At this harrowing time in world history and domestic politics, with powerful forces committed to dividing us, the Washtenaw County Democratic Party is strong and clear on one core principle: We stand against hate.
If you’d like some of our new buttons to distribute, let us know at info@washtenawdems.org
We’re in this together.
Preparing Students to Participate in Democracy
November 13, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Greenhills School, with Jane Coastan, a New York Times Opinion columnist and host of the podcast, “The Argument.” In conversation with students, Coastan offers context and advice about how families can discuss and debate the big ideas shaping our world. All are invited to this free event; registration is required.
OPEN HOUSE
10am-4pm, Tuesday, November 14, IBEW Training Facility
13400 Luick Dr., Chelsea, MI 48118
Help us celebrate another great year of training the next generation of local electrical workers!
This Open House spotlights women in apprenticeship, celebrated by the Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center (AAEJATC). All of the AAEJATC women apprentices and most IBEW 252 women journeymen will be in attendance to answer questions and lead tours of the facility.
Also featuring:
- Manufacturer training partner Jim Tolzdorf of Madison Electric, with products on display.
- W4 Country radio, broadcasting live.
- Members of apprentice-run charity Union4Life, presenting a check to UM’s Rogel Cancer Center for breast cancer research.
Everyone’s invited – local politicians, civic and business leaders, all schools! We hope to see you there. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be served.
This Open House is part of NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK – November 13-19.
MDP Veterans Caucus Meetup – Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 pm
Come and join us in celebrating Veterans Day with the Washtenaw County chapter of the MDP Veteran’s Caucus. We will have a social hour (or two) on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 at 7 PM. The event will be held at Thompson & Co. in Ypsi’s Depot Town at 400 N. River Street. Plenty of parking spaces are available, with great food and drinks. This event will be an excellent opportunity to make new friends during these challenging times. We are honored to have Rep. Jennifer Conlin, the Chair of the Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security Committee, as our guest speaker. She will be sharing what is happening in Lansing for Michigan veterans. Rob Kull, a Navy veteran currently serving in the MI National Guard, former Director of the Monroe County Veteran Affairs, and a candidate for state representative, will also be present to answer questions about public service during and after military service.
What have Dems done for you lately?
Michigan House Dems have pulled 16-hour days in the last week to bring you some amazing progressive wins! Shout out to Reps. Jason Morgan (HD 23), Reggie Miller (HD 31), Jimmie Wilson Jr. (HD 32), Felicia Brabec (HD 33), Carrie Rheingans (HD 47), and Jennifer Conlin (HD 48). (Which of these public servants is your Representative? Find out here.)
First, protecting our freedom to control our own bodies, MI House Dems (without a single R vote), passed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), repealing many medically unnecessary and harmful regulations, known as TRAP (targeted regulation of abortion providers) laws, that create barriers to abortion and shut down clinics. In addition, the RHA:
- requires that plans offered on Michigan’s health exchange provide abortion coverage.
- allows doctors to perform lifesaving and health-preserving medical procedures without risk of criminal penalty.
- eliminates the requirement that state funds be prioritized for allocation to organizations that do not provide abortion.
There is more work to be done – including lifting the ban on using Medicaid funds for abortion care, and repealing 24-hour waiting periods – but the RHA is a big win for freedom of choice in Michigan.
Second, protecting our freedom to breathe clean air, MI House Dems (without a single R vote), passed the Clean Energy Future Package (responding to Senate Bills 271, 273, 502, & 519). This package requires utilities to draw power using only “clean energy” sources by 2040.
The legislation differentiates between “renewable” and “clean” energy:
- renewable energy sources like wind or solar would have to make up at least 60% of a utility’s energy portfolio.
- “clean energy” systems, which must make up the rest of the utility’s portfolio, include sources like nuclear and natural gas using 90% carbon capture and storage technology.
In addition, the bills would create a new state office to help energy workers with the transition away from fossil fuels, and outline factors like environmental justice for regulators to consider when evaluating utilities’ future planning. Learn more about this important step to protect our planet.
Young Dems Washtenaw has a new leadership team!
At its meeting on Sunday, November 5, YDW established its first set of officers and committee leaders! Sarah Rose (senior, EMU), Griffin Denome (recent high school graduate, heading into union apprenticeship), and Ari Shtein (Wi-Hi junior) are Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary – we’re still looking for a Treasurer. Justin Harper and Aidan Ross are on membership & outreach; Parini Rao and Nikki Wilson are on communications & social media; Liz Kiss is on events; and Ewurama Appiagyei-Dankah, Khalil Benson, Austin Bryan, and Ryan Doyle are on advocacy & elections.
All the committees welcome new members, and YDW welcomes every Washtenaw County resident between 16 and 36 who is committed to progressive wins. Please join the team to turn out the mighty youth vote in Washtenaw County, from Manchester to Milan, Salem to Sylvan! Sign up to get involved, and come meet us soon!
- Sunday, Dec. 3, 2:00 – 4:00 pm: YDW welcome, socializing, & organizing meeting, Downtown AADL
- Sunday, Jan. 7, 2:00 – 4:00 pm: YDW welcome, socializing, & organizing meeting, Multipurpose Room, Downtown AADL
ICYMI: WCDP November Meeting
On Saturday, November 4th, the WCDP held a meeting & panel discussion on the Washtenaw Equity Partnership Final Report Recommendations.
Download the final report PDF: Washtenaw Equity Partnership, Findings and Recommendations on Washtenaw County’s Criminal Legal System, Section 4.8, School Approaches to Disciplinary Issues, pp. 123-6.
WCDP Office Hours – Holiday Update
The WCDP’s normal office hours at 418 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 are:
– Tuesdays, 4-6
– Thursdays, 4-6
– Saturdays, 1-3
But please note the office will be closed November 19-27 for Thanksgiving.
Meet your representatives
- A2D2 – Ann Arbor inDivisible for Democracy – is hosting an event to meet with State Representatives Jennifer Conlin and Carrie Rheingans, at 4110 W. Loch Alpine Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103 on Tuesday November 14th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm/. Hope to see you there!
- State Representative Carrie Rheingans(District 47) and special guest State Representative Jennifer Conlin (District 48) will host a consituent coffee hour at the Dexter District Library at 3255 Alpine Street, Dexter, MI 49203, on Wednesday, November 15th from 10-11 a.m.
Find Your Voting Districts
or Find your representatives by district.
