Sierra Club Dismayed by Toxic COVID-19 Relief Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

CONTACT:

Tim Minotas

tim.minotas@sierraclub.org

808-726-5325

Justin Onwenu 

justin.onwenu@sierraclub.org 

313-405-5900

Sierra Club Dismayed by Toxic COVID-19 Relief Package 

Lansing, MI -- Sierra Club is dismayed by the inclusion of last minute language that allows for the transport of hazardous and toxic material across the Ambassador Bridge to the vital COVID-19 relief bill (Senate Bill 748). 

The COVID-19 relief bill provides necessary support for Michiganders as the pandemic continues. Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice Organizer, Justin Onwenu, was frustrated as dirty politics played out in Lansing while so many Michiganders continue to struggle with both their health and finances. “The COVID-19 relief package is meant to help people as we fight to protect public health. By sneaking in this dangerous language, legislators are threatening the health of Michiganders and our Great Lakes drinking water. Special interest language that has absolutely nothing to do with COVID-19 relief should be taken out immediately,” said Onwenu. 

There are safe transportation alternatives already in use. Given the Ambassador Bridge’s lack of proper technology, inadequate level of inspections, poor safety protocols, old age and deterioration, a hazardous materials accident on the bridge could be catastrophic for Great Lakes drinking water, and nearby residential neighborhoods.  

 

If kept, the language snuck into the COVID relief bill would allow for “flammable gases,” “poisonous gases,” “spontaneously combustible materials,” “dangerous when wet materials,” “poisonous materials” and “corrosive materials” to be transported near the 3 schools, 2 public parks, Great Lakes drinking water source for millions, and densely populated Detroit neighborhoods that are all in close vicinity of the bridge.

 

Tim Minotas, Sierra Club’s Legislative and Political Coordinator, noted the efforts of environmental leaders to stop the inclusion of the hazardous transport language. “Leaders like State Senator Chang and State Representative Garza stood up to the special interests that snuck in this last minute provision. While we weren’t able to strip the threat to public health out of this bill, we will be working with lawmakers in Lansing to stop the transport of toxic and hazardous waste across the Ambassador Bridge in our next legislative session,” said Minotas. He continued, “to include a provision that threatens the lives of Michiganders in a bill that is supposed to save lives during a pandemic is unconscionable. We applaud leaders like Representative Garza, Senator Chang, and other lawmakers Representatives Hammoud and Aiyash and that fought to stop this.” 

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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Honored with Environmentalist of the Year Award

December 14, 2020

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Honored with Environmentalist of the Year Award

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 14, 2020

 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Honored

with Environmentalist of the Year Award

Extraordinary 2020 Election Work Recognized by Sierra Club

 

More information:  Gail Philbin Gail.Philbin@sierraclub.org or

David Holtz 313-300-4454/david@davidholtz.org 

 

LANSING, MI--Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been selected as Sierra Club’s 2020 Environmentalist of the Year in Michigan for her extraordinary work in safeguarding democracy during this year’s historic elections.  

 

Environmentalist of the Year is Michigan Sierra Club’s highest honor and for the first time in the award’s 30-year history it recognizes the critical importance of elections and voting in protecting the state’s environment. 

"Over the past four years, we have clearly seen that protecting our democracy is key to protecting both people and the environment,” said Courtney Hight, national Democracy Program Director for Sierra Club. “Thanks to Secretary Benson's unwavering leadership this year, Michigan's elections were safe and secure, the voters were able to elect climate champions, and our American democracy is stronger." 

In addition to Environmentalist of the Year, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter is honoring more than a dozen other Sierra Club volunteers for their contributions and also recognized the non-profit news site, Michigan Advance, with the 2020 Environmental Journalism Award for the Advance’s outstanding reporting on the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline controversy and “regularly engaging readers with compelling and approachable stories about a controversial pipeline that at any point in time could rupture and create an environmental and economic disaster.” 

 

“In this most challenging of years, it is particularly important to honor those among us who overcome all obstacles and stand out in protecting our Great Lakes environment,” said Gail Philbin, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director.  “They are Michigan heroes and we are grateful for what they do day in and day out to ensure our state is a better place.” 

