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Newsletter - Keeping Up With Callie
10/13/2025
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Callie Barr, Hagerty Center, Oct 3, 2025
This past couple of weeks brought (perhaps unsurprising) drama at the federal level. But it also brought . . .
Hope. Yes, hope.
With a government shutdown, political gamesmanship, manufactured crisis, and even hatred, I saw people volunteer to build houses, donate food to food banks, drive neighbors to medical appointments - in short, I saw people in everyday moments and opportunities fight for what they love . I saw how in chaos we build community , and in exhaustion and being knocked down, that we rise again and again and again. We do this because we actually do care about each other . We know we matter. Our neighbors matter. We are great because of our differences, not despite them. And we are always stronger together . And if there is anything you get out of this newsletter, I want it to be that.
So, as you brace yourself for reading further about our government shutdown and the impending healthcare crisis - know this - there are so many folks out there fighting every day to make this right. There are people who care about YOU, who want you to have a fair shot at hard work - a roof over your head, income, food in the fridge, and healthcare.
Together, we believe in a future that can be and every day is one step closer to that reality (even if we have to walk through some mud). So, keep the faith, neighbor, and carry on.
Issue Spotlight: Government Shutdown
Congress is shut down because folks like Jack Bergman have refused to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and reverse the Medicaid cuts in the stopgap funding bills. Without those subsidies, national marketplace premiums could rise dramatically, with some estimates suggesting increases of 75 percent and millions losing coverage. In Michigan—and particularly in our district—these increases will place heavy burdens on households already struggling with high costs and limited options. Medicaid cuts will add to our uninsured population and spell disaster for our financially fragile rural hospitals. With all of this, we risk sicker people even as hospitals cut back on services and face closure. The fight for affordable and accessible healthcare is a fight worth having.
In the midst of this, our federal workers are feeling the impacts of shutdown. According to the Congressional Research Service, about 8,627 federal civilian workers live in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District. Local governments are bracing for ripple effects: furloughed federal employees may delay spending, hitting small businesses, reducing local revenue, and worsening economic stress in regions already facing population decline and tight margins.
In Upper and Northern Michigan, the federal shutdown is straining vital services and local economies . National Parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes are cutting back operations, with visitor centers closed or limited and trail maintenance deferred , which could slow tourism. USDA and local conservation district offices have scaled back in-person services, disrupting farm assistance, land use programs, and environmental support in remote areas . The uncertainty around SNAP and WIC funding is worrying for low-income families who depend on food assistance.
It doesn't have to be this way.
I believe in a future where affordable and accessible healthcare isn't politically divisive, where we value our federal workers (many of whom are veterans), where we know that this government is supposed to work for us , not one party, not one man.
We can do better, and together we will.
Callie on the road 🚗
alt [[link removed]] This week, we rallied with folks in Empire , Maple City , Traverse City, and Northport . We talked about connecting with our neighbors and fighting for what we love - the ability for all of us to be able to afford LIFE (local housing, income, food, essential healthcare). The future is ours when we build it together.
Upcoming Events Near You alt [[link removed]]
* Oct. 15 , 4-5 PM, write a letter to the editor in support of the campaign. Register for our informational Zoom session by emailing [email protected] [[email protected]]
* Oct. 17 , 11 AM press brief on Zoom about the government shutdown. Join our press brief here [[link removed]]
* Oct. 18 , 2-3 PM Meet and greet at Iosco County Democratic Party office, all are welcome to join! 224 Newman St, East Tawas.
* Oct. 24 , Harbor Springs: Fall Barn Fundraiser. Register Here [[link removed]]
In the News 📰
Coverage on Healthcare alt [[link removed]]
I am fighting to make sure that the folks in Northern and Upper Michigan have access to affordable healthcare. Click here to read the story from WCMU [[link removed]]
The recent cuts to Medicaid, along with the ACA subsidies likely not being extended, are making this tough to do. WCMU and St. Ignace News spoke with me about the manufactured healthcare crisis our rural hospitals are facing. Click here to read the story from St. Ignace News [[link removed]]
Click the links to the right to read these updates.
Service Spotlight 💡
alt [[link removed]] This week, we’re celebrating Barbara Kennison from Grand Traverse County .
Although retired, Barbara is an active artist and dedicated humanitarian. When she's not creating ink sketches, she's attending events and passing out Callie Barr for Congress pins to our neighbors. So far, she has passed out over 200 pins!
Barbara shows us that every act (big and small) make a difference. Thank you, Barbara!
Call To Action 🚨
People like you power this campaign:
Donate: Campaign contributions directly impact our campaign's success, and we need your help. Donations are used to power the essentials of reaching voters - like printing literature, running ads, supporting staff, and keeping events and outreach efforts strong across the district. Donate [[link removed]]
Volunteer: Volunteering supports our campaign by building people-centered change. Expanding outreach, strengthening community connections, and showing voters that this movement is driven by neighbors, not corporations. Volunteer [[link removed]]
Host an Event: We are currently looking for supporters who are willing to host an event for me. We need to set up more fundraisers and meet-and-greets across the state, and we cannot do it without you! Host [[email protected]?subject=Host an Event&body=]
Campaign Store: Want some Callie Barr swag? Go to our campaign store and buy our merch! Your purchase helps fund our campaign, and you get some great apparel. Store [[link removed]]
Thank you for believing in this campaign and the future we’re building together.
I'll see you on the road!
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PO Box 6921 Traverse City, MI 49696
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