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The Wisconsin Legislative Notification System provides you the opportunity to follow important legislation through daily or weekly e-mails for specific legislative activities. You can choose items by Proposal, Committee, Author or Subject and can select the activities for which you would like to receive notifications. It's your future! Get involved! Stay involved!
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To call or email your legislators, find your Wisconsin State legislators and their contact information: Who Are My Legislators?
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Partners in Making Your Case is a free, self-paced online course that will give you tips on how to communicate your needs with your lawmakers.
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations will host Disability Advocacy Day on March 20, 2013. A day for you to connect with your legislators and share your story with them, tell them how legislative policies affect people with disabilities. The survival coalition will give a briefing and will set up your legislative visit. You can register online or by submitting the registration form. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 13. See the article at Disability Advocacy Day
Your legislators are now considering the 2013-2015 State Budget and the many issues important to you! Issues like long-term care, employment, education, Medicaid, and transportation will be addressed by the Legislature as they develop the state budget. Start a conversation now with your legislators to ensure that they takes your needs and concerns into consideration. To help you better prepare for conversations with your legislators, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) will hold regional budget trainings throughout the state. Locations and dates will be announced soon. You may also wish to review the WI BPDD's 2013-15 Budget Platform and the Survival Coalition's 2013-15 Biennial Budget Priorities. Do not let your future be decided without you!
The following article was sent by DAWN (Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network) The Congress and the President are negotiating over more than only taxes. If they cannot reach a decision by the beginning of January and if they add cuts to entitlement programs, besides the tax increases and federal spending cuts, there will be drastic cuts to discretionary programs that affect people with disabilities. If you are served by any of the programs relying on a fixed federal funding including those for people with disabilities mentioned below or are concerned about cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, please contact President Obama on his website or contact your Congressional Representative through their website. The House members can inform Speaker Boehner of their constituents’ opinions.
People with disabilities will be impacted in a variety of ways if Congress and the President do not reach agreement to change current law by the end of the year. A combination of federal spending cuts and tax increases will go into effect at the end of 2012 and beginning of January 2013 if no action is taken.
If President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner cannot reach agreement, some taxes will increase, tax credits will expire, and federal unemployment benefits will end. While these actions are concerning, advocates are focused on drastic cuts to discretionary programs like general and special education, employment supports, and housing programs that people with disabilities rely on. Each program would be cut about 8 percent. Unlike entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, discretionary programs get a fixed sum of funding. If funds are cut, Wisconsin will receive less federal aid to support a wide range of programs, such as vocational rehabilitation. Services that assist all citizens will also be cut. Public safety and law enforcement, medical and scientific research, public health; and environmental protection are only a few examples of the services that will be cut is current law is not changed. The details about the bill to avoid the fiscal cliff are constantly changing. Some entitlement reforms are now under discussion. Congress and the President need to hear from constituents whether programs that serve people with disabilities, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and many of the discretionary programs need to remain strong without changes.
For more information on voting in the state of Wisconsin and voting accessibility, visit the Voting in WI A Guide for People with Disabilities from the Disability Vote Coalition
Do you need to know the location of your polling place? Call the following number - 1-866-687-8683.
We are encouraging you to get involved with disability issues and policies. Disability Rights groups across the country are asking you to get involved with the coming elections as important programs for people with disabilities are at stake. Learn about the economy, our government's budget crisis and the intentions of candidates for election on programs critical to people with disabilities like Education, Employment, Transportation, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States. The NDRN reported that "according to a recent study conducted at Rutgers University, 14.7 million Americans with a disability voted in the 2008 election, up from 10.9 million in 2000. It is estimated there are approximately 35 million eligible voters with disabilities in America." This is a significant group of people and they and their families and caregivers could have a great impact on the election. The NDRN and it's member agencies work to uphold the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 which gives individuals with disabilities the right to participate in elections equal to those of other voters. NDRN works to ensure accessibility at the polling place and education of voter rights.
For more information on voting in the state of Wisconsin, see our guides 2012 Elections: Get Involved! Be Prepared to Vote!
and Guide to Voting for Citizens with Disabilities in the State of WisconsinThe fall Wisconsin election includes races for both your local and national representatives, including the election for the President of the United States. Early voting starts today here in Wisconsin and has also started in many other states. Visit your local municipal clerk’s office to request a ballot! Why stand in lines on election day - get out there and vote today!