Other 2020 Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Award recipients:

 

Terri Wilkerson of Pinckney was instrumental in securing resources and working with Michigan tribal members on a project that led to the discovery of ancient circles and lines of stone in the Straits of Mackinac that were likely left by early indigenous peoples of the region. She will receive the White Pine Award for environmental leadership for her work in connection with the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline threat.   

Mike Wilczynski of Brighton, a retired senior geologist with the former Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, received the Virginia Prentice Award for protecting Michigan wilderness and other ecologically sensitive areas by providing expertise to local groups and governments confronting pollution impacts of aggregate mining as well as his contributions in support of science-based accountability related to Enbridge’s proposal to construct a Line 5 oil tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac.  

 

Sustainability educator and community activist Deitra Covington of Novi is the recipient of the Marlene Fluharty Award. Covington, co-chair of the Michigan Chapter, is being recognized for her Sierra Club leadership in Michigan and at the national level, including developing the Race & Privilege Workgroup to address racial and environmental justice and Sierra Club’s work. 

 

Vicki Dobbins, a River Rouge resident, is being honored with the Bunyan Bryant Environmental Justice Award. She was recently featured in the New York Times story, In the Shadows of America’s Smokestacks and was a key witness in a groundbreaking settlement with DTE Energy that resulted in a commitment to retire three coal plants. 

 

Port Huron’s Marty Habalewsky was selected to receive the Theodore Roosevelt Award for political leadership.  Habalewsky pioneered Sierra Club’s work in the Port Huron area and has been a leader with the Michigan Chapter Political and Legislative committees. A savvy communicator, Habalewsky has skillfully found common ground and made inroads with moderates, conservatives, and local business leaders in a crucial corner of Michigan.

 

A little over a  year ago, Tiffany Stewart of Milford, who leads the Environmental Council of the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, took over as co-chair of the Sierra Club Crossroads Group’s Political Committee. In that time she transformed it into a dynamic group that gets things done. Stewart is honored with the Sylvania Award, given to a new Sierra Club volunteer demonstrating exceptional leadership. 

 

In the effort to shut down Enbridge Line 5, Oil & Water Don’t Mix has been much of the public face of the seven-year campaign that recently resulted in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revoking Enbridge’s Line 5 operating agreement. Traverse City’s Bill Latka has been the digital genius behind the organization’s web site, digital organizing and other online efforts and receives the 2020 Sierra Club Digital Advocacy Award. 

 

Getting outside and connecting people with nature is the Sierra Club volunteer work of Gloria Bublitz whose contributions to outings in the Flint area is being recognized with the Vince Smith Award.

 

A trio of interns will receive the Trillium Award recognizing the contributions of young people to Sierra Club.  Sara Millies-Lucke, Elizabeth Boman and Keegan Sullivan will be honored for their research, digital and social media work over the past year. 

 

Editing the twice-monthly Michigan Chapter Update newsletter is a critically important volunteer-led effort and in 2020 a trio of volunteers are being honored for that effort: Lindsay Frigon, Fred Miller, Mike Thomas and Erica Hammill will receive Chapter Service Awards for their outstanding work as newsletter editors. 

 

A virtual awards event in January will be held at a date to be determined to celebrate this year’s honorees.  

 

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Sierra Club Applauds Detroit Mayor’s Decision to Guarantee Water Shut Off Moratorium through 2022

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

CONTACT:

Christy McGillivray

christy.mcgillivray@sierraclub.org

808-726-5325

Justin Onwenu 

justin.onwenu@sierraclub.org 

313-405-5900

Sierra Club Applauds Detroit Mayor’s Decision to Guarantee Water Shut Off Moratorium through 2022 

Detroit, MI -- Sierra Club applauds City of Detroit officials for listening to advocates and public health experts by committing to end the practice of water shutoffs through 2022. The lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Detroit where the pandemic has had a particularly deadly impact, makes it clear that we cannot deny residential water service to the City’s residents and claim to protect public health. 

