MCEZ.ORG. MIDDLE CLASS EMPOWERMENT ZONE TM
  • Home
    • Contact us
  • 2019 Published Letters (MceZ-it!)
  • About MceZ
    • Policy/Disclaimer
  • Resources
    • MceZ-it! Tools

Subject: Improving our Schools/ Quality leadership (Hastings Area school board)

10/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Thank you letter to Candidate Elden Shellenberger, Candidate Valarie Slaughter
Original Letter and Third Sending to Candidate Louis Wierenga
Question:  What is your plan for improving the educational experience of students? Please consider the sciences, the arts, safety, diversity respectfulness, and more. What are your five top priorities for the district?
Original Letter

The MceZ Core Principle for October is JUSTICE!

Open letter for MceZ-It! Publishing
October 3, 2018
Subject: Improving our Schools/ Quality leadership

Dear Candidate _______________,
Thank you for your candidacy to the Hastings Area School Board. As a member of MceZ.org I advocate for a civil, transparent, citizen driven discussion of the issues before us. MceZ members write elected officials and candidates across the political spectrum and publish the responses for information and educational purposes.


I am writing this as someone who cares deeply about education. All students should feel safe,valued as individuals, and graduate with a solid, good education. I feel I received I received a good education, and want others to feel that too. As a graduate of Hastings Area Schools, I care what happens in, and to my alma mater. As a community person, I am aware of school closures due to foul weather as well as to threats of violence.
However, I am not aware of much more. It seems that I should know what is happening in our schools.
​

The question I have for you is: 

What is your plan for improving the educational experience of students? Please consider the sciences, the arts, safety, diversity respectfulness, and more. What are your five top priorities for the district?

Thank you for taking time to respond. I hope to hear from you soon, If I do not I will contact you again.

Best regards,
Doris Hale
Hastings, Michigan
https://www.mcez.org/policy.html
www.MceZ.org

Read More
0 Comments

Subject: Middle Class

6/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Michigan August Primary, 2018
​Thank you letter to Official Candidate Responders below:
Candidate Jason Noble (D)  State Senator 19th District (Barry County)
Candidate Mike Callton (R)  State Senator 19th District (Barry County)
Rep. Julie Calley (R-I) 87th District State (Barry County)
Questions:
1. What do you think is the most important obstacle to the improvement of the economic status of the Middle Class and those Striving to Enter the Middle Class?
2. What are your five top legislative priorities that will increase the middle class by lowering the poverty rate in your district and/or state? 
Original and Third Sending Letter
                             The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE!

Open letter for MceZ-It! Publishing

May 22, 2018

Subject: Middle Class

Dear Candidate ______,

Thank you for running for office.  As I see it, the subject of economics creates lively discussion here in Barry County, and for good reason.
This area was particularly hit during the Recession of 2008, (
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/great_recession_leaves_michiga.html) wages still tend to be low, (http://www.city-d ata.com/income/income-Hastings-Michigan.html, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.htmltps://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/poverty.html), and good effort has been made in many areas to move forward. 

I have an interest in the upcoming election like any other voter citizen. However, I am especially interested in seeing citizen driven issues come before the citizens in a thoughtful and civil manner.

Two questions I have for you, are as follows:

What do you think is the most important obstacle to the improvement of the economic status of the Middle Class and those Striving to Enter the Middle Class?

What are your five top legislative priorities that will increase the middle class by lowering the poverty rate in your district and/or state?

I look forward to hearing from you. (If I have not received a response by June 1, I’ll write you again.)

Best regards,
Doris Hale
Hastings, Michigan 49058
​https://www.mcez.org/policy.html

Read More
0 Comments

Subject:  Legislative priorities for the middle class, the working poor,  lower income and poverty populations in Michigan

6/28/2018

0 Comments

 
August Primary, 2018
​Thank you letter  to Official Candidate Responders below:
Candidates for Michigan House - 91st District: Tanya Cabala (D), Andy O'Riley (D)
Candidate for Congress - 2nd District: Rob Davidson (D)
​Fourth Sending  to Official Candidate Non-Responders below:
​Candidates for Michigan House - 91st District: Greg VanWoerkom (R)

​Candidate for Michigan House - 92nd District:  Representative Terry Sabo (D-I)
Candidate for Congress - 2nd District Representative Bill Huizenga (R-I)​
Questions:
1. What are your 5 top legislative priorities that will measurably expand the middle class, decrease the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in your district and/or the state?

​2. What are your current frustrations with the governing and/or legislative process?

3. What character or personality strengths, skills and innovative thinking do you bring to the legislative process? 
Original and Fourth Sending Letter sent:​
                                        The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM!

Open letter for publishing in MceZ-It!
Fourth Sending: June 14, 2018
Third Sending: June 4, 2018

                                            The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE!

Second Sending: May 29, 2018

May 22, 2018

Subject: (Fourth and final sending) Legislative priorities for the middle class, the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in Michigan

Dear ____________________,

Thank you for your public service.

In my effort to become an informed citizen, taxpayer and voter, I would like to know if your reasons for seeking re-election to this office align with my values. It would be helpful if you would take the time to answer the following 3 questions:

What are your 5 top legislative priorities that will measurably expand the middle class, decrease the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in your district and/or the state?

What are your current frustrations with the governing and/or legislative process?

What character or personality strengths, skills and innovative thinking do you bring to the legislative process?

I look forward to hearing from you. If I have not heard from you by May 29, 2018, I will contact you, again. Thank you.

Best regards,
​Eunice Beck
Www.mcez.org
Policy and Disclaimer Statement

Read More
0 Comments

Subject: Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question.

6/14/2018

0 Comments

 
Muskegon Public Schools Board
Questions asked:

What were your 5 top priorities for the district?
What frustrations have you experienced that you didn't expect?
What will be your 5 top priorities if you are serving in the upcoming year?
​Thank you letter sent to Elected Official Responders below:
Cindy Larson, President , Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer
MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE!

Open letter for publication in MceZ-IT!

May 22, 2018

Subject: Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question.

Dear Ms. Larson,

Thank you for your response of May 21, 2018 to my letter of May 21, 2018 attached below. I look forward to contacting you in the future.

Best regards,
Eunice Beck
MceZ.org
MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement

​Fourth Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:​
Billie Bruce, Secretary Pro-Tem; Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer; Louis Churchwell, Vice President; G. Lynnette Marks, Secretary; Zachary Allen Anderson, Trustee; Bill OBrien, Trustee
Original and Fourth Sending Letter sent:​
The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM!

Fourth Sending: June 14, 2018
Third Sending: June 4, 2018

The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE!

Open letter for publication in MceZ-IT!

Second May 29, 2018
May 21, 2018

Subject: (Fourth and Final Sending) Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question.

Dear __________,

Thank you for your public service.

I have been a Muskegon resident for over 30 years. My children attended Muskegon Public Schools. I have seen MPS at its worst, i.e. no African American teachers with a 50% African-American student population. Obviously, there has been a significant improvement in this area during the past 30 years.

I have been catching up on the challenges for the district including the video of the meeting on April 17. The links to the articles are below.

Muskegon school board approves $1.61M in cuts to start 2018-19 budget
Updated May 15; Posted May 15
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/05/muskegon_school_board_approves_1.html

Muskegon schools superintendent tired of being 'personally attacked'
Updated Apr 26; Posted Apr 25
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_superintenden_4.html

Muskegon schools gives administrators big pay raises in face of deficit
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/10/muskegon_schools_admins_get_la.html

Muskegon schools trustees violate Open Meetings Act by texting
Updated Apr 10; Posted Apr 10
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_trustees_viol.html

'Minimally effective' Muskegon superintendent not on improvement plan
Updated Apr 24; Posted Apr 24
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/minimally_effective_muskegon_s.html

Muskegon schools gives administrators big pay raises in face of deficit
Updated Oct 25, 2017; Posted Oct 24, 2017
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/10/muskegon_schools_admins_get_la.html

Updated Apr 12; Posted Apr 12
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_to_close_buil.html

I believe it's important to be an informed citizen, taxpayer, and voter.

My questions to you as you reflect on your term(s) as a member of the Muskegon School Board are:

1. What were your 5 top priorities for the district?
2. What frustrations have you experienced that you didn't expect?
3. What will be your 5 top priorities if you are serving in the upcoming year?

