‘Stop the Billionaire Giveaway’ bus tour speakers urge Flint community to help stop the passing of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

In her speech, Crowell called the current proposed legislation “evil.” She shared that in the single bill alone,  16 million Americans would be kicked off healthcare and 2-3 more million people would lose their food assistance.

Crowell also shared about her personal experience. She said 27 years ago she was a young working mom, going to the school board and protesting budget cuts at her then 5-year-olds’ public school.

“Several years later, I again found myself as a working mom struggling to make ends meet,” said Crowell. “And one single bill-an $886 dental bill- caused a spiral of events that impacted my entire family.”

According to Crowell, because of this one dental bill, she got to the point she could not afford to pay for lights in her home. Her car was then repossessed, and she ultimately lost her home. So, she said she understands that many hard working individuals are one paycheck or one bill away from living in fear and shame.

“This ain’t over,” said Crowell. “Don’t let anyone tell you it’s over – because we are still in the fight, and this critical moment – the next few weeks is the most important to defeat this bill and deny Donald Trump and his Republican donors the victory that candidly – they are already planning a victory tour. So, let’s deny them that victory tour. Let’s stand in solidarity with each other…”

Mayor Sheldon Neeley talked about how the American dream could easily become the American nightmare if the proposed budget and spending bill is passed. Neeley talked about his family members, with many of them having been union workers.

“What’s in jeopardy is the spirit of America, taking away what America is about,” Neeley said. “Let’s not let the American dream fall victim to greed.”

UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes said when those making decisions hurt the less fortunate, “they know they are doing the wrong thing.” But, Dawes said, many of them are “scared of a tyrant.”

“If billionaires like Elon Musk just paid their fair share all year, we wouldn’t have the problems we have now,” stated Dawes.

Frank Burger, president of Carman-Ainsworth Education Association and a 28-year public school educator, stated that in his district alone, they stand to lose $300,000 in critical funding. He also pointed out that cutting Medicaid would likely lead the elimination of school psychologists, nurses and paras from students who rely heavily on their services.

Flint Native Dr. Aisha Harris said Medicaid provides health care for six out of 10 Michigan women and covers nearly half of all births in our state. She added that cuts to Medicaid would take away $2.3 billion from Michigan hospitals.

“I’ve had an uninsured woman with a new diagnosis of cancer who could only get treated because she was able to get Medicaid,” shared Harris.

Harris said cancer treatment allowed her patient to  to have more time with her family.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Flint Factory Worker Art Reyes-longtime UAW Local 598/Flint CAP Council member, Flint-based Pediatrician Dr. Brittany Taylor and Saginaw Native and Policy Expert in Children’s Nutrition Nathan Medina also gave powerful speeches. Each of their words moved community members present into loud cheering and applause, which event organizers hope energized them and will propel them to unify in action, speaking out to help stop the “Big, Beautiful Bill” from being passed.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 30,  Senators will begin a “vote-a-rama” in which they will be able to make unlimited amendments to the bill. Ultimately, will need 51 votes to pass from the 100 member Senate, which consists of a Republican majority.