Preserving Public Education
Thursday, October 5, 2023 Hybrid, Goodman South Library
Learn from our education panel experts about how education funding works and the effect of public education on our community. We will cover
the result of the latest education budget,
the motivation behind the voucher system, and
the racial and economic impacts on our children of “school choice.”
The trend toward increasing state aid for private schools and decreasing aid for public schools has racial, economic, and educational impacts on our children.
The League of Women Voters supports the implementation of non-discriminatory policies, dispersal of equitable state aid, and retaining substantial program and personnel responsibilities in the local district to support educational equity.
Panelists:
Kevin Lawrence Henry, Jr., Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, UW–Madison
Julie Mead, Professor Emerita, School of Education, UW–Madison
Moderator: Julie Underwood, Dean Emerita, School of Education
Where We Live: Equitable and Sustainable Neighborhoods
Thursday, May 11, 2023 Virtual
The League of Women Voters supports policies and organizations that empower communities by providing quality housing, enriching education, community connectedness, and meaningful employment.
It’s no secret: Dane County is growing. In Madison alone, the population is expected to grow by more than 100,000 between 2020 and 2050. Currently, housing growth is not fast enough to keep up with population growth. This shortage in housing and resources oftentimes has a higher impact on historically marginalized groups and has adverse effects on the health, financial stability, and well-being of communities.
To address this need in Dane County, organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Bayview Foundation, Meadowridge Public Library, and Neighborhood Food Solutions have worked with communities by garnering feedback and fostering community empowerment.
What are these organizations doing to create positive changes in their communities? How do new developments and programs impact current neighborhood residents? And what can you do to support your own community?
Speakers:
Alexis London, Executive Director, Bayview Foundation
Robert Pierce, Executive Director, Neighborhood Food Solutions
Yesianne Ramírez-Madera, Supervisor, Meadowridge Library
Valerie Renk, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County
Moderator: Jeannine Ramsey
Race, Education & Civic Engagement
LIvely Issues Luncheon Keynote Address
Saturday, April 29, 2023 Madison College Truax Campus 1701 Wright Street
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor Emerita and the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Judicial Integrity: Should Judges Decide Cases Involving Their Major Campaign Contributors?
Thursday, March 9, 2023 Virtual
The results of the state Supreme Court election on April 4 will likely have a major impact on Wisconsinites.
Speakers discuss campaign finance. Do campaign contributions affect judicial independence? Do such contributions create a public perception of judicial bias? Should judges should decide cases involving their major campaign contributors?
The League of Women Voters believes that the methods of financing political campaigns should ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office, and allow maximum citizen participation in the political process.
Speakers:
The Honorable Louis Butler, Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice
Matt Rothschild, Executive Director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Moderator: Erin Everett
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Why Your Vote Matters
Thursday, February 9, 2023 Virtual
This forum will discuss the issues impacting the upcoming elections on February 21 and April 4 for a new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Moderator Marjorie Schuett will lead discussions of the court’s structure, the impact of recent decisions on gerrymandering and voter rights, as well as what we can expect from the court in the future.
The League supports a system of justice that assures adults and juveniles prompt and equal treatment before the law. Positions | MyLO Several of the recent decisions of the state Supreme Court have been contrary to positions of the League, such as the decisions regarding redistricting, Government Structures & Procedures | MyLO, and prohibiting the use of dropboxes. Citizens' Rights | MyLO.
Our speakers:
Christa Westerberg, Pines Bach LLP
Robert Yablon, UW Law School, Associate Professor
Moderator: Marjorie Schuett, LWVDC Secretary, retired attorney, court commissioner, and municipal judge
An Economy For All: How Can Dane County Excel?
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, Virtual
Recording Resource Materials
Dane County is known for its already vibrant economy supported by state government, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and more. This Forum will survey three innovations that could help unleash even more economic vitality for Dane County and which would prosper segments of our population currently hampered from full participation in our county’s economy.
