Whitmer signs ‘Make It In Michigan’ Budget
This week Governor Whitmer signed the $82 billion FY 2023-24 State Budget. Youvoted to put Democrats in control of the legislature, and thanks to you, our shared priorities are getting the funding they deserve.
Budget highlights:
- $50 million for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund (MHCDF)
- $3.3 million for Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) program funding
- $2.5 million for Children’s Savings Account (CSA) infrastructure and programs
- $50 million for the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program
- $10 million for the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program
- $5 million for grants to cities, villages, and townships for costs associated with adopting land use policies, master plan updates, zoning text amendments, and similar actions that help increase housing supply and affordability
- $10 million in funding for a competitive grant program for minority-owned businesses
- $19 million in funding for community development financial institutions investments
In addition, around $1 billion in grants are earmarked for community and economic development, health care, housing, public infrastructure, public safety, workforce development, and critical infrastructure grants.
Visibility Committee Call for Volunteers
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Being visible across the County helps us create a Democratic community. Volunteer to table or march in a parade for WCDP in the Dexter, Chelsea & Manchester communities this August. Sign up today!
- Ann Arbor Pride (WCDP table) Sat., August 5
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44A4A622A20-annarbor
Manchester Fair Parade, Tue, August 8
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44A4A622A20-manchesterDexter Daze (WCDP table), Fri., August 11- Sat., August 12
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44A4A622A20-dexterChelsea Fair Parade, Sat., August 26
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44A4A622A20-chelsea1
Parkridge Community Fest & Joe Dulin Day in Ypsi, Sat., August 26
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B44A4A622A20-parkridge
We’re adding events all the time. Stay tuned for more! Want to learn about volunteer occasions later in the summer? Sign Up Here and a member of our team will be in touch.
From the Great Lakes Political Academy
The Ready to Govern virtual trainings are designed to give attendees a unique insight into the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of local elected officials serving on county commission, city council, school board, library board or as a county clerk.
Through engaging panel discussions with experienced elected leaders, we’ll learn about the challenges, rewards, and intricacies of public office.
The trainings are offered on Tuesdays in August through the GLPA-LEAD Education Fund, a 501c3. Participants can sign up for just one training or several.
Union Victory at Trinity Health!
WCDP News readers will remember our report in December of a labor conflict at Trinity Health. After enduring threats of gun violence and being chain-locked into a facility with no response from Trinity management, Trinity Phlebotomists and Customer Service Agents at outpatient facilities turned to the Service Employeees International Untion (SEIU) for help. And SEIU answered the call. However, Trinity immediately tried to quell any union activity by various means, including when a supervisor was asked to invade the employees’ personal property to look for the list of employees who had signed union cards; when the supervisor refused, the supervisor was walked out of the facility ending her 35+ years of employment with Trinity. This resulted in the firing of 11 other skilled and dedicated employees.
The rapid response of SEIU’s Emily Ricards, and the support of our elected MI legislators, other union leaders (and WCDP members) rallied by local Civil Rights Attorney Marla Linderman Richelew, buoyed the effort, and Trinity Labs have now voted to be represented by the SEIU. Numerous unfair labor practice complaints have been filed with the NLRB against Trinity, including one for the supervisor, so look for further updates in the future.
GLPA Lead for Justice Training
LEAD for Justice is a candidate recruitment and training program focused on judicial candidates (and those who are interested in running in the future) who need to navigate the judicial appointment process and learn how to run a successful judicial campaign.
The next virtual, 5-week judicial training starts on September 13, 2023 and runs weekly on Wednesdays through October 11, 2023.
- Sept 13: The Experience of Running for Judicial Office
- Sept 20: Nuts & Bolts of Campaigning
- Sept 27: Judicial Ethics & Compliance
- Oct 4: Judicial Fundraising
- Oct 11: Judicial Appointments & Endorsements
The cost is $50. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We only accept a limited number of participants. Apply today!
GLPA partners inlcude the Michigan AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Michigan Associates, The Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and the Michigan Association for Justice.
Health Care for All Townhall Aug 14th
Rep Carrie Rheingans recently introduced her universal, publicly-funded healthcare proposal, MiCare, in the Michigan legislature. She will be hosting a town hall on this legislation on Monday, August 14th, from 5:30 – 7:00pm in the Ann Arbor Skyline High School Auditorium with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to discuss the importance of this legislation and how it could benefit the residents of Michigan.
She reached out to cordially invite the members of the Washtenaw Democratic Party to attend this event. If you are able to attend, please fill out this RSVP form
Meet your elected representatives ☕
AUGUST 3: State Senator Sue Shink (14th District) will host a happy hour and conversation event to discuss budget updates and legislative priorities with Senate District 14 residents. Thursday, August 3⋅4:00 – 5:00pm at Steve’s Ranch, 311 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson, MI, 49201.
6th Congressional District Logo Contest
Don’t forget to help choose choose the new logo for the 6th Congressional District Democrats. Vote here today!
Call to meeting!
On Saturday, September 9, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, the WCDP will hold a general membership meeting for the purposes of approving bylaws changes and resolutions proposed by members.
You must be a WCDP member for at least 30 days (join or renew byAugust 9) in order to vote in this meeting. Learn about membership and how to join today! If you are not sure your membership is up-to-date, contact membership@washtenawdem.org.To propose a resolution for members’ consideration, send it to WCDP Secretary Andrew Groat by August 9, for most efficient handling.
The meeting will be held via Zoom (registration link to be announced later) and in person at the IBEW Hall, at 7920 Jackson Road.
In addition to this business meeting, we will feature a program exploring urban and rural poverty in Washtenaw County. We hope to see you there!
