News & Commentary

On February 16, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will introduce his 2021 biennial budget, laying the foundation for what our state will look like over the next two years. The budget is not only a document that determines how taxpayer dollars are spent — it is a representation of our collective values and a blueprint of our shared goals. Questions over whether we should continue overinvesting in the corrections system and local police departments at the expense of public schools — or deciding to invest greater resources into special education and healthcare programs — are as much about the budget as they are about our moral principles. The budget process, although complicated and tedious, is what translates the will of the people into the work of the government, defining what we want our public officials to prioritize.

As one of the most difficult years in American history comes to a close, we want to take a moment to extend our most sincere thanks to all of you for sticking with us and remaining committed to the fight for justice and equality in Wisconsin. 

By David Carlson, Smart Justice Regional Organizer

It is not enough to just turn back the clock on the past four years. It is time to put an end to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention machine.

This blog is the fifth in a series outlining a reimagined, just, and humane immigration system for the United States.

Right now, Wisconsin state prisons are a public health catastrophe. The meteoric spike in COVID-19 statewide has set off a severe outbreak in Wisconsin prisons. There have now been more than 9,000 positive tests overall, and more than 1,200 active cases throughout the system. Nineteen people have lost their lives.

On Tuesday, December 1, the ACLU sent a letter to the Madison Common Council urging them to ban the use of facial recognition technology, which is highly-invasive and prone to racial bias. Later that evening, they voted in favor of the ban. Read the letter below. 

By David Carlson, Smart Justice Campaign Regional Organizer

By Ryeshia Farmer, Rights For All Campaign Coordinator