The League supports Legislation, policies and programming to promote economic equity and support the democratic principle of common social good; and opposes all legislation, policies and programming that enable the unhealthy concentration of wealth and power. (Read LWVWI’s position statements on equality). LWVUS supports programs, services, and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty.
We hear from those on the front lines working to:
Build a comprehensive regional approach to economic development in the larger region surrounding Dane County and spur the proliferation of small businesses, the backbone of such an economy. Jason Fields, President and CEO of The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), will discuss how the organization works to ensure that resources such as good data, adequate capital, suitable talent, and sites and buildings are available to organizations that want to do business in the eight-county region surrounding Madison. MadREP cultivates businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, bioscience, healthcare, and information technologies, and helps them launch or resettle in southern Wisconsin.
Modernize Wisconsin’s early care and education system so that parents of preschool children can afford to enter the workforce and know that their children are taught by qualified professionals and arrive at public school fully ready to learn. Ruth Schmidt, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), will address how WECA, with over 2,500 early childhood professionals in Wisconsin, advocates for policies, programs, and research that supports childcare professionals and the children they teach. She will inform us on where early childhood care and education must head in order for our economy, our workers, and our children to flourish.
Conduct a pilot program on the concept of “guaranteed income” programs. Blake Roberts, Manager of the Madison Forward Fund, will inform us about the pilot program currently being conducted by Madison to determine if an unrestricted stipend can be part of a successful program to get people back on their feet and will tell us why over 60 U.S. mayors have endorsed such programs in their cities. Can something so logical and simple replace a traditional welfare system?
Speakers:
Jason Fields, President and CEO, MadREP
Blake Roberts, Program Manager, Madison Forward Fund
Ruth Schmidt, Executive Director, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association
Moderator: Sue Jennik, LWVDC Program Director
Protect Your Right to Vote: Proposed Election Laws
Monday, October 10, 2022, Virtual
Proposals to change election laws are being made at the state and federal levels. Existing laws are being challenged in state and federal courts. How could these changes affect people of color and those with disabilities? Our panelists will address the proposed changes, recent court decisions, and the effect on voters.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. Wisconsin election laws should provide citizens with maximum opportunity for registration, voting at the polls, and absentee voting. Election administration should be adequately coordinated and funded to achieve statewide standards uniformly applied, verifiable results and local municipal effectiveness.
In the last Wisconsin Legislative Session, several bills were passed which would have made voting more difficult; all of those bills were vetoed by the Governor. For example, one bill would have required voters to present a photo ID each time they request an absentee ballot. Under current law, voters only have to show an ID the first time they request an absentee ballot.
There are recent decisions in federal and state courts regarding the right of disabled voters to have assistance in submitting their ballots and prohibiting election clerks from filling in missing information on witness certification envelopes that contain absentee ballots. Both decisions are on appeal.
On the federal level, bills are pending to improve election administration and strengthen provisions of the Voting Rights Act which were limited by the Supreme Court. One bill would expand voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting) and to limit removing voters from voter rolls and would require states to establish independent redistricting commissions to carry out congressional redistricting.
The U.S. Supreme Court will address election issues in its next session, including a case which could allow state legislatures to determine election outcomes.
Speakers:
Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin
Barry Burden, UW Professor of Political Science, Elections Research Center
Greg Jones, President, NAACP Dane County Branch #36AB
Moderator: Andrea Kaminski, retired LWVWI Executive Director
Why Vote? Reproductive and Civil Rights
Tuesday, September 13, 2022, Madison College South Campus
Recording Resource Materials
Because of some technical issues with the recording, virtual participants were unable to participate in the discussion. This written summary of the forum may assist you in revisiting the panel discussion. There is also a comprehensive report on the panel discussion in the October 2022 Bulletin.
How does the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade affect Wisconsin residents? The forum will address the economic, medical, and legal impacts.
