Explore how the history of taxes, unions, and social security continues to shape senior services in our community today.
WHITEHALL, MI — On June 30, the Common Ground Community of White Lake hosted “Community Labor: The Long View,” an educational forum focused on the history and future of taxes, unions, and social security—and their impact on today’s seniors and senior services. Held at the White Lake Community Library, the event featured presentations from three community leaders with unique perspectives on labor, inequality, and aging.
Moderated by Norm Kittleson, a Common Ground member and White Lake Community Library board member, the evening brought together more than just ideas—it united neighbors in respectful dialogue, shared learning, and thoughtful reflection.
Exploring Labor Rights and Union Advocacy
Jon Horne, former president and current president-elect of the Muskegon City Teachers Education Association (MCTEA), kicked off the evening with insight into the structure, purpose, and challenges of public sector unions. Horne walked the audience through collective bargaining processes, changes in Michigan law, and the critical role unions play in ensuring fair treatment and due process.
“Unions don’t exist to protect bad employees,” Horne explained. “Our job is to defend rights, not wrongs. We make sure the rules are followed, plain and simple.”
He also discussed the impact of the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision and Michigan’s past right-to-work legislation, emphasizing the difficulty unions face in maintaining membership while still being required to represent all employees. Horne called for greater understanding of the value unions bring—not just to their members, but to the broader workforce.
The Bigger Picture of Inequality
Nicholas Budimir, professor of sociology at Muskegon Community College and an advocate for labor rights, provided a compelling historical and economic overview of growing income inequality in the U.S. Budimir highlighted the systemic shifts that have weakened labor’s power and deepened economic divides since the 1980s, including corporate lobbying, regressive tax cuts, and the decline of union membership.
“We’ve lived through a one-sided class war,” Budimir said. “Corporate America has waged this war on working people. It’s made our politics meaner, our workers less secure, and our democracy more fragile.”
Budimir illustrated how fewer worker protections and lower taxes on the wealthy have resulted in declining income shares for the bottom 50% of Americans, while the top 1% has seen massive gains. His talk concluded with a call for renewed organizing and more progressive taxation to support public goods and services.
The Senior Services Reality Check
Kris VanderStelt, Executive Director of AgeWell Services, brought the conversation to a local level, explaining how federal policy and funding shortfalls are directly affecting services for seniors in Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties.
VanderStelt outlined how Meals on Wheels, transportation programs, and elder abuse prevention efforts are all being strained by inflation, workforce shortages, and unreliable federal funding. She also shared the ripple effects of Michigan’s aging population—on healthcare systems, housing, and caregiving.
“We know 90% of people want to age in place,” VanderStelt said. “But we’re not funded to support that reality. We’re always one budget cycle away from being underwater.”
Despite the challenges, AgeWell continues to provide meals daily, with help from volunteers and community partners. But the waitlists are growing, and the need for advocacy has never been greater. VanderStelt encouraged attendees to raise awareness, contact elected officials, and consider volunteering—especially during the winter months when help is most needed.
A Model for Civil Conversation
The evening concluded with a brief audience Q&A and an invitation to get involved with Common Ground Community of White Lake. Kittleson reiterated the group’s mission: to foster inclusive, empathetic, and constructive conversations on timely topics. He emphasized that Common Ground events are nonpartisan and aimed at building understanding—not division.
As the sun set and attendees prepared to leave the library, the message was clear: labor history is not just history—it’s the foundation of how we care for one another today.
Want to get involved or learn more?
📧 Email: CommonGroundWhiteLake@gmail.com
🧠 Learn more about Common Ground’s mission: Dialogue, education, and support across divides.
🎒 Visit their booth at the White Lake backpack giveaway on August 13—with candy and duck pond prizes for the kids!
Event hosted by Common Ground Community of White Lake. Free and open to the public.
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