I look forward to hearing from you. If I don't hear from you by May 28, 2018, I will contact you again.
Thank you.

Best regards,
Eunice Beck
MceZ.org
MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement
Cindy Larson, President ​
Cindy Larson
May 21, 2018

Questions 1 and 3 are the same. My priority has been and will continue to be whatever is in the best interests of our students giving them every opportunity to succeed. My frustration is what appears to be dissension among our board members. While there are questions to be addressed which we are doing, all of us have our students first and foremost while we make very difficult decisions.

Cindy Larson 
Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer

                               The MceZ Core Principle for OCTOBER is JUSTICE!

Open Letter for publishing in MceZ-It!
October 19, 2018

Subject: (Thank you) Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question.

Dear Ms Bibbs-Oakes,

Thank you for your response of October 18, 2018 sharing your vision for Muskegon Public Schools, to my letter of May 21, 2018 attached below. It is my hope that after the election, the elected members who will comprise the MPS School Board will dedicate and commit themselves to supporting Dr. Jennings, the superintendent, in his goals to raise standards and improve the quality of education for Muskegon Public School students. Thank you for your candidacy.

Best regards,
Eunice Beck
MceZ.org
MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement

Tasha Bibbs-Oakes
10.18.18

Hello Mrs. Eunice Beck, 


I hope that this email response will find you doing well and looking forward to a wonderful weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to first apologize to you for the delay with my response to your previous emails and thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself to me the other evening. It's always a great pleasure to meet concerned citizens such as yourself and discuss concerns and opportunities to make the community that we live in and serve a better place for our youth. I'm glad that you are interested in learning more about me and the goals that I personally have for our district and the Board of Education.
My 5 Top Priorities for our School District

1) Our Children deserve the opportunity to learn at a higher level of excellence. It's imperative that we provide our students with the tools that will allow them to be successful in our classrooms. In addition it's a must that we equipped our teachers with the tools and support in an effort to allow them to teach effectively and efficiently.
2) Transparency has been a huge area of opportunity for our district. It's important that we build and rebuild relationships with our teachers, parents, and our community.
3) Student enrollment deserves our undivided attention. We have an awesome district with awesome, students, parents, teachers, and leaders. We also have a very solid curriculum. We have students whom are valued community leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, professional ball players, etc.
4) It's critical that we are able to operate effectively and effectively with our finances. This will require stronger checks and balances with our budget and strategic planning that will produce the results that we need to operate successfully.
5) All School Board Members working together with our #1 focus being a quality education for each child in our district

My frustrations as a board member has been the divide that our school board has suffered from. I would love to see our board draw a line in the sand and move forward as a board so that we can focus on our students 100%. The children in our district deserve this along with their parents and the members of our community.

If it's God's will for me to retain my seat on the Muskegon Board of Education, I will continue to focus on the 5 priorities that I've previously mentioned.

Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you. I feel honored that you are interested in learning about the goals and the views that I personally have for our district and school board.

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions and/or concerns that you may have.

Kind regards,

Tasha Bibbs-Oakes
The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM!
0 Comments

May 23rd, 2018

5/23/2018

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

Gun Control; banning assault weapons; NRA funding

4/19/2018

0 Comments

 

Questions asked:

How much funding do you receive from the NRA?

Do you support a ban on assault weapons to help reduce mass shootings?

​Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below:
Michigan Elected Officials: Senator Debbie Stabenow(D), Senator Gary Peters(D), Representative Justin Amash(R), Rep. Mike Nofs(R), Rep. Julie Calley(R)
Thank-you letter:
 4-17-18
Dear _____________,
Thank you for responding to my letter re: gun safety.  I am so disappointed to hear that you do not support a ban on assault weapons.  Military arms do not belong in civilian hands.  I assume you do receive funding from the NRA as I do remember you stating at a town hall once that you ' will accept money from anyone who wants to donate to you'.  This explains your stand on a ban on assault weapons. 

Sincerely, 
​
Jackie 
Original and Third sending Letter sent:​
The MceZ Core Principle for February is Community!

February 27, 2018​
Subject: Gun Control
​

Dear ______________.
     I am writing today to urge you to take a courageous moral stand and support a ban on assault weapons.

     
As you know, according to Vox reporter German Lopez, since 2012 there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings killing more than 1,800 people and wounding more than 6,400 in the US. According to CNN the US makes up less than 5% of the world’s population but holds 31% of global mass shooters. The US also has by far the highest number of privately owned guns in the world with a 2007 estimate of 88.8 guns per 100 civilians or more than one per adult.

     
Keeping assault weapons in the hands of civilians is crazy. Civilians are not able to purchase land mines, hand grenades, tanks, mortars, bombs etc. so why are military assault weapons sold to civilians in the US? These fire arms are clearly not for hunting, target shooting or defense. They are designed to kill many people in a very short time. It is only common sense that assault weapons be banned. 
​
     
I understand that even though the NRA makes up only 7% of US gun owners and that polls show a clear majority of Americans support a ban on assault weapons legislators continue to vote the way the NRA asks them to – if they want to continue to receive funding.
​
     
I have two questions for you:
           1. How much funding do you receive from the NRA?
​           2. 
Do you support a ban on assault weapons to help reduce mass shootings?
     I am looking forward to hearing from you soon and will contact you again if I do not hear from you in the next week. Thank you for your service.

​
Sincerely,
Jackie S.
www.MceZ.org
Policy and Disclaimer Statement

Read More
0 Comments

Tax cuts, healthcare, and social security

11/24/2017

0 Comments

 

Questions asked:​​

Can you guarantee that under the duration of this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the 
​middle class will not see a tax 
 increase, that corporations will pay the flat 20% as well as create a 50% ​increase in high­-wage US jobs? 


​Can you guarantee citizens will not see their HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, 
Social Security and SSI benefits reduced under the duration of this Tax Cut and Jobs Bill to pay for the 3  trillion dollar deficit?​​

Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below:

​Lamar Alexander (R), Tammy Baldwin (D), John Barrasso (R),Michael Bennet (D),  Richard Blumenthal (D), Roy Blunt (R), John Boozman (R), Maria Cantwell (D), Ben Cardin (D), Tom Carper (R), Bob Casey (D), Bill Cassidy (D), Susan Collins (R), John Cornyn (R), Steve Daines (R),  Joe Donnelly (D), Tammy Duckworth (D), Joni Ernst (R), Mike Enzi (R), Jeff Flake (R), Al Franken (D), Cory Gardner (R), Lindsay Graham (R), Chuck Grassley (R),  Kamala Harris (D), Margaret Wood Hassan (D), Orrin Hatch (R), Heidi Heitkanp (D), Dean Heller (R), Mazie Horono (D), John Hoeven (R), James Inofe (R), Johnny Isakson (R),  Ron Johnson (R), Tim Kaine (D), John Kennedy (R), Angus King (I),  Amy Klobuchar (D), James Lankford (R), Patrick Leahy (D), John McCain (R), Claire McCaskill (D), Joe Machin (D), Ed Markey (D), Catherine Cortez Masto (D), Robert Menendez (D), Jeff Merkley (D), Shelley Moore Capito (R), Jerry Moran (R), Christopher Murphy (D), Patty Murray (D), Bill Nelson (D), Gary Peters (D), Rob Portman (R), Jack Reed (D), Marco Rubio (R), Bernie Sanders (I), Brian Schatz (R), Tim Scott (R),   Jon Tester (D), Thom Tillis (R), Pat Toomey (R), Chris VanHollen (D), Mark Warner (D), Elizabeth Warren (D), Roger Wicker (R),  Ron Wyden (D), Todd Young (R)
Michigan Congressional Legislators: 
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), Rep. Jack Bergman (R),
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R). Rep. Dan Kildee (D), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D), Rep. Paul Mitchell (R),
​Rep. John Moolenaar (R),  Rep. Fred Upton (R)

Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:​

Cory Booker (D), Sherrod Brown (D), Richard Burr (R), Thad Cochran (R), Chris Coons (R), Bob Corker (R),  Tom Cotton (R), Mike Crapo (R) Ted Cruz (R),  Dick Durbin (D), Dianne Feinstein (D), Deb Fischer (R), Kirsten Gillibrand (D), Martin Heinrich (D), Mike Lee (R), Lisa Murkowski (R),  Rand Paul (R),  James Risch (R),  Pat Roberts (R), Mike Rounds (R), Ben Sasse (R), Charles Schumer (D), Jeanne Shaheen (D), Richard Shelby (R), Daniel Sullivan (R),  John Thune (R), Tom Udall (D),  Sheldon Whitehouse (D),   
Michigan Congressional Legislators: Rep. Mike Bishop (R), Rep. John Conyers (D), ​Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), Rep. Sander Levin (D), Rep. Dave Trott (R), Rep. Tim Walberg (R)

Thank-you letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for December is RESPECTFULNESS! 