The League of Women Voters believes that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. Join us for a forum on what the recent U. S. Supreme Court decision of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization means for the future of reproductive rights and healthcare for people in Wisconsin. Panelists will discuss the current legal situation, its effects on the physical, mental, economic, and social health of people in the state, what the future might hold, and how you can get involved.
On June 24, 2022, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not a constitutional right. The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the precedents of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey. Following the decision, abortion is currently illegal in Wisconsin based on an 1849 law. This law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest. It does include an exception to save the life of the mother, though the parameters of that exception are unclear. Risks are greater for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women, who have a higher rate of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality.
Wisconsin residents who seek an abortion need to travel to a state where abortion is legal, such as Illinois or Minnesota. However, providers in neighboring states are concerned about their ability to serve an influx of out-of-state residents. The need to travel to other states is a special burden for people from low-income or marginalized groups, who need to find transportation, take time off of work, and often arrange for child care.
The Dobbs ruling has had ripple effects beyond abortion as well. Other reproductive healthcare is also at risk. The foundation of the Dobbs decision has also caused concern that other Supreme Court decisions could be overturned in the future, including the right to contraception and same-sex marriage.
Speakers:
Cynthia Lin, Vice President at WMF Wisconsin, Deputy Director of Movement Building at National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF)
Katrina Morrison, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Outreach at The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
Nicole Safar, Executive Director of Law Forward
Amy Williamson, Associate Director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE)
Moderator: Joy Cardin, retired Wisconsin Public Radio talk show host
Low-Income Housing: Where Do We Go Next?
Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Virtual
The League of Women Voters believes that all people need food, shelter, and access to health care and transportation. Please join us for this virtual forum as we explore how the critical shortage of low-income housing is being addressed in Dane County.
Dane County is facing an affordable housing crisis. Many low-wage earners are being left behind. Around 25% of Dane County residents are considered “extremely rent-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 50% of their income on rent and utilities. The increased demand for housing is leaving many low-wage earners behind.
Research shows that stable housing reduces stress on children and parents, decreases childhood poverty, improves achievement in school, and frees up funds to pay for health care and food. Stable housing also improves the economic vitality of our entire community.
How did housing get so segregated? The decades-old practice of “redlining” played a major part. The government created maps outlining areas where Black residents lived and deemed them risky investments, creating entire neighborhoods that excluded those families. Restrictive covenants in housing deeds excluded African Americans from buying homes in certain areas. And zoning laws restricted the construction of single-family homes from multi-family homes, also contributing to racial and economic disparities in neighborhoods.
What creative solutions are nonprofit organizations and government agencies working on to meet our critical housing shortages? How can a mix of low-income and middle-income housing be encouraged? A panel of speakers will outline the history of low-income housing in our area and discuss the public/private development partnerships helping to expand housing opportunities for lower income residents.
Speakers:
Justice Castañeda, Executive Director of Common Wealth Development
Olivia Parry, Senior Planner at the Dane County Planning & Development Department and coordinator of the Dane County Housing Initiative (DCHI)
Matt Wachter, City of Madison Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development (PCED).
Moderator: Sue Jennik, retired attorney
Moving from Eviction to Housing Stability
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Recording Resource Materials
Evictions have resumed. The pandemic pause is over. Landlords need to be paid so they can pay their own bills. But what is the fallout when landlords are compelled to evict their tenants by necessity or by choice?
When someone with children in their care is evicted, the effects echo across our society. People who are evicted can lose their possessions and their jobs and experience depression. When families struggle financially and emotionally, so does the larger community: stressed-to-capacity support services in healthcare, education, temporary shelters, hunger relief, and community safety services. For children, this instability correlates with lower academic achievement, health, and future earnings.
“The insidious part of instability is that it comes at a kid from so many different levels in terms of stress on their parents, losing basic resources, and then losing their home,” says Gina Adams, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, a social and economic policy research organization. “It’s this very core thing of stability of place, where you’ll be sleeping or eating. Housing instability crashes every support systems kid(s) could have.”
