Thursday, August 21: Surveillance Technology Training with the ACLU of Wisconsin

On Thursday, August 21 the mass incarceration advocacy program will host the ACLU of Wisconsin for a training on surveillance technologies used in Milwaukee. This training will provide an overview of what Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is, how it works, and how the Milwaukee Police Department has proposed to trade 2.5 million mug shots for access to this “free” technology. The training will take place in the Atkinson Branch Library Community Room (1960 W. Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209) from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here to register to attend this free training. Email questions to Emily Sterk at e.sterk@lwvmilwaukee.org.

New Medicaid/FoodShare Task Force

A way for you to Unite and Rise!

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act imposes new barriers to Medicaid and food assistance (“FoodShare” in Wisconsin) coverage. Several experts say the real problems aren’t work or other new substantive requirements but paperwork burdens. 

Medicaid covers approximately one million Wisconsinites (20% of our population). FoodShare helps nearly 700,000 of us. Many could lose coverage. Of course, lots of those affected live in our area.

Most changes take effect in 2027, with detailed implementation rules rolling out in 2026. Let’s GET TO WORK, doing what we can to alleviate the worst of the problems. Collectively, we can:

This will be challenging but let’s be optimists. United, we can get something done. Contact Linda Laarman, l.laarman@lwvmilwaukee.org to discuss and join! 

FEDERAL CLIMATE ACTION

The front page August 13 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel subheading read, “Smoke, heat, flooding leave little to enjoy this summer.” Protect your health and welfare. Tell the EPA no repeal of the Clean Air Act greenhouse gas emission standards.

URGENT!  Send your comments to the EPA on its proposed repeal of the underpinnings of the Clean Air Act and its air pollution and climate regulations.   

Email your comments to the EPA by September 15 at a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov

Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194 in the subject line of the message.

For information on the specifics of the issue, go to:

https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-endangerment-finding

1. Speak about your experiences with dirty air, extreme heat or flooding. 

2. State you want the EPA to retain its statutory authority under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act to prescribe standards for GHG emissions.

3. Want pointers for your comments? Email Molly Collins at Molly.Collins@lung.org. Molly is LWVMC member and Advocacy Director for the American Lung Assn. in WI.

Dobbs Decision Forces Travel To Get Abortion Services

In 2024, three years after the SCOTUS Dobbs decision ignited a chaotic patchwork of abortion access laws, 155,000 women in states with abortion bans had to travel out of state in order to get the procedure, according to a study by the Guttmacher Institute. 

“While these findings show us where and how far patients are traveling, they are not able to capture the numerous financial, logistical, social and emotional obstacles people face,” says Isaac Maddow-Zimet, Guttmacher Institute data scientist and study lead.

The Guttmacher Institute is a leading global research and policy organization committed to advancing reproductive health and rights. Read its full report here.

Popular Supreme Court decision upholding same-sex marriage is being challenged. 

Same-Sex Marriage Challenge (August 2025)

• Supreme Court Petition: Former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The Court will decide this fall whether to hear the case. If accepted, arguments would likely be in spring 2026 with a ruling by June 2026. The Court could also decline to hear it, leaving Obergefell intact.
• Clarence Thomas Reference: Justice Thomas previously wrote (in a 2020 opinion) that Obergefell was “at odds with the Constitution” and should be reconsidered, a signal to advocates now pressing this challenge.
• Why It Is Legal in Wisconsin: Same-sex marriage is legal in Wisconsin today because the Obergefell decision struck down both state laws and constitutional amendments that banned it. Wisconsin’s 2006 constitutional ban is still technically on the books, but it is unenforceable under federal law.
• Wisconsin Legislation: In 2025, the Marriage and Family Equality Act (AB 314 / SB 321) was introduced to modernize state law by recognizing same-sex marriage in statute and repealing outdated language. A companion constitutional amendment has also been proposed to repeal Wisconsin’s 2006 ban.
• Public Support: Roughly 68% of Americans support same-sex marriage (Gallup, 2025). In Wisconsin, bipartisan polling shows a clear majority favoring marriage equality. The League of Women Voters explicitly supports same-sex marriage as a matter of equal rights.
• Comparison to Roe v. Wade: Like Roe, which was overturned in 2022 despite strong public support, the popularity of Obergefell does not guarantee its permanence. If overturned, states could again restrict marriage rights, although the Respect for Marriage Act (2022) would still require recognition of marriages performed in other states.

