New Platform for CRAG!
I'm transitioning the CRAG list from Keila to Ghost.
and Kestrels!
Hello CRAGgy Friends,
Welcome to the new incarnation of CRAG.
I'm transitioning the CRAG list from Keila to Ghost.io, which provides more flexibility for the newsletter, easier editing, and better spam control, as well as dedicated webpages where I can post persistent information.
Managing the new platform
No action required by you. The transition should be seamless; if you're already on the CRAG list you are automatically subscribed.
--> SPAM control. If you reply to this message you will train your spam filter to approve CRAG emails.
The link to join has changed (see buttons below). Old posts are available. I'll develop some web pages as the need arises. This newsletter format may change as I figure out what's possible on the new system.
Medicaid threats to Michigan
Congress is trying to hastily pass the "big, beautiful" budget bill before it has even been reviewed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which normally analyses the costs and impacts of bills before the votes. Under the current incarnation, the bill pays for $5 Trillion in tax breaks by cutting $1 Trillion from health care, food, and energy credits. And it increases the deficit. It's being called the "Big, Bad, Billionaire Bill".
A short CBO summary predicts that more than 8.2 million people would lose health insurance under the current proposal. Nevertheless, the drastic cuts proposed last week were not sufficient for House Republicans, who temporarily blocked the bill in the budget committee.
One trick on full display is adding "work requirements" for Medicaid because they can pretend that is cutting fraud and abuse. The NYT showed this nice chart of why that is pointless.
Work requirements lower costs by forcing people to jump through hoops to get benefits; many just drop out of the program.
The state has compiled an excellent report (pdf) on the impacts to Michigan:
In Michigan Medicaid supports Community Mental Health programs, nursing homes, home health services, schools, EMS providers, and hospitals.
Michigan's Medicaid program is extremely cost effective for high-quality care. It costs less per person and grows slower than other kinds of health coverage.
Action:
Representative Bergman continues to send letters with the GOP talking points about "preserving Medicaid", cutting "fraud and abuse", and "liberal media" are spreading "manufactured fear" about their plans. Now's the time to let him know we're not buying it. 5-Calls web site or app has phone numbers and talking points on this issue (and many others).
Or write a letter to the editor, like this nice one from Nancy Hamlin to the Mining Journal (May 14).
And, as always, tell your local officials how Medicaid cuts will hurt YOU. See list of local meetings below.
Upcoming Local Township/city meetings CALENDAR
Upcoming meetings this week, find yours and plan to attend!
Monday, May 19
- L'Anse Area Schools, 5 pm
- Houghton Township (Keweenaw County), 6 pm
Tuesday, May 20
- CCISD monthly meeting, 5:30 pm
- Calumet Village Council, 6 pm
- Village of Laurium, 6 pm
Wednesday, May 21
- Hancock City Council, 6 pm
- Torch Lake Township, 6 pm
- Allouez Township, 6 pm
Friday, May 23
- Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited, 6 pm
How can we get you out to your township/county/other meetings?
Lots of events are on the CALENDAR for the week of May 11.
- We can help:
- Pair you with a buddy;
- Guidance in preparing remarks; As examples, my statements to all bodies are posted in an archive. (I can post yours, too, if you want to share.)
- Factsheet on your township;
- What else can we do? Childcare? Transportation? Lollipops? Let me know!
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