Open Letter for publication in Mcezupedia.

December 9, 2017 

Subject: Tax cuts for the wealthy; evisceration of the middle class; 3 trillion dollar deficit; trickle down economics; HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits drastically reduced

​Dear  Senator __________,                         , 
    Thank you for your response of to my letter of attached below.
Corporations have made it clear that the 15% tax cut from 35% to 20% will not go toward creating new, high wage jobs. This permanent giveaway will go to investors. Corporate earnings are currently at a record high, while job growth and wages remain stagnant. Trickle down economics is a Republican Party myth that assumes voter ignorance, short-sightedness and gullibility. This bill is decidedly unpopular with the American people.
     The following statements were made by 3 prominent Republicans. Credibility of the Republican party notwithstanding, these statements reflect not only the party's elitism, but its disdain for the poor, working and middle class taxpayer and citizen– as a disposable burden.
11.30.17 Senator Orrin Hatch (in the context of CHIP)
I believe in helping those who cannot help themselves but would if they could. I have a rough time wanting to spend billions and billions and trillions of dollars to help people who won’t help themselves, won’t lift a finger and expect the federal government to do everything.
     12.2.17 Senator Chuck Grassley (in the context of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Bill)
“I think not having the estate tax recognizes the people that are investing,” Grassley told the Register in a story published Saturday. “As opposed to those that are just spending every darn penny they have, whether it’s on booze or women or movies.”
     12.3.17 Speaker Paul Ryan (who reportedly received Social Security Survivor benefits from age 16 to age 18)
“We're going to have to get back next year at entitlement reform, which is how you tackle the debt and the deficit,” Ryan said on Ross Kaminsky's radio.
Donors pay for campaigns. Government is funded by taxpayers. Elected Officials' are supported financially by tax payer dollars.
    In spite of Gerrymandering and voter suppression which have favored Republicans and are being challenged, election outcomes are determined by voters voting for a secure future for subsequent generations. Politicians running for office should also maintain this focus with integrity and honesty.
I look forward to contacting you in the future. Thank you, again.
Best regards,Eunice Beck
Policy and Disclaimer Statement
https://www.mcez.org/policydisclaimer­statement­and­terms­of­service.htmlwww.MceZ.orghttps://www.mcez.org/our­12­core­principles.html

Original and Third sending Letter sent:

The MceZ Core Principle for November is PRIDE

Open Letter for publication in Mcezupedia.

November 24, 2017

Subject: Tax cuts for the wealthy; evisceration of the middle class; 3 trillion dollar deficit; trickle down economics; HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits drastically reduced

Dear Senator ______________,

​Thank you for your public service.
Summary: H.R.1 — 115th Congress (2017-­2018)Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Introduced in House (11/02/2017)
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.
With respect to individuals, the bill:
  • replaces the seven existing tax brackets (10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%, and 39.6%) with four brackets (12%, 25%, 35%, and 39.6%),
  • increases the standard deduction,
  • repeals the deduction for personal exemptions,
  • establishes a 25% maximum rate on the business income of individuals,
  • increases the child tax credit and establishes a new family tax credit,
  • repeals the overall limitation on certain itemized deductions,
  • limits the mortgage interest deduction for debt incurred after November 2, 2017, to mortgages of up to ​ $500,000 (currently $1 million),
  • repeals the deduction for state and local income or sales taxes not paid or accrued in a trade or business,
  • repeals the deduction for medical expenses,
  • consolidates and repeals several education­related deductions and credits,
  • repeals the alternative minimum tax, and
  • repeals the estate and generation­-skipping transfer taxes in six years.
For businesses, the bill:
  • reduces the corporate tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 20% rate (25% for personal services corporations),
  • allows increased expensing of the costs of certain property,
  • limits the deductibility of net interest expenses to 30% of the business's adjusted taxable income,
  • repeals the work opportunity tax credit,
  • terminates the exclusion for interest on private activity bonds,
  • modifies or repeals various energy­related deductions and credits,
  • modifies the taxation of foreign income, and
  • imposes an excise tax on certain payments from domestic corporations to related foreign corporations.
  • The bill also repeals or modifies several additional credits and deductions for individuals and businesses.
The following are my questions:
​     Can you guarantee that under the duration of this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the middle class will 
not see a tax 
increase, that corporations will pay the flat 20% as well as create a 50%  increase in high­wage US jobs?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Can you guarantee citizens will not see their HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security 
​and SSI benefits reduced under the duration of this Tax Cut and Jobs Bill to pay for the 3 trillion  dollar deficit?

   The Senate is scheduled to vote on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this Thursday, November 30, 2017. If I have not heard from you very shortly, I will contact you again.
Best regards,
Eunice Beck
Policy and Disclaimer Statement
https://www.mcez.org/policydisclaimer­statement­and­terms­of­service.htmlwww.MceZ.orghttps://www.mcez.org/our­12­core­principles.html

Responses:​


Read More
0 Comments

Library; Computer literacy; Rural development

9/25/2017

0 Comments

 

Questions asked:​

As an Elected Official representing Michigan what is your position regarding the Trump administration's ​budget to reduce funding for public libraries ?


​Thank you letters were sent to Elected Official Responders below:
​
 

Gary C. Peters (D),  Debbie Stabenow (D)

Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below: 
​

Justin Amash (R)

Thank-you letter:

MCEZ Core Principle for SEPTEMBER is Intelluctual Diversity!
Open Letter
September 25, 2017
Subject: Library; Children's Library services; Local development; Unemployment; Underemployment; 
Computer literacy; Starting a business; Rural development
Dear __________,
Thank you for your response of September 20 to my letter of April 18 attached below. I look forward to hearing from you again.
​

Best Regards,
Doris Hale 
http://www.mcez.org/
policy and disclaimer statement

Original letter and Third sending letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for April is EQUALITY

April 18, 2017

OPEN LETTER

Subject: Library; Children's Library services; Local development; Unemployment; 
Underemployment; Computer literacy; Starting a business; Rural development
Dear _____________.,
  Thank you for service. I am writing today of an issue of great concern to me.

In reading the Hastings Banner, dated April 6, 2017 I learned of the Trump administration plan to greatly reduce library funding. In this article entitled “'Library service to face major cuts in Trump's proposed budget” I learned just what is on the chopping block (“ ham stringed or eliminated”): summer reading, children's literacy, Michigan library e bases, inter-library book loans, staff training. And and all this is just for starters.
  By way of introduction, I am a resident of Michigan's third district, a library Tween Room and Book Store volunteer; most recently, a volunteer in the capacity of library board member. The Hastings Public Library does so much! It has been referred to as the jewel of Hastings. Hastings Public library contributes support to over 150 different services, examples of which are: Vita Tax Preparation, the court system, thrift club, quilt making club, and chess for youth. This is in addition to traditional services.
  Libraries reduce unemployment as well as underemployment. Computer literacy, or just lack of a computer has been an employment barrier for many, as documented in the employment literature. Our library offers free WIFI, as well as group or individualized computer training. 
Information on starting a business is available in the second floor Business Library, and by extension through the data bases. Libraries serve to develop communities, as well as individuals. We citizens need lifelong learning in this information age.
  At a personal level, I use inter-library loan services ( Mel Cat) weekly. I've used the open computers there for employment search, as well as for computer literacy training. At different times, I have been part of book clubs, Great Decisions ( foreign policy), Calvin College Speaker Series, art and crafts hosting. I can not imagine life without the Hastings Public library ( or a reduced library) and do not want to!
My concern is that if funding is thrown back to the state of Michigan, Michigan will not be able to absorb the cost Also if it is thrown back on the local government, the local community will not be able to afford these services. Hastings is a small rural community without a major industrial tax base.
My question is:
​  As an Elected Official representing Michigan what is your position regarding 

the Trump administration's budget to reduce funding for public libraries ?
  I look forward to hearing from you. If I do not hear from you I will contact you again.
Best regards,
Doris Hale
http://www.mcez.org/
policy and disclaimer statement

Response:


Read More
0 Comments

SECRET healthcare bill

8/21/2017

0 Comments

 
More in Mcezupedia

Questions asked: 

My question to you as a Democratic/Republican Senator is:
​With what in the above paragraph do you disagree as you contemplate voting “yes” or “no” for this secret health care bill?

