Add these items to your New Year's resolution list so you can make a difference .

“ Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it ."

– Frances Wright

Saturday, January 20. Women's March Ann Arbor – 2018

Unite in Ann Arbor to rally again and be counted! See important details here. In response to overwhelming demand, the organizers of last year's march are working hard to host another successful event on short notice. We will be in solidarity with hundreds of anniversary Women's Rallies and Marches around America. This inclusive rally is a peaceful event. Remember to allow time for parking. Parking Info here . The Diag at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 . 2–4 p.m.

Saturday, January 20. Ypsi March for Love, Resilience, and Action 2018

Unite in Ypsilanti! See important details here. T he theme of this march is connected to gentrification in Ypsilanti. A fter the march, from 2-4 pm at Riverside Art Center, participants will gather to dialogue, share resources and register people to vote. There will be snacks and warm beverages, a kid-friendly space, and a warm space available at RAC during the full event for those who are unable to march. 12:30–4 p.m.

Saturday, January 20. Political Action Group monthly meeting

Come watch Fix It Healthcare film screening, an amazing documentary on how our broken healthcare system is affecting every area of our lives, businesses, and communities. Find out how we can fix it, and why single payer healthcare may be the way to go. A discussion will follow with a member of Medicare for All Michigan. Find out how to get involved in making Medicare for All a reality. In addition there will be brief presentations by People Power: Immigration Issues and Voting Rights, Fair Wage Initiative, and Voters Not Politicians.

There is limited space so this is only open to the first 20 people who rsvp. Rsvp here by clicking on “Get Tickets” https://www.facebook.com/events/403915953398437/. 1724 Hermitage Rd., Ann Arbor. 10–11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 20th. LWV Voter Registration Training Session

This program is offered by the League of Women Voters. Come learn how to correctly register voters and also find out about opportunities to volunteer their VOTE 2018 outreach projects. Register and get more information here. Multi-Purpose Room, AADL Downtown Library, 343 South Fifth Avenue , Ann A fymnmmkk99rbor . 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am

One Year Anniversary of the Inauguration

The Women’s March organization is planning anniversary events on January 21. There is a march in Lansing January 21 at 2 PM.  To learn more, look here .

Sunday, January 21. Women’s March Michigan 2018: Power to the Polls

Michiganders will unite one year later on the steps of the State Capitol, with a focus on intersectionality and engaging with voters, empowering women to run for office, celebrating their successes in 2017, and inspiring those who are fighting in the trenches for justice. More information can be found here. Michigan State Capitol, 110 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, 48933. 2–5 p.m.

On the morning of the March, there will be a communication skill traning workshop on Bridging the Divide. In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn about the social and psychological causes of divisiveness, and gain the skills to communicate more effectively and persuasively with people of opposing viewpoints. Space is limited! Registration is required.

Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridging-the-divide-lansing-workshop-tickets-41113373206. Lansing Community College Gannon Building, 422 N Washington Square, Lansing, 48933. 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sunday, January 21, "Let People Vote!"

Find out how and why Michigan lags behind nearly every other state in the union when it comes to providing full and fair access to the ballot. Sharon Dolente, Voting Rights Strategist for the Michigan ACLU, will explain the potential for voting rights to serve as a uniting issue in our state and around the country. Finally, she will discuss how we all can get involved in the Let People Vote campaign. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108. 3 p.m.

Tuesday, January 23. Washtenaw County Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America celebration

New to Moms? This event is a great way to meet members, learn more about Moms Demand Action, and to find out what they are doing locally. RSVP: Moms 5 Year Anniversary. Connect via Facebook event: FB Moms 5 Year Anniversary . First United Methodist Church of Ypsilanti, 209 Washtenaw Ave.,Ypsilanti. 7 p.m.

January 23, 2018. Line 5 and other challenges impacting the Great Lakes

A panel discussion of the many challenges facing the Great Lakes. Topics will include updates on the Line 5 oil pipeline, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and other issues.

The speakers will be Dr. Eric Anderson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose research focuses on hydrodynamics in the Great Lakes; and Liz Kirkwood, environmental attorney and executive director of FLOW (For the Love of Water).

Q&A will follow the presentation. The event is co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library and League of Women Voters, Ann Arbor Area's Great Lakes Committee. AADL-Downtown Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave. 7–8:30 p.m.

Monday January 29, Constituent hour with State Rep. Donna Lasinski (District 52)

Saline Senior Center 7190 N. Maple Road, 9-10 a.m.

