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:

Keep $600 Million Investment for Special Education in Budget

Map of Wisconsin with red schoolhouse
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…
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DRW Supports AB20 – language changes for ppl w intellectual DBs

Outline of person moving in wheelchair, made to look like the universal symbol for disability access
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.
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DRW Applauds Positive Budget Items for People with Disabilities

Wisconsin State Capitol
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.”…
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Budget Plan To Boost Care For Children With Disabilities

smiling child with hand crutches
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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State of the Budget Address Tonight

Tony Evers headshot with US and Wisconsin flags in background
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.
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Governor Evers Announces Dental Access Initiative

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers
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…
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Lawmakers Propose To Rid State Administrative Code Of “The R-Word”

R-word with No symbol
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.
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DRW Comments on Preexisting Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act

Wisconsin State Capitol
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.
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Share Your Priorities for the Biennial Budget

bullhorn
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…
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Contact State Legislators About Extraordinary Session Bills

Wisconsin State Capitol
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:…
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