CRAG Feb 17, 2025

Hello CRAG team!
(CRAG is Citizens Rally for Accountable Government)

Welcome new people! This list is now >130 people  (See the archive and below for previous group emails.)

It was fantastic to see such a great turnout on the bridge today, despite the cold. I guessed 50+ people, (does anyone have a real count?) Thanks Lois G. for getting the march organized and launched!

1.  Attending local meetings.

• Upcoming: Hancock: Wed at 6 pm
  
• Michigan Tech Board of Trustees
  , Friday, Feb 21, 9 am; **email Sarah Schulte shschult@mtu.edu Today if you wish to speak.
  

Several more people promised to show up at the Hancock City Council meeting on Wednesday, 6 pm Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. Thank you!

A few people have wondered what to say, how these meetings work, and who can speak.

• In Michigan everyone in attendance can speak at meetings of public bodies.
• Agendas are posted in advance. This week's Hancock agenda. Comments are at the start; 3 min limit.
• What to say? I’ve attached the statements I made in Houghton, and some generic versions. Your personal story and opinions are the most impactful. 
• What are your “asks”? A direct ask is helpful, but not essential. Some examples:
  • Do you have a plan to support your constituents if this federal government take-over succeeds?
  • Which services will you be able to support if grants are canceled?
  • Do you have the capacity to expand XXX social services if federal funds vanish?
  • Can you report on what percent of the budget comes directly or indirectly from federal sources (our federal taxes)?
  • Can we count on you to tell officials in Washington how important federal jobs and funding are to your citizens?
  • What are the local implications if constitutional checks and balances, and the rule of law are no longer honored at the federal level? 
• End with something like
  • I urge you put political differences aside and work together to address this constitutional threat.

Finally, what you say is not as important as showing up. 

2. Signal list:
Contact me to join a Signal group for action coordination (not necessary if you just want these emails).

Stay Warm!
Sarah