Wednesday, February 7, Harnessing the Market to Drive Down Carbon Emissions

Pricing carbon is viewed by economists left, right, and center as the simplest and most effective way to reduce carbon emissions. Momentum is growing: Carbon fee and dividend (CFD) and cap and trade policies are currently used, or are planned, in many parts of the world. How do they work? How might they affect the poor, and our economy in general? This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities of market-driven strategies to address the climate crisis. Panelists will be: Dr. Knute Nadelhoffer (moderator), Dr. Barry Rabe and Dr. Sam Stolper of the University of Michigan and Dr. Lisa Del Buono of the Citizens Climate Lobby. Co-sponsored by Ann Arbor District Library , U-M School for Environment & Sustainability (SEAS), U-M Energy Institute, CCL. AADL- Downtown Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave. 7–8:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 11, Following The Money In Michigan Politics

Michigan elections are becoming increasingly expensive, and the upcoming 2018 election in Michigan could be one of the priciest in state history. The presentation will detail how the role of money in Michigan politics has changed over the last decade. The cost of campaigns is going up while the source of the money is becoming harder to track. At the same time, the number of people lobbying state government is increasing while the number of journalists and watchdogs is decreasing.

Craig Mauger, the Director of The Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to shine the brightest light possible on the role of money in Michigan politics will provide information people can use: how does campaign finance work in Michigan; what is dark money; how can a person identify dark money-funded campaign mailers and advertisements; and how can a person find out who's funding a TV ad?

In addition Roddy Wares of the League of Women Voters will answer our questions on how to register to vote and how to register others. Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 15. League of Women Voters winter membership meeting

Learn about LWVAA plans for 2018. The emphasis will be on registering, informing, and motivating voters in a campaign called VOTE 2018 — When You Vote, Democracy Wins.

Volunteer for voter registration, our poster contest for high school seniors, candidate forums, VOTE 411 and more. Hear updates on LWVMI support for the redistricting ballot proposal, the new LWV lawsuit to end gerrymandering, and more. Hathaway's Hideaway , 310 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor. 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 3. The People’s Governor Forum: Transforming Our Future

This forum is sponsored by Michigan United and over 40 organizations who are joining together to demand that candidates for governor address key issues for our communities. We believe our state needs a bold agenda that will tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and racism head on. We'll be asking candidates to outline their plans for criminal justice reform, immigrants rights, affordable health care & elder care, child care, and environmental justice.

Register at http://bit.ly/2018govforum  (space is limited). Historic Little Rock Baptist Church, 9000 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

Things to do now

Contact your Members of Congress without delay to request their support for the Dreamers and the refugees.

Read, Watch and Listen

Our government will shut down on Friday unless Congress passes a spending bill. CNN indicates, “On shutdown and DACA (Deferred Action on Childhood Arrival, aka Dreamers) fix, more questions than answers.” There is a bipartisan proposal that was put on the table by the Senate’s bipartisan Gang of Six in order to resolve the DACA issues. It appears that there is little chance that this proposal will be brought to a vote by the Republican leadership.

There is clearly posturing on both sides of the aisle. Will there be funding for DACA? If so, will it be short-term or long-term? Will passage of DACA be contingent upon the building of a “wall” or some alternative security options?

Trump ended the DACA program in September 2017, but a recent court-order has temporarily blocked the administration’s effort to end DACA. The judge said the administration must resume receiving DACA renewal applications, but, in this limited ruling, the administration is not required to process new applications.

There are numerous other pieces at play, such as the proposal by Rep Goodlatte of Virginia for more “aggressive interior enforcement measures.” The White House would also like to see changes in “ chain migration,” allowing citizens and legal residents to sponsor family members. Interestingly, the Trump and Pence families both migrated to this country through “chain migration.”

Related issues include the fate of the 200,000 Salvadoran and Haitian refugees. Moderate Republicans John Kasich and Jeb Bush have expressed deep concerns about this, as seen in the New York Times.

It is unclear whether a bill will be passed at the last minute to keep the government open. The future of thousands of Dreamers and immigrants is at risk.

Things to Read, Watch and Listen

Bigotry in immigration: alive and well

In a meeting on January 12 with lawmakers about restoring protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African nations, President Trump asked why individuals from those countries should be permitted. Although the president denies being bigoted, the New York Times has compiled a definitive list of acts that belie his claim. Trump, it notes, has been obsessed with race for the entire time he has been a public figure. He had a history of making such comments as a New York real-estate developer in the 1970s and ‘80s. More recently, his political rise was built on promulgating the lie that the nation’s first black president was born in Kenya. He then launched his campaign with a speech describing Mexicans as rapists. Read more here.

Things to Read, Watch and Listen

Expect environmental battles to be even more significant in 2018

Environmentalists and proponents of deregulation alike say they expect fewer high-profile announcements over all and more action in the courts, where both sides will fight over the future of deregulation.

“You may not see as many fireworks as there were in the past, but I think it’s going to be an even more significant year,” predicted Representative Rob Bishop, Republican of Utah and the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Read more here.

