Budget matters
A reprise on why attend local meetings; upcoming meetings; Action: calls; some bits of good news; ongoing events and organizing.
Why and how to attend local meetings
CRAG started with a plea for people to get out to talk to our local public officials. The crisis in democracy spans the spectrum from the very top down to local voters who elected them. See this page for why local democracy is critical.
Sarah Green
Here's where you can practice this week: Hancock (regular meeting, followed by budget session), Torch Lake, Allouez, and a different kind of meeting, Trout Unlimited.
Hints on using the calendar: switch to list view on the upper right, print with the 🖨️ icon, upper left. Select subcalendars (meetings, demos, etc) with check boxes on the left.
How can we get you out to your township/county/other meetings?
Small township meetings are often only 30 minutes long. Check the the CALENDAR for one near you.
- We can help:
- Pair you with a buddy 👬;
- Guidance in preparing remarks. (but just saying a few words from your heart is fine.)
- Fact sheets on your township (demographics, recent federal funding, number of people on Medicaid, etc).
- What else can we do? Childcare? Transportation 🚌? Lollipops 🍭? Let me know!
Actions
Call Rep Bergman (again). 202-225-4735, or use 5-calls to quickly try each of his offices. (I got voicemail this morning.) The Senate will have to act too.
The Wharton School has analyzed some impacts of the the "Big, bad, billionaire bailout" bill:
Households in the first income quintile lose about $1,035 in 2026, reflecting net reductions in taxes and transfers, including cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The top 10% of the income distribution receives about 65 percent of the total value of the legislation.
CBPP has additional summaries.
Good News
- A (temporary) win for libraries! A federal judge has ordered that funding and personnel be restored for the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Now it's critical to demand that IMLS funding is preserved in the current budget. This page (at the bottom) shows which senators and representatives have signed a letter supporting libraries.
- The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GOA) refused access by DOGE employees on the grounds that they are part of the legislative branch and therefore the executive branch cannot interfere with them (separation of powers!).
- "GAO is known as Congress’ watchdog, meant to support lawmakers with nonpartisan reports and recommendations. The office also acts as an auditor and, at times, issues legal decisions on government contracting and appropriations."
Events and meetings
See CALENDAR link for details on events.
- May 21, 6 pm HC Dems April Meet-up, 5th and Elm.
- Tuesday, May 27, 6 pm."How to run for local office"
- June 14th. No Kings protests nation-wide. This date is Bridgefest in Houghton. The LWV, Houghton County Dems, and Keweenaw Indivisible are all planning floats in the parade on Friday, June 13. Contact these organizations to contribute.
Ongoing:
- Yoopers for Ukraine Rally at the bridge Wednesdays at 5 pm (correction).
- “Houghton County Dems meet every 1st Wednesday, 7 pm at the Super 8.
- 3rd Wednesday, 6 pm HC Dems April Meet-up, 5th and Elm.
- 4th Wednesdays AWAVE. Gathering at Orpheum Theater, Hancock.
- 3rd Sundays, 7-8:45 pm, Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy Monthly Action Committee (KATO), Orpheum Theater. Please register at the link to help with the headcount.
- Marquette: Every Saturday morning from 11:30-12:30, between 40 - 80 people have been assembling at the Marquette Post Office, standing in support with long-established Citizens for Peace & Justice.:
Kestrels
Since the owls are out and about they're rarely visible on the Owlcam, I've started watching this KestrelCam in Wisconsin. The parents are really busy feeding 5 new chicks.
Thanks for all your support
Stay Well
Sarah