For two decades Detroit residents have been burdened with unaffordable water rate increases and high sewage bills. These unjust billing practices, and unaffordable water bills, have resulted in thousands of water shutoffs. Although today is a good step, DWSD Director Gary Brown made it clear that there will be no relief for the unjust water rates and unaffordable bills that have accumulated for Detroiters.

While Detroiters are protected from shutoffs through 2022, too many Michiganders are vulnerable to water shutoffs--this is not just a Detroit problem. Thousands of Michiganders outside of Detroit are facing unaffordable water bills as well, and the threat of water shutoffs looms. Sierra Club urges lawmakers in Lansing to immediately pass Senate Bill 241, which will ensure statewide access to safe running water while the pandemic continues. 

“The City of Detroit has stepped in where the legislature has shirked its duty to make sure that Detroiters can wash their hands as the pandemic continues. We hope that elected officials in Lansing put the same basic public health measures in place for the entire state,” said Christy McGillivray, Political and Legislative Director for the Michigan Chapter of Sierra Club. 

Justin Onwenu, Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice organizer lifted up the work that Detroiters have done for decades to make the connection between public health and running water. “For many years, activists have been saying what we know to be true, access to clean and affordable water is a human right that is inextricably linked to public health. This is a significant step and we look forward to seeing a permanent ban on shutoffs, as well as a commitment to true water affordability plans for all Michiganders,” said Onwenu.

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Michigan House Passes Bill That Would Complicate Sales Of Electric Vehicles

Michigan House Passes Bill That Would Complicate Sales Of Electric Vehicles

Monday, December 7, 2020

Contact: 

Larisa Manescu, Sierra Club, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org

Tim Minotas, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, tim.minotas@sierraclub.org

Lansing, MI - Despite a coalition of 15 stakeholders opposing the bill, the Michigan House passed HB 6233 on Wednesday, legislation that would stifle the state’s ability to reach its climate goals by banning electric vehicle manufacturers from providing direct sales and service on their products. 

The Senate is expected to consider the bill this week. 

Given the significance of cleaning up the transportation sector, which makes up the majority of climate-disrupting pollution in Michigan, the passage of HB 6233 would make it difficult for Governor Whitmer to adhere to her recent executive order that sets Michigan on a path towards carbon neutrality by 2050. 

In response to the bill’s passage in the House, Tim Minotas, the Legislative and Political Coordinator at Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter, released the following statement:

“At a time when Michigan should be accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, manufactured in the US and available for people of all income levels, this legislation does the opposite. The Sierra Club opposes the House’s passage of HB 6233 and urges the Senate to reject this legislation that would have a chilling effect on electric vehicle sales, innovation, and consumer choice; if this bill makes it to Governor Whitmer’s desk, we strongly urge her to veto it.

“Michigan is the nation’s leading auto state and the need to clean up transportation pollution for the health of our communities is dire. Our elected officials must pass legislation that makes the transition to cleaner vehicles for the state and nation easier, not more difficult.”

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

Sierra Club Praises Governor Whitmer’s Action and Commitment to Protecting Our Great Lakes by Revoking Enbridge’s Line 5 Easement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, November 13, 2020

Contact: 

Christy McGillivray

(808) 726-5325 

christy.mcgillivray@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Praises Governor Whitmer’s Action and Commitment to Protecting Our Great Lakes by Revoking Enbridge’s Line 5 Easement

Lansing, Michigan-Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took decisive action to shut down Enbridge’s dual Line 5 pipelines by revoking Enbridge’s 1953 easement which allows it to operate through the Straits of Mackinac. The governor’s action comes after decades of documented violations by Enbridge of the line, which poses a catastrophic threat to our Great Lakes. Enbridge has until late May of 2021 to completely shut the line down.

