A grassroots political organization formed this year in Southwest Michigan is planning a town hall for this Friday in Benton Harbor to discuss how spending cuts, tariffs, and new policies on the federal level are affecting everyday citizens.

SWMI Indivisible has invited Congressman Bill Huizenga to attend, just as it invited Congressman Tim Walberg to attend a previous town hall in Dowagiac. The group’s Denise McGowan Tracy tells us they’ll hear from five residents about how each will be affected by changes that have already happened or are looming.

“We’re really trying to focus with these town halls, not on what the politicians are telling us, not on what the pundits are saying, not with the hyperbole,” McGowan Tracy said. “We’re really trying to hear from people right here in Southwest Michigan.”

For example, McGowan Tracy says they’ll hear from a veteran, an advocate for immigrants, a representative of The OutCenter Southwest Michigan, and a manufacturer. Each will have five minutes to talk about how policies from the Trump administration are affecting them. McGowan Tracy says this ought to put into focus the real-life human effects of broad policy changes.

“What programs that we rely on, what programs that enrich our lives, what programs that bring us together as a community are going to be impacted?”

McGowan Tracy says she’s been waiting by the phone for Huizenga’s office to respond to its invitation. However, since it seems unlikely the congressman will attend, the group will record Friday’s conversation and send it to him.

The town hall is open to the public and will be held Friday starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Room at The Citadel. Doors open at 6.