This is a busy time at the Wisconsin State Legislature with many hearings on legislation. Today DRW provided testimony on two bills that would impact people with disabilities. Pamela Hencke provided testimony in support of AB 121 / SB 122 which would make it easier for Wisconsin residents to establish tax-exempt savings accounts for people with disabilities under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE). View the AB 121 / SB 122 testimony here…
Public Policy Posts
For information on DRW news, events, or press releases, please contact:
Bob Poeschl at 920-944-2544 or email media@drwi.org.
For information on DRW action alerts, public policy, or voting efforts, please contact:
Barbara Beckert at 414-292-2724 or barbara.beckert@drwi.org.
Visit our DRW Public Policy page for general information about our Public Policy activity and our positions on disability-related issues.
Below you will find our most recent Public Policy posts:
DRW’s Biennial Budget and Policy Priorities for Wisconsinites with Disabilities
2023 is a biennial budget year in Wisconsin. Governor Evers will present his proposed Biennial Budget to the Legislature on February 15. It will be referred to the Joint Committee on Finance which will take a lead role in developing the biennial budget and will hold public hearings. Disability Rights Wisconsin has identified our policy and budget priorities for Wisconsinites with disabilities. This document was developed to serve as a resource for policymakers and for…
DRW Testifies in Support of Ban on Conversion Therapy
On Thursday, January 12, the Joint Committee on the Review of Administrative Rules is meeting at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a public hearing and then vote on a motion to suspend the portion of the Social Workers Conduct Code banning Conversion Therapy. Disability Rights Wisconsin provided public comments at the hearing, supporting the ban on conversion therapy in Conduct Code MPSW 20 and opposing suspension of the ban, which has been strongly supported by…
Governor Evers Hosts 2023-25 Biennial Budget Listening Sessions
Join Governor Evers for a Budget Listening Session. Several sessions have been scheduled and are listed below with a link to register. These sessions will provide the governor and his Administration with an opportunity to hear directly from Wisconsinites about their priorities for the 2023-2025 biennial budget. Sessions will begin with a large group meeting where participants will hear from Governor Evers and members of his Administration. After the introduction, all participants will be able…
DRW Comments to JCRAR Supporting WEC Proposed Rule
Disability Rights Wisconsin submitted comments to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules supporting Emergency Rule 2209 which would allow Wisconsin clerks to continue their current practice of correcting minor errors on absentee ballot certificate envelopes. DRW supports the proposed rule because it will honor the will of the voter and provide clarity and uniformity to the clerks across the state, allowing them to rectify these small technical mistakes that have nothing to do with the…
DRW Statement on Voting Bills
This week, Wisconsin legislators will be considering voting bills that will impact the voting rights of Wisconsinites with disabilities. DRW asks policy makers to consider our recommendations, and to support policies that will make our elections more accessible, and to oppose any legislation that will create new barriers and restrictions. View DRW’s Statement on Voting Bills here (accessible pdf). View DRW’s testimony to the Senate here (accessible pdf). View DRW’s testimony to Assembly here (accessible…
DRW Issues Memo to the JFC on Budget Decisions Affecting People with Disabilities
DRW issued a memo to members of the Joint Finance Committee, describing potential benefits for people with disabilities. Recommendations from DRW include funding for the direct care workforce; increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health care; funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Tribal Aging and disability resources; and much more. Read the full memo here (accessible pdf).
Testimony Submitted to JFC by DRW Regarding State Budget
Disability Rights Wisconsin submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Finance outlining priorities for people with disabilities in the 2021-2023 state biennial budget. Our work focuses on protecting individuals from abuse and neglect and challenging systems that fail to protect them and promoting the right of individuals to live and receive services in the most integrated setting possible. This means ensuring access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education, ensuring access to supports and services,…
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…
Watch Now: Wisconsin Health News “Reforming Emergency Detention” Panel
Wisconsin Health News hosted a March 11th panel discussion named “A System in Crisis: Reforming Emergency Detention.” Panel members, including DRW’s Kit Kerschensteiner, shared their perspective on the current crisis system and what needs to change. Watch the panel’s Facebook Live video here. Read Wisconsin Health News’ story on emergency detention here.
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