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PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 327
Ohio “Issue 1” on Aug 8 – An Attempt to Defeat Reproductive Rights
On August 8, Ohio voters will be voting on Issue 1, a constitutional amendment that would require upcoming constitutional amendments placed on a statewide ballot receive at least 60% of the vote – instead of the current 50% – to be approved. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “Issue 1 backers plan to use a $6 million TV ad campaign to pretend the GOP’s attempt to make the Ohio Constitution exponentially more difficult to amend is to counter supposed out-of-state influence — when it’s really to defeat a reproductive rights ballot issue in November.” A “no” vote on Issue 1 is critical and will insure that 40% of the voters can’t control the outcome of the majority. If you are able to get involved by making phone calls, go to VotenoinAugust.org
Our Planet on Fire: 4 Governors turn down a federal gift horse
Four governors, three Republicans and Democrat Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, have refused federal aid to combat climate change. To the dismay of environmentalists, these Republican governors, from Iowa, Florida, and South Dakota along with Andy Beshear, have chosen not to apply for the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which would have given each state $3 million to combat air pollution. Presumably, all four have done this for political reasons. (Andy Beshear is a Democrat running for reelection in a very Republican state.)
Fortunately, the three largest localities within a state can apply for up to $1 million themselves, as Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are so doing. This is a feature of the Climate Pollution Reduction, which Biden cleverly inserted, so that if a Republican run state rejected the grants, Democratic cities could apply for the money. Rapid City, S.D., and Iowa City, Iowa are doing so as well. More seriously, at a time of sweltering heat, intense hurricanes and flooding, Governor DeSantis vetoed a potential $24.1 million from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program. His conservative ideology is endangering his state as well as our entire planet.
Events and Opportunities
July and August are months for representatives to share important legislative updates and focus on constituent input and feedback, as well as time for us to ask questions about what they have been up to for the past six months.
Friday, July 28. Coffee & Conversation with Sue Shink
Join State Senator Sue Shink For Coffee and Conversation on Friday, July 28 at Zou Zou’s Cafe’, 101 N. Main St, Chelsea. 10:15–11:15 am
Saturday, July 29. Constituent Coffee Hour with Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr.
Join Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-32) at the Ypsilanti Senior Center, 1015 Congress St, Ypsi. Please RSVP here to attend in person OR via Zoom
Saturday, July 29. Michigan Liberation Leadership Development Training
Dive into the theme of Self Interest and its significance and Discover how to build a strong base and collective power to end mass incarceration. Register at: bit.ly/44dFSim For any inquiries, reach out to Nicholas Buckingham at 313-296-4979. Refreshments provided. The Commons, 7900 Mack Avenue, Detroit, 48214. 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, August 8. Election Day!
There are dozens of local elections in Southeastern Michigan (two in Washtenaw County) that need your voice.
Thursday, August 10. Deadline for Social Justice fellowship
As seen in Washtenaw Dems newsletter: 482 Forward and UM’s Youth Civil Rights Academy are currently recruiting southeast Michigan youth for a year-long social justice fellowship which will start in August 2023. This program will provide fellows with skills such as political advocacy, community organizing, social justice education, and connecting with others across geographic and demographic differences through project-based learning. The fellowship will pay a small stipend of up to $500 for full completion of the program. We encourage youth to apply in teams of 2-3, but youth are also welcome to apply on their own. Application materials are due August 10th. Grab the application and make a copy to complete. Email Lindsey@482forward.org for info.
Distill Social is giving away thousands of their AntiFLa stickers for FREE!
Claim yours by emailing your name and address to Chuck@LBA80.com. They look great on vehicles, water bottles, laptops and letters and postcards sent to friends and family in Florida.
PEGGY needs you!!
We need help with our events and outreach! Please consider volunteeringif you care about our democracy in Michigan and if you have 2-3 hours to spare per week. We will teach you the ropes. Plus, our newsletter team is hilarious!! Please reply to equalityingovinfo@gmail.com to express interest.
Visit the PEG Events Page for all upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
Things to do, read, watch, and listen to
Biden honors Emmett Till and his Mother
On what would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday, President Biden signed a proclamation designating a national monument to honor the child who was abducted, tortured, and murdered in 1955 after being accused of whistling at a white woman. The national monument, which will include sites in Illinois and Mississippi, will also honor Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who was instrumental in keeping the story of Till’s murder alive, and whose fierce advocacy was a catalyst for the civil rights movement.
Haven’t heard of Emmett Till? Check out the PBS American Experience: The Murder of Emmett Till here.
Farm Bill is a Big Deal!
Every five years, the Farm Bill determines funding and policy issues in agriculture and nutrition. Senator Debbie Stabenow is the ranking member to usher this bill through the legislative process this year. The bill is complex and includes food stamps (SNAP, i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), disaster aid, Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP), climate issues and agricultural subsidies (NPR).
According to AgWeb, the Farm Bill draft is expected to be ready to go to Congress in mid-September, though some provisions will expire on Sept 30. Food Gatherers is urging voters to send a message to lawmakers now to encourage increased TEFAP funding to help people facing hunger, and to strengthen and protect SNAP. It’s easy! Go to act.feedingamerica.org to sign a message to “tell Congress to pass a strong 2023 Farm Bill to help people facing hunger.” To sign up for Farm Bill advocacy email alerts, go to Food Gatherers.
Cartoon of the Week
A special thanks to our Newsletter contributors: Lisa Kamil, Bette Cotzin, Bernie Banet, Linda Bennett, Kayla Conrad, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Leslie Kamil, Mieko Preston, and Chuck Newman for their contributions and help preparing our newsletters.