In Wisconsin to vote early you will need to be registered. If you are not registered, you can register until Nov. 2 and still vote early. If you do not register by Nov. 2, you can register at the polling place on Election Day. You do not need a photo ID to vote in this election. To learn more about your rights as a voter, go to the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition website.
To find out where your candidates stand on issues important to people with disabilities see article below.Do not confuse this with presenting an ID at the time of voting. One must register before one can vote and one of the requirements of registration is to prove residency. Although most people will use a driver license or state ID card if their address is current, other official documents listed below are accepted to prove one meets Wisconsin residency requirements when registering to vote. The Wisconsin G.A.B. approved the use of Electronic Documents for Voter Registration as people now use and can display their utility bills, banking and taxes on smart phones, tablets and laptops. Many people no longer have paper proof or the access to printers to print their documents. Whether you register on Election Day or in your municipal clerk’s office less than 20 days before an election, electronic documents will now prove residency. The G.A.B. will now work to develop detailed educational materials for clerks and poll workers. For more information, visit the 2012 G.A.B. Press Release.
Reducing the number of uninsured families benefits taxpayers and those who do have insurance because it allows the health care system to focus on preventative care, rather than on more costly treatment of people who have already gotten very sick. It reduces the utilization of expensive emergency room care and hospital bad debt, which creates costs that get shifted to those who do have health insurance. "
State of Wisconsin Government Accountability Board reports that most voters who wish to cast absentee ballots by mail must submit their written request by 5 p.m. the Thursday before the election. Voters who are military or who are indefinitely confined due to age, disability, infirmity or illness may request absentee ballots by 5 p.m. Thursday before the election. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, and received by 4 p.m. Friday after the election in order to be counted. Those wishing to vote early may also do so in-person at their municipal clerk’s office during normal business hours.
The period for in-person absentee voting ends the Friday before the election at 5 p.m. or the close of business, whichever is later. For more information, contact: Reid Magney, public information officer, 608-267-7887Anyone wishing to vote in the state of Wisconsin has three options to register: By mail: Download the Application for Voter Registration (GAB-131), complete the form and mail it into the municipal clerk's office. The application must be postmarked no later than the 20th day (3rd Wednesday) before the election.
In person at your municipal clerks office: Register in the municipal clerk's office up to 5 p.m. or the close of business whichever is later on the Friday before the election.
The polling place on election day.
Please see the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board voter registration page for more information on the address to your minicipal clerk's office, on proof of residency requirements and what you will need to register for each of the three options above.
NHU encourages everyone to make your voice heard and get out and vote!
Check out this article from the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board about the absentee ballot applications paid for by the Republican Party. Many Wisconsin voters have been receiving these applications in the mail and they are permissible, according to the Government Accountability Board. So far, the G.A.B. is not aware of any address problems with the most recent Republican Party mailer, but Kennedy cautioned voters to double check their municipal clerk’s address to make sure it is correct if they use the application to request an absentee ballot. Voters who object to the political message should contact the Republican Party of Wisconsin. A directory of clerks is available here: http://gab.wi.gov/clerks/directory.
Review who are the candidates in the governor and lt. governor recall primary election. There are four senate races also in recall elections. This article from Northwestern.com outlines who is running in the Republican and Democratic primaries and the rules of the election:
Voters get say on recall election
The following three news agencies profile the Candidates for the primary election. Check out these articles to learn more about each candidate:Wisconsin Disability Rights has sent notice that states a "Judge extended the injunction that prevents the photo ID requirements from being enforced during the Recall Primary on May 8 and the Recall Election June 5. This means that you will not need to present a current and valid identification card in order to vote May 8th and June 5th.
If you have any questions regarding your rights or responsibilities to vote in Wisconsin, feel free to contact the Disability Vote Hotline. Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has a toll free line to help the disability community with questions and concerns about voting rights.
* If you have questions about your voting rights,
* If your polling site is not accessible and you can't get into the polling place to vote,
* If you cannot vote privately and independently because the voting machine or ballot is not accessible,
* If you were turned away from the polls even though you have the right to vote,
* If you feel you have been discriminated against in the voting process because of your disability,
* If you have questions about how to file a complaint about your concerns,
* If you don't know where your polling place is,
* If you have questions about how to register to vote or get an absentee ballot,
CALL: 800/928-8778 (toll free) or 888/758-6049 (TTY) Phones are answered between 8:30 and 5:00 most weekdays, and from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Days."