Thank you letters were sent to Elected Official Responders below:

​Tammy Baldwin (D),Richard Blumenthal (D), Roy Blunt (R),  John Boozman (R),       

Ben Cardin (D), 
Tom Carper(D), ​Bill Cassidy (R), Susan Collins (R), Tom Cotton (R),

Tammy Duckworth (D), 
Dick Durbin (D),  Dianne Feinstein (D), ​Al Franken (D), Cory

Gardner (R), Chuck Grassley (R), Kamala Harris (D), Mazie Hirono (D),

John Kennedy (R), Angus King, Jr. (I), ​Amy Klobuchar (D), 
​Joe Markey (D), 
Mitch

McConnell (R), Jerry Moran (R), David ​Perdue (R), ​Luther Strange (R), Elizabeth Warren

(D), Rodger Wicker (R), Todd Young (R)

Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:
​

​Michael Bennet (D), Thad Cochran (R), Chris Coons (D), Joe Donnelly (D), Joni Ernst (R),

Jeff Flake (R), Johnny Isakson (R), ​​John McCain (R), Clare McCaskill (D), Mitch McConnell (R),

Lisa Murkowski (R), Chris Murphy (D), Bill Nelson (D), Rand Paul (R), Gary Peters (D), ​Pat

Roberts (R), Marco Rubio (R), Brain Schatz (D), Richard Shelby (R), Dan Sullivan (R), Chris Van

​Hollen (R)

Thank-you letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for July is INNOVATION! 

On July 6, 2017, Walter Schaub, Director of the Office of Governmental Ethics, submitted his letter of resignation to President Trump stating that public service employees are required to put public trust and loyalty to the Constitution and ethical principles above private gain. It is reported by npr that during the six months between October 2008 and March 2009, as the Obama presidency was taking shape, it got 733 public contacts, such as calls, letters and emails. During the October 2016 to March 2017 period in the Trump era, it was swamped with 39,105 contacts — an increase of 5,235 percent between October, 2008.

July 31, 2017

Open Letter

Dear Senator _________, 

Thank you for your response of July 5 to my letter of June 24, 2017. As this is my third sending, this document will be published in Mcezupedia. If you care to respond to my letter at a later date, please do so and it will be added to the published document. As you already know, this is too important to be a partisan bill. A well written healthcare bill requires a minimum of one year of public hearings and debate including discussion of a single-payer national healthcare system, Committee review and multi-partisan input. I look forward to hearing from you and contacting you in the future.

Best Regards,
Doris Hale
Policy and Disclaimer Statement
www.MceZ.org

Original and Third Sending Letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for August is Integrity! 

On July 6, 2017, Walter Schaub, Director of the Office of Governmental Ethics, submitted his letter of resignation to President Trump stating that public service employees are required to put public trust and loyalty to the Constitution and ethical principles above private gain. It is reported by npr that during the six months between October 2008 and March 2009, as the Obama presidency was taking shape, it got 733 public contacts, such as calls, letters and emails. During the October 2016 to March 2017 period in the Trump era, it was swamped with 39,105 contacts — an increase of 5,235 percent between October, 2008.

Open Letter
THIRD SENDING
August 6, 2017

Dear __________________, 

As this is my third sending, this document will be published in Mcezupedia at mcez.org. If you care to respond to my letter at a later date, please do so and it will be added to the published document. As you already know, this is too important to be a partisan bill. A well written healthcare bill requires a minimum of one year of public hearings and debate including discussion of a single-payer national healthcare system, Committee review and multi-partisan input. I look forward to hearing from you and contacting you in the future.

The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM!

Media reporting: On Thursday, June 22, the Tax Cut bill for the rich was finally revealed. 850 billion dollars will be cut from Medicaid transferring trillions of dollars from seniors, children, the poor, the disabled, the working class and the middle class to the 400 wealthiest families in the US. ADAPT protesters consisting of 41 Citizens with disabilities, staged a sit-in in front of Senator Mitch McConnell's office to confront power with the truth that quality, affordable Healthcare is not just for the privileged. We live in a democracy that is diverse in every way. Let's follow their lead: Stand for Freedom. Stand for Justice. Stand for Equality. Stand for the right of EVERY citizen to have quality, affordable healthcare. The survival of our country is based on these values. Also reported, Donald Trump has doubled his income to 191 million dollars on the backs of tax paying citizens, business conflicts of interests and Emoluments.

Open Letter
SECOND SENDING: June 27, 2017
June 17, 2017

Subject: Thirteen White Male Republican Senators and the Secret Health Care Bill they are afraid to share with the American people.

Dear Senator __________,

Thank you for your service. 

The headlines are screaming about the secret GOP Health Care Bill that 13 White Male Republican Senators have written in private because Republican Senators are afraid of backlash from a diverse population who will have to live with or barely survive the consequences. The attitude appears to be “We the People” being viewed as “You the Enemy” rather than as taxpaying citizens concerned for their and their family's well-being, for whom these senators work and from whom they receive their salaries. The Senators working on the Senate health care bill are: McConnell (Kentucky), Hatch (Utah), Alexander (Tennessee), Enzi (Wyoming), Thune (South Dakota), Cruz (Texas), Lee (Utah), Cotton (Arkansas ), Gardner (Colorado), Barrasso (Wyoming), Cornyn (Texas) and Portman (Ohio). 

This behavior could be considered as arrogant, cowardly, undemocratic and unethical.

My question to you as a Republican Senator is: With what in the above paragraph do you disagree as you contemplate voting “yes” or “no” for this secret health care bill?

I look forward to hearing from you soon. I will contact you again if I have not received a response.
Thank you.

Best Regards,
Doris Hale 
Policy and Disclaimer Statement
​www.MceZ.org

Responses:


Read More
0 Comments

SECRET Health care bill

8/15/2017

0 Comments

 

Questions asked of U.S. Senators:

With what in the above paragraph do you disagree  as you contemplate voting “yes” or “no” for this secret health care bill? 

Thank you letters were sent to Elected Official Responders below:

​Tammy Baldwin (D), Cory Booker (D), Maria Cantwell (D), Joe Manchin III (D), Jeff

Merkley (D), 
​Heidi Heitkamp (D), Bob Menedez (D), Catherine Cortez Masto (D), Tim

​Kaine (D), Mark Warner (D), 

Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:

​Robert Casey (D), Maggie Hassan (D),  Patrick Leahy (D), Patty Murray (D), Gary Peters (D),

Jack Reed (D), Bernard Sanders (I), Jeanne Shaheen (D), Debbie Stabenow (D), Jon Tester (D),

Sheldon Whitehouse (D), Kristen Gillibrand (D), Martin Heinrich (D), ​Chuck Schumer (D),

Sherrod Brown (D), Mark Udall (D), Cory Gardner (R), Shelley Moore Capito (R),

​Ron Wyden (D), 

Thank-you letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for August is INTEGRITY! 
 
Open Letter 
 
August 15, 2017 
 
Subject:  Thirteen White Male Republican Senators  and the Secret Health Care Bill they are afraid to share with the American people. 
 
Dear 
 
Thank you for your informative response of August 14, 2017, to my letter of June 17, 2017. As you have  indicated in your letter, this is too important to be a partisan bill. A well written healthcare bill requires a minimum of one year of public hearings and debate including discussion of a single-payer national healthcare system, Committee review and multi-partisan input.   Thank you, again, for your response and I look forward to contacting you in the future. 
 
Best regards, 
 
Eunice Beck 
Policy and Disclaimer Statement 
www.MceZ.org ​

Original and Third sending Letter

  The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM! 

Open Letter 

June 17, 2017 

Subject:  Thirteen White Male Republican Senators  and the Secret Health Care Bill they are afraid to share with the American people. 

Dear Senator Baldwin: 

Thank you for your service.   

