More customers means more money; and Michigan has nearly 10 million potential customers. A few million are already up for grabs: Michigan has the highest number of for-profit charter schools in the nation, and our justice system is next – again.

We tried privatizing prisons in 1999, but that failed. We’re trying for-profit schools, and they’re failing as we speak. But unlike a traditional market where companies offering sub-par services or products would lose out, they prosper.

Take the case of Cody Bailey. He’s the 22 year-old president of Taylor Preparatory High School, which is run by the Grand Rapids based for-profit charter school company PrepNet:

America is indeed a miraculous place. People will actually send their high school-aged kids to a for-profit school run by a 22-year old with no experience in much of anything, much less education. (At one point, their webpage mentioned all kids getting a free laptop. That enticement appears to be gone now.)

See, it’s cheaper to pay for slick advertising than provide a quality education. Why make the investment when you can focus on ads, count more “heads,” and make a nice profit? Then, take a portion of that profit and put it towards more advertising. Meanwhile, schools that do invest in providing a good education lose students, funding and eventually have to shut their doors.

Likewise, it’s cheaper to pack 20 people in a cell than 2. Who’s going to raise a fuss about “criminals” being treated poorly? No one. So they house them in cramped quarters with poor oversight and serve them the cheapest food possible. Then, private prison operators use that profit lobbying lawmakers to keep existing laws and their stringent sentencing guidelines on the books. That’s why we imprison more people per 100,000 than any other country on earth, and spend more on it than any other country on earth.

Sometimes, the cost of doing business is paying your taxes and employees; other times, it comes at the cost of our justice system, our kid’s education and our future. But hey, that’s just the cost of doing business. 

And for Gov. Snyder’s stockholders, business is booming. Help us tell the far-right that we’re not customers, and Michigan is not for sale.

The post That’s just the cost of doing business appeared first on Progress Michigan.

Organizational Summary:
Progress Michigan, a progressive communications hub, was established in 2007 as part of a long-term effort to build Michigan’s collaborative progressive infrastructure. The organization provides a unified, research-driven voice for progressive groups on the issues that matter most to Michigan. With its state-of-the-art website, it can work directly with the public as well as to the media about progressive activities and issues – including exposing those elected officials for turning their backs on working families in the state. Progress Michigan tactics will be creative, so they will get attention.

We know that not everyone has access to research-driven messaging tools for their work in progressive causes. But with and through Progress Michigan, the progressive community can use these tools and techniques to amplify their own messages and join in the chorus of the bigger progressive movement.

Progress Michigan is committed to working through innovative and integrated coalitions and partnerships in Michigan that advance progressive values and workable public policy solutions to create opportunities for future generations. Currently, existing Progress Michigan partnerships include environmental, labor, and social justice organizations. Additionally, we work closely with America Votes, Michigan Voice and We Are Michigan, collaborative political and civic engagement tables.

There are four goals common to Progress Now affiliates that are embraced by Progress Michigan:

1. Build a stronger progressive movement in Michigan. Progress Michigan uses innovative, internet-based organizing and communication tactics to expand public support for progressive causes, organizations and leadership.
2. Win advances in progressive public policy. Working closely with other progressive organizations and the netroots community, Progress Michigan offers concerned citizens effective, easy and fun ways to make their voices heard on critical policy decisions that impact our quality of life.
3. Generate hard hitting traditional and new media coverage. Progress Michigan works to generate news coverage that shines the public spotlight on progressive solutions to real problems. We maintain a 24-7 rapid response media operation that pulls no punches when taking on the radical right.
4. Increase civic participation and educate the public. Progress Michigan activates our members, builds communications capacity for civic engagement among nonprofit organizations and ensures that the progressive voice is heard on issues that matter to Michiganders. We monitor the actions of Michigan’s elected leaders and hold accountable those officials who are in the pocket of special interests.