Please remember that other parts of the Voter ID law will still be implemented. See the next Advocacy Alert below for more information.
For more information, see our updated NHU Guide on Voting in the State of Wisconsin for Individual Voters with Disabilities.
Wisconsin judges have issued injunctions that prevent the state from enacting the photo ID requirement in the Wisconsin Voter ID Law and have stated the law to be unconstitutional. According to the Government Accountability Board (GAB), for the April 3rd election you will not be required to present a photo ID. The state Constitution guarantees every resident 18 or older the right to vote, the government may not prevent a person from voting on the grounds that they do not satisfy additional requirements such as having a photo ID.
While the photo ID requirement is not in effect, please remember that other pieces of the Voter ID law will still be implemented. These include the following requirements:
- voters must sign the poll list
- voters must live in Wisconsin for 28 days prior to the election in order to vote
- corroboration is no longer an option - all voters must have proof of residence
Because of the uncertain nature of these court cases, whether you have to bring a photo ID to vote can still change pending court review.
For up to date information about the status of Voter ID, you can visit the GAB website at gab.wi.gov.
From Disability Rights of Wisconsin comes the following notice.
"You will notice changes at the polls when you go to vote on Tuesday, February 21st at the Wisconsin spring primary! You will also notice changes to the absentee ballot process. For the first time, you will be required to show your voter ID when you vote. There are a few exceptions that voters with disability community should pay particular attention to. For more information, contact the Disability Rights Wisconsin or call (800) 928-8778 or (888/758-6049 (TTY), 8:30am-5:00pm weekdays and from 7am-8pm on election days.
If you are unsure where you vote or what is on the ballot, you can look up your polling site, what will be on your ballot, and other important information at the Wisconsin Voter Public Access website." For more information on voting, visit our NHU Guide on Voting in the State of Wisconsin for Individual Voters with Disabilities.If you do not have a photo ID for the purposes of voting, you may obtain a State ID, but to receive this ID for free, YOU MUST REQUEST FROM THE DOT THAT THE CARD BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE (FOR FREE) FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTING!!!!! The DOT will not offer the ID for free unless you request it!!!!!!!
Provisions in Wisconsin Act 23 allows an elector to obtain a free identification card from DOT if the applicant is eligible to obtain an identification card and if the elector is a U.S. citizen who will be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election, and the elector requests that the card be provided without charge for purposes of voting. At the DOT center the elector must request that the card be provided without charge (free) for purposes of voting. The DOT will not offer the ID for free unless you request it.
YOU MUST REQUEST FROM THE DOT THAT THE CARD BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE FOR FREE FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTING!!!!!
Tell this to everyone you know, someone may need or know someone who needs a State Photo ID for the purposes of voting.
For more information on voting in the State of Wisconsin, visit our NHU Guide to Voting in the State of Wisconsin for Individual Voters with DisabilitiesThe biennial budget that Governor Walker signed into law in June includes a freeze on long-term care programs for adults with disabilities, including Family Care/IRIS. The freeze means that there will be no additional slots in these programs and that Family Care and IRIS will not continue to roll out in the counties that don’t yet have the program. The result of the freeze would be that many people with disabilities in Wisconsin would be placed on waiting lists for needed services. Analysts predict an increased use of institutional care in nursing homes.
In a recent interview posted by JSOnline, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has acknowledged that community and client-directed care are priorities for the state of Wisconsin. The Governor went on to explain that the caps on Family Care, mandated by the recently passed 2011-13 State Budget, are in place while an audit reveals the program's effectiveness at delivering care in the community. The Governor contends that some counties were not meeting the objectives of the program by directing clients towards more costly institutional care rather than home-based care. He supports lifting the caps so long as counties comply with the program's objectives. Check out the video interview and contact the Governor's office to encourage swift action:
Governor Scott Walker
PO Box 7863
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-1212
govgeneral@wisconsin.gov
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations, in its 2011-2013 Biennial Budget Report Card, has found that the most recent state budget disproportionately harms people with disabilities. Despite the legislators call that we "all" must sacrafice for the sake of Wisconsin's fiscal health, it is clear that some are sacraficing, if not suffering, more than others. Despite major cuts to education and health care, the budget calls for new or expanded tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy at a cost of more than $90 million over the biennium and $1.6 billion over the next 10 years. At the same time, programs for our poorest citizens are being cut and taxes on the working poor have been raised. In an effort to increase awareness among policy makers and advocates, the coalition has provided its assessment of the budget issues that directly affect Wisconsin's citizens with disabilities.
