1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I love this community (state) deeply. I just want to see us loving each other better. I’m writing you not just as a constituent in Berrien County, Michigan—but as a neighbor, a Christian, and someone who deeply loves this place we call home. I grew up here. I’ve watched both beauty and brokenness unfold in our towns. And I need to tell you—something isn’t right. People here are hurting. And your vote for the “One Big Beautiful Bill” doesn’t reflect the reality we’re living in. It doesn’t meet the needs of our community. And worse, it ignores the deep divide between those who have enough and those who are barely hanging on. Let me paint a picture—not in policy terms, but in real life. 🌆 Benton Harbor vs. St. Joseph: A River Divides More Than Geography You know this: Benton Harbor and St. Joseph sit side by side, but live in different worlds. In Benton Harbor: Median income: ~$23,000 Poverty rate: nearly 45% 84% Black, and long neglected in funding, infrastructure, and opportunity Public schools have struggled; many still don’t trust the water And yet, people here are proud, resilient, and worthy of dignity and support Now look at St. Joseph: Median income: ~$65,000 Poverty rate: ~10% Majority White, with thriving schools, businesses, and healthcare access That gap isn't just unfair—it’s morally unacceptable. 🏚 Niles: The Overlooked Working-Class Town Median income: ~$40,000 Rising mental health needs, food insecurity, and opioid struggles Isolated older adults and families with no transit or affordable care These aren’t just numbers. These are your constituents. Your neighbors. 💔 Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” Fails Us You celebrated this bill as a win. But for Benton Harbor, Niles, and our rural towns, it offers no help—just harm: Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, lifelines for working families Punishing work requirements that hit the sick and struggling hardest No meaningful investment in mental health or rural infrastructure Tax breaks for the wealthy, not for local farmers, small businesses, or everyday folks This bill may serve party politics—but it doesn’t serve the people. 💒 A Moral Wake-Up Call You say you're a Christian. So am I. And I believe what Jesus said: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” If you're unaware of how many people in your district are scared—scared of losing healthcare, food assistance, or housing—please: hold a town hall. Not for donors. Not for the base. But for the overlooked. Let them tell their stories. Sit in the discomfort. Just listen. Because real leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the heart to hear the truth—and the courage to act on it. I love this community deeply. I just want to see us loving each other better. And I desperately want to see my elected officials doing everything in their power to build compassionate, just, and safe communities. We can do better. We must do better. Let’s start now. Together.