| Simply Close Window When Finished |
|
News Release U.P. Dems: Keep the Pressure On Public hearing is set to discuss fate of Newberry facility LANSING – State Reps. Steve Adamini (D-Marquette) Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) and Rich Brown (D-Bessemer) today urged the public to keep fighting against the closure of the Newberry Correctional Facility, saying public pressure has forced Republican legislators to schedule a hearing to discuss the closure. "Your phone calls, e-mails and letters to the editor are working," Rep. Adamini said. "The Upper Peninsula has a strong voice when it's under assault and it's being heard. But the fight isn't over." Today, faced with mounting public pressure, Senate Republican Leader Ken Sikkema announced a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday at 3 p.m. in Lansing, to discuss the public concerns over closing the Newberry Correctional facility. The hearing is due to requests by both Adamini and Sen. Mike Prusi. The House Republican budget passed by a party line vote last Thursday closes the facility and Camp Manistique. The facilities employ 345 full-time workers and are less than 10 years old. "This budget is terrible for U.P. jobs and terrible for U.P. students," Brown said. "We must keep the pressure on until the U.P. is given the respect and attention it deserves. Pitting one region against another is wrong. We need to fight for jobs and students on both sides of the bridge." McDowell agreed, saying: "This budget has left the U.P. behind and we're going to fight it every step of the way. The U.P. is at risk and we are fighting back. With the public's help we can get this done." ### |