Michigan Families for Fair Care, State Rep. Kimberly Edwards, and Other Organizations Hold ‘Shop Talk’ Event To Hear From Black Women About Their Economic Priorities
On Monday, State Rep. Kimberly Edwards, Michigan Families for Fair Care, For Our Future, and Mothering Justice, held a town hall titled Shop Talk, which focused on bringing Black women together along with other community members and leaders to discuss pressing socio-economic issues impacting them.
This event addressed the need for equitable policies and further action to support Michigan’s Black women and families.
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Tax fairness was another issue that was discussed. The recent GOP Tax Law that gave away trillions of dollars worth of tax cuts to America’s wealthiest class has provisions which are also set to expire by next year. As Congress makes decisions on what to invest in going forward, it is clear that Black women in Michigan need affordable health care that protects them and their families, rather than give more tax cuts to the wealthy. Organizers are committed to continuing the conversation and advocating for real and impactful solutions.
Tax fairness was another issue that was discussed. The recent GOP Tax Law that gave away trillions of dollars worth of tax cuts to America’s wealthiest class has provisions which are also set to expire by next year. As Congress makes decisions on what to invest in going forward, it is clear that Black women in Michigan need affordable health care that protects them and their families, rather than give more tax cuts to the wealthy. Organizers are committed to continuing the conversation and advocating for real and impactful solutions.
According to an analysis from The Commonwealth Fund, health outcomes for Black residents of Michigan are among the worst in the country. For Black women in particular, there is a high and increasing rate of maternal and infant mortality. This is a persistent issue, and efforts have been made to bridge the gap of insurance coverage with the decision to extend the Affordable Care Act tax premium credit, which lowered premiums for households across the country. Unfortunately, these tax credits are set to expire soon, and Congress will have to make a decision on how to continue to fund affordable health care access.
State Representative Kimberly Edwards:
“As a legislator, it’s critical for me to hear directly from my community. This event highlighted the urgent need for equitable policies in health care, childcare, and economic fairness. We must ensure our government is working for everyone, but especially those at higher risk of falling through the cracks. It is clear that our government has to do more to help Black women and people of color, this is why we are here and why we will keep fighting for fairness.”
Michigan Families for Fair Care Director, Steve Lawson:
“Today’s event was a reminder that when Black women lead, communities thrive. We remain committed to working alongside them to advocate for policies that create fair and sustainable opportunities for all. A fair tax system does just that. From childcare to health care costs to small business support, we aimed to elevate the voices and experiences of women who are often overlooked in policy discussions, and address the impact that a more equitable society where the rich pay their fair share would have on this community. This was an essential platform for addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women and I am proud of the work done today.”
Director of Field Organizing for Mothering Justice, Courtney Sims
“Women of color, especially Black women, must be at the center of the discussion surrounding our country’s economic policy going forward. Improving our quality of life means prioritizing our needs over those with excess wealth and resources. What we heard during tonight’s event is that we need health care, we need to lower costs, and we need a tax system that holds the rich accountable so that we can actually invest in our community.”