The headlines are screaming about the secret GOP Health Care Bill that 13 White Male Republican Senators have written in private because  Republican Senators are afraid of backlash from a diverse population who will have to live with or barely survive the consequences.  The attitude appears to be “We the People” being viewed as “You the Enemy” rather than as taxpaying citizens concerned for their and their family's well-being, for whom these senators work and from whom they receive their salaries. The Senators working on the Senate health care bill are: McConnell (Kentucky), Hatch (Utah), Alexander (Tennessee), Enzi (Wyoming), Thune (South Dakota), Cruz (Texas), Lee (Utah), Cotton (Arizona), Gardner (Colorado), Barrasso (Wyoming), Cornyn (Texas) and Portman (Ohio). . 

This behavior could be considered as arrogant, cowardly, undemocratic and unethical. 

My question to you  as a Democratic Senator is: 

With what in the above paragraph do you disagree  as you contemplate voting “yes” or “no” for this secret health care bill? 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.  I will contact you again if I have not received a response. Thank you. 

Best regards, 

Eunice Beck 
Policy and Disclaimer Statement 
www.MceZ.org 

Responses:


Read More
0 Comments

Subject: Donald Trump, president elect; not elected by Popular Vote; has no mandate; a threat to our Values and Democracy; Lawful Citizen Protests.

11/16/2016

0 Comments

 
​Thank you letter to Responders below:​
​Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), Senator Gary Peters (D), Representative Justin Amash (R)
Fourth Sending  to  Non-Responders below:
Representative Bill Huizenga (R)
Question: Whose responsibility is it to protect our values, our freedoms and our democracy: the military, Congress, the Media, the Press or the American people?
Original and Fourth Sending Letter
The MCEZ Core Principle for DECEMBER is RESPECTFULNESS!

Please disregard the letter sent November 15, 2016 with the following Subject Line:
Subject: Donald Trump, president elect; not elected by Popular Vote; has no mandate; a threat to our Values and Democracy; Lawful Citizen Protests.
This letter replaces that letter. Thank you and my apologies for any inconvenience.
​

The MceZ Core Principle for November is PRIDE.
Open Letter
November 16, 2016


​Subject: Donald Trump, president elect; not elected by Popular Vote; has no mandate; a threat to our Values and Democracy; Lawful Citizen Protests.

Dear _______________,
As your constituent and a patriotic and concerned citizen, I am respectfully requesting that you disseminate this letter to all of your Senatorial colleagues.
As your constituent and a patriotic and concerned citizen, I am respectfully requesting that you disseminate this letter to all of your Congressional colleagues.
Thank you for your service.

I am writing this letter in support of the lawful protest rejecting Donald Trump as our next President due to the fact that he did not win the popular vote.

If the thinking is Donald Trump will change after he is sworn in as president or that he can be controlled or manipulated while possessing the full powers of the office, this is delusional and puts our country and democracy at grave risk and danger.

His relationship to Putin and Russia should make you, Congress, as nervous as the American people and cannot be ignored if you are a patriot, regardless of your party affiliation. Moreover, his refusal to transparency regarding his private business practices and tax returns is an effrontery to American taxpayers and our democracy.

The Constitution is powerful and has been been interpreted in many ways. A controversial interpretation of the constitution resulted in the Senate refusing to conduct hearings on the nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, to the Supreme Court.
What is clear and specific is that government exists for the benefit of the governed. Time is running out. Congress has the power to act now to avoid 4 years of court hearings (starting November 28, 2016), illegalities, opacity, unpredictability, distractions, drama, and undue stress and fear on American citizens.
I respectfully submit the following questions:
Whose responsibility is it to protect our values, our country and our democracy: the military, Congress, the or the American people?

Inasmuch as your salary is paid by American tax dollars, I am curious as to what is your salary?

If I have not heard back from you shortly, I will be writing you, again, Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Eunice Beck
Www,MceZ.org
Policy and Disclaimer Statement

Read More
0 Comments

Gun Control Bills, NRA Political Contributions and Representative Democracy

6/13/2016

0 Comments

 
Question to Michigan Congressional Legislators:
​Do you receive political contributions from the NRA?  
Thank you letters were sent to Elected Official Responders below:​
Sen. Gary Peters (D), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), Rep. Justin Amash (L), Rep. Dan Benishek, (D) Rep. Mike Bishop (R), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R), Rep. Dan Kildee (D), Rep. Candice Miller (R), Rep. John Moolenaar (R) ​
Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:
Rep. John Conyers (D), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D), Rep. Sander  Levin (D),
Rep. Dave Trott (R), Fred Upton (R), Rep. Tim Walberg (R)
Thank-you letter:
The MceZ Core Principle for September is Intellectual Diversity
Open Letter
September 19, 2016
Subject: Gun Control Bills, NRA Political Contributions and Representative Democracy 

Dear Senator ____________,

Thank you for taking the time to respond on September 15, 2016 to our letter of June 23, 2016 attached below. We appreciate hearing from you and look forward to staying in contact with you.
​

Best Regards,

Co-founders:
Eunice Beck
Doris Hale

Improving the Quality of the Debate
​
www.MceZ.org MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement
Original and Third sending Letter:
The MceZ Core Principle for July is INNOVATION
Open Letter
Third Sending: July 29, 2016
Second Sending: July 21, 2016

The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM
Open letter
June 23, 2016

Subject: Gun Control Bills, NRA Political Contributions and Representative Democracy

Dear __________________,

On June 22 and 23, 2016, the House Democrats staged an unprecedented 25 hour Sit In to compel the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, to bring to the floor a vote on No Fly-No Buy and Expanded Background checks for gun purchases. One of the reasons given as to why Republicans do not want to vote on these bills is because they receive political contributions from the NRA. On June 23, the House adjourned for recess until July 6 without acting or voting on these bills.
Our question to you is:

​Do you receive political contributions from the NRA?If we have not received a response by June 30, we will contact you again. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Best Regards,

Co-founders:
Eunice Beck
Doris Hale

Improving the Quality of the Debate
MiddleClassEmpowermentZone-www.MceZ.org
​Responses:

Read More
0 Comments

Juvenile Lifers

5/24/2016

0 Comments

 
Question asked:
What is your position regarding the state having adequate resources for the transitioning into the community of those released? 
​Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below:
Michigan Elected Officials: Governor Rick Snyder (R), Senator Geoff Hansen (R), Representative Marcia Hovey-Wright (D) ​
Thank-you letter:
MceZ Core Principle for October is JUSTICE.

Open letter
October 26, 2016

Subject: Juvenile lifers 

Dear Representative Hovey-Wright: 

Inasmuch as I am unable to find a copy of my original Thank you letter, please accept this Thank you for your response on May 25, 2016 to my letter of May 24, 2016 attached below. I would also like to Thank you for your service to the 92nd district. 

Regards, 
Lurlean M.
Policy and Disclaimer Statement
www.MceZ.org
Original Letter sent:​
The MceZ Core Principle for May is Excellence 

Open Letter 

May 24, 2016

Subject: Juvenile Lifers

Dear Governor Snyder:

The Muskegon Chronicle article, “Juvenile Lifers,” April 3, 2016, stated the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2012 the, “juvenile lifer,” sentence was, “cruel and unusual punishment,” striking down state law, and in January (2016) justices said the ruling was retroactive opening the door to re-sentencing hearings and the possibility of parole in more than 350 cases. My question to you as an elected official is: 

What is your position regarding the state having adequate resources for the transitioning into the community of those released.

Thank you for giving this question your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Thank you.

Best Regards,

Lurlean Martin
www.MceZ.org
From Governor Rick Snyder
May 24, 2016

Dear Lurlean,

Thank you for your recent submission to Governor Snyder’s Office. The Governor appreciates constituents taking the time to contact his office and has asked that I respond on his behalf. 

Governor Snyder believes that individuals who are incarcerated should be developing skills so when they are released from prison they can return to the community as productive members of society. Governor Snyder believes that we can create a safer, stronger Michigan if when offenders return to their communities, they earn a job and become productive members of society-- instead of turning back to a life of crime. "We have to do better at preparing these individuals for life outside those walls so they can return to their communities as productive members of society," Governor Snyder said.  Governor Snyder has called for reforms to the way that correctional facilities prepare individuals for life after incarceration in an attempt to prepare these people to be functional and law abiding citizens upon release. 

Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office.  Should you have any further comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter, I’ve included my contact information below.
 
Sincerely,
 
Christine Nelson
Constituent Relations Representative
Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder
517.335.7858
From Senator Hansen
From: The Office of Senator Hansen
Date: Tue, Oct 18, 2016 10:23 AM
Subject:MDOC Prisoner Re-entry

Lurlean,
 
Thank you for contacting my office to share your thoughts about the Department of Corrections and recent Supreme Court decisions.  I appreciate your insight to these matters.
 
I understand your concerns about state resources and programs for released prisoners transitioning back into the community.  It is important that the legislature continues to work together to ensure a sufficient allocation of these resources for existing programs to receive sufficient funding.  

Currently, there are a few programs that provide significant aid with this transition.  Goodwill Industries' Prisoner Re-entry Program provides various services, programming, support, and supervision for prisoners re-entering the community.  The Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Program connects state departments, local elected officials, and human services agencies to coordinate services and support systems for the returning prisoner and the community.  Upon release, the Prisoner works with the Community Treatment Team, Parole Agent, and other members of their support system to ensure mental health follow ups, stable housing, and successful employment.  The participants for these programs are referred by the Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board. 

It is imperative that we assist those re-entering the community so that they can be productive members of our society.  Ensuring that the existing programs receive adequate funding, along with examining any other potential needs that are not currently being addressed, will be of utmost importance as the legislature responds to the recent Supreme Court decisions. 

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts about this topic.  Please feel free to contact my office with any future questions or concerns at 517-373-1635.
 
Sincerely, 
Goeff Hansen
State Senator, 34th District
0 Comments

Subject: Social Security and COLA

3/15/2016

0 Comments

 
Question: What is your position on changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) from CPI-W, the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers to CPI-E, the experimental consumer price index, the inflation index which AARP (AARP Bulletin, December, 2016, p.30) believes more accurately reflects the spending patterns of older consumers placing more weight on spending for health care and housing and less weight on education and clothes?”
Thank you letter to Elected Officials below:
​Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Gary Peters, Representative Huizenga
Original letter
The MceZ Core Principle for March is CRITICAL THINKING

Third Sending:
3.10.16

Second Sending:
2.19.16

12.15.15
:
Subject: Social Security and COLA

Dear ____________________,

What is your position on changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) from CPI-W, the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers to CPI-E, the experimental consumer price index, the inflation index which AARP (AARP Bulletin, December, 2016, p.30) believes more accurately reflects the spending patterns of older consumers placing more weight on spending for health care and housing and less weight on education and clothes?”.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Best regards,

Eunice Beck
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D)
12.4.15

Dear Eunice,

Thank you for contacting me about the news that Social Security beneficiaries will not receive a cost-of-living-adjustment next year. I understand how the lack of a COLA for 2016 presents hardship for you and your household. That is why I am a cosponsoring the Seniors and Veterans Emergency Benefits (SAVE) Act, along with my colleague, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). Our bill would give a one-time payment of approximately $580 to people who receive Social Security and veterans benefits to make up for the lack of a COLA this year. You can count on my continued support as it moves through the legislative process. Our seniors should never be forced to choose between buying groceries and filling their prescriptions. As a member of the Senate Defending Social Security Caucus, you can count on me to continue to fight for the fair benefits our seniors have worked so hard for and deserve. 
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator 


U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow
The United States Senate • Washington, DC 20510

stabenow.senate.gov
Senator Gary Peters (D)
February 23, 2017

Dear Ms. Beck,

Thank you for contacting me regarding Social Security. I appreciate you taking the time to express your views. Your input is, and will always be, welcomed and appreciated.

I strongly support our nation’s Social Security system. Over 2.1 million people—including seniors, people with disabilities, and their families—benefit from Social Security in Michigan. Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has proven its worth and has been tremendously successful in ensuring a dignified retirement for millions of seniors. The support Social Security offers has kept millions of senior citizens and people with disabilities out of poverty. We cannot break our promise to Americans who have worked their entire lives and contributed their fair share into the Social Security system, and we must maintain a steadfast commitment to protecting hardworking, low-income families.

I have consistently worked to protect hard-earned Social Security benefits. For instance, I have opposed any efforts to increase the retirement age and have fought attempts to privatize Social Security. I have also stood up against proposals to a use Chained Consumer Price Index (CPI) for determining benefits, which would reduce earned benefits over time for older Americans. In addition, I believe Congress must address provisions in current law that have led to very little or no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for recipients in recent years. In 2015, I cosponsored the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, introduced by Senator Warren. It would have provided roughly 70 million beneficiaries a one-time raise of $581, or 3.9 percent of the average annual Social Security benefit.

I am committed to finding a long-term solution that protects monthly benefits and does not cut services. Social Security has never missed a payment during its nearly eighty years of existence, and we must take bipartisan action to ensure its long-term solvency for future generations. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to craft responsible legislation that honors our commitment to our nation's seniors and people with disabilities and protects important financial security programs.

Thank you again for contacting me. I always enjoy hearing from you and hope that you take the time to contact me again soon. For more information, please feel free to visit my website, http://www.peters.senate.gov, or find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @SenGaryPeters.

Sincerely,

Gary C. Peters
United States Senator
Representative Bill Huizenga (R)
​Open Letter

October 22, 2015

Dear Congressman Huizenga:

Thank you for your prompt response (October 15, 2015) to the question: What is your position on no COLA for Social Security 2016 (October 13)? It is appreciated.

You write, “Social Security is an important government program and for nearly 70 years, it has provided supplemental retirement security for tens of millions of Americans. Indeed, four
generations of Americans have relied upon the program to deliver on the promises it made
during their working years. We must not change the system for people my parents' age that
are already relying on Social Security.”
Is it to be inferred from this statement that although you understand the
hardship imposed on low income taxpayers who have social security as their only or significant source of income, you are 1) powerless to address the issue of no COLA for 2016 2) unwilling to address the issue of no COLA 3). you feel no COLA is a hardship that needs to be endured by those receiving this so-called “entitlement”? A direct answer would be appreciated.

You also write: However, the current system cannot sustain itself and the day will arrive when Congress may be forced to reduce benefits or increase taxes, neither of which is desirable. Without reform, Social Security will be unable to fully meet the promises to the next generation of retirees. Ideas to discuss could include raising the retirement age for those beginning their careers, creating incentives for personal retirement, and reviewing proposals like progressive indexing. We must uphold our commitment to current retirees and ensure that our children and grandchildren will also enjoy a secure retirement and that any changes to the system don't have unintended consequences for people that are in their retirement years.”
While there is talk of reforming the system, you are being asked how you see
your role regarding your constituents who are seniors, veterans and low income who rely heavily on social security to pay their expenses including Medicare premiums which are reported to increase for 2016? Please provide data showing the demographics of taxpayers in your district receiving social security benefits including age, race, status and median income. 

Further you write, “Concerning your opposition to a "chained" Consumer Price Index (CPI), news articles have reported that recent budget discussion have included a "chained" CPI. To my knowledge, no formal bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives that addressees adjusting Social Security Income with the "chained" yearly benefit adjustment.”
One question was posed and did not express opposition to a “chained” CIP in
my letter; however, since you introduced the term, please provide a definition of the term.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to these serious questions that impact
future deliberation and political consideration. 

Regards,
Eunice Beck
mcez@mcez.org
0 Comments

Michigan FOIA , FLINT WATER CRISIS, emergency management declaration,

1/7/2016

0 Comments

 
Questions asked about FOIA:
(1) Is this a law or policy?
(2) When was it implemented?
(3) Who has the power to rescind this law or policy? In addition,
(4) We would like to know your position on the governor's office exemption from the FOIA.
Original Letter and Thank you.
Open Letter to Governor Snyder re: FOIA 

January 20, 2016 – Thank you for your response to our letter on January 15, 2016. We will study your response and follow-up with you.

January 18, 2016 – Third sending. Please see text below. If we don't hear from you, we will follow up in a week to 10 days. (Topic-Other/Unknown) 

January 11, 2016- Second Sending. (Topic-Other/Unknown) 

Although our attached letter of January 7 did not specifically request an update on the Flint Water Disaster, we appreciate the information from your office on January 8 and from the Flint Water Response Team on January 10 and 11.

In case the information requested is not immediately available, we plan to follow up in a week to 10 days. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Mcez.org core principle for the month of January is Citizenship.

