More state budget advocacy

Western Wisconsin state electeds will hold sessions around our area to collect comments on the budget being put together by the state's Joint Finance Committee for 2025 through 2027:

• April 7 at 5 p.m. at Bekkum Library in Westby (Sen. Pfaff and Rep. Johnson)
• April 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Onalaska Public Library (Sen. Pfaff, Rep. Doyle)
• April 14 at 4 p.m. at the La Crosse Public Library (Sen. Pfaff, Rep. Billings)

Thanks to hyperpartisan gerrymandering, the JFC's lopsided membership--12 Republicans and four Democratics--ensures official JFC sessions will be hard to reach and participate in for voters in our area (the closest is Wausau and no online options). As past years have shown, Republicans don't really care what the voters want. 

But, the gerrymander prison walls are crumbling and the make up of our legislature is changing. New members, elected last year under fairer maps, are not only less conservative, but, in the words of one long-time public policy advocate, they're more mature and politically savvy. Many new members are former mayors, local government representatives, and non-profit leaders who understand what's important and how to get things done.

In our area, State Senator Brad Pfaff and State Representatives Steve Doyle, Tara Johnson, and Jill Billings make up a strong team of experienced, focused champions for progressive, common sense issues.

If you can attend one of their local sessions, please go. They will listen, and they will take our concerns to budget negotiators. 

In addition to local sessions, state groups continue to host lobby days in Madison. These events bring groups together to hear about specific issues, receive training and talking points, and visit with home legislators or staff. 

On April 10, WISDOM Day of Action will bring advocates for social justice, equity, and policy change together. WISDOM is a multi-state network organizing around immigrant rights, prison reform, rights of nature, and connecting families.

On April 15, the Wisconsin AARP will host a lobby day.

On April 23, there will be a Right to Boycott lobby day and rally hosted by Wisconsin Network for Justice and Peace, Jewish Voices for Peace, and other groups  

On May 6, Wisconsin Conservation Voters will host Conservation Lobby Day to work for clean water, clean energy, and clean government. A bus will be available from Tomah.