For your reading pleasure, here is the  electronic copy of the ICPJ January-February 2006 newsletter:

06-1-JanuaryFebruaryNewsletter.pdf

Submissions for the March-April newsletter are due Feb 12.

In Governor Granholm’s “State of the State” address, she backed efforts to raise the minimum wage in Michigan:

There are those who believe we should simply let people fend for themselves in a tough world and let the chips fall where they may.

I’m not one of them.

Tonight, let me share some of the work we’ll do to protect you, your family, and your financial security.

First, let us increase the minimum wage in Michigan.

You who are working in minimum wage jobs have not had a raise for nine years. Even the Legislature got a raise since then.

I pledge to you this evening, those workers will get that increase this year. I was the first person in the state to sign the petition to put this question on the ballot in November. I’ll be the first to vote yes.

If this Legislature is not willing to raise the minimum wage in our state, the voters of Michigan will.

0. Opening Words
1. Raise the Minimum Wage: A Good First Step in Addressing Poverty

2. Tell the truth about torture, Mr. President

3. State of the Union Party
4. Events Calendar

5. Meditation — 20 Questions: A Peace and Justice Quiz

Continue Reading »

The campaign to raise Michigan’s minimum wage is picking up steam and getting press.

On Sunday the Ann Arbor News printed an editorial about the minimum wage campaign. It’s another case of the Ann Arbor News writing a good piece with a bad headline. They note that raising the minimum wage isn’t enough to end “our national shame.” Right enough. Let’s take this step as part of a broader effort for economic justice.

Also, the Western Herold has one of several stories accross the state about local groups getting involved in the campaign. Way to go Kalamazoo!

0. Opening Words
1. Exploring U-M Investments and the Israel/Palestine Conflict
2. Conference on Immigration & Social Justice
3. Ann Bonar Award for Gray Activism
4. Events Calendar
5. Meditation — 10 Things Martin Luther King Would have Done about Iraq

Continue Reading »