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Public Policy Posts

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.

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 Statement on Voting Bills

Interlocking gears labeled Public Policy
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…
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DRW Issues Memo to the JFC on Budget Decisions Affecting People with Disabilities

Shape of Wisconsin overlaid with 100-dollar bills.
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).
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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,…
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Wisconsin State Budget: Share Your Priorities

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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…
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Watch Now: Wisconsin Health News “Reforming Emergency Detention” Panel

scrabble pieces spelling out the words mental health
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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Join us for Free Zoom Trainings on the State Budget!

Man speaking at a listening session
What will the training provide? A summary of the WI state budget as it relates to people with disabilities and their families. Advocacy tools for talking to your legislator about important issues. Training Dates and Links Registration is required! Thursday, March 18; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Email to register for March 18th at 12:00PM Thursday, March 18; 6:00PM – 7:30PM: Registration Link for March 18th at 6:00PM Thursday, March 25; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Registration Link for…
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Join us for Free Zoom Trainings on the State Budget!

Man speaking at a listening session
What will the training provide? A summary of the WI state budget as it relates to people with disabilities and their families. Advocacy tools for talking to your legislator about important issues. Training Dates and Links Registration is required! Thursday, March 18; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Email to register for March 18th at 12:00PM Thursday, March 18; 6:00PM – 7:30PM: Registration Link for March 18th at 6:00PM Thursday, March 25; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Registration Link for…
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Join us for Free Zoom Trainings on the State Budget!

Man speaking at a listening session
What will the training provide? A summary of the WI state budget as it relates to people with disabilities and their families. Advocacy tools for talking to your legislator about important issues. Training Dates and Links Registration is required! Thursday, March 18; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Email to register for March 18th at 12:00PM Thursday, March 18; 6:00PM – 7:30PM: Registration Link for March 18th at 6:00PM Thursday, March 25; 12:00PM – 1:30PM: Registration Link for…
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DRW Applauds Budget Initiatives for People with Disabilities

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On February 16, Governor Ever presented his biennial budget proposal, which includes many positive initiatives for people with disabilities.  Disability Rights Wisconsin is encouraged by the comprehensive initiatives in the budget and released this statement. View DRW’s statement here (accessible PDF). For additional information: Read Governor Evers 2021-23 Biennial Budget Message here. Watch the Governor’s Budget Address here. Read Governor Evers’ Budget in Brief here. Read Governor Evers’ 21-23 Executive Budget (Complete Document) here.
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DRW Priorities for the 2021-2023 Biennial Budget

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Disability Rights Wisconsin asks policy makers to support the following priorities for Wisconsinites with disabilities.  These programs and services are vitally important to Wisconsin adults and children with disabilities and support opportunities to live, work, learn, and enjoy life in the community. Read about D.R.W.’s Biennial Budget and Policy Priorities here (accessible PDF).
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