Specifically, the coalition has found the following losses for our citizens with disabilities:
Read the Coalition's 2011-2013 Biennial Budget Report Card in its entirety.
In a videotaped interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday (6/27), Governor Scott Walker indicated he hopes to do something about the Family Care caps by the end of the year. To watch the video, go to http://bcove.me/vnr6z463.
The biennial budget that Governor Walker signed into law this week includes a freeze on long-term care programs for adults with disabilities, including Family Care/IRIS. The freeze means that there will be no additional slots in these programs and that Family Care and IRIS will not continue to roll out in the counties that don’t yet have the program. The result of the freeze would be that many people with disabilities in Wisconsin would be placed on waiting lists for needed services. Analysts predict an increased use of institutional care in nursing homes. Disability advocates are encouraging those interested in lifting the caps to contact the Governor’s office: Governor Scott Walker, PO Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 or call (608) 266-1212 or send e-mail to govgeneral@wisconsin.govThe Wisconsin State Legislature has passed one of the most restictive voting laws for people with disabilities in the United States: the 2011 Wisconsin Act 23.
DAWN organizations have said, "Elections need to be safe and secure but at the same time they need to provide equal access to the voting process for all eligible voters. Disability organizations around the state believe that this legislation goes too far in its regulation of the voting process. Wisconsin should be proud of its tradition of high voter turnout. This legislation is among the most restrictive in the country and creates new barriers to voting for many people with disabilities."
During a time when the state is facing a budget crisis, legislators have enacted a law that will cost the people of the state $7 million dollars over 2 years (estimated by the nonpartisan Legilative Fiscal Bureau.) The state Legislature Joint Finance Committee has voted to provide over 1.5 million dollars to the Government Accountability Board to implement the new act to make computer upgrades, train poll workers and educate the public, however there are more costs to everyone such as costs for transportation to obtain the necessary photo ID or transportation to and purchase of copies of the necessary ID for each time one submits an absentee ballot.
The American Disability Act (ADA) was signed into law in order to change the standards of construction and access so that all people no matter their ability could have equal access. With its passage, we as a society have become more aware that a great assumption was made with standards of construction and access prior to the ADA. The Wisconsin Act is passed on similar assumptions - that everyone has a photo ID, that all people will be able to obtain one, that all people can leave their homes and go to a DOT service center to obtain one, that all people have timely transportation to a DOT service center, that all people can afford transportation, that all people have access to a photo copier, that all people will have transportation or that all will be able to go to where they can to use a photocopier or that all people can sign their name. Unfortunately it is left to us to educate our legislators who do not appear to be aware of the barriers to people with disabilities in exercising their right to vote or any awareness of how people access our state of Wisconsin DOT offices. Our Wisconsin legislators have made it much more difficult for people to vote!
We would like everyone to exercise their right to vote in the State of Wisconsin! See our Guide on Voting in Wisconsin 2011-2012 for information on when the Act will go into effect, what you will need at elections in 2011 before the 2012 Wisconsin Spring Primary. Find out more about what documents you will need to acquire a state ID, what documents you need to register to vote, and what you will need to vote in 2012.
Write your legislator on how this legislation will affect you and your right to vote. Other states are not requiring a copy of one's photo ID for absentee ballotting.
It is critical for Wisconsin citizens concerned about proposed caps to the long-term care system to take action before Tuesday, when the Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) will vote on the Family Care Cap. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau has presented JCF with several alternatives to choose from. JCF could also develop its own proposal.
The alternative that lifts the Family Care Cap and continues expansion of the Program statewide is #6 in the Family Care Enrollment Cap paper. The cost of Alternative #6 totals approximately $97 million in state funding over the next two years. This cost could be paid for out of the $636 million in additional tax revenues identified by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Wisconsin, Survival Coalition, and many other aging and advocacy groups have endorsed two documents that outline a proposed strategy for lifting the long-term care caps. Keeping the Community Promise: Lifting the Cap on Long-Term Care in Wisconsin is available at http://tinyurl.com/4xhau36 and Lift the Cap on Long-Term Care: A Funding Proposal is available at http://tinyurl.com/3kmxj5y JCF members have received both of these documents.
