Disability Rights Wisconsin submitted testimony in support of AB 20 which would make terminology changes for those with an intellectual disability in administrative rules. DRW thanks Representative Jagler and Senator Fitzgerald for advancing this change. We also want to recognize and thank the many self advocates with intellectual disabilities who have helped to educate us about the importance of respectful language.
Public Policy Posts
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 Applauds Positive Budget Items for People with Disabilities

Disability Rights Wisconsin is encouraged by the comprehensive initiatives for people with disabilities in Governor Evers’ 2019-2021 Biennial Budget Proposal. “The Governor’s budget shows a strong commitment to people with disabilities,” stated Lea Kitz, Executive Director. “Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Barnes listened to people with disabilities and their families around the state and included many recommendations to enhance their lives by providing better education, supports and services, transportation, and medical and mental health care.”…
State of the Budget Address Tonight

Governor Evers will give his State of the Budget address tonight at 7 PM. You can watch the budget address on WisconsinEye. DRW is developing our analysis of the impact of the budget on Wisconsinites with disabilities. We will provide budget briefings at a number of locations around the state, with our partners the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and The Arc Wisconsin.
Budget Plan To Boost Care For Children With Disabilities

Some information about the proposed state budget is already out, including good news about a budget proposal to end waiting list for children with disabilities: Evers’ Budget Plan To Boost Care For Children With Disabilities
Governor Evers Announces Dental Access Initiative

Governor Evers will give his budget address on February 28th. In advance of the budget address, some budget initiatives will be released. On February 11th, Governor Evers announced a $43 Million investment to expand dental access. Many Wisconsinites with disabilities have difficulty accessing dental care, and the budget proposal has the potential to improve access. You can share your perspective on dental services for people with disabilities by contacting the Governor’s office and your state…
Lawmakers Propose To Rid State Administrative Code Of “The R-Word”

Representative John Jagler discusses his and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s proposal to remove the phrase “mental retardation” from Wisconsin administrative code and replace it with “intellectual disability.” Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Barbara Beckert explains why language matters. Here is a link to the story.
DRW Comments on Preexisting Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act

The Assembly Committee on Health held a public hearing on Assembly Bill regarding Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act. DRW submitted informational comments to explain what effect AB 1 might have on people with disabilities. Here is a link the bill.
Share Your Priorities for the Biennial Budget

Share your priorities for the biennial budget with Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes. They are holding 4 community sessions to get input on priorities for the state budget. Sessions are scheduled in Green Bay, Wausau, La Crosse, and Milwaukee. The state budget is very important in funding services for people with disabilities. Click here to see DRW’s priorities for the state budget. It’s important to have a strong turnout from the mental…
Contact State Legislators About Extraordinary Session Bills

Legislative leaders are fast-tracking a package of bills released late Friday. These bills would significantly limit the role of the new Governor, impact services that are important to people with disabilities, and shorten the time period for absentee voting. The full Senate and Assembly will be voting TODAY to pass these bills. Contact your State Senator and Assembly Representative this morning to share your concerns. Call the toll free Legislative Hotline to reach your legislator:…
Extraordinary Session Puts Wisconsinites with Disabilities at Risk

Disability Rights Wisconsin is deeply concerned by the Legislature’s rush to push forward bills released late Friday in the Extraordinary Session planned for today. The proposals give oversight of Wisconsin Medicaid waivers to the legislature, leaving state agencies potentially unable to carry out their core mission. This shift has the possibility to affect services that are critical to adults and families of children with disabilities, including Family Care, IRIS, mental health services, Children’s Long-Term Waiver…
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