SWIM is urging Governor Whitmer to follow the lead of governors in California, New York, Washington, and Minnesota by "trump-proofing" our state against the most egregious actions that the incoming administration plans for. Our residents deserve as many protections as possible to put in place while we are able to do so!
Here is the letter sent on the behalf of SWIM members and 25 of our local groups and their members.
Statewide Indivisible Michigan
December 11, 2024
The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer
Office of the Governor
George W. Romney Building
111 S Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
Dear Governor Whitmer,
We are writing as residents and constituents of Michigan who value our state’s commitment to protecting civil rights, public health, and the environment. With Trump reentering the White House in January, we are deeply concerned about future federal policies that could threaten the progress we’ve made in our state. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to call a special legislative session to pass protections is a model of the proactive approach needed to shield all the residents of our state from Trump’s dangerous agenda.
As you know, Trump's policies will likely bring aggressive rollbacks on reproductive rights, climate regulations, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ protections. These attacks will disproportionately impact blue states like ours, where residents rely on progressive policies to ensure their safety, well-being, and quality of life. We urge you to act now to protect our state’s values and shield us from Trump’s harmful policies.
Please consider these actions to safeguard all Michiganders, regardless of race, gender, zip code or immigration status:
Call a Special Legislative Session: Convene a session to address the critical threat posed by Trump’s policies. This session should prioritize measures to protect our residents’ rights, health, and safety from federal overreach.
Create a State-Funded Legal Defense Fund: Establish a legal fund to defend our state’s progressive policies against Trump’s administration. This fund could support legal battles on issues like reproductive healthcare, environmental protection, and civil rights.
Form Regional Compacts with Like-Minded States: Partner with other blue states to create a united front on climate policy, civil rights, and labor standards, showing that our values cannot be undermined by Trump’s administration.
Adopt “Race-to-the-Top” Standards: Lead the way with high standards in areas like labor rights, renewable energy, and environmental protections. These policies not only benefit our residents but also set a national example, demonstrating that our state will stand firm against Trump’s regressive policies.
Enact Protections for Out-of-State Visitors Seeking Essential Services: Pass laws that extend protections to individuals traveling to Michigan from states where services, such as reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care, may be restricted under Trump’s policies. This step would reinforce our commitment to civil rights and bodily autonomy, creating a safe haven for those affected by oppressive federal policies.
Utilize State Contracts and Investments to Support Our Values: Use our state’s economic influence to promote civil rights, environmental responsibility, and fair labor practices. By prioritizing companies that align with progressive values and refusing contracts with those that support Trump’s harmful policies, our state can send a powerful message of resistance.
Governor Whitmer, with your leadership, our state can be a powerful counterforce against a federal government that threatens our most fundamental rights and protections. We are hopeful that you will take these actions to protect Michigan and ensure that we remain a stronghold for justice, equality, and environmental stewardship.
Thank you for your dedication to safeguarding our values and for taking steps to protect our community in the face of a second Trump administration. We look forward to seeing our state take bold, protective actions to uphold the rights and freedoms that are essential to our future.
Sincerely,
Leadership and Members of…
Statewide Indivisible Michigan
Stand Up Indivisible, Rochester Hills
Women of Michigan Action Network - Midland
Indivisible Central U.P.
Indivisible Michigan 7th District
Indivisible Huron Valley
North Oakland Indivisible Team (NOIT)
Genesee County Indivisible
Indivisible Genesee, N. Livingston, N. Oakland Counties
Rise Up Indivisible Iron County
Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids
A2D2-Ann Arbor Indivisible for Democracy
Lenawee Indivisible
Traverse Indivisible
Indivisible on the Lakeshore
Leelanau Indivisible
Ann Arbor Indivisible
Indivisible Fighting 9
Indivisible Metro Detroit
Belleville Area Friends Indivisible
Indivisible Advocates for Humanity - Pentwater
W.E. Are Indivisible - Portland
Indivisible Livingston County
Indivisible Northville & Neighbors
Resonance Rising - West Metro
Monroe Area Indivisible
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