Good morning members and friends!

Please review this opportunity presented by our Social Inequality Committee. I hope those of you who are interested will join Linda Jorgenson, Jan Penn and their committee in this important work.

This LWVABC effort offers members and friends an opportunity to help Wisconsin address the inequalities that are of concern and have been revealed to an even greater extent during the pandemic. Whether your “issue” is public education, health care, economic, environmental, or social justice, this is your time to act.

The Wisconsin Biennial Budget is on the table. In December, Governor Evers and Lt. Governor Barnes held 4 virtual Listening Sessions. Using the feedback from Wisconsin citizens (over 2000 participants), the Governor/staff will draft the Budget Proposal and present it to the Joint Finance Committee of the legislature. Then in spring, there will be virtual Hearings asking for public comment on the budget. The LWVABC has a tradition of presenting both oral and written testimony for the hearings of the Joint Finance Committee.

Participate in LWV/ABC Wisconsin Budget Testimony Workgroup:

The Economic Inequality Action Committee suggests 4-5 workgroups be formed to develop the LWV/ABC’s testimony for the Budget Hearings. These testimonies will incorporate the current LWV positions in addressing our recommendations/comments on the following issues:

Health Care/Public Health
Environment, Infrastructure, Economy
Criminal Justice Reform
Public Education
Other

Workgroups would meet virtually/communicate via email and phone, develop proposals for testimony and present to the Board for review and approval. From within the workgroup a presenter(s) would be identified and participate in the spring Budget Hearings representing the LWVABC. This is generally a 2-3-minute summary with a more extensive written testimony being submitted.

Consider the topics. Where does your interest, knowledge and expertise lie? The work to set the plan for Wisconsin needs your voice!

Contact Linda Jorgenson jorgensonla@mail.com or Jan Penn janmmpenn@yahoo.com for further questions or to sign up for a workgroup.