immigrants that's run by a for-profit corporation and it is the only one that isn't overseen by state regulators because it is on Federal land. The operator is
Comprehensive Health Services
. In 2016, they entered the migrant shelter business. The current Homestead contract with the Department of Health and Human Services is worth up to $220 million.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell was in Homestead Tuesday morning, leading a congressional delegation (Democratic Representatives Donna Shalala of Florida and Texas Representatives Sylvia García and Joaquín Castro) on a visit to the “Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Migrant Children.” Currently, it houses about 1,575 children between ages 13-17. Seventy-five percent are boys and 25 percent are girls. In December, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would be expanding the number of beds at the facility from the current 1,600 to 2,350. (
CBS Miami
)
According to the
Huffington Post
report, “at
a detention center in Homestead, Florida, a group of immigrant teens are packed into cold rooms that can hold 70 to 250 kids, given a substandard education and detained for more than six months, according to interviews done by five legal and child psychology experts.”
Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and Rep. Judy Chu, D-California
have introduced legislation in Congress to outlaw temporary emergency shelters. It's called the
Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act
.
Let your
Members of Congress
know you support the closure of these horrific detention prisons for children! -
NPR
|
|
Voter Suppression: Stacey Abram’s Fair Fight Georgia
Informative, cogent, disturbing, inspiring, Stacey Abram’s 2-prong
podcast detailing the particulars of voter suppression is all of the aforementioned. First, she explains everything you’d rather not know about voter suppression but need to if you are an American interested in perpetuating our democracy in more than name. Second, she describes her own run for the governorship of Georgia, the first by an African American woman, which she lost by a minuscule margin, and her ultimate decision—to found Fair Fight Georgia, an organization dedicated to challenging voter suppression, rather than to take her own defeat to the courts (despite the over 50,000 phone calls her campaign received describing efforts to block their vote).
Her podcast details the
physical
suppression of the vote which include impediments to registration, to voter access, and to counting every vote. But more significant is the p
sychic
effect of telling voters—namely people of color, the low income, the recently naturalized—that their votes won’t count.
Perhaps the most compelling part of Abram’s podcast is her description of her own campaign, which trained and hired campaigners to return to their own communities on the premise that the most convincing people remind voters of themselves. In contrast to previous campaigns which focused on “likely” voters, Abram’s campaign focused on communities who shared her own values. For her efforts, she raised more money and votes than any other campaign in Georgia history (including a higher percentage of both African American and white voters), and tripled Latino and Asian Pacific Island turnout.
Although Abram’s podcast focuses on the rampant and shameful voter suppression in Georgia which used “existing laws to undermine” desired lawmaking, all of this is pertinent to the entire United States (as evidenced by the current hearing in North Carolina over the debacle in one of their districts.) As Abrams observes, “Voter suppression is baked into the DNA of America.” Despite the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and the Voting Rights Bill, actually because of this legislation, voter suppression has been driven underground. Hence, it is incumbent upon all responsible, thoughtful Americans to join Abrams in her fight to insure that the United States of America becomes a more legitimate democracy.
|
|
And Yet Another Real National Emergency...
|
|
Dark Money: Support legislation regarding money in politics and corruption reform and expanding voting rights
This week marks the first hearings for
H.R.1
: For the People Act of 2019. Read more about the bill at
Indivisible
, then
check to see
if your representatives have cosponsored the bill yet. If they have, thank them, but if they haven't, encourage them to do so.
Watch this 5 minute video on how "dark money" works
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) challenged the House Oversight Committee to a "lightning round game," shedding light on the US financial system and political corruption.
|
|
The Purported National 'Emergency': A Constitutional Crisis
|
|
Interview: Trump’s Idea of an ‘Emergency’ Defies Historical Meaning
WDET’s Stephen Henderson speaks with presidential historian Jeffrey Engel on Detroit Today. The professor outlines Trump's unprecedented power grab, failure of checks and balances. 21 minutes.
Listen here.
-
WDET.org
|
|
16 States – including Michigan - Sue to Stop Trump’s Use of Emergency Powers to Build Border Wall
The lawsuit is part of a “constitutional confrontation” which raises questions over congressional control of spending, the scope of presidential emergency powers and the role of the courts in settling such a dispute,
The lawsuit,
California et al. v. Trump et al
., filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco, argues that the president does not have the power to divert funds for constructing a wall along the Mexican border because it is Congress that controls spending.“Contrary to the will of Congress, the president has used the pretext of a manufactured ‘crisis’ of unlawful immigration to declare a national emergency and redirect federal dollars appropriated for drug interdiction, military construction and law enforcement initiatives toward building a wall on the United States-Mexico border,” the lawsuit says. –
NY Times
|
|
Thursday, February 21. How PFAS impact us and our environment
Indivisible Dexter will be joining St James Episcopal Church who will be hosting experts on PFAS and how they impact us and our environment. Click
here
for more information. Following this discussion they will be heading over to the Beer Grotto for a social hour. St James Episcopal Church,
3279 Broad St, Dexter.
6:30–8:30 pm
Michigan United is bringing people from small towns across rural Michigan together to run a listening campaign in 2019. Leaders of faith, unions, and other institutions will hold community listening sessions, and volunteers and paid canvassers will knock on doors to listen to their neighbors talk about the issues they face and values they care about. They will build organizing capacity and community in these small towns, reach dozens of new people with leadership development, and fold hundreds more into the fight for justice and dignity in Michigan. Then, together, they will pivot toward making an impact in the 2020 election. Sign up to join the campaign!