Essential Functions:
Provide vision, direction and funding for Progress Michigan

• Direct all aspects of the organization including management of staff, policy, research, message development, media relations, communications, supporting and enabling existing and future progressive infrastructure around Michigan, fundraising and board development.
• Serve as the organization’s primary public spokesperson, a progressive spokesperson of last resort, and delegate responsibilities to staff when appropriate.
• Oversee the organization’s financial systems and daily finances to ensure compliance and soundness.
• Facilitate development of the organization’s annual budget and audit.
• Ensure adherence to standard human resource practices and the organization’s specific Personnel Policies.
• Report regularly to the leadership and the members of the organizations’ Boards of Directors.

Develop, oversee, and implement a statewide communications strategy

• Identify and frame issues with input from staff and allied organizations.
• Use research based messaging and data to develop the campaign strategies.
• Utilize earned and social media, web based innovative technologies and other creative media outlets.

Enhance the progressive infrastructure in Michigan

• Provide resources, research, media/communications expertise and support to existing and future progressive organizations, building relationships and coalitions with them.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years experience in labor, political or community organizing and campaign communications.
• Experience with print, television, radio and online media outlets.
• Experience in a fast-paced campaign atmosphere is a must.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Experience as a non-profit or related manager and a commitment to and understanding of civic engagement strategies.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Diplomatic and professional approach to problem-solving.
• A proven track record in fundraising, including grant writing and management and small donors.
• Ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to work independently, exercising good judgment and discretion.
• Must be a self-starter

To Apply:
Interested candidates, please apply with the following information to jobs@progressmichigan.org using Executive Director in the Subject line:

1. A letter describing your interest,
2. Salary parameters and
3. A detailed resume in a word document format.

The post Progress Michigan: Executive Director appeared first on Progress Michigan.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Contact: Jessica Tramontana, 517-974-6302, jessica@progressmichigan.org

“Right to Life” President, Lobbyist deploy offensive language repeatedly to media

LANSING – Citizen’s watchdog group Progress Michigan issued the following statement in response to RTL President Barbara Listing and RTL lobbyist Ed Rivet repeatedly comparing rape to car accidents, house floods and house fires:

“Anti-choice extremists know the public doesn’t support an abortion ban, so their only option is to defend their proposal that is meant to sidestep a gubernatorial veto with offensive and inflammatory language,” said Jessica Tramontana, Communications Director of Progress Michigan. “These extremists and religious special interests should have dropped their narrow agenda after voters rejected right-wing attacks on women last November. Politics don’t belong in the doctor’s office. It’s time for special interest lobbyists to stop the hateful attacks on women in Michigan.”

###

BACKGROUND:

In June 2012, Democratic state Reps. Lisa Brown, Barb Byrum, and Rashida Tlaib were banned by the all-male Republican leadership from speaking on the House floor after speaking out against a package of bills pushed by “Right to Life” that imposed the strictest standards in the country on women’s health clinics.

The bill was passed in the lame duck session, and signed by Gov. Snyder. He also vetoed a bill package reforming Blue Cross Blue Shield because of an amendment that would have banned all health insurance plans in the state from covering any abortions.

Now “Right to Life” is working with Republican politicians to push a bill banning any health insurance coverage of abortions, and get around another veto. Through the citizens’ initiative process, anti-choice activists simply need to collect petition signatures from 3.48 percent of all registered voters in the state, and Republican lawmakers can adopt the initiative without a signature from Gov. Snyder.

For more background, see our blog on the issue.

The post Statement from Progress Michigan on Paid Anti-Choice Staffers Comparing Rape to Car Accidents appeared first on Progress Michigan.

And after claiming that Skunk Works “just freaks them [teachers, parents and students] out” and admitting that it’s “quite radical,” Richard McClellan cited the recent spate of public school funding emergencies (created by Republican politicians’ $1 billion education cut) to justify his plans for voucher-like “value schools”:

At this point, McLellan said he’s done with Skunk Works and with working on this particular concept. But with more schools like Pontiac, Buena Vista and Albion facing funding shortages, creative answers to educating children at a lower cost will need to be explored, he contended.

