CRAG Reports from March 10th

Hello CRAGgy Friends,
Welcome new people! (join here)

1. Reports on today's meetings
2. Upcoming local Township/city meetings (Calendar link)
3. Upcoming Events and meetings

“It is not shameful to do little.  It is shameful to do nothing.” Alexie Navalny (1978-2024), Russian opposition leader, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. (h/t CW)=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
1. Reports on today's meetingsCRAG showed up today!

• March 10th: multiple meetings
  • Baraga County
    • The citizens of Baraga came out in force. About 25 supporters attended the meeting. Seven people spoke up to comment on cuts to the lamprey control program, cuts at the VA, and threats to Medicaid, which covers foster children, vulnerable people, and seniors in nursing facilities. A teach pointed out the importance of school lunch programs for local kids. The discussion was animated and civil. One person spoke up for "efficiency in government," but also stated that she supported the programs mentioned by others. The CEO of Baraga County Memorial Hospital was present, and confirmed that about 15% of their patients are on Medicaid.
    • Outcomes: the board was receptive to the idea of a resolution, especially on the topic of lamprey control. (They were not aware this important program is threatened.) Baraga residents will follow up (and report back, I hope!)
  • Adams Twp Board
    • Anyone attend?
  • Portage Township
    • Amy attended and spoke about Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The board said they'd consider a letter to Bergman. Two others in the audience who know Rep Markkanen and will speak to him.
    • Outcomes: Getting the word out is excellent; even if these representatives don't change their votes, they are on notice that we are watching them, and others are learning about what those votes mean.
  • Hancock Township
  • Beth Flynn and neighbors attended. Beth, Dorothy, Terry, and Tom spoke. (Beth's statement is posted in the Substack collection.)
  • Outcomes: The board tabled the resolution because they wanted the full board to be there so it will be taken up at the next meeting Monday, April 14 in the fire hall. Three of us came up with a plan:
    Send a press release to the Gazette covering the meeting; encourage people to attend and support the resolution (though it isn’t a resolution yet—someone from the board needs to propose it) on April 14; cover that meeting. We thought it was fortunate that we have more time, though the treasurer, Jim Moore, announced that he wouldn’t support the resolution. Anyway, the press releases should help.

2. Upcoming Local Township/city meetingsWe are trying to get someone to speak up at every possible local meeting. Stand up, say your piece How are government actions affecting you? How do they hurt your community? You don't have to say a lot; some people just say a sentence or two "I'm worried about Medicaid cuts"; "I don't want Elon Musk having access to my private data."
As examples, my statements to all bodies are posted on Substack. (I can post yours, too, if you want to share.)

• March 11th, noon. Schoolcraft Twp. 226 Front St., Lake Linden.
  • Joan will attend
• March 11th, 3 pm. Houghton Country Commissioners.
  • Sarah will attend
• March 19th, 6 pm, Hancock City Council

I've made a CALENDAR of events!When and where does your local city or township board meet? Let me know. Thanks to those who have shared.
3. Events and meetings

• March 18, 7 pm, Bergman(less)Town Hall in Houghton at UU Hall, 604 Bridge St.
• Join local Keweenaw Indivisible here. This group is actively planning multiple activities; volunteers with enthusiasm and/or talents can contribute. Contact [keweenawindivisible@proton.me](mailto: keweenawindivisible@proton.me) to connect.
• Lake Superior Region Indivisible has formed in Marquette. Contact them at lsrindivisible@gmail.com.
• AWAVE has an active (private) Facebook group. Contact me for how to link up.
• March 28, AWAVE gathering at 5th and Elm, Hancock. Continuing on 4th Wednesdays.
• March 29 (corrected date) Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy March at the bridge. (Michigan United Action)
• Houghton County Dems meet every first Wednesday, 7 pm at the Super 8.

Thanks for all your support
Stay Well
Sarah