by D. Sands

Citizens in Detroit and across Michigan have been responding to the GOP’s budget cuts and Snyder’s dictatorial Emergency Manager Act (Public Act 4) with a flurry of activity. Nurses sponsored a soupline on July 13th to dramatize the impact of Snyder’s budget cuts. Since making his austerity program public, Snyder has also faced high profile protests marshalling Benton Harbor’s Blossomtime parade, giving a UofM Commencement speech, and speaking at Governor’s Breakfasts in Cadillac  and Traverse City.

A series of electoral and legal challenges are also gathering steam. There are efforts to recall Gov. Rick Snyder and PA-4 sponsor Alton Pscholka. Several local groups are banding together to gather signatures for a referendum to overturn Public Act 4 at the polls and the Sugar Law Center is spearheading an effort to overturn Public Act 4 in state court.

In Detroit, the local branch of the Industrial Workers of the World is sponsoring a panel discussion on fighting the recent wave of austerity attacks on workers, democratic rights and access to public resources. The forum is called Wisconsin & Beyond: A panel with those involved in the struggle at the Catherine Ferguson Academy, Madison and members of the Lansing 13. It will feature several speakers, as well as audience participation in a discussion about challenging Snyder’s austerity attacks.  It will take place Friday, July 29th, 6-9 PM at the International Institute (111 E Kirby, Detroit, MI). Admission is free.

Feel free to inform Critical Moment, if you learn of any new developments in the struggle against budget cuts and emergency managers.