In response the Sierra Club made the following statement:

"The Sierra Club stands with the Governor in her strong action to protect the Great Lakes and our State. As Michiganders, we are defined by the Great Lakes and we will be remembered by how we stood up for these waters that hold 21 percent of the planet’s fresh surface water. Line 5 poses the greatest risk to our Great Lakes, drinking water, economy, and overall way of life. Violation after violation, Enbridge has shown us that they cannot be trusted. After seven years of relentless grassroots and tribal support and work, today’s action to revoke the 1953 easement by the Governor and DNR is a reaffirmation of our state’s commitment and duty to protect this precious resource in the public trust." - Christy McGillivray, Legislative and Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

Sierra Club Applauds Governor Whitmer’s Climate Action: Michigan Becomes One of Nine States Committed to Carbon Neutrality by 2050

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Contact: Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org, 217-390-9394

Sierra Club Applauds Governor Whitmer’s Climate Action 
Michigan Becomes One of Nine States Committed to Carbon Neutrality by 2050

Lansing, Michigan--  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive action to make Michigan a leader on mitigating climate change. This economy-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction goal makes Michigan one of only nine states in the country with a full carbon neutrality commitment. The Governor’s action specifically will:

• Achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality in Michigan by 2050 (with an interim goal of 28% reductions by 2025),

• Reduce government facility energy use by 40% by 2040,

• Ensure all new buildings and renovations be carbon neutral by 2040,

• Make all state facilities powered by 100% renewable energy either on site or purchased off the grid by 2040, 

• Direct the Michigan Department of Treasury to launch a just transition initiative aimed at supporting communities and workers when fossil fuel facilities retire,

• Direct the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to develop a comprehensive environmental justice analysis to be utilized by the Michigan Public Service Commission in utility Integrated Resource Planning (long-term energy planning), and

• Create an Advisory Council on Climate Solutions to oversee and guide implementation of these goals.

In response, the Sierra Club compiled the following statements:

“Every Michigander deserves to have access to clean air and water but for so many years, environmental justice communities have had to carry heavy burdens of pollution. Addressing climate change is not just about saving our environment, this is also an opportunity to protect our communities from harmful pollution and create jobs by making meaningful investments. Michigan has an opportunity to lead on climate action by centering public health and environmental justice, and Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan represents this shared commitment to a future where all Michiganders can live in a healthy environment. The Sierra Club applauds Governor Whitmer’s bold leadership and we are excited to work together to address a climate crisis that will continue to shape our state and nation for many years to come,” said Justin Onwenu, Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice Organizer for Sierra Club.

Sophie Stoepker, Sierra Club’s West Michigan Clean Energy Organizer said, “We recognize that the coal industry has provided jobs and energy for many years across the state of Michigan. However, we also recognize the immense toll that these polluting power plants have on communities and the advancements in technology that allow us to address this. By making the transition off of coal to clean, renewable sources of energy, we understand that there must be many concerns from impacted workers and community members, and that is why the Sierra Club is thankful to have a leader like Governor Whitmer who takes these considerations to heart and addresses the need for just transition planning. We look forward to working alongside the Governor, community members, and power plant workers to create plans that will provide jobs, economic prosperity, and establish healthy communities for all of Michigan.”

“With climate driven disasters around the world to historic floods here at home, we are witnessing the disruptive impacts of climate change. The burdens of this crisis will fall most heavily on workers, low-income communities, and the most vulnerable. Thankfully, Governor Whitmer’s announcement provides the leadership required to move forward. To accomplish this, Michigan must implement the largest energy transition in more than a century. Communities that have depended on fossil fuels for their livelihoods must be among the first to share in the economic benefits from clean, renewable energy. However, we are confident that this administration’s plan can meet the challenges of reaching a cleaner, better future. The Sierra Club is ready to work together with Governor Whitmer to build a clean economy, preserve our natural environment, and stand with workers,” said Andrew Sarpolis, senior organizing representative for the Beyond Coal Campaign.

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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES PRO-ENVIRONMENT CANDIDATES ACROSS FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION IN MICHIGAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2020

CONTACT:

Tim Minotas

248.961.9610

tim.minotas@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES PRO-ENVIRONMENT CANDIDATES ACROSS

 FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION IN MICHIGAN

The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced its second wave of endorsements going into the 2020 election. The Sierra Club endorses incumbent candidates who have strong pro-environment records and challengers who show a strong commitment to the principles of environmental protection held by the Sierra Club.

