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PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 352
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Michigan Presidential Primaries: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Rx Kids is set to support expectant mothers in Flint who enroll in the program by providing $1,500 during their pregnancies and $500 monthly for the initial 12 months of their infants’ lives. The financial assistance is delivered through direct deposit or pre-paid debit cards, and there are no restrictions on how families can use the funds. This approach draws inspiration from successful global initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes.
Dr. Hanna-Attisha, a dedicated advocate for health equity in the realm of infants, mothers, and families, played a pivotal role in uncovering the causes of the Flint Water Crisis. The program, which initially seemed like an unattainable idea just a year and a half ago due to lack of funding, has now become a reality. Notably, similar initiatives have been launched in Washington, DC, and New York City for specific segments of their populations.
“This is a life changing program for moms in Flint,” said Alana Turner, a mother who is expecting her second child later this year. “It’s not only a program, but a lifeline and a promise of support for every mother in our community…When you grow up in a city that’s poor it’s hard to be healthy and to be successful,” she said while holding a newborn beneficiary of the program, an 8-day-old infant at Flint’s Hurley Medical Center.
Rx Kids is heralded as the first citywide program of its kind in the United States, with the support of officials like Dr. Hanna-Attisha, who secured a crucial matching grant of $15 million from the C.S. Mott Foundation.
Lauding the program, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, it “will give every new mom in Flint the freedom and flexibility to raise their babies, and not worry about paying bills or putting food on the table.”
Grandma and Grandpa to the Rescue!
Grandparents for Truth, an offshoot of people for the American Way, opposes the agenda of Moms for Liberty which tries to ban books in school and public libraries and represses curricula on racism and LGBTQ+ issues. In fact, Moms for Liberty boasted on social media that they help seat 365 school board candidates since they launched in 2021 and have become the darling of Trump, DeSantis and Haley.
Grandparents for Truth also opposes right-wing school boards and backs progressive school board candidates. Learn more and join this worthy organization here.
The Iowa Caucus was a Landslide?Interesting Take from Dan Pfeiffer
Pfeiffer believes Trump will be the Republican nominee and looks at the Iowa Caucus outcome from the perspective of the November general election against Biden.
Thinking of Trump as an incumbent, with name recognition probably beyond any candidate ever, of course he should have won the caucus. As an incumbent, “[t]he fact that half of Republicans chose someone else should be embarrassing for Trump.”
Thinking of Trump in the general election, Trump is a flawed candidate. According to a Des Moines Register poll in the general election, only 71% of Republicans plan to vote for Trump, roughly 11% for Biden, and 14% for a third-party candidate. And 32% of caucus voters felt that if Trump were convicted of any crime, he would be unfit for office.
Lastly, and partly due to weather, the turnout was almost half of 2016. Hopefully, that is a sign of a shrinking enthusiastic base.
Are you or someone you know passionate about supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s thriving climate and energy economy? Here’s your chance! Washtenaw County has an exciting opportunity with an open MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps position for 2024!As a member of the MHC Corps, you’ll have the chance to: Provide meaningful capacity support for climate action projects in the county. Contribute to implementing strategies for a more resilient, greener, and cleaner Washtenaw County.Stay connected to federal and state resources that support our climate efforts. Participate in fellowship building and professional development training to enhance your skills for the long term. The MI Healthy Climate Corps program, initiated by the MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is an innovative opportunity aligned with Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. Administered by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), the program encourages applications from all interested individuals, with a special focus on those from historically underserved communities and those impacted by climate changes. No degree or formal work experience is required, and individuals must be 18 years old to serve. For more information, visit: MI Healthy Climate Corps.
Job Alert! Communications and Staff Assistant
The office of Shri Thanedar (MI-13) is seeking a Communications and Staff Assistant. Responsibilities include managing and curating content for the Congresswoman’s social media accounts, drafting written materials, preparing interview memos and contributing to direct constituent communications, encompassing e-newsletters and franked communication projects, tackling overflow work with efficiency and attention to detail, adapting to diverse tasks as assigned, welcoming visitors, assisting with appointments, coordinating with the Member’s Scheduler to ensure punctuality and more. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, a no-more-than-1-page writing sample, and three examples of digital work to hr.thanedar@mail.house.gov with the subject line “Communications and Staff Assistant – Last Name.”
Are you a Graphic Designer with 10-20 hours to support a new app to mobilize volunteers?
If so, the Washtenaw Dems are looking for a designer to create a library of reusable images and artwork for their new Mobilize app, which helps recruit and organize volunteers. Contact volunteer@washtenawdems.org for more info!
