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PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 346
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Michigan Democratic Presidential Primaries: February 27, 2024
It’s Hanukkah!
Starting on Thursday night, December 7, Jewish people around the world began commemorating the first night of the eight-day festival of Hanukkah by lighting the first candle of the menorah. Each successive night, one additional candle is lit. As the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah brings increasing amounts of light each night, so may it symbolize our dedication to continue to strive to bring more light and hope to darkened spaces of our world. Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!
On Thursday night, December 7, Jewish people around the world will commemorate the first night of the eight-day festival of Hanukkah by lighting the first candle of the menorah. Each successive night, one additional candle is lit. As the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah brings increasing amounts of light each night, so may it symbolize our dedication to continue to strive to bring more light and hope to darkened spaces of our world. Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!
Planet on Fire: Michigan at the Forefront of Fighting Climate Change
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law clean energy legislation this past week, putting Michigan at the forefront of the national fight against climate change. This legislation will create thousands of new and good-paying jobs, lower utility bills, and protect the state’s air and water.
By utilizing renewable energy, thereby reversing Michigan’s current dependence on oil, gas, and coal from outside the state (which drains 18 billion dollars from the state’s economy), this climate legislation will keep our money in the state.
Although a host of Democratic state legislators are responsible for designing these bills, perhaps it’s Senator Erika Geiss’s bill (Senate Bill 271) which is most notable. It establishes a 100% clean energy standard for Michigan by 2040. Along with Governor Whitmer, Democratic state legislators Senator Geiss, Senator Sam Singh, and State Representatives Abraham Aiyash, Ranjeev Puri, and Reggie Miller deserve recognition for formulating bills that made this happen.
According to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan is number two in the nation in drawing and utilizing federal funding for addressing climate change, and we’re number one in the midwest for clean energy jobs.
Joy for Climate Activists
In her latest TED Talk, climate activist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson offers a unique approach to countering the global crisis of the twenty-first century: Do what gives you joy. Watch the video here.
Events and Opportunities
Wednesday, December 13. Moms Demand Action Potluck and Film Screening Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Join Washtenaw County members for the December membership meeting, potluck, and Gabby Giffords’ movie Won’t Back Down. You can sign up for potluck items here or in the app store: Demand Action. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 1679 Broadway St., Ann Arbor 48105. 6:30 pm
Wednesdays. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series
Wednesday, December 13. “The World at War.” Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Applebaum with Warren Olney. Register here. 8 pm ETWednesday, December 20. “Inside Joe Biden’s White House & the Struggle for America’s Future.” Franklin Foer of The Atlantic with Madeleine Brand. Register here. 8 pm ETWednesday, January 3. “The World at War: Is There a Path to Peace?” Mike Mullen – Retired US Navy Admiral with Warren Olney. Register here. 8 pm ET
Visit the PEG Events Page for more upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
More things to do, read, watch, and listen to
Good News for All Americans, from Heather, Jessica, and Simon
Democracy can do more for people than an authoritarian government can, but we must acknowledge its fragility and the need for a collective effort to protect and strengthen it. Below is a very limited listing of recent Democratic accomplishments. Oddly, many folks do not connect these accomplishments with the Biden administration. Also, red states are the beneficiaries of many of his achievements because Biden is a president for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Read more from Heather Cox Richardson, Jessica Craven, and Simon Rosenberg
Infrastructure and Clean Energy Investment
- Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure and clean energy, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in new technologies.
- Support for the growth of the wind and solar energy industries.
Healthcare Affordability
- Implementing a cap of insulin at $35 makes this and other vital medications more affordable for Americans.
- Lowering the cost of healthcare premiums.
Rural Development
- Investment in rural broadband infrastructure to improve connectivity.
- Efforts to address and clean up lead pipes, ensuring safer water systems in rural areas.
Economic Growth
- Economic growth was reported at a significant rate of 5.2% in the third quarter.
- A record-breaking number of shoppers after Thanksgiving, indicating confidence in personal finances.
- “President Biden announced nearly 30 new actions to strengthen supply chains critical to America’s economic and national security.”
Inflation Reduction Act
- The Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on climate change technologies, is positively impacting communities that have historically benefited least from economic growth.
Job Creation
- Included in the 14 million jobs created since Biden became president is the expansion of CS Wind, the largest wind tower manufacturer globally, expected to create 850 new jobs.
- A Colorado solar project expects employment opportunities of up to 250 jobs.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $30.2 million is for street redesign and revitalization, and $160 million is for a 103-mile pipeline to provide clean water to 50,000 Coloradans.
- “The federal government is pumping $5 million dollars into two watershed projects meant to protect drinking water for several urban areas in New Mexico.”
Some Other Great Things In the US
- ”Under a new deal, some of Toyota’s future hybrid and electric cars will likely be powered by U.S.-built batteries made from recycled minerals stripped from old Priuses. This move signals the beginning of a potential circular battery supply chain in the U.S.”
- “Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two pro-voting bills into law. They will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote and automatically register eligible individuals to vote when they are released from incarceration. 2”
- “The United Auto Workers just announced the largest union organizing drive in modern American history.”
More on the Economy from Simon Rosenberg
- “US has had best recovery from COVID in the G7
- Inflation was zero last month.
- Wage growth remains robust, 5% via Atlanta Fed; wages have been beating inflation for many months now.
- Median wealth is up 37% from 2020-2022; median wealth for 18-34 year olds in this period more than doubled.
- Jobs are more plentiful than at any time since the 1960s
- US has the lowest uninsured rate in history
- Gen Z homeownership matching previous generations
- Many cities and states have raised the minimum wage in recent years, creating a much higher income floor for young and poorer workers
- Biden has erased $127 billion in student loan debt
- Biden’s investment agenda will create growth, innovation, and opportunities for American workers for decades to come.”
