Rev Jackson, Al Garrett, Rev Anthony, Benny Napoleon to Speak at a Press Conference Held Thursday, October 17th, 10 O'clock in Detroit
Detroit, MI (PRWEB) October 16, 2013 -- There are alternatives to bankruptcy to be discussed. In recent months, the slogan “bankrupt Detroit” is often used to describe the current status of the City of Detroit. This situation begs the question “how can this be fixed?”
On Thursday, October 17th, 10 a.m. a press conference will take place at the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) - 600 West Lafayette Blvd., Suite 500, in Detroit, Michigan.
The press conference will address bankruptcy issues, encourage alternatives, obtain 100,000 signatures to petition to the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Governor Rick Snyder, MI State Senate, MI House of Representatives and MI State House through the Change.org initiative.
“The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus seeks to make a difference. We truly believe this is an important issue and we strongly support the Union's goals and objectives,” says Lavonia Perryman, Chair – Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus.
Confirmed attendees include:
.Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.
.Councilwoman JoAnn Watson
.Mayoral candidate Benny Napoleon
.Dr. Julianne Malveaux
.Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus
Proposed talks to help solve the current financial state of the City of Detroit are controversial. The likelihood of retirees, city and municipal workers potentially losing earned pension money has been a major cause for concern, thus leaving many in a state of uneasiness and uncertainty about their post-retirement financial future. This is contrary to Michigan’s Constitution where it states that pension payments are a contractual obligation of the state.
The Michigan State Constitution - Article IX, Section 24 states:
“The accrued financial benefits of each pension plan and retirement system of the state and its political subdivisions shall be a contractual obligation thereof which shall not be diminished or impaired thereby.”
Considering potentially catastrophic options that would sorely affect many of the community’s most vulnerable and low-income individuals must cease. Several civic and community organizations and their leaders have expressed their opinions. Many have been vocal on this issue, including the American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) which is the city’s largest union.
"For municipal and retirees there's a lot at stake in the bankruptcy proceedings,” says Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., president and founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. "The bankruptcy crisis also has implications for other cities such as Pontiac, Saginaw and Flint making this a statewide issue,” says Jackson.
There are Alternatives to Bankruptcy to be discussed. Rainbow PUSH and the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus have partnered to launch a Change.org initiative to encourage our city leaders to find alternatives.
For media requests and interviews contact: Lisa Wilmore at (313) 980-4766 or for press conference media R.S.V.P., e-mail to: LisaWilmore5(at)aol(dot)com. For more information about the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, please visit http://www.rainbowpush.org or call 773.373.3366.
To sign the petition or for more information visit Change.org.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquartered at 930 E. 50th Street in Chicago.
Lisa Wilmore, PR Contact, http://www.WilmoreAgency.com, +1 (313) 980-4766, [email protected]
Share this article