BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The Rev. Jesse Jackson is urging the U.S. Justice Department to intervene in the state's financial takeover of the impoverished southwestern Michigan city of Benton Harbor.
The leader of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition has criticized the takeover, which followed Benton Harbor's failure to balance its municipal budget.
Opponents of the takeover are promoting a statewide referendum on repealing a new law making it easier for Michigan to assume local powers in cases of financial emergencies.
Michigan's Rainbow PUSH director says about 150 people joined Jackson for a rally Wednesday evening at Benton Harbor's Abundant Life Church of God. The Rev. David Bullock of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church in Highland Park says there's a "good groundswell of momentum" for the petition drive seeking a vote to repeal the law.
