Registration is now open for Survival Coalition’s Virtual Disability Advocacy Day 2021! Join us March 23rd from 10am to noon to get connected to your legislators and talk about what matters to you! View the Disability Advocacy Day event flyer here (accessible PDF). The event is free but registration is required to participate. Please remember to use your home address so you can be matched with your legislators. You can register here: Event Registration Link
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 supports AB250 to improve ASL interpreter certification
On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, the Committee on Workforce Development will hold a hearing on AB 250—a bill to change and improve the certification of American Sign Language interpreters. The bill will create standards for interpreters in different technical situations that often require accurate interpretation of complex or sensitive information, such as legal, mental health and medical settings. Stakeholders have been deeply involved in the development of this bill. DRW submits testimony to support AB…
Assembly Committee Advances Voting Bill – AB168
On May 29th, AB 168 was passed unanimously by the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. Disability Rights Wisconsin supported this bill which would clarify the requirement for stating name and address prior to voting. Under the bill, if a voter is unable to state his or her name and address, the voter may present his or her identification to the election official. The election official, or another person selected by the voter, must…
Update on the State Budget and Medicaid Expansion
DRW has supported Medicaid expansion in the state budget, because it will benefit people with disabilities by providing access to critical services, helping to address the caregiver crisis and leveraging $1.6 billion in additional funding for vital services. Last night, the legislature’s budget writing committee announced they plan to remove Medicaid expansion from the budget; this removes the funding source for many investments that would positively impact people with disabilities and older adults. It is…
DRW State Budget Recommendations
Disability Rights Wisconsin has reviewed the Governor’s budget for proposals that may be important to people with disabilities and their families. There is one more opportunity to weigh in on the Governor’s Budget at the Joint Finance Hearing in Green Bay on April 24th at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, University Union, Phoenix Rooms. This is an important opportunity to share your priorities for the budget with policymakers. You can also send your comments to…
DRW Joins Lawsuit to Prevent Enforcement of Bills Passed by Wisconsin Legislature
DRW has joined with the League of Women Voters, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities and several other plaintiffs to file a lawsuit today in Dane County Circuit Court challenging the enforceability of the legislation adopted during an “extraordinary session” of the Wisconsin Legislature last month. The lawsuit asks the court to prevent the Wisconsin Election Commission and Governor Tony Evers from enforcing or implementing any of the provisions of the newly enacted laws. The lawsuit…
Keep $600 Million Investment for Special Education in Budget
Help Children with Disabilities – Keep $600 Million Investment for Special Education in Budget Governor Evers is proposing a 60% reimbursement rate for special education funding in his budget, up from the current 24.5%. This would invest $600 million state dollars into special education, reducing pressure on local districts that are currently providing most of the funding. Some legislative leaders do not believe this investment is necessary. Please take this very short survey and…
DRW Supports AB20 – language changes for ppl w intellectual DBs
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.
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.”…
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
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