Now, some schools are getting more funding than they were at some unspecified past date. But adjusting for inflation (economists call them “real dollars”), it’s clear that Michigan’s public school system isn’t a priority for Lansing politicians:

In today’s dollars, the per-pupil foundation allowance was worth $8,170 in 2003-04, the report says. Under the governor’s proposed budget, it’s $5,932 in 2013-14, once the MPSERS costs are subtracted.

Has your Grandma ever told you we pay a dollar for what she used to get for a dime? Nowadays, today’s dollar holds the same value as Grandma’s dime. But while the costs of living and teaching have increased, wages and education funding have not.

Think about it: the prices of food, shelter and rent have increased, but we’re still getting the same pay in nominal dollars as we did in ’73. If the materials associated with managing a school cost more as well as employee wages (again, because wages should rise with inflation), then funding should increase as well.

Wages should also be rising with inflation, but this hasn’t happened. Americans have experienced alarmingly stagnant wages for the last 40 years. Meanwhile, large corporations profit hand over fist and pay a lower tax rate than they did in 1924. Capital gains are taxed at their lowest rate since before FDR was in office.

We refer to that era as the “Gilded Age.” Looking at the data, we’re entering a second gilded age. An age where, if you ask right-wing extremists, the free market is best equipped to guide society and private companies are best suited to fulfilling traditional government functions… like writing our laws, managing our public schools and incarcerating our citizens. All for a tidy profit. At this rate, kids will be attending a K12 Inc school while GEO manages our justice system and Chik-Fil-A administers marriages.

The only problem is, Michigan’s middle-class families have rejected this agenda again and again. We’re proud to stand with working men and women who understand that there’s nothing pro-education about Rick Snyder’s “Skunk Works” and “value schools” agenda. It’s time for Lansing politicians to get their priorities straight, stop attacking educators, and once again invest in education.

The post “Skunk Works” is dead; Long live “value schools!” appeared first on Progress Michigan.

Over the weekend, emails obtained by the Detroit News through a FOIA request revealed that “Skunk Works” – contrary to what Gov. Snyder has claimed – has always been a government-sanctioned work group. Basically: they lied.

And what stunk at first is starting to smell even worse. As more details come to light about “Skunk Works,” it’s clear that we’re going to need some industrial strength disinfectant.

In secret, Gov. Snyder’s “Skunk Works” voucher group was scheming to cut education investments by $2,000 per child and replace teachers with video conferencing. Their goal is simple: making a profit while failing to educate our children. This plan stinks for Michigan’s kids. We need a governor who will put students first – ahead of the special interests.

Your support will help us to shine a light on Snyder’s failed policies online and in the media. Can you help us shine a light on “Skunk Works” by contributing $25 to our efforts?

The post Can you smell that smell? appeared first on Progress Michigan.

They’re resuscitating a failed attempt to dismantle women’s rights. When it comes to making choices about a women’s health and her body, it’s clear conservatives don’t think women have the wherewithal to make their own decisions. They’re escalating efforts to roll back the clock on progress, and making Michigan one of the most conservative states in the nation when it comes to women’s rights and their health.

This time, they’ve reached a new low.

The anti-choice groups are attempting a ballot drive. By collecting 258,088 signatures and forcing the measure through the legislature, they can pass a new law without a signature from Governor Snyder.

Gov. Snyder vetoed a nearly-identical proposal last December, claiming it “just went too far,” and then he signed a different law that imposed arbitrary and unnecessary building code restrictions on medical clinics across the state in an attempt to shut down countless medical facilities.

This new measure through the ballot drive would go so far as to ban all forms of abortion, even in cases or rape or incest or where the mother’s life was in jeopardy.

This is yet another effort to insert politics into the doctor’s office, and it’s shameful. The decisions made between a woman and her doctor are private, and her choice. It’s reprehensible an organization like “Right to Life Michigan” is trying again and again to infringe on rights that were decided by courts decades ago – and have been repeatedly affirmed by voters.

It’s time to push back, and to let them know we’re not going away without a fight.

Join us at the Capitol for the Board of Canvassers meeting in room 426 at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22^nd.