January 7, 2016 

Dear Governor Snyder: 

The Mcez.org core principle for the month of January is Citizenship. 

As you know, Michigan received an F rating by the Center for Public Integrity, and is rated last of all the fifty states regarding governmental transparency.

It has come to our attention in light of the Flint water disaster, that the state of Michigan governor’s office is the only governor’s office that is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).We would like to suggest that this is one of the main factors for this failed rating.

We are interested in learning the history behind this exemption, specifically: (1) Is this a law or policy? (2) When was it implemented? (3) Who has the power to rescind this law or policy? In addition, (4) we would like to know your position on the governor's office exemption from the FOIA. 

If this information can be accessed on-line, please direct us to that location. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Co-founders,
Eunice Beck
Doris Hale
MiddleClassEmpowermentZone.org


From the Office of Governor Rick Snyder
Executive Office of the Governor
Robinson, Judy (GOV) Jan 8, 2016
Note: This letter was received in reply to
FOIA inquiry sent January 7, 2016.
​

Dear Eunice Beck,

Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to Governor Rick Snyder regarding the water
in Flint. As a member of Governor Snyder’s staff, I am responding on his behalf.
​
January 5, 2016 Governor Snyder declared a state of emergency for Genesee
County due to the ongoing health and safety issues caused by lead in the city of
Flint’s drinking water.

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Snyder has made available all state resources
in cooperation with local response and recovery operations. The declaration authorizes the
Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division
(MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts.

“The health and welfare of Flint residents is a top priority and we’re committed to a
coordinated approach with resources from state agencies to address all aspects of this
situation,” Snyder said. “Working in full partnership with the Flint Water Advisory Task Force,
all levels of government and water quality experts, we will find both short-term and long-term
solutions to ensure the health and safety of Flint residents.”
In addition to the emergency declaration, the Governor activated the State Emergency
Operations Center to coordinate state response and recovery activities. State agencies will
report to the center to coordinate resources, assess the situation and begin providing assets
to assist with local relief operations.

“Our staff recognizes the urgency of this situation and is already working closely
with local officials,” said Captain Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of
Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the
MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to collaborate with state, city and county leaders
to coordinate relief efforts, streamline communication and use all available
resources to help residents.”

On January 4, Genesee County declared a “local state of emergency,” which activated local
emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, the county
has determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance
is required to protect public health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis.

The city of Flint has been under a local emergency declaration since Dec. 14,2015. The SEOC is the emergency operations center for the state of Michigan. Located in Lansing, the center is overseen by the MSP/EMHSD and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies and other partners for decision making and
information coordination during disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan. MDHHS continues to provide free water filters and replacement cartridges to Flint residents at four locations, including the MDHHS Flint offices and the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department. For a full list of locations and hours of distribution, visit www.michigan.gov/flintwater.

Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office. Should you have
any further comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter,
I’ve included my contact information below.
​
Sincerely,
Judy Robinson
Constituent Relations Division
Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder
517.335.7858 (o)
Open Letter to Governor Snyder re: FOIA

January 20, 2016 – Thank you for your attached letter of January 15, in response to our letter of
January 7, 2016. We will study your response and follow-up with you.
January 15, 2016

Dear Ms. Beck,

Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a member of Governor Snyder’s staff, I am responding on his behalf.

The Michigan Legislature enacted the Freedom of Information Act in 1976. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives citizens access to information from a “public body”. Under the Act, the Governor’s Office is excluded from that definition. Countless ideas are discussed in the brainstorming processes that never come to fruition. Many of the Governor’s constitutional responsibilities require some degree of confidentiality to discuss and form policies.

With that said, transparency is a top priority. Governor Snyder continues to reform state law with the goal of promoting greater transparency. The Governor has committed to holding state government accountable for dashboard metrics. Michigan’s dashboards were implemented by Governor Snyder to provide a quick assessment of the state’s performance in key areas including: economic strength; health and education; value for money government; quality of life; and public safety.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. Please do not hesitate to contact Governor Snyder's office in the future regarding this or any other state related matter.

Sincerely,
Laura Stoken
Manager, Constituent Relations
Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder
517.335.7858
***************************************************************************
January 18, 2016 – Third sending. Please see text below. If we don't hear from you, we will follow up in a week to 10 days.
January 11, 2016- Second Sending.
Although our attached letter of January 7 did not specifically request an update on the Flint Water Disaster, we appreciate the information from your office on January 8:...and from the Flint Water Response Team on January 10 and 11.
In case the information requested is not immediately available, we plan to follow up in a week to 10 days. We look forward to hearing from you.
***************************************************************************
Executive Office of the Governor
Robinson, Judy (GOV) Jan 8, 2016

Dear Eunice Beck,
Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to Governor Rick Snyder regarding the water in Flint. As a
member of Governor Snyder’s staff, I am responding on his behalf.

January 5, 2016 Governor Snyder declared a state of emergency for Genesee County due to the
ongoing health and safety issues caused by lead in the city of Flint’s drinking water.
By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Snyder has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery operations. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts.
“The health and welfare of Flint residents is a top priority and we’re committed to a coordinated approach with resources from state agencies to address all aspects of this situation,”Snyder said. “Working in full partnership with the Flint Water Advisory Task Force, all levels of government and water quality experts, we will find both short-term and long-term solutions to ensure the health and safety of Flint residents.”
In addition to the emergency declaration, the Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate state response and recovery activities. State agencies will report to the center to coordinate
resources, assess the situation and begin providing assets to assist with local relief operations.
“Our staff recognizes the urgency of this situation and is already working closely with local officials,”
said Captain Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland
Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to collaborate with state, city and
county leaders to coordinate relief efforts, streamline communication and use all available resources
to help residents.”

On January 4, Genesee County declared a “local state of emergency,” which activated local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, the county has determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance is required to protect public health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis. The city of Flint has been under a local emergency declaration since Dec. 14,2015.

The SEOC is the emergency operations center for the state of Michigan. Located in Lansing, the
center is overseen by the MSP/EMHSD and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state
agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies and other
partners for decision making and information coordination during disasters or emergencies in the
state of Michigan.

MDHHS continues to provide free water filters and replacement cartridges to Flint residents at four
locations, including the MDHHS Flint offices and the Genesee County Community Action Resource
Department. For a full list of locations and hours of distribution, visit www.michigan.gov/flintwater.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office. Should you have any further
comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter, I’ve included my contact
information below.

Sincerely, Judy Robinson,Constituent Relations Division,Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder,517.335.7858 (o)
*****************************************************************************************
Note: This letter was received in reply to
FOIA Inquiry sent January 7, 2016

The Mcez.org core principle for the month of January is Citizenship.

January 7, 2016

Dear Governor Snyder: 

As you know, Michigan received an F rating by the Center for Public Integrity, and is rated last of all the fifty states regarding governmental transparency. 

It has come to our attention in light of the Flint water disaster, that the state of Michigan governor’s office is the only governor’s office that is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).We would like to suggest that this is one of the main factors for this failed rating.
We are interested in learning the history behind this exemption, specifically: (1) Is this a law or policy? (2) When was it implemented? (3) Who has the power to rescind this law or policy? In addition, (4) we would like to know your position on the governor's office exemption from the FOIA.
If this information can be accessed on-line, please direct us to that location. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,
Co-founders,
Eunice Beck
Doris Hale
MiddleClassEmpowermentZone.org
*********************************************************************************
Open Letter to Governor Snyder re: FOIA Exemption

January 18, 2016 – Third Sending. Please see text below.If we don't hear from you, we will follow up in a week to 10 days.

January 11, 2016- Second Sending. Although our attached letter of January 7 did not specifically request an update on the Flint Water Disaster, we appreciate the information from your office on January 8 and from the Flint Water Response Team on January 10 and 11.
In case the information requested is not immediately available, we plan to follow up in a week to 10 days. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Mcez.org core principle for the month of January is Citizenship.
January 7, 2016

Dear Governor Snyder:

As you know, Michigan received an F rating by the Center for Public Integrity, and is rated last of all the fifty states regarding governmental transparency. It has come to our attention in light of the Flint water disaster, that the state of Michigan governor’s office is the only governor’s office that is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).We would like to suggest that this is one of the main factors for this failed rating.
We are interested in learning the history behind this exemption, specifically: (1) Is this a law or policy?
(2) When was it implemented? (3) Who has the power to rescind this law or policy? In addition, (4) We would like to know your position on the governor's office exemption from the FOIA.
If this information can be accessed on-line, please direct us to that location. We look forward to hearing from you.
​
Best Regards,
Co-founders,
Eunice Beck
Doris Hale
MiddleClassEmpowermentZone.org
0 Comments

Government Shut Down and DEFUNDING Planned Parenthood.

