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E-M:/ MOSES Lansing Rally and press clips. (5 items)
Sorry for duplicate postings;-)
Transit funding has gotten good press the last two days, and we can
expect some coverage of MOSES' successful rally attended by some 300
activists from all over Michigan.
Two supportive Detroit Free Press clips follow as well as the "world
according to Jim DeSANA," in a Detroit News Interview, follow
our rally write-up. Incidentally Jim is still refusing to meet with
MOSES. Call him at 888.296-4JIM (4546); and ask him why he meets with
road builders but not the ultimate consumers who elect his boss.
Join us Monday April 17 , 7 pm at the Swords into Plowshares
Gallery and Peace Center at 45 E ADAMS, on Grand Circus Park,
Detroit.
Come hear Sen. Joe Young and Carmine Palombo of SEMCOG. Let's keep
the momentum going!
1. Sen Joe Young's Statement on the MOSES visit
To Be Printed in the Journal of the Senate
April 12, 2000
Mr. President, I rise to make a statement.
I am honored today to welcome community activists from Metropolitan
Organizing Strategies Enabling Strength, or MOSES. MOSES is a faith-based
organization created by churches in Detroit and its suburbs. Its goal is
to bring people together to address community needs.
Today they have traveled to the state capitol to impress upon us the need
for public transportation. Hundreds of people have come today to tell us
how significant public transportation is in their lives. Many rely upon
buses to get to work, to the doctor's office, to pick up groceries and
prescriptions, and for social outings. Others ride the bus because they
have to: either they cannot afford cars or they cannot drive due to a
physical disability. Some choose to ride the bus because it is more
efficient than trying to drive during rush hour, or because they believe
it is important to use public transportation to help reduce air
pollution. Public transportation is not "just for the
poor."
We cherish our mobility. Most of us in this chamber drive from our
districts to Lansing several times a week. We take for granted the
ability to travel where we want, when we want.
Many of our constituents do not share this freedom, however. Physical
disabilities can hinder someone's ability to drive. Many older people
prefer not to drive if they have another option. Owning, maintaining and
insuring a car can be an overwhelming expense for families on the brink
of economic survival. Many reasons can contribute to an individual's
inability to drive.
Public transportation helps us get people on the road to better lives,
literally. Since this body has vigorously endorsed moving people from
welfare to work, we must now help them get to those jobs. We want our
parents to exercise their independence and they deserve to have
confidence in a safe and reliable public transportation system. We must
enable our children to take advantage of educational and cultural
activities, and safe, reliable transportation is the key. We want our
economy to continue to prosper, and for many workers, safe and reliable
transportation is again the most important element.
Today I urge that my colleagues join MOSES in Room 402 of the Capitol
from noon to 1 p.m. to hear these individuals talk about why they use
public transportation and how they believe the system could be improved.
It is an honor that they have taken time away from their jobs, their
families and other interests to be here today. I encourage each of us to
return the favor by stopping by to listen to their testimony.
I request that my statement be printed in the Journal.
Senator Joseph F. Young, Jr.
First District, State of Michigan
MOSES gathered about 300 people in Lansing today to meet with
legislators, meet with MDOT officials and staff, and then conduct a
Citizens Hearing on Public Transportation. Room 402 in the State Capital
was standing room only with additional citizens in the hallway for the
hearing. MOSES asked our legislators to:
- Support 10% minimum for public transit in PA51formula before
deductions or transfers
- Increase funding for Public Transit for FY2001 Budget to the
full 10% the constitution allows.
- Ask Jim DeSana (Director of MDOT) to meet with MOSES and allies. Mr.
DeSana has been refusing to meet with MOSES for months.
- Ask Gov. Engler to meet with MOSES and Statewide Transportation
Alliance.
As noted above with Sen Joe Young's statement, there was support and
understanding.
2. Pre rally write-up in yesterday's Free PRESS, by Jeff Gerritt
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/rally11_20000411.htm
Transit fund cut sparks rally
Groups say they are shut out in spending debate
3. Pro transit editorial in today's Free Press
- sorry their website is down - go to voices for 20000412 and look
for 10% transit funding headline.
4. Jim DeSANA interview in Detroit NEWS
http://detnews.com/EDITPAGE/0004/10/edit4/edit4.htm
Pick the most distressing sound bite and tell Mr. DeSana
what you think. Call him at 1.888.296.4JIM or email him at
desanaj@mdot.state.mi.us. Be sure to copy the press on your comments!
Remember DeSana is just taking orders from Gov. Engler . . . .Maybe
it’s time for a change.
5. ADDRESS CORRECTION for May 3 Woodward Corridor
Meetings
afternoon and evening.
The Northeast Corner of Woodward (not Warren) and Forest. Caught by an
alert outstate list reader. SORRY.
Karen D. Kendrick-Hands
Air Policy Director,
East Michigan Environmental Action Council
Co-founder, Transportation Riders United
1067 Devonshire Road
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
313.885.7588, fax 313.885.7883
kdkhands@voyager.net
If you don't ask the right questions, you will never get to the right answers . . .