DAWN has released the following information on Assembly Bill 110 which would give vouchers to parents of children with special needs that they could use to attend a private school. The bill is modeled after legislation passed in Florida and Ohio. The outcomes in Florida and Ohio are schools that are highly segregated and which do not accept students with the most significant needs. The vouchers also drain funding from the local public schools since funding is reduced for every voucher issued. Parents that accept the vouchers lose all of their rights. For instance, Individualized Education Plans, guarantees of progress, outcomes, and least restrictive environment would no longer be requirements for special needs children. The history of AB 110 is located at legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/data/AB110hst.html and the text is at legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/data/AB-110.pdf. AB 110 is having a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Education on Tuesday, May 3rd, at 10:00 am in Room 417 North of the State Capitol. If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, you can voice your opinions to the Committee Chair, Representative Steve Kestell, at Rep.Kestell@legis.state.wi.us or (608) 266-8530.
We are sending an important Wisconsin announcement to our members, about the Wisconsin Voting Photo ID Assembly Bill 7. If you do not live in the State of Wisconsin, please disregard this e-mail and we apologize for the inconvenience. If you live in the State of Wisconsin these hearings are a good opportunity to comment on the budget and submit your comments.
On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Election and Campaign Reform will hold a public hearing on Assembly Bill 7, also known as the Photo ID Bill. This bill would require a voter to show photo identification before being able to vote. People with disabilities will be affected by this bill.
DAWN has released the following alert.
Elections need to be safe and secure but at the same time they need to provide equal access to the voting process for all eligible voters. Disability organizations around the state believe that this bill goes too far in its regulation of the voting process. Wisconsin should be proud of its tradition of high voter turnout. If this bill is passed, it would be among the most restrictive in the country and would create new barriers to voting for many people with disabilities.
Some Facts:
- People with disabilities currently vote at a rate that is 10 to 15
percent below the rate of the general population.
- Wisconsin has made recent significant progress in encouraging people
with disabilities to vote.
- Compared to the general population, it is much for difficult for
people with disabilities to acquire photo identification, as they face
additional barriers including access to transportation and other hidden
costs.
- This bill would eliminate the option for an individual to have their
residence corroborated. Many individuals with disabilities rely on this
option in order to vote.
- For more information on these and other points, see the "position
paper" link below.
When: The public hearing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: The North Hearing Room (2nd Floor North) of the State Capitol in Madison.
What: Public testimony will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. You can also submit written comments to the Committee at Rep.Tauchen@legis.wisconsin.gov, or sent via U.S. mail to: Rep. Gary Tauchen, Room 13 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702. All written testimony must include name (first and last), along with mailing address to be included into the official record.
For the complete meeting notice, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3kfzlk9
For a position paper on this topic from a coalition of disability organizations, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3l5lecu
New Horizons Un-Limited sent a 2011-13 Wisconsion State Budget Position Paper in support of the Survival Coalition and other organizations for people with disabilities position on the Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee Biennial Budget. To view the paper click on the link above. You can still write to your legislator or write letters to the editor of your local newspaper or other media.