We will not be silenced, and refuse to go away.

It’s time to make our voices heard in Lansing.

The post They’re Back appeared first on Progress Michigan.

Over the past two weeks, Buena Vista schools, the Flint School District, and Albion High School have had to shut down, cancel classes, or lay off staff and teachers. Even Ann Arbor schools are having trouble and considering cuts to busing:

Parents of Ann Arbor high school children will have to find another way for their ninth- through 12th-graders to get to school come fall, and students interested in taking a seventh-hour course could have to pay up to $500 per semester, based on a budget discussion the Board of Education had Wednesday night.

And it’s no surprise: Republican lawmakers passed and Gov. Snyder signed a budget that cut $1 billion from locals schools while giving a $1.8 billion tax break to large corporations. Although Republicans claim the lower tax burden on businesses will power Michigan’s comeback, small businesses and entrepreneurs say it hasn’t happened:

“It depends on what type of business you are. If you’re a big business or a business with state connections, they are supportive. If not, they could care less. They are about protecting the status quo. I have not heard of any networking programs for small businesses. There is not a lot of available info on starting a small business or getting financing.”

In spite of the fact we’re constitutionally obligated to provide a free public education system, the best Gov. Snyder could do was offer kids a “skills camp.” Within 24 hours, the rightful outrage from local parents and the national media forced them to disown the “skills camp” and release funds to keep Buena Vista kids in school.

Thank goodness, but it should have never come to this.

The onslaught of school closings and budget shortfalls has created the impression that teachers (who were willing to work for free) and administrators are destroying our education system. Suddenly, folks are shocked that cutting $1 billion from local schools would have negative consequences.

But don’t worry: Gov. Snyder and his conservative colleagues are already hard at work on a solution to the very problem they created (with $1 billion in cuts to schools): “Skunk Works.”

You’ve probably heard about it. Under the guise of saving money (by cutting $2,000 from per-pupil funding), Gov. Snyder plans to take your tax dollars and turn them into a voucher debit card which you can use at any one of Michigan’s for-profit “value schools.”

Think about it: what better raison d’être for Gov. Snyder’s “value schools” than the recent spate of school funding emergencies? Isn’t it serendipitous? Publicly operated schools are having money problems, and they’ve got a “value schools” plan ready to go!

If you’ve been following the travails of the for-profit charter school cottage industry in Michigan, you know this is cause for concern. Because of the perverse incentives of a market where there is little oversight, guaranteed demand, and the overriding corporate prerogative to meet quarterly projections, Michigan’s for-profit charter school utopia has failed. Simply put, why invest in providing a quality education when you can focus on advertising, count more “heads,” and beat market expectations?

And they don’t. In fact, for-profit charter schools perform worse than public schools:

But facts are silly things, because in Michigan your opinion only matters if you’re incorporated.

The post What happens when you cut funding to schools? appeared first on Progress Michigan.

We are seeking well-organized, self-starters for a part-time position as a Michigan Summit Organizer to build reach out to community organizations, community leaders, and local activists to participate in the Michigan Summit. We seek an individual that has good relationships with organizations and leaders in their community and can effectively recruit members of their community to turn out to the Michigan Summit.

Field Organizer: Essential Functions

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in a minimum of 3 weekly Summit Organizer calls.
• Reach out to community organizations and leaders, particularly communities of color, low-income communities and the LGBT community.
• Maintain a spreadsheet of individuals whom you have recruited to participate in the Michigan Summit.
• Help coordinate transportation to Summit, if necessary.

Qualifications: We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building and are results-oriented.

You should have:

• Established cooperative working relationships with community organizations and leaders.
• Willingness to set clear goals and work independently to meet goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Passion for working collaboratively with community groups and progressive organizations.

Organizers will begin on 5/23/2013 and work until the Michigan Summit on 6/8/2013. Organizers will be part-time (5 hours/week) and will be paid a stipend of $250.

