Member’s Letter to Editor Published

The Dec. 21st edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel included this letter from LWVMC member Kathy Sieja on expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage. This aligns with the LWVWI position.

Vos wrong to oppose expansion of Medicaid for new moms

I am appalled once again at State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ blatant disregard for the people he represents. His latest move in denying expansion of Medicaid postpartum coverage demonstrates a continuing pattern of prioritizing his personal beliefs over the needs of constituents (“Vos thwarts forced vote on mothers’ Medicaid,” Nov. 21).

Vos is clearly a supporter of Republican “family values” and pro-life philosophies. Yet he hypocritically refuses to do what 48 other states have done to extend Medicaid insurance coverage to new mothers from 60 days to one year. Wisconsin and Arkansas are the nation’s outliers in this cruel stance.

The bill to expand this coverage has overwhelming bipartisan support. Vos is the sole holdout, casting this much-needed health insurance coverage as “expanding welfare” rather than the vital resource it is for low-income moms and babies. Many families in Wisconsin are struggling, and access to affordable health care is crucial for their well-being. The expansion of Medicaid postpartum coverage is not just a policy issue, it is a matter of public health and economic stability for countless families.

LGBTQ+ Reasons for Hope in the New Year

As we step into a new year, it’s fair to acknowledge that the road ahead for LGBTQ+ people is trending backwards. But it’s also important to focus on what can help keep us engaged and moving forward. There are real, concrete reasons for hope — and they matter.

Here’s what the LGBTQ+ community has going for it right now:

• Visibility is durable. LGBTQ+ people are part of everyday life — families, workplaces, schools, faith communities. That kind of connection is hard to undo. It’s fair to say everyone reading this knows someone in this community.

• Younger voters are deeply inclusive — and civically engaged. Gen Z and Millennials overwhelmingly support LGBTQ+ equality and are increasingly active in elections and advocacy.

• Local democracy is holding the line. Across the country, school boards, city councils, libraries are defending inclusive policies. This is where progress is often made — and protected.

• Legal protections still matter. While challenges continue, core rights remain in place, and organizations like Fair Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood, and ACLU continue to defend them.

• Community networks are stronger than ever. Mutual aid, advocacy groups, and trusted local organizations are coordinated, experienced, and resilient.

• Many Churches recognize that their compassion extends to everyone.  Milwaukee First Unitarian, St. Paul's Episcopal and Immanuel Presbyterian and others are supportive of all, including the LGBTQ+ community.

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 LWV Milwaukee County: Get Involved

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County has launched a LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group, and we’d love you to be part of it. This group focuses on education, local advocacy, and coalition work to support equality and civic engagement. Our first visible, fun and educational kick-off event is Thursday, March 5, 7pm at POP (124 W. National).

Some of the groups we hope to work with include:

• Courage House

• Diverse and Resilient

• Fair Wisconsin

• Planned Parenthood

• VoteRiders

Interested in joining or learning more? Contact K.Vance@LWVMilwaukee.org or Mary Newby at M.Newby@LWVMilwaukee.org

Progress isn’t always loud — but it is happening. And together, we keep it moving forward.

LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!

Join the Observer Corp! Observe Local Government in Action!

The Observer Corp:

·      Is a structured way for citizens to become involved in their community by observing and reporting on local government meetings.

·      Promotes open, transparent, and accountable government

·      Educates the public about issues impacting their communities and their lives

If you are:

·      Interested in local government and/or the issues being discussed

·      Able to report and summarize proceedings in an objective, non-partisan manner

·      A good listener, discreet and courteous

JOIN US!  Help ensure that the public and the League are aware of the decisions that   impact us

Observer Responsibilities:

·      Commit to attending a Milwaukee City or County Committee meeting 1-2 times a month, in-person or virtually. (Most meetings are recorded.)

·      Take notes and report back to the Observer Corp Chair.

For more information, contact Robyn Furger: ObserverCorp@LWVMilwaukee.org

2025 Marked 19 Years of the League’s  Bilingual Voting Resource, VOTE411.org! 

LWVMC will be preparing its 2026 Spring Election Voter Guide in the coming weeks.  Watch for the online voter guide to be published on January 27!  Our Community Volunteers will begin their vital work next week contacting clerks to get the candidate names and  contact information  for races in the 2026 Spring Election.  After candidate information is entered into the VOTE411 system, the  tech team sends them letters of invitation to participate in the Voter Guide. They answer questions about their candidacy that educate voters about their positions on issues before voters cast their ballots in the election.