Thursday, April 7 (10am-6pm), UW-Stevens Point (Quandt Fieldhouse, 2050 Fourth Street) Stevens Point
Friday, April 8 (10am-5pm), UW-Superior campus, Wessman Arena, 2701 Catlin Avenue, Superior
Monday, April 11 (10am-6pm), State Fair Park, Expo Center Hall A, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave(Enter Gate 4 for Parking)West Allis
Wednesday, April 13 (10am-6pm), Pickard Civic Auditorium, 1275 Tullar Road, Neenah
The Democratic members of the Joint Finance Committee will hold additional hearings. Take note that the Republicans, who make up the majority of the Finance Committee, may or may not be present at these hearings:
Saturday, April 9, (10:30 am-4:30 pm) UW-Oshkosh, Reeve Memorial Union, Oshkosh
Saturday, April 9, (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Chippewa Valley Technical College, Business Education Center, Eau Claire
Friday, April 15, (1:00 pm – 7:00 pm) UW-Baraboo Gymnasium, Baraboo
Monday, April 18, (1:00 pm – 7:00 pm) Northcentral Technical College, Heath Sciences Building, Wausau
Saturday, April 16, (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Brown County Central Library, Green Bay
Saturday, April 16, (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) Nicolet Technical College, Learning Resources Building Auditorium, Rhinelander
Wednesday, April 20, (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm) Blackhawk Technical College, North Commons, Janesville
Monday, April 25, (1:00 pm – 7:00 pm) UW-La Crosse, Cartwright Center, La Crosse
Monday, April 25, (1:00 pm – 7:00 pm) Appleton Public Library, Appleton
Monday, May 9, (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) Gateway Technical College Auditorium, Kenosha
For more information on the Joint Finance Committee's public hearing schedule go to http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/jfc/schedule.htm
The Wisconsin Legislature Joint Finance Committee hearings provide an opportunity to testify before legislators (who will make spending decisions) on items like Medicaid, Special Education, Public Transit, Mental Health, Long Term Care, Corrections, and Local Access to Benefits. The committee will take testimony at these hearings, however they draw a large crowd and one does not get very much time to speak. There are other ways to provide your input. If you decide to testify, remember you will only have 3 minutes and so it is best to be prepared. For more information on Tips for Testifying:
Wisconsin Council on Children and families offers 5 Steps for a Successful Meeting with a Legislator and Helpful Hints for Different Kinds of Advocacy.
The Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee will stop taking testimony at the end time listed, be prepared to provide your input in other ways. Bring a 16 copies of your comments for each committee member to the hearing and submit them to the Committee.
Submit your comments as soon as possible or by April 15. To send written comments via e-mail, send to: budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov
To send written comments via US mail, send to: Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53703.Contact Governor Walker and your Wisconsin State Legislators: To call or email your legislators, find your Wisconsin State legislators and their contact information: Who Are My Legislators?
"On April 5, 2011, voters statewide will be choosing a Wisconsin State Supreme Court judge. Voters also will be choosing local officials, such as circuit court judges and town, village, city, county, and school board officials. It is very important that the disability community takes part in this election.
The two candidates for Wisconsin State Supreme Court judge are David Prosser and JoAnne Kloppenburg. David Prosser’s campaign website is http://www.justiceprosser.com/ and JoAnne Kloppenburg’s campaign website is http://www.kloppenburgforjustice.com/
While bills to require a photo ID at the polls are currently being considered by the Legislature, the law has not yet changed. "Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. People already registered to vote just need to give poll workers a name and address. Photo identification is not required. People can still register the day of the election at the polling place. A document, such as a utility bill, Wisconsin photo I.D., or rental lease, is needed to prove where the voter lives."
"Disability Rights Wisconsin has a toll-free voter assistance hotline if you have questions or encounter trouble voting at the polls. The toll-free number is 1-800-928-8778 (voice) or 1-888-758-6049 (TTY). The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities has a publication about voting rights available for download from http://www.wi-bpdd.org/publications/pub_by_category.cfm?catid=26"
If you also have concerns about the Medicaid program, contact your state representative and state senator as soon as possible.
To find out who are your state representative and senator, go to Legislators Wisconsin
The following has been sent from an action alert by the DAWN (Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network):
The State Senate and State Assembly will vote on the Governor's Budget Repair Bill to fix the budget deficit in the current fiscal year this week. The bill contains an important change that will impact Medicaid and the 1.1 million Medicaid recipients across the state. The bill as amended will allow the Governor and Joint Finance Committee to make changes to the Medicaid program without legislative oversight or public input.
The changes in the Governor's Budget Repair Bill could be to recipients of Medicaid including eligibility for children, parents and uninsured adults, reduced services and benefits in programs that serve elderly and persons with disabilities, including BadgerCare, SeniorCare, Family Care, children's waivers and other vital programs or changes in co-pays and premiums without legislative oversight or any public input. For example, the Governor and Joint Finance Committee could decide to increase cost sharing by program participants and allow providers to deny services to people who couldn’t pay the cost share. These changes would have an enormous impact on adults and children with disabilities and others who depend on these services every day.
If you also have concerns about the Medicaid program, contact your state representative and state senator as soon as possible. They may be voting on the budget repair bill as early as Tuesday of this week.
Disability advocates believe that any changes to the Medicaid program must be made with public input and the involvement of the entire legislature. They believe that these Medicaid provisions should be taken out of the budget repair bill.
To find out who are your state representative and senator, go to Legislators Wisconsin
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