LWV Urges Congress To Use Its Constitutional Authority

LWVUS sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening American democracy. The letter to Congress highlighted several recent executive branch actions that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the undermining of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempts to end birthright citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds, and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.  

Of particular concern is the creation of an unofficial "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) with free rein to sensitive government systems and the summary removal of 17 inspectors general without the required congressional notice.

The letter emphasizes that while federal courts have already enjoined several of these executive actions, Congress has not exercised its constitutional oversight. The League and its supporters urge Congress to exercise its authority to protect the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and rein in the executive branch's overreach. Read the full letter here.

Contact your members of Congress at https://www.senate.gov/ and https://www.house.gov/

Banners Up!

LWVMC's Comité Voto Latino welcomed the (slightly) warmer weather as they installed banners at  southside playfields urging Spanish-speaking citizens to vote in the Spring Election. Eloisa Gómez, Diane Steigerwald and Maria Avila set up the 5 banners at 4 Southside playfields as well as at OASIS Senior Center on Feb. 23rd. The banners, done in collaboration with the Milwaukee Recreation Department, are in high Latino communities with low voter turnout wards.

Televised WI Supreme Court Debate March 12

WISN 12 is presenting the WISN 12 Commitment 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate on March 12, from 7– 8 p.m. The debate features Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford and Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel. The April election will determine the ideological balance of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. In the coming years, the court could be deciding on numerous controversial issues such as abortion access, election laws, congressional redistricting, and union rights. The race is shaping up to be the most expensive judicial election in United States’ history.

International Women’s Day is around the corner on March 8, 2025

International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world.  It is a day when women from every national, ethnic, cultural, economic and political background are recognized for their achievements. 

 The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is holding its first ever Giving Day to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025.  It is a social media campaign targeting non-members and the general public. 

How can you help?

Answer:   On Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, search for LWVMC to find our posts for the Giving Day.  You can help by liking, commenting, sharing, and reposting the posts that the social media team has posted on Facebook and LinkedIn.  Add punch by adding your own comment when you share or repost!!

Sharing and reposting helps us spread the word about the League’s mission to empower voters and defend democracy and to reach more prospective donors.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

International Women’s Day is March 8, 2025.  It is a day that celebrates the achievements of women.  What better time to support women-owned businesses?

We worked with East View Coffee Company for our LWVMC Coffee for a Strong Democracy sale last fall.   East View was founded and owned by Jenny Ulbricht and she buys coffee beans from women-owned coffee producers.

Did you know that regardless of where you are in Milwaukee, you’re about 10 minutes from a woman-owned business?   See this graphic of women owned businesses in Milwaukee created by She Stands Tall, LLC and Bay View Printing Company here. 

Join ACLU Phone-banking for Spring Election

LWVWI's voting rights partner, ACLU of WIsconsin, has opportunities to volunteer to phonebank with the ACLU to inform voters about the upcoming Supreme Court race and the civil rights issues at stake. Join the ACLU weekly phonebook to spread the word to make sure civil rights remain a priority in Wisconsin's highest court.

Sign up here.

Tell Congress to Oppose the SAVE Act

Volunteer at High School Registrations

Consider volunteering at high school registrations. You get to meet enthusiastic students and dynamic staff members. It is very rewarding to guide the students into becoming registered voters and engaged citizens. Most of the registrations are two-three hours. 

* * * Last Call For Nominations For LWVMC Board and Nominating Committee * * *

Our League has just completed an amazing year where we registered 2,388 new voters and spoke to and educated nearly 11,500 people. In addition we were active on issues centered on Reproductive Rights and the Environment and Climate Change.  

Our past and current Boards of Directors have built a strong and durable League that makes a significant difference in Milwaukee County and surrounding areas. Now is the time to bring your experiences and skills to the Board to carry forward the important work of the League.

Passionate about and committed to the League’s mission - Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy? Committed to a League that values diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more equitable Milwaukee County? Experienced in leadership, fundraising or non-profit governance? We need your passion and skills! The Nominations Committee invites all LWVMC members to consider running for a leadership position. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

The 2025-27 open Board positions include:

• 4 Officer positions: President; 1st VP Organization; 3rd VP Voter Services; Secretary.
• 3 at-large Directors.  

All of these positions are for a two-year term beginning 7/1/2025 and ending 6/30/2027

Chair of the Nominating Committee and two additional committee members. These are non-board positions and have a one-year term of office.  

The Nominating Committee is accepting Nominations now through February 28 using this very Simple form. You can nominate yourself or someone else. If you nominate someone else, be sure you have their permission.

To learn more about the positions and what they entail follow this link to the job description for each position. 

If you are considering any of these positions you are also encouraged to read the LWVMC nonpartisan policy If you have questions about the nominating process or various positions, don’t hesitate to email: joanne.barndt@gmail.com

Today!  No Need to Register- Just Show Up!

LWVUS is Fighting for Life-Saving Abortion Care

LWVUS and nearly 100 other organizations joined an amicus brief arguing that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) preempts Idaho’s abortion ban, which prohibits abortion in all instances unless necessary to save the life of the mother. EMTALA requires hospitals participating in Medicare to provide stabilizing care to any individual experiencing a medical emergency, regardless of their ability to pay. (From lwv.org website)

35 Years of the ADA: Livestream Mar. 11

Support Local Democracy. Support Your League.

Your support is critical to help our nonpartisan grassroots organization reach voters play a critical role in democracy. It would not be possible to empower voters and defend democracy without your support. 

Thank you! LWVMC