Earlier this week, State Rep. Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline) was in the district to listen to how middle-class families have been impacted by Republican tax increases and education cuts in Michigan, according to a press release.
The event, held at Washtenaw ISD, is one of the House Democrats’ Listening Tour stops being held across the state. Joining Driskell at the event were state Reps. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti) and Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor).
“As representatives, we were sent to Lansing to advocate for our constituents: the hard-working men and women of Michigan,” Driskell said in a press release. “We share the priorities of middle-class families, and we will continue to work for them.”
Gov. Rick Snyder claimed Michigan is on the right track when he gave his State of the State address, according to the press release.
House Republicans also offered an “Action Plan” that tries to convince citizens of their intention to work for the people. However, said Rutledge, “The average Michigander is still struggling. The policies of the last two years just aren’t helping. We need to focus on legislation that benefits everyone, not special interests and corporations.”
In response, House Democrats announced they would be conducting town hall-style events where average working Michiganders could express how two years of misguided policies have hurt them. Residents can click here for more information.
According to the press release, taxes on seniors and families have increased, school funding has seen a massive disinvestment, unemployment remains stubbornly high and women are being denied access to legal health care.
“Republicans are determined to push their agenda, even if it means larger class sizes, higher taxes on families and preventing women from making their own health care choices,” Irwin said in the press release, adding, “I’ve had enough, many of you have had enough, and my fellow Democrats and I will fight to roll back these policies.”
“If Michigan is truly going to be the great state that the governor says it’s on the path to becoming, we have to respect democracy and let all voices be heard,” Zemke said in the press release, adding, “That’s the only way that we can create policies that truly benefit people and make our state a great place to live and work.”