The first committee meeting is today: Thursday, February 21, 6–7:30 pm. The login details are below. Please register
here
& join us on the video conference! You are welcome to invite friends, family members, or acquaintances who live in small cities or rural areas.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone by following this link:
You can also dial in using your phone: (646) 749-3112 Access Code: (855) 284-245
If you have questions or want to collaborate, please contact Caitlin at
caitlin@miunited.org
or (989) 551-2248.
|
|
Friday, February 22. David Stimpson, County Commissioner in Lenawee County
This Lunch and Learn program is hosted by the Tecumseh League of Women Voters and will address such topics as what the heck does a County Commissioner do and what is a County Commissioner and what are his/her responsibilities? Commissioner Stimpson is also the Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Lenawee County. Lunch is pizza, salad, cookies, drinks and Basil Boy breadsticks...Cost $6. RSVP to:
lwvtecumseh@gmail.com
.
Basil Boys
Friday, February 22. Ann Arbor Area's League of Women Voters Observer Corps
League of Voters Observers are members who may attend the meetings of their area's governments such as : city and township boards of trustees or council meetings, and county commission meetings.
You are invited to learn about and get involved in our newest endeavor to serve the League's mission of encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy..Sandwich and salad or vegetarian lunch with coffee and soda at $7 cash or BYO lunch. Reservations required: Use the link to
Signup Genius
.
Cedars of Dexter Clubhouse.
411 Cedars Lane, Dexter
. Noon - 2 pm
|
|
Monday, February 25. Meet with
House Representative, Yousef Rabhi
A2D2 is hosting
this exciting opportunity to learn how we can help him push the needle left with his conservative colleagues. You are encouraged to ask him about his MiCare Bill, Polluter Pay Law (HB4212) and how to flip the house in 2020.
1318 Granger, Ann Arbor.
7 pm
|
|
Monday, February 25.
B
e a part of hiring Washtenaw County’s first Racial Equity Officer
There will be a presentation by the final candidates followed by a Meet & Greet. Both of these events are open to the public and their attendance is encouraged. There will be opportunity to provide feedback on both of the sessions, in addition to submitting a question that will potentially be asked to the candidate during the presentation time. Reach out to the Racial Equity Analyst Anna Lemler with any questions at
Lemlera@washtenaw.org
.
Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center,
4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
.
5–8 pm Public Presentations, 8–8:30 pm Meet & Greet.
|
|
Michigan Resistance Calling Parties
This week's focus: Urge MI State Representatives to not abandon victims of terrible car accidents.
|
|
Monday, February 25.
Eastern Washtenaw County Dems Meeting
|
|
Thursday, February 28. Taylor Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
|
|
Sunday, March 17. Lessons Learned from the Voters Not Politicians Campaign to End Gerrymandering and where we go from here
Katie Fahey, Founder and Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, will speak about how VNP created a grassroots organization of 5,000 volunteers and passed a transformative anti-gerrymandering amendment in Michigan.address. She will also discuss implementing the newly approved constitutional amendment and how people can participate in the process as well as learn from the attendees which current issues are of sufficient concern to Michiganders so that VNP should consider trying to put them on the 2020 ballot. There will ample opportunity to provide input and ask questions.
Additional information is available on our
Facebook Event Link. RSVP below.
Because of the importance of this opportunity, there will not be time for other speakers at this event.
Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor,
2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
. 2–3:30 pm
|
|
|
Are you coming to the PEG Speaker Series event featuring Katie Fahey?
|
|
|
LOCATION
Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
DATE AND TIME
03/17/19
2:00pm -
03/17/19
3:30pm
Learn how VNP organized to pass a transformative anti-gerrymandering amendment and share which current issues are most important to YOU!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support legislation regarding money in politics and corruption reform and expanding voting rights
This week marks the first hearings for
H.R.1
: For the People Act of 2019. Read more about the bill at
Indivisible
, then
check to see
if your representatives have cosponsored the bill yet. If they have, thank them, but if they haven't, encourage them to do so.
Volunteer to teach youth how to make change
Generation Citizen is a civics-education organization that partners with schools to teach young people how to use the political process to make change in their own communities. The program places college volunteers in high school classrooms to help teachers implement the curriculum. Encourage college students to
Learn more and volunteer here.
-
Generation Citizen
Initiative to register voters by mail
Swing Left is partnering with the
Voter Participation Project
and
Vote Forward
to launch a series of Voter Registration By Mail (VRBM) House Parties. They’re asking volunteers to get their friends and neighbors together and write letters to potential voters in key states to encourage them to register to vote.
Sign up here.
