The state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee is only considering a small increase in special education funding for the upcoming state budget, despite the testimonies of many families, school districts, and education advocates. It’s possible that there may be no increase at all in the planned budget. Currently, the state is paying less than 29% of the costs to educate students with disabilities. A survey of families of students with disabilities during the pandemic reported that…
Action Alerts
For information on DRW news, events, or press releases, please contact:
email media@drwi.org.
For information on DRW action alerts, public policy, or voting efforts, please contact:
Lisa Hassenstab at 608-308-2639 or lisah@drwi.org.
2021 Wisconsin Voting Bills Update and How to Take Action
On May 11th, Wisconsin state senators will be voting on SB 203 and SB 212. These bills could make it harder to absentee vote for many people with disabilities, older adults, and other voters. Take action and ask your Senator to vote No. For information about the bills and how to contact your legislators: Read our action alert here (accessible pdf). Watch the overview video below to learn more (captions available): https://youtu.be/EvXQIL_qe8Q
New Bills Could Make It Harder to Vote for People with Disabilities and More
Wisconsin legislators have introduced bills that will make it harder for many Wisconsinites to vote and will be voting on the bills very soon. Read a summary of the bills and how they could impact voters with disabilities here (accessible pdf). If you are concerned about the bills, this summary also provides tips on how to contact your state legislators and a sample message.
Voting Bills Hearing by Senate Elections Committee Wednesday Morning
On Wednesday, May 5th, the Senate Elections Committee will hold a hearing for a series of bills that will make it harder for people with disabilities, older adults, and others to vote. It will also make it more difficult for friends and neighbors to assist with returning an absentee ballot and put volunteers, clerks, and others at risk for prosecution if they violate the new restrictions. The hearing tomorrow will discuss the following bills: SB…
DRW PAIMI Council: Invitation for Public Comment
We want to hear from you about the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the Center of Mental Health Services (CMHS) periodically monitors the operation of the PAIMI program by the Protection and Advocacy system in each state. DRW is undergoing this monitoring on June 15-17, 2021. For a shareable flyer, view the Invitation for…
Wisconsin State Budget: Share Your Priorities
The state budget funds many programs and services that are important to people with disabilities: mental health services, transportation, long term care, special education, and much more. April is an important time to share your priorities for the Wisconsin Biennial Budget with state legislators. DRW is sharing some opportunities for you to provide input on the budget: Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearings The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee is holding in-person public hearings on the…
Comment on COVID Vaccine Program Now
The Department of Health Service’s State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) is asking the public to comment on its proposal for the next round of COVID-19 vaccines. The proposal says that people in Family Care and IRIS would be in the next group. It also proposes to vaccinate people in congregate housing (small adult family homes, community based residential facilities and apartment complexes), people over the age of 70, K-12 educators, first responders, prison guards,…
Rights for Students with Disabilities at Risk
From the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): Congress Using COVID-19 to Strip Students with Disabilities of Access to Education Republicans in Congress want to give Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos unprecedented power to strip rights from students with disabilities and those who need supports to prepare for work under the IDEA and Rehab Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act asks Secretary DeVos to provide Congress with a report of any additional waivers…
Action Alert for AB 585- Seclusion and Restraint Bill
AB 585- The Seclusion and Restraint Bill is expected to be voted on in the full Assembly on Thursday, February 20th. These common-sense changes to the law create more transparency in reporting by requiring annual reporting to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and enhanced reporting to parents through individual incident reports. This bill has been supported by advocacy organizations, public school organizations, and the Department of Public Instruction. Please call your Representative (Legislative hotline…
Action Alert for SB 527-Seclusion and Restraint Bill
SB 527- The Seclusion and Restraint Bill will be voted on in the full Senate on Tuesday, January 21st. These common sense changes to the law create more transparency in reporting by requiring annual reporting to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and enhanced reporting to parents through individual incident reports. This bill has been supported by advocacy organizations, public school organizations, and the Department of Public Instruction. Please call your Senator and ask them…
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