WISDOM Petitions Address Mass Incarceration Issues

Wisconsin has some of the highest incarceration rates for Black and Indigenous people in the country. Meanwhile, investments in mental health care, food programs, and treatment alternatives—things that actually keep us safe—are being slashed.

LWVMC's Mass Incarceration committee is joining WISDOM, a statewide network comprising mainly of faith-based organizations, in calling on Gov. Evers to address these issues:

Exciting Voter Services Volunteer Opportunity 

One of the most rewarding voter services programs in our League is helping new citizens register as voters for the first time. Throughout the year, the immigration services hold naturalization ceremonies, and volunteers from our League are present to assist these new citizens register to vote. Not only is this an exciting moment for the new citizen, but also for the volunteers from our League who help in this process. Seeing the excitement of these new voters is a wonderful and unique experience. 

For many years, two League members, Linda Neubauer and Mary Jo McDonald, have led this program and recruited a strong group of volunteers to participate. Linda and Mary Jo feel it's time to step back from their leadership roles, so we are seeking two League members who might step forward to co-lead this fantastic program. Linda and Mary Jo will be available to work with the new co-leaders, ensuring a seamless transition.

This is an excellent opportunity for a League member to make a difference and have a rich, rewarding experience. The only skills needed are expertise in the online voter registration process and a willingness to help keep this vital program moving forward. If you're interested, please contact me at c.owley@lwvmilwaukeee.org, and we can discuss the role and responsibilities in more detail.

* HELP REGISTER and INFORM VOTERS *

As National Voter Registration Day approaches, the Library Outreach Committee of Voter Services has scheduled several Voter Registration events during that week, at both Milwaukee and suburban libraries. A couple of new ones were added this week. We will need volunteers to help register voters, update addresses, encourage civic engagement, offer informational handouts and answer questions. If you have some experience helping people register to vote at myvote.wi.gov (and on paper, if necessary), please sign up! It will be a few hours well spent!!

CHOOSE YOUR EVENT HERE

League Café will meet this month on Friday, August 22nd at 10:00 am at the East Side Library, 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee. There is parking behind the library through the archway. This month is a general discussion: we discuss whatever is on our minds at the time. Our discussions are always interesting, and everyone has something to learn and contribute on whatever topic they choose.

Our topic for September is “Refugees & Immigration." The book we will be discussing is After the Last Border by Jessica Goudeau. A retired immigration lawyer will be our special guest. Join us!

The “Big Beautiful Bill” contained monies to hire 10,000 more ICE agents and to expand the number of beds by 80,000 for detention facilities in order to reach a deportation/removal goal of a million people per year. This is especially concerning as many immigrants are not being accorded their constitutional right to due process.

How can you help?

Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. NOTE: The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility.

Trainings are being held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W. Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm.

Please sign up in advance at: ICE Verifier Training Form

Only one training is required.

Upcoming dates: Saturday, July 19th; Saturday, August 2nd; Saturday, August 16th; Saturday, September 6th; Saturday, September 20th.

Lubar Center for Public Policy

1215 W. Michigan Street, Milwaukee

September 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

The Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette Law School will host an advance screening of a new documentary on the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, entitled “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect.” The Lubar Center is pleased to offer this opportunity in partnership with Milwaukee PBS and Marquette University’s Center for Urban Research, Teaching, and Outreach. After the documentary, Chief Judge Maxine White and Lubar Center Director Derek Mosley will offer their perspectives and insights into the issues raised by the movie. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., the program begins promptly at 5:30 p.m., the movie lasts 1 hour, and the program will conclude by 7:00 p.m. Register here.