Things to do now

Advocate for hack-proofing voting protections while there’s still time

Call: Your two senators ( look up).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling about protecting the vote. Our democracy is a sitting duck if we don’t protect ourselves from Russia-linked groups actively hacking the Senate and seeking to control our midterm elections. Time is short. I would like [name] to make election security a priority, especially by co-sponsoring the bipartisan Secure Elections Act [ S.2261] that allows states to assess their risks and implement proven measures that protect the integrity of our vote.

Advocate for a company-wide holiday on election day

This fantastic idea comes from Wall of Us. See details there.

Register to vote and get others registered too

Every vote matters. Indivisible has partnered with TurboVote to help people everywhere get registered to vote. You can also use their online system to help friends, family members, and others get registered to vote. They have have a Guide to get you started on your first voter registration event in your community). The first primaries start in February and run through August, so make sure you and everyone you know has an updated voter registration!

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

Is partisan gerrymandering legal? Why the courts are divided

Diverging decisions this week by federal judges in North Carolina and Pennsylvania are certain to draw the Supreme Court’s interest as it mulls whether to curtail partisan gerrymandering. Click here to learn more. - New York Times

It’s ok; it’s just math. you knew It before

In October 2017, when the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could reshape American politics, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. registered an objection. There was math in the case, he said, and it was complicated. “It may be simply my educational background,” the chief justice said, presumably referring to his Harvard degrees in history and law. He said that statistical evidence said to show that Wisconsin’s voting districts had been warped by political gerrymandering struck him as “sociological gobbledygook.” But, last week, Judge James A. Wynn Jr. came to the defense of math in the decision striking down North Carolina gerrymandering and used one of Justice Roberts’s most prominent opinions to make the point that numbers do have a role to play in judicial decision making. Robert’s opinion, in Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, effectively struck down the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and included a statistical chart showing the shrinking “racial gap” between registration rates for black and white voters in six Southern states. The statistics in the recent gerrymandering cases were more complicated, but not by much. Just as comparing registration rates between black and white voters yielded a “racial gap,” comparing the voting power of Republican and Democratic voters yields what the challengers in the Wisconsin case called an “efficiency gap.” Read more here.

ACLU wants Kobach held in contempt for skirting proof-of-citizenship order

The ACLU, in its lawsuit against Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach for his proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirement, signaled it believed Kobach should be held in contempt of court for what the ACLU alleges is his failure to comply with previous orders in the case. Read what this is all about. - Talking Points Memo

Things to do now



Short-term CHIP extension fails to meet needs of kids

On December 21, Congress created a hastily designed patchwork to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for a few months, essentially treating the health of American children like a can being kicked down the road. This last-minute “solution” only prolongs the fears of Michigan’s working parents and their children. The program has been extended through March 31, but government funding expires on January 19. We must demand that Congress make CHIP a priority. As of publication, funding may happen if C mongress passes a spending bill this week. To take action, visit The Action Network Page.

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

More on CHIP

CHIP, the low-cost health insurance for children in working families earning low to modest income, covers approximately 9 million kids from each state from birth to the age of 19. CHIP provides healthcare to about 116,000 Michigan children including those living in areas affected by Flint's lead poisoned water. In Michigan, MI Child is a Medicaid expansion program since January 2016. If funding runs out, many children will lose preventative care and healthcare premiums could rise. Nationwide, according to HealthCare.gov, Medicaid and CHIP collectively cover 39 percent of children's healthcare. Fox reports the programs is extended to March, but it is only funded through January 19, 2018. (See Above) Read more from Fox News .

Doctors and parents struggle due to low CHIP funds

The months-long failure on Capitol Hill to pass a long-term extension to CHIP that provides health coverage to nine million lower-income children portends serious health consequences, with disruption in ongoing treatments. The Kaiser Health News details consequences of Congressional failure. While funding promises and estimates of dates for it disappearing vary from week to week and state to state, treatment plans for serious diseases span months into the future, leaving some doctors to try to jury-rig solutions. The challenges are particularly great for kids with chronic or ongoing illnesses such as asthma or cancer.

It’s not your old healthcare anymore

The Washington Post reported that Republican lawmakers repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate, a key element of the law’s design. Now the Trump administration is rolling out rules that threaten to damage the structure further. The Labor Department this month proposed looser regulations on so-called association health plans, for small businesses and others. The new rules have a potentially large downside, including the fact that they excuse association health plans from covering 10 classes of essential health benefits. Read more here.

Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) has endorsed 12 organizations. A short description of and a link to each organization can be found on the new PEG Website.

Please check out the list and choose those of interest to you for action. For more information regarding Protectors of Equality in Government, go to

www.equalityingov.org

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