10/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Thank you letter  to Official Candidate Responders below:
​
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), Senator Gary Peters (D), Representative Bill Huizenga (R)

Question: Are you in favor of shutting down the government over defunding Planned Parenthood?
​Original Letter
The MceZ Core Principle for September is INTEGRITY!
Open Letter 
September 1, 2015 
Subject: Defunding Planned Parenthood and Government Shutdown 

Dear Senator/Representative____________,

Are you in favor of shutting down the government over defunding Planned Parenthood?
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Eunice Beck
MceZ.org
​
MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement

Read More
0 Comments

Iran Nuclear Agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA])?

7/15/2015

0 Comments

 
Question asked:
What is your position on the Iran Nuclear Agreement?

​Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below:
Senator Gary Peters (D), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), Representative Bill Huizenga (R)
Thank-you letter:
9-4-15
Dear Senator Stebenow:
Thank you for your recent letter regarding your decision to support the Iran Nuclear Agreement. I believe that supporting this agreement is an important step toward moving forward in keeping the door open for continuing negotiations on other issues with Iran. As with any compromise, no one walks away completely satisfied, so the best deal is negotiated to obtain the primary objectives. Foreign Policy issues are an important agenda item; however, it should not serve as a distraction from pressing domestic issues which the citizenry will be focused on in the 2016 election. It's time for the U.S. to apply its energies and resources to improving the quality of life for the Middle Class (M.C.) and those Striving to Enter the Middle Class (S.T.E.M.s) including climate change, comprehensive immigration reform, voting rights, infrastructure, public safety, wage equality, education, financial protection and housing. Your record has shown that you are mindful of the plight of the Middle Class and those striving to enter. I appreciate your support and your work on behalf of the State of Michigan and the M.C. and S.T.E.M.s. I look forward to contacting you in the future as a private citizen and a co-founder of MceZ.org. Thank you.
​
Sincerely, 
Eunice Beck, Co-founder
MiddleClassEmpowermentZone (MceZ.org)

Read More
0 Comments

    Archives

    October 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    November 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    July 2015

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    #010 Criminal Justice
    #020 Michigan FOIA
    #030 Flint Water Crisis
    #040 Emergency Management Declaration
    #11 Michigan
    #11 Poverty Populations
    #12 Barry County
    #13 Planned Parenthood
    #14 Government Shutdown
    #15 Middle Class
    #16 Defunding Planned Parenthood
    #1 Healthcare
    2018
    #2 Taxes
    #3 Social Security
    #4 Financial
    #50 Low Income
    #5 Education
    #60 August Primary
    60-august-primary-2018
    #6 Gun Control
    #70 Working Poor
    #7 NRA Political Contributions
    #8 Michigan State And Federal Legislators
    #9 Iran Nuclear Agreement
    Andy O'Riley
    August
    Billie Bruce
    Bill O'Brien
    Candidate Eldon Shellenberger
    Candidate Louis Wierenga
    Candidate Valarie Slaughter
    Cindy Larson
    Cola And Social Security
    G. Lynnette Marks
    Gov. Rick Snyder (R)
    Hastings Area School Board
    Jason Noble
    Lawful Citizen Protests
    Louis Churchwell
    Mike Callton
    MPSB President
    MPSB Secretary
    MPSB Secretary Pro-Tem
    MPSB Treasurer
    MPSB Trustee
    MPSB Vice-President
    Muskegon Public Schools Board (MPSB)
    November Election-2016
    October
    Rep. Bill Huizenga (R)
    Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D)
    Rep. Candice Miller (R)
    Rep. Dan Benishek (R)
    Rep. Dan Kildee (D)
    Rep. Dave Trott (R)
    Rep. Debbie Dingell (D)
    Rep. Fred Upton (R)
    Rep. Jack Bergman (R)
    Rep. John Conyers (D)
    Rep. John Moolenaar (R)
    Rep. Julie Calley
    Rep-julie-calleyr
    Rep. Justin Amash (R)
    Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright (D)
    Rep. Mike Bishop (R)
    Rep-mike-nofs9r
    Rep. Paul Mitchell (R)
    Rep. Sander Levin (D)
    Rep. Tim Walberg (R)
    Rob Davidson
    Russia
    Sen. Al Franken (D)
    Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D)
    Sen. Angus King Jr. (I)
    Sen. Ben Cardin (D)
    Sen. Ben Sasse (R)
    Sen. Bernie Sanders (D)
    Sen. Bill Cassidy (R)
    Sen. Bill Nelson (D)
    Sen. Bob Casey
    Sen. Bob Corker (R)
    Sen. Bob Menedez (D)
    Sen. Brian Schatz (D)
    Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D)
    Sen. Charles Schumer (D)
    Sen. Christopher Murphy (D)
    Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D)
    Sen. Chuck Grassley (R)
    Sen. Cory Booker (D)
    Sen. Cory Gardner (R)
    Sen. David Perdue (R)
    Sen. Dean Heller (R)
    Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D)
    Sen. Deb Fischer (R)
    Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D)
    Sen. Dick Durbin (D)
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D)
    Sen. Gary C. Peters (D)
    Sen. Gary Peters
    Sen. Geoff Hansen (R)
    Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D)
    Sen. Jack Reed (D)
    Sen. James Inhofe (R)
    Sen. James Lankford (R)
    Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D)
    Sen. Jeff Merkley (D)
    Sen. Jerry Moran (R)
    Sen. Joe Donnelly (D)
    Sen. Joe Manchin (D)
    Sen. John Barrasso (R)
    Sen. John Boozman (R)
    Sen. John Cornyn (R)
    Sen. John Hoeven (R)
    Sen. John Kennedy (R)
    Sen. John McCain (R)
    Sen. John Thune (R)
    Sen. Joni Ernst (R)
    Sen. Jon Tester (D)
    Sen. Kamala Harris (D)
    Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
    Sen. Lamar Alexander (R)
    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R)
    Sen. Luther Strange (R)
    Sen. Marco Rubio (R)
    Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (D)
    Sen. Maria Cantwell (D)
    Sen. Mark Warner (D)
    Sen. Martin Heinrich (D)
    Sen. Mazie Hirono (D)
    Sen. Mike Enzi (R)
    Sen. Mike Lee (R)
    Sen. Mike Rounds (R)
    Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
    Sen. Orrin Hatch (R)
    Sen. Patrick Leahy (D)
    Sen. Pat Toomey (R)
    Sen. Patty Murray (D)
    Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D)
    Sen. Richard Burr (R)
    Sen. Robert Menendez (D)
    Sen. Rob Portman (R)
    Sen. Rodger Wicker (R)
    Sen. Ron Johnson (R)
    Sen. Ron Wyden (D)
    Sen. Roy Blunt (R)
    Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D)
    Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R)
    Sen. Sherrod Brown (D)
    Sen. Steve Daines (R)
    Sen. Susan Collins (R)
    Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D)
    Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D)
    Sen. Ted Cruz (R)
    Sen. Thom Tillis (R)
    Sen. Tim Kaine (D)
    Sen. Todd Young (R)
    Sen. Tom Carper (R)
    Sen. Tom Cotton (R)
    Sen. Tom Udall (D)
    Tanya Cabala
    Tasha Bibbs-Oakes
    Terry Sabo
    Trump - President Elect
    Zachary Anderson

Fun MceZ Quizlets
Contact us   
Mission Statement
Desiderata Blog
​Policy/Disclaimer 
MceZ Corner
Publishing Agreement
 MceZ-It! Tools
 MceZ-It! Letters
Quality Standards
MceZ Newsletter
Venture Movement
Publishing Guidelines
Established: April, 2015  by co-founders: Eunice Beck and Doris Hale Copyright © 2015​
  • Home
    • Contact us
  • 2019 Published Letters (MceZ-it!)
  • About MceZ
    • Policy/Disclaimer
  • Resources
    • MceZ-it! Tools