While President Trump and his allies continue to justify their economic policies as necessary to address the national debt and deficit, they simultaneously support a budget projected by the Congressional Budget Office to increase the deficit by an estimated $6 trillion. Why? To fund Trump’s tax plan, which disproportionately benefits billionaires.

Meanwhile, here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we are being asked to shoulder devastating cuts to vital public services. These include:

– Closure of Social Security Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs offices.

– Closure of Marquette’s Planned Parenthood clinic.

– A $40 million cut to Michigan schools by the Department of Education.

– Michigan Humanities suspending all grant making due to federal funding losses.

– Layoffs at the U.S. National Forest and National Park services, resulting in program cuts.

– The Isle Royale ferry may not run this year due to a hiring freeze that prevents the park from replacing staff.

– The dismantling of the Institute for Museum and Library Services and a freeze on its grants threaten the future of vital community institutions like the Peter White Public Library.

– USDA funding for food pantries has been slashed, leaving them overwhelmed and under-resourced.

– The future of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Sea Lamprey Treatment Program remains in jeopardy after a U.S. Supreme Court decision blocked a rehiring mandate.

These aren’t just numbers on a budget spreadsheet, they are critical services that Yoopers rely on every day.

It’s time for President Trump, Rep. Bergman, Sen. Peters and Sen. Slotkin to hear the voices of their Upper Peninsula constituents. On April 19th, we will gather in Marquette to call for them to protect the essential programs that keep our communities strong. Stop the cuts!