In Michigan, teachers followed Gov. Rick Snyder to a lavish island resort to protest his education cuts. The Detroit News has the story:
Snyder's talk of the need for a new public bridge to Canada dominated the first day of the Mackinac Policy Conference on Wednesday.In Maine, 600 protesters came to the Statehouse in Augusta to protest a right-to-work bill to destroy unions. The bill was to be heard in comittee. Reports the Portland Press-Herald:
"I want a new bridge, too, but I want a bridge to a bright future for our children," said Jim Martin, a health and physical education teacher from Sault Ste. Marie.
"He says he's not anti-union or anti-teacher, but his actions say otherwise," Martin said at a news conference about a block away from the Grand Hotel where the policy conference organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber is being held.
More than 600 union members protested in the State House today against LD 309, which would end the practice of allowing the state to automatically deduct union fees from nonunion state workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Those who spoke at the Hall of Flags rally said the bill would impact far more than just state workers. Members of several unions -- mill workers, electrical workers, nurses and firefighters -- all held signs and chanted in opposition to the bill.
"Passing this bill will be nothing short of irresponsible," said Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert. "Governor, who was born in my hometown, if it is about people before politics these are the people you need to be supporting."