The Sierra Club is America’s oldest environmental advocacy and protection group and the Michigan Chapter has 150,000 members and supporters to hold candidates and officeholders accountable on key issues like Line 5 and drinking water protections.

"The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews, voting scorecards, and responses to candidate questionnaires,” said Tim Minotas, the Legislative and Political Coordinator for the Michigan Chapter. “The Sierra Club's endorsement means a lot to our members and supporters in these districts and to the general voting public. Our endorsement sends a message of these candidates strong support for clean water, clean air, protecting our public lands, combatting climate change, and fighting injustice."

Given the continued unprecedented threats to our clean air and water and public lands, it is more important than ever to elect environmental champions to public office. The Sierra Club is committed to implementing the most robust effort of any election year in our history. The times demand it.

“Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to these candidates

We pledge to do all we can to help ensure these candidates get elected,” said Mark Meadows, Political Chair of the Michigan Chapter. “Sierra Club volunteers will contact voters on behalf of our endorsed candidates and we will speak to the public as often as possible about them. We look forward to electing an environmental majority at all levels of government.”

This round of endorsements precedes August’s primary election. A third and final round of endorsements will come following the primary.

The Sierra Club has endorsed candidates running for office at all levels of government. A full list of candidates endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: www.sierraclub.org/michigan/endorsed-candidates-and-proposals-2020 

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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

Enbridge’s Line 5 Oil Tunnel Permit Fails State's First Test

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Return to Sender: 

Enbridge’s Line 5 Oil Tunnel

Permit Fails State's First Test

Numerous Problems Cited,

Need To Analyze Other Options

LANSING--State regulators this week turned back Enbridge’s application for a permit to build a Line 5 oil tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac, saying the Canadian oil transport giant failed to evaluate other alternatives under Michigan’s environmental laws. 

The decision to send the oil tunnel permit request back to Enbridge because it was incomplete--although not a death knell for the controversial project--was applauded by legal experts and environmental organizations.The setback to Enbridge’s plans may also be an important signal that the administration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to take a closer look at the threat of oil pipelines in the Great Lakes and their damage to the climate.  

In its letter to Enbridge rejecting the permit application, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) cited Enbridge’s failure to analyze alternatives to the proposed oil tunnel under Michigan’s Environmental Protection Act. Enbridge will have 30 days to resubmit the permit application or it will be considered withdrawn, according to the EGLE letter.

“The Whitmer administration’s decisions on Line 5 will likely define her environmental record as much as anything else she does as governor,” said Sean McBrearty, Oil & Water Don’t Mix coordinator. “This initial step means EGLE isn’t just rubber-stamping Enbridge’s permit application but will apply appropriate environmental standards in making the decision. The burden is now on Enbridge to prove why Michigan and the Great Lakes should shoulder the huge risk of having Line 5 oil pipelines in the Great Lakes and crossing 400 other waterways. We don’t think that’s a hurdle Enbridge can overcome. Line 5 and oil are not the future -- water is, and an oil tunnel in the Great Lakes is a bad bet for Michigan.”

Kate Madigan, Director of the Michigan Climate Action Network, said the Whitmer administration should evaluate climate impacts of the proposed oil tunnel.  

“The Michigan Environmental Protection Act requires the state to consider the climate impacts of a new oil pipeline project. It would be disastrous for our state to allow an oil pipeline that is proposed to last 99 years at a time when scientists urge us to cut all climate emissions in half this decade and much of the world is turning away from fossil fuels,” said Madigan. “We know Michigan doesn’t need Line 5. We shouldn’t be taking a huge environmental and financial risk when there are more reliable, cleaner, safer energy sources out there and when the oil industry is an increasingly bad financial bet.”

EGLE’s three-page letter to Enbridge outlined other failures of the company’s submission, including the fact that in its 350-page permit application Enbridge does not acknowledge that the future of its Line 5 oil pipeline is the subject of legal challenges, including a lawsuit seeking by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel seeking an orderly decommissioning of Line 5.

