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PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 368
Monday, May 13, 2024
Note from the editors: We at Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) want to tell you about meaningful ways to stay informed and active. We also want to keep things brief and engaging! Therefore, you’ll now see a traditional, in-depth newsletter during the first week of the month, followed by shorter “Ideas for Action” editions the rest of the month. Let us know what you think!
If it Bleeds, It Leads
In his recent NY Times opinion piece about inflation, Paul Krugman writes, “If it bleeds, it leads: inflation edition.” He goes on to describe numerous incidences that demonstrate that good news about the economy is hard to find, while bad news occupies the headlines. For example, “inflation has run somewhat higher for lower-income Americans, probably because they spend a higher proportion of their income on food and energy. But the difference in inflation has been swamped by the difference in wage growth.”
As another example, he points out that some people claim the recent growth in the economy is beneficial only to the wealthy. Krugman notes that the opposite is actually true. “Since the pandemic, wages for lower-paid workers have risen substantially faster than wages for the highly paid.” He further points out that “the typical worker’s purchasing power in terms of food is about what it was in early 2019.” He also highlights a report in the Briefing Book that illustrates the bad news bias in gasoline-price coverage.
He concludes by suggesting that the bias towards bad news in terms of inflation might be related to the post-Covid wild price swings that cause people to think that inflation is worse that it is. Krugman writes that this data is “food for thought — food that’s probably more affordable than you imagine.”
Planet on Fire:
Governor Whitmer, Steward of Michigan Land and Water
Governor Whitmer and EGLE (the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) announced over $300 million to expand the Michigan Clean Water Plan to improve water quality throughout the state and create 4,300 local jobs. This plan will help insulate our state from the effects of climate change.
Whitmer’s commitment to clean water extends to wastewater, too. She and EGLE have delegated millions to the City of Marquette to improve the infrastructure of their wastewater treatment plant.
Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Virtual Training to Spread the Good WordBecome a Social Ambassador with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Fun and easy, share prepared content on so many topics on social media. Whether you are a Social Media Pro or a casual user, learn how you can share content and the latest messaging from the Biden-Harris campaign with your online networks. Register here. Mondays 8:00–8:45 pm, Thursdays 6:00–6:45 pm, Saturdays 12:00–12:45 pm (ET)
Wednesdays at 8 pm. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series
May 15. Janet Napolitano with Patt Morrison: “How Safe are We? A Frank Assessment of the Condition of our Homeland Security.” Register hereMay 22. Neal Katyal with Madeleine Brand: “Trump, the Courts, and the Elections.” Register hereMay 29. Jacob Heilbrunn with Warren Olney: “The Right’s Century Long Romance with Foreign Dictators.” Register here
Thursday, May 30. All Candidate Forum: Housing is a Human Right
Join candidates from local to national races as they share how the elected office they seek interfaces with housing issues, and what they will commit to doing on this issue if elected.
The Voters Organizing Through Engagement (VOTE) Caucus, a program within the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice (ICPJ) endeavors to embolden our communities with information that can help them better understand the candidates, the role of the desired office, and their views on issues that impact the community directly. We selected housing given the overwhelming need expressed in our network and our belief that every elected official touches this area in some way. RSVP HEREJoin candidates from local to national races as they share how the elected office they seek interfaces with housing issues, and what they will commit to doing on this issue if elected.
The Voters Organizing Through Engagement (VOTE) Caucus, a program within the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice (ICPJ) endeavors to embolden our communities with information that can help them better understand the candidates, the role of the desired office, and their views on issues that impact the community directly. We selected housing given the overwhelming need expressed in our network and our belief that every elected official touches this area in some way.
Follow Jessica Craven On Chop Wood and Carry Water, Jessica Craven’s wealth of ideas on how to help will keep you as busy as you want to be. You can also Follow Jessica Craven’s actions and events for Michigan.
Do You Know Your Basic Civics?
Civics 101 is a quick read by Building Bridges for America. Please read and share. Learn more
Support the Washtenaw Dems and enjoy our local festivals! Tabling and Parade Calendar:
Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Every Saturday NOW thru OctoberChelsea Sounds & Sights. Select Thursdays in June and JulyAnn Arbor African American Festival. Saturday, June 1Ann Arbor Juneteenth Celebration. Saturday, June 15Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration. Saturday, June 22 – Sunday, June 23Milan Pride Picnic. Saturday, June 22Ypsilanti July 4th Parade. Thursday, July 4Ann Arbor July 4th Parade. Thursday, July 4Ann Arbor Art Fair. Thursday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20Ypsilanti Jazz in the Parking Lot. Saturday, July 20 Get details to volunteer here!
Global Pledge
The Paris Agreement is an accord agreed to by nations to reduce their greenhouse gasses to reduce climate change.
- Trump, as president, withdrew the U.S. from this agreement.
- Biden, on his first day in office, returned the U.S. to this agreement.
The Inflation Reduction Act The IRA is the most significant investment made by the United States ever to move toward cleaner energy.
- Biden signed it into law in 2022.
- If re-elected, Trump is expected to gut most of the law, calling it “the biggest tax hike in history.”
Fossil Fuel Burning Plants
Energy powered by fossil fuels generate 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biden works to reduce fossil fuel generation.
- Trump plans to reverse the regulations on coal-burning electricity and “green-light the construction of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of brand-new, beautiful power plants that actually work.”
Transportation
Cars and trucks make up most of an additional 25% of U.S. greenhouse gasses.
- Biden’s limits on tailpipe emissions have ensured the U.S. will produce primarily E.V. and hybrids by 2032.
- Trump plans to reverse those regulations and claims they would lead to a “blood bath” in the U.S. economy.
PEG is a (somewhat) non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government will treat all Americans with equality and acceptance. PEG’s work is primarily done by recruiting, educating and nurturing supporters for worthy organizations, actions and events that reflect our beliefs. The weekly PEG Newsletter typically goes out each Thursday. To subscribe to this free newsletter, go to our sign up form by clicking here.
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