-
SwingLeft
|
|
Something important you can do now to affect the outcome of the 2020 elections
Take advantage of the newly enacted ability to vote by absentee ballot without having to provide a reason why and spread the word on how to sign up for the Permanent Absentee Voter List!
With this change to the Michigan Constitution, the City of Ann Arbor has simplified the process for enrolling in the City’s Permanent Absentee Voter List. Voters on this list automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail approximately 60 days prior to each election. Once the Clerk’s Office receives the completed absentee ballot application, a ballot is mailed out as soon as possible, generally about 30 days before the election and on a daily basis thereafter.
Enrollment in the permanent absentee voter list does not prevent you from voting in person, even if you receive an absentee ballot, as long as you have not returned your ballot. Voting by mail allows you to avoid standing in line on Election Day, vote at your convenience before Election Day, and allows more time to review the ballot.
If you are interested in signing up to be on the Permanent Absentee Voter List, an online request form is available on the
City Clerk’s Website
.
The Scio Township Clerk maintains a ‘Permanent List’ list of voters who want to receive an application for an Absent Voter Ballot for each and every election as well. Please email, drop a note in the mail, or leave a voicemail to ask to be placed on the Permanent Absent Voter List. Be sure to include your full name and address. You may reach the Clerk’s Office at clerk@sciotownship.org or via mail 827 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or (734) 369-9400.
|
|
Things to listen to, read, and watch
|
|
Good Jobs Available!!
There are several seats to be filled on the newly formed Washtenaw County Environmental Council. The application process has been posted on the County website; the deadline is February 27. These seats are:
Community Groups (1); Sustainable Agriculture (1); Water Protection (1); Vehicle Emission Reduction Issues (1); Public Health Issues (1); and Infrastructure Energy Reduction Issues (1).
Please share on social media and in your networks.
|
|
Dingell and Upton appeal for bipartisanship at policy forum at UM Ford School
Rep Debbie Dingell, a Democrat (12th District), and Rep Fred Upton (6th District), a Republican, discussed the importance of bipartisanship at a forum on February 18, 2019 at the UM Gerald R Ford School of Public Policy.
The two representatives are part of the Problem Solvers caucus--a group that works to create bipartisan cooperation on important policy issues.
As Dingell said, “The common ground is Michigan. We love this state. We want to do what's right for it. So the Great Lakes, the auto industry, PFAS, so many issues that really matter to people in this state." In fact, in January the two co-sponsored legislation
that 1)
designates all PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances
and allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites in Michigan and across the country, and 2) that
champions the STEM education program FIRST Robotics
.
Dingell and Upton are old friends, and their friendly banter at times drew laughter. When Upton, for example, noted that Trump's tax bill could have been better and he wished it had had some Democratic votes, Dingell quipped "Then you should have written a better bill.” Watch the
video
of the forum. –
Michigan Radio
|
|
One Way to Make Election Day a Holiday
The city of Sandusky in Ohio (population 24,800) decided to stop observing Columbus Day as a national holiday and instead give the city workers Election Day off as a holiday. Their city manager, Eric Wobser, said this: “We are swapping them to prioritize Voting Day as a day off so that our employees can vote.”
Read more here.
-
Political Charge
|
|
Governor Whitmer cancelled funding for a private prison for immigrants!
Governor Whitmer cancelled the pending sale of a former prison to an Ionia private prison company, Immigration Centers of America. The Governor’s office issued a statement which in part stated that “it was determined that ICA was unable to agree to terms that guaranteed that this facility would not be used to detain adults who had been separated from their children or other family members…The Governor believes building more detention facilities won’t solve our immigration crisis, and she also believes that separating families doesn’t reflect our Michigan values.” -
Michigan Radio
Justice Reform pays off in Louisiana
Less than two years ago, the state’s government implemented
a suite of laws
to release non-violent offenders earlier, steer those people away from prison to begin with and reduce prison terms for non-violent offenses. Results, since implementing the laws, the re-arrest rate of those covered by the law is 19 percent — nationwide, the
three-year recidivism rate is about 68 percent
— and their reincarceration rate is down by 10%!
|
|
Like. Follow. Share. Online.
|
|
Follow PEG on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!
|
|
PEG is a non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government will treat all Americans with equality and acceptance. We do our work by recruiting, educating and nurturing supporters for worthy organizations, actions and events that reflect our beliefs.
This newsletter contains suggestions to contact your congresspeople. Find their contact info
here
.
To subscribe to this
free
newsletter, go to our website by
clicking here
.
To share with your friends and networks, use the sharing buttons at the top of the email or just "forward" from your email browser.
|
|
Thanks to Newsletter contributors:
Bernie Banet, Leslie McGraw, Richard Gaeth, Bette Cotzin, Alexa Cooley, and Chuck Newman
for their help preparing this newsletter. Write us at
info@equalityingov.org
if you would like help create our weekly newsletter. It’s fun and no ongoing commitment is required.
|
|
Viewing this newsletter on your smartphone or tablet?
Try turning it sideways (landscape) for a better experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