“We agree with EGLE that Enbridge’s application falls woefully short of complying with legal requirements,” said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of FLOW, a Great Lakes law and policy center based in Traverse City. “Now the state of Michigan should require Enbridge to apply for and obtain authorization for an easement to occupy state-owned bottomlands with a tunnel before any construction permitting proceeds. Enbridge is putting the cart before the horse, which suits their interests, but not the public interest in protecting the Great Lakes. The company’s haphazard rush during the pandemic is alarming.”

Michigan's tribal community responded to EGLE's action on Enbridge's permit by spotlighting the stakes involved in the final outcome.

"Protecting Michigan's environment from the threat of Line 5 is more than just protecting the rights of tribal fishing and tribal way of life. We must shut down Line 5 to protect the health and safety of Michigan's families, wildlife and an international economy based on the Great Lakes," said Bryan Newland, president of Bay Mills Indian Community. "Our decisions must be made to protect our natural resources, putting our environment and people above profits and pipelines.

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Oil & Water Don’t Mix is a broad campaign of organizations, citizens and businesses across Michigan who are working to keep oil out of our Great Lakes by shutting down the dangerous Line 5 Pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac. The campaign fights for clean water and air, Indigenous rights, reducing pollution, sustainable economies and protecting sporting, tourism, and jobs that are dependent on our water and Pure Michigan way of life.  Learn more at www.oilandwaterdontmix.org.

Oil & Water Don’t Mix Steering Committee

Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, Clean Water Action, For Love of Water, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, League of Women Voters of Michigan, Michigan Environmental Council, Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council, Sierra Club, Straits of Mackinac Alliance, Straits Area Concerned Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, Sunrise Movement, TC350

URGENT: Your Neighbors Need Your Help During This Pandemic!

Dear Friend,

Most Americans will soon receive a check from the government as part of a federal stimulus package to alleviate some of the economic pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic . It's not a fix-all, but I'm glad that many Michiganders -- especially those hit hardest by this unprecedented crisis -- will get some relief. 

If you need your stimulus check, I am thankful you will be getting this support. However, if you’re fortunate enough to not need this federal support to get through the next few weeks or months, I have an urgent request for you: 

Please consider donating your portion of the federal stimulus to support the tireless efforts of the front line groups that are helping Michigan residents at greatest risk during this pandemic. If you’re lucky enough to earn too much to receive a federal check, please consider donating anyway to help your fellow Michiganders through this very difficult time.

The organizations below already work daily to address the many challenges faced by our most vulnerable neighbors across the state, but their help is needed now more than ever.

Brightmoor Connection Food Pantry provides food and water to those in need due to the economic toll of the crisis. Pictured is director Rev. Roslyn Bouier with donated water.

We the People of Detroit delivers water where it's needed, including homes that have faced water shutoffs.
 

Michigan Welfare Rights offers an array of services to residents in poverty.
 

Flint Rising, born out of the Flint Water Crisis, is still working to secure clean water for all -- especially now. 

I will be donating my stimulus check to these organizations, because I want to see these funds go where they can do the most good. In Michigan, that's Detroit, where COVID-19 infection rates are accelerating faster than elsewhere, as well as Flint and other communities where poverty and related health issues put people of color— especially African Americans -- at greater risk.  In addition, years of residential shutoffs in these cities also mean thousands have no access to water in the middle of this pandemic. Native American tribes are also experiencing the impacts of the virus.

 

Imagine not having water to wash your hands, food containers and surfaces in your home, despite a steady drumbeat of warnings from government and health officials to do just that to stop the spread of the virus. 

Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer finally took concrete steps  to get water turned back on to all Michigan residents during this crisis. We’re glad that Gov. Whitmer is a responsive leader who listened to these frontline groups, and now we’re supporting these same organizations as they hold officials accountable to ensure Whitmer’s Executive Order is carried out. 

Please join me in standing in solidarity with these organizations and the Michiganders they serve and turn your federal check into a stimulus for hope and a better future for everyone. Thanks. We’re all in this together.

Sincerely,

Gail Philbin, Chapter Director

P.S. To learn how to help neighbors in your community and other regions of Michigan, visit this link for statewide information from Michigan COVID-19 Community Response. To learn more about how to support Michigan tribes, visit https://www.itcmi.org/.