Speakers:
Revel Sims is Assistant Professor in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture and Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program at UW–Madison.
Erica K. López, Clinical Instructor who leads the Eviction Defense Clinic (EDC), a part of the Economic Justice Institute.
Robin Sereno, Executive Director of Tenant Resource Center
Moderator: Susan Jennik, retired attorney
Saving Democracy: What’s Next for Wisconsin?
Saturday, January 8, 2022 Lively Issues Virtual Forum
Recording Matt Rothchild’s Forum Text
Wisconsin’s reputation as a beacon of democracy has been undermined over the last decade and is facing mounting threats since the 2020 elections. In recent days the Wisconsin Supreme Court has sided with unfair maps and the baseless investigation into the state’s election results is heating up.
What should defenders of democracy do now?
Matt Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and author of the new book 12 Ways to Save Democracy In Wisconsin, will share ideas on how democracy advocates can stop the assault and move forward on issues to make democracy work better for everyone. He will also offer advice for activists to avoid burnout and remain hopeful about the future.
Kicking Carbon to the Curb: Ordinary People Doing Ordinary Things
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Virtual
If you, like many of us, feel that nagging climate anxiety, then it is time to act with the solutions already in our grasp. Topping the list? Changing how we get where we want to go. Join us, as we learn how to use and trust our continually improving public transit options, bike paths and sidewalks, all designed to help us leave our cars behind. The more we use them, the more accessible, affordable, comfortable, and secure these alternate transportation options will become. Our speakers will lead the way.
The climate team will also introduce a way to drive change within our own households with an invitation to join our Transportation Options Challenge. This is citizen science at its best—try the alternatives, share your experiences, recommend the improvements that really matter. We’re not going back to horse and cart—instead we are ordinary people taking ordinary steps to create an extraordinary energy future!
Speakers:
Philip Gritzmacher, Jr., Transportation Planner,City of Madison’s Department of Transportation
Robbie Webber, program manager at the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Zia Brucaya, Program Manager for RoundTrip, the transportation demand management (TDM) program of the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Moderator: Carol Barford, Director of the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE)
Protect the Vote! The Fight for Voting Rights Is the Fight for Democracy
October 2021
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are pursuing multiple investigations into how the 2020 election was run. Our legislature passed several bills that would have restricted absentee voting in Wisconsin. Voting rights advocates say the efforts are imperiling our entire voting system because they are meant to suppress the vote, subvert election results, and undermine confidence in our democratic process. Join the League of Women Voters of Dane County on Oct. 5 to hear from three speakers about how these measures are harming democracy, their analysis on why this is happening, what is needed to protect voting rights, and how organizations and individuals can fight back. Having our votes count continues to be the defining struggle of our country.
Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI)
Atiba Ellis, Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School.
Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI)
Moderator: Joy Cardin, retired WPR talk show host
Where Are Wisconsin’s Fair Maps?
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Virtual
Elected representatives reflect the will of those who vote them into office, right? Not so much when extreme (but legal) partisan voting district lines are drawn to favor the party in power. This is gerrymandering. Historically, it’s a practice Wisconsin Republicans and Democrats alike have employed. But with modern data-gathering techniques, parties in power are carving out favorable districts with extreme precision. Most Wisconsin voters are calling for an end to the practice once and for all with fair, nonpartisan maps. Doug Poland, Litigation Director with Law Forward, Matt Rothschild, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Kriss Marion, Lafayette County Supervisor, District 8, bring us up to date on the legal information/strategy, and the financial impacts of gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
Together we will explore the legal information/strategy and the financial impacts of gerrymandering in Wisconsin, so we will know how best to follow legal and legislative events and engage in actions to defend fair voting districts.
Speakers:
Doug Poland, Litigation Director, Law Forward
Matt Rothschild, Executive Director, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Kriss Marion, Lafayette County Supervisor