You CAN Make a Difference for Michigan’s Children

During this election cycle, there are several things that we would encourage you to do whether it is for local, state or federal offices.  We have attached several ideas and questions for you to use; however, it is important that you put your own experience or “spin” on the questions. 

The first item deals with information and questions on the structural deficit, the second contains ideas about early childhood specific issues and the third gives you resources and addresses. Please take the time to use all three sections in your own way and ASK candidates, in person or in writing, about these issues.   Thank you in advance for making a difference for Michigan’s children and families. 

Michigan has a structural deficit that will only continue to increase if not addressed.  This is an issue for the gubernatorial candidates and the Michigan Legislature.

·      Almost all of you are employees of organizations that have seen a steady decrease in state   appropriations,

·      The most vulnerable populations bear the brunt of the reduction in state and local services, and

·       This situation will not change until the legislature tackles the structural deficit, i.e., changes the tax system.

Therefore, we are suggesting – and requesting -that within the next three weeks you send a message about resolving the structural deficit  to your legislative candidates for the House and Senate, and to gubernatorial candidates Rick Snyder and  Virg Bernero. See sample #1.

In addition, candidates need to be reminded about our concern for the continuation of early childhood programs in the state.  We want to ensure that (when looking at ways to fix our structural deficit) our legislators keep in mind how early childhood programs will effect the success of Michigan in the long run.  Please contact candidates to ask questions regarding these issues as well.

For more information and the resources about election advocacy for children used for these letters, please visit these websites:

·      Michigan’s Children Election Advocacy Toolkit http://www.michiganschildren.org

·      Sandbox Party Voter Education Guide http://greatstartforkids.org/candidates/

·      The Center for Michigan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/special-report-where-bernero-and-snyder-stand-on-early-education/

·      Michigan Council for Maternal Child Health http www.mcmch.org

·      Zero to Three National Center for Infants Toddlers and Familieshttp://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/

·      Michigan Head Start Association http://www.mhsa.ws/legislativewatch.asp?id=8

 

 

Virg Bernero for Michigan
P.O. Box 10067
Lansing, MI  48901

Campaign email:virg@votevirg.com

 

Rick Snyder for Michigan
124 E. Washington St.
Visit www.rickformichgian.com to send 
an email

 

 

To find a full list of candidates and their contact information in your district visit www.votesmart.org and search by your registered zip code.

 

 

 

Sample Letter 1

Candidate Name

Candidate Address
 Dear _________:
I am very concerned about Michigan’s structural deficit and the continuing erosion of state and local needed services, and particularly those that promote the physical and mental health and development of infants and young children. 

Until Michigan’s fiscal house is put in order, we will continue to lurch from one crisis to another.  What is it you propose to do to resolve Michigan’s structural deficit?  Please address the following questions: 

a. Do you support changing to a graduated income tax from the current flat tax that punishes working families and protects the very wealthy?  A graduated income tax would provide relief to a substantial percent of Michigan families and yield an additional $600 million in revenue each year.

b. Do you support closing outdated corporate loopholes and tax giveaways -totaling $35 billion – five times the amount of the state’s general fund?

c. Do you support auditing the $16 billion in state government contracts that are currently not reviewed?

d. Do you support modernizing the state sale tax to include services, a move that would generate more than $1.6 billion annually?

This is a very important issue to me in this election, and I would appreciate knowing your views and your willingness to support and pay for the state and local services that enable our young children to grow up into productive citizens. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

 

Your Name
Address
 

Sample Letter 2

Candidate Name
Candidate Address
 Dear __________,
I am writing to express my concern about Michigan’s investment in early childhood health and education programs. I would like to guarantee that the healthy development of infants, children and their families is a priority in the upcoming election. Please address the following questions:
a. Do you support an increased investment in young children and their families based upon the proven return on investment in early childhood as opposed to cutting programs?
b. Approximately 35,000 at-risk four-year olds in Michigan, who are eligible for Great Start School Readiness or Head Start, are not able to benefit from these programs because there are not enough spaces available for eligible children. How do you propose to improve the number of available spaces in these programs?
c. How do you propose to improve access to quality prenatal and pediatric healthcare for Michigan’s children?
This is a very important issue to me in this election, and I would appreciate knowing your views and your willingness to support and pay for the state and local services that enable our young children to grow up into productive citizens.  Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
 
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Written by:
Cathy Liesman, Social Issues Chair