Locations: Mid-Michigan, Western Michigan and Southeast Michigan (One position in each location)

To Apply: Please send resume and brief cover letter by NOON on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 to Chong-Anna Canfora at chonganna@progressmichigan.org subject line: Michigan Summit Organizer Applicant.

The post Michigan Summit Organizer appeared first on Progress Michigan.

But this isn’t a normal ballot drive that we can simply educate the public about and successfully defeat – like last year’s Tea Party proposal to protect billionaire and wealthy special interest tax breaks and loopholes. No, the anti-choice extremists don’t even want to see this proposal reach the ballot.

All they need to do through the citizens’ initiative process is collect 258,088 signatures – a number equal to 3.48 percent of all registered voters in the state – and Republicans in the legislature can simply pass the initiative without a signature from Gov. Snyder.

As if this cynical and anti-democratic ploy wasn’t bad enough on its own merits, even the name of their ballot committee is based on a lie. They named it “No Taxes for Abortion Insurance,” but the initiative would go further than simply banning tax dollars from being spent on abortions, which is already banned several times in federal law. It would also mandate that regular private insurance plans cannot cover any abortions, which is exactly what Gov. Snyder singled out as problematic about the bills the last time they tried them.

Incredibly, it gets worse. The bill would again go further than federal law, even banning abortion coverage in cases of rape and incest. So 3.48 percent of Michiganders would essentially be telling women that they are required to buy extra health insurance, in case they are raped and decide they don’t want to carry their rapist’s baby.

This plan was undoubtedly hatched by the same Lansing Republican bosses who have pushed mean-spirited plans targeting retirees, middle-class families, homeowners, working men and women, and state employees. It amounts to a blatant attack on women, forcing them to pay more for care that they could need at any moment, without any advance notice. We’re committed to working hard to educate the public about their latest attack on the rights of women, so they can’t even convince 3.48 percent of Michiganders of their lies.

The post Anti-Choice Extremists Revive Rape Rider appeared first on Progress Michigan.

On May 16, the day of the 2012 election filing deadline, then-Democratic State Rep. Roy Schmidt announced he was switching parties to run as a Republican, and an unknown amateur bodybuilder named Matt Mojzak filed to run as a Democrat. Bolger and Schmidt planted the fake Democrat on the ballot to rig Schmidt’s election by denying Democrats an opportunity to nominate a new candidate.

What seemed like a perfect plan started to crumble the following day.

Here are the top five biggest lies from news stories that were published on May 17, 2012:

1. What Bolger said: “This was not done out of political expediency or convenience. He was disenfranchised by the politics of the Democratic party.” What really happened: Bolger and Schmidt met over Bud Lights and Schuler cheese to hatch a scheme that would inflict maximum political damage on Democrats by announcing Schmidt’s party change on filing day.
2. What Bolger said: “He didn’t ask for anything. There were no commitments made.” What really happened: Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons requested special police protection for Schmidt, paid for at taxpayer expense.
3. What Schmidt said: “I’ve never met him,” Schmidt said of Mojzak. What really happened: Surveillance video footage clearly showed Mojzak meeting in person with Schmidt on the day he changed his voter registration form.
4. What Schmidt said: “I believe I was sent to Lansing to serve the people of Grand Rapids, not political bosses.” What really happened: Attorney General Bill Schuette sent a text message to Schmidt on the day his party change was announced, saying, “Roy. Bill Schuette here. Call when you can (phone number redacted). Thanks.” According to Schuette’s spokesman, Schuette “was reaching out to Rep. Schmidt to welcome him to the GOP and to introduce himself.”
5. What Bolger said: “We would not have beaten Roy Schmidt. He was going to win,” Bolger said. What really happened: After the scheme fell apart and Mojzak withdrew from the ballot, Democrats nominated Winnie Brinks, who went on to defeat Schmidt by 25 points in November.

As a reminder, Speaker Jase Bolger is still under an active grand jury investigation for his role in planning the Roy Schmidt election fraud scheme.

You can sign our petition telling Bolger to resign as Speaker here.

The post Bolgergate: One Year Later appeared first on Progress Michigan.