Sw Colorado News

In this update:

• A Look at the Week Ahead
• Administration Updates
• Legislative Updates
• Election Updates
• Fundraising Opportunities

A Look at the Week Ahead

State of the State Address

Tuesday, January 24

Gov. Tony Evers 2023 State of the State Address

7:00 PM

Streamed on WisEye: https://wiseye.org/

Administration Updates

Evers calls for advisory referendum on “Wisconsin’s Criminal Abortion Ban”

Governor Tony Evers (D-Plymouth) and Democrats in the state Legislature are calling for an advisory referendum to be placed on the April 2023 spring elections ballot asking whether “Wisconsin’s criminal abortion ban should be repealed to restore the rights afforded to Wisconsinites under Roe v. Wade.” Although the governor wants the advisory referendum placed on the ballot to gauge voters’ opinions, he said in a press release that he already knows what the outcome of the referendum would be. “I know where Wisconsinites stand, as does every single person who serves in the State Capitol,” Gov. Evers said. “This is an opportunity to make clear that there continues to be not one single shred of doubt about where the people of Wisconsin are on this issue: Wisconsinites support Roe, we support reproductive freedom for our loved ones, our family members and kids, our friends, and our neighbors, and we are going to fight like hell every single day until Republicans heed to the will of the people.”

Despite the outcry from Gov. Evers and fellow Democrats, Republicans voted unanimously this week to reject an attempt by Senate and Assembly Democrats to replace a competing advisory referendum on welfare eligibility with the advisory referendum on abortion. For an advisory referendum to be placed on the ballot, it must pass through both chambers of the Legislature during the same session. The Assembly and Senate each have Republican majorities. Both political parties have been maneuvering in recent weeks to include advisory referenda on the April 2023 ballot in an attempt increase turnout among their respective political bases for the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race.

Erpenbach to head Parole Commission

Governor Tony Evers (D-Plymouth) recently announced that he will be appointing former State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) to head the state Parole Commission. Sen. Erpenbach spent the past 24 years representing the 27th Senate District and retired after last session. In a statement, the former Senator said “The success of the Commission depends on our ability to balance the law and public safety while supporting victims, survivors, and their families and keeping dangerous individuals off of our streets. It’s that balanced, thoughtful approach that I intend to take as chair. I look forward to serving the people of Wisconsin in this new role, and I want to thank Gov. Evers for the opportunity to continue public service and for entrusting me with this important responsibility.”

Sen. Erpenbach’s appointment is subject to approval by the Senate, but he can serve in the role without confirmation unless the chamber votes to reject him. Senator Van Wanggaard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, says he is “hopeful” about Sen. Erpenbach’s appointment and further stated, “I want to hear his thoughts on how he will enhance public safety, how he intends to ensure victims are included in the process, and how he will follow the open meetings law he championed, all of which of Gov. Evers’ previous appointees failed to do.”

Legislative Updates

Legislature advances constitutional amendment on bail, advisory referendum on welfare

This week, the Legislature approved two questions to include on the April 2023 spring elections ballot. The first question asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to consider more factors when setting cash bail while the second question is an advisory referendum asking voters whether able-bodied, childless adults should be required to job search while receiving welfare benefits. “This is an opportunity for us as policymakers to hear directly from Wisconsinites,” Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said regarding the welfare question. “Last session I voted to provide real solutions to the workforce crisis to get thousands of people off the sidelines and back into jobs. Unfortunately, Governor Evers did nothing.” In contrast to Speaker Vos, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) said of the GOP proposals, “They’re trying to gin up their voters, simply put.”

The Senate passed the advisory referendum on welfare reform 22-10 with all Republicans and Democratic Senator Brad Pfaff voting in favor of the measure. In the Assembly, the measure passed with a 62-35 majority.

The constitutional amendment on reforming the cash bail system passed the Senate 23-9 with Democratic Senators Bob Wirch and Brad Pfaff joining all Republicans in supporting the measure. In the Assembly, the constitutional amendment passed with a 73-22 bipartisan majority that included 10 Democrats and all Republicans.

Original source can be found here.