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June 24 Capitol rally promo flyer (PDF)
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Standing together for “A Better Michigan Future”
More than 40 groups, including MEA, are committed to collectively advocating for balanced solutions to Michigan’s budget crisis, including both reform and revenue. Learn more about A Better Michigan Future.
RALLY CENTRAL — June 24, 2010 at the state Capitol
Where you'll find all the details you need to be part of the massive "Enough is Enough" rally at the state Capitol on Thursday, June 24
See below for information on: |
Be part of the 10,000 who stand up and say, “Enough is Enough!”
WHAT: The biggest rally the state Capitol has seen in years. About 10,000 public education advocates will gather for the MEA’s "Enough is Enough" rally to demand state politicians stop treating school employees like punching bags and start securing adequate, equitable, stable funding for public education.
WHO: More than 10,000 teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, school retirees, parents, students, and other supporters who are sick and tired of politicians who tell voters they support education, then continuously cut funding for our local schools.
WHEN: Thursday, June 24 – rally begins at 11 a.m. (grounds open after 9 a.m.; expected end time approximately 12:30 p.m.)
WHERE: The East steps and lawn of the state Capitol Building in downtown Lansing (See below for maps and parking information.)
WHY:
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of the constant attacks on school employees — attacks that persist even though school employees have already saved the state almost $1 billion through salary and benefit concessions.
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of legislators who try to resolve budget shortfalls on the backs of school employees by slashing their salaries, robbing them of their benefits, taking away their jobs through privatization, or forcing them to retire.
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of an antiquated and ineffective tax structure, including tax incentives that do nothing to create jobs or generate revenue for schools.
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of administrators being forced to eliminate valuable staff, which leads to increased class sizes and less one-on-one attention for our students.
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of the school funding crisis, which has led to the elimination of enrichment classes like art and music, and the elimination of school field trips and athletic programs.
- Because Michigan parents, teachers and school support staff have had enough of the continued privatization of school services to for-profit (and sometimes foreign) companies, which rob students of trusted, trained professionals and successful adult role models.
- Because Enough is Enough!
Parking, shuttle information, maps and other transportation info for June 24
The state Capitol is located at 100 N. Capitol Ave. in downtown Lansing.
The rally will take place on the Capitol’s East Lawn, which is surrounded by the Capitol building, Capitol Ave., Allegan St., Ottawa St. (see map below). All rally facilities will be up and running by 9 a.m. – the rally formally kicks off at 11 a.m.
Parking in downtown Lansing on a business day can be hard to find. That's why MEA has secured two satellite parking locations on Lansing’s East and West sides and will provide shuttle service to the Capitol.
Satellite Parking Locations and Shuttle Service:
- Michigan State University's Commuter Lot (Lot 89), located on the south end of MSU's campus in East Lansing. Download directions (PDF) OR get Mapquest directions from your location.
- Lansing Mall (parking lot behind Macy's) on Lansing's West side. Download directions (PDF) OR get Mapquest directions from your location. Updated as of 6/18/10
Parking is FREE at both locations for rally attendees, as is shuttle service to the Capitol. Please plan to arrive early enough at the satellite lots to get to the Capitol. Shuttles will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Bus parking will be available in downtown Lansing for any groups chartering a bus to travel to and from the rally. For bus parking information, contact Heather Kevnick at hkevnick@byrumfisk.com.
To see if charter bus transportation has been arranged for your area, contact your local MEA UniServ office.
The rally program will begin at 11 a.m., featuring remarks from educators, parents, students, education association leaders and politicians who are friends of public education. A speaker list will be posted here closer to the event.
The Capitol grounds will open at 9 a.m. after shuttles begin running from satellite parking lots. There will be a variety of activities going on throughout the morning, including meetings with legislators in our House and Senate Action Tents, along with cyberlobbying, postcard writing and other advocacy efforts to convince lawmakers to take real, balanced steps to end our decade-long budget crisis.
And, aside from promoting our cause, we'll be having a good time, too!
- There will be drawings for great prizes, including a new Apple iPad and Nintendo Wii – members need to check in with a volunteer on site and fill out an Election 2010 volunteer card to get in the running.
- There will be face painting, balloons and other fun for kids at two “Family Fun” tents at the Capitol.
- At the PAC tent, in exchange for contributions, members can either get “in the ring” with the boxer and punching bag from MEA's TV commercials or get their photo taken with “Rosie the Riveter.”
Updated: June 18, 2010 10:48 AM
Tell us on Facebook if you're planning on coming to the June 24 rally!
Contact your legislators and let them know you're coming to town! MEA will provide tents on the Capitol lawn for legislative meetings.
Wear RED or MEA Proud Union Member merchandise.
Bring signs from local May 24 rallies — or make your own. Please, no sticks.
Refreshment stations will be provided courtesy of MESSA, MEA Financial Services and the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Downtown Lansing businesses know that thousands of people will be in town on June 24 and will be ready to serve your needs for meals and other services.