Message from the President

Dear Members,

Following the recent resignations of the President and Treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin's Board, the remaining members of the State Board will hold a special meeting to elect a Vice President to serve for the next two months, until the annual meeting. At that annual meeting, members will vote on a full slate of officers to continue the board's work.

During this transition period, Gail Skłodowska, a current member of the State Board, will be working diligently to ensure continuity and leadership stability. Gail will also need strong support from her team leaders and fellow members to make sure that our local advocacy efforts continue without interruption.

This moment presents an important opportunity for League members who may be interested in serving in a leadership role at the state level. If you have skills, experience, or ideas you’d like to contribute to the State Board, please consider learning more about the open positions.

For more information, or to express your interest, please contact Beth Bashura at Bamybash2000@gmail.com.  

In League

Peg Schrader

The Third Annual Silent Auction will be held during the Annual Meeting on the afternoon of Saturday, June 6 and we are in need of your generous donations to help us reach our fundraising goal.

Popular items include gift certificates to restaurants or for services like massages, mani-pedis, yoga and exercise classes, as well as tickets to sporting or entertainment events.  Other services could be using your special talent to make someone a meal, quilt or knit a throw blanket, provide a photography session.  

Gift baskets are also popular and can be a joint effort for you and your friends to make.  Ideas include baskets of books, liquor or wine, gardening, cooking, or your own creative theme.  Also, you may have or know of a business that would have something to donate in support of the League’s work.  The ideas are really endless and donations can be big or small.

Please use the Donor Form 2026 to provide the details of your donation and to select a drop-off site.  If you have any questions, please email Lorna Grade at l.grade@lwvmilwaukee.org.

Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for governor talk about many of the same goals when it comes to Wisconsin’s health care system: expanding access, reducing costs and ensuring quality.

 Some of their proposals to those ends are almost identical. But key details vary.

 Stay up to date on what the candidates are saying so you are prepared for the next election!

MILWAUKEE’S FOOD APARTHEID

 “We can’t afford to look away, not when children are hungry, elders are rationing medication, and mothers are taking two buses just to buy groceries.”

 -Julia Harris-Robinson, President and CEO of Outreach Community Health Centers, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/22/26.

Ms. Harris-Robinson noted that patient outcomes are shaped by what happens well before they enter an exam room at the health center. She states: “Reliable access to food is one of the most important factors, and FoodShare is a key part of that safety net for many Wisconsin residents.”

Everyone benefits from a healthy community. The lack of access to healthy food for the most vulnerable populations in Milwaukee negatively impacts the whole community. Here are ways that we can all help:

1. Join the LWVMC Medicaid/FoodShare task force.

2. Support neighborhood associations such as Metcalfe Park Community Bridges or Milwaukee’s Food Justice Collective that are working on finding long-term solutions to the food access issue. Donate or volunteer your time, skills and resources.

3. Advocate for policy change by contacting elected reps to demand sustained funding for food solutions that provide sustainable relief, not just emergency relief. 

4. Shop locally. Support community growers, local farms, mutual aid networks and small food businesses. Share resources, buy local produce, help circulate dollars in neighborhood economies.

If you are interested in joining the LWVMC Medicaid/FoodShare task force, please contact Linda Laarman or Deb Bursinger.

To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch

To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsin: myvote.wi.gov

Speaking up matters.

LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is deeply concerned by the detention of Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Sarsour has been described by supporters as a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the United States for more than three decades, and he is now being held in Indiana.

We are troubled by reports that this detention may be connected to his advocacy for Palestinians in his public speeches. The League supports the right to free expression, due process, and fair treatment under the law for all people, regardless of their political views or background.

We call on our members and all concerned residents to contact their members of Congress and U.S. senators and urge them to demand transparency and accountability.

Peg Schrader, President

Prepare for May Day…or Other Protests

Poster-Making Party

Saturday, April 25, 10:00-Noon

Bay View Library  |  2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Join us for a creative and community-centered poster-making party in preparation for May Day! Together, we’ll design bold, meaningful posters highlighting workers’ rights, solidarity, and the vital contributions of immigrants in our communities—recognizing that immigrant workers help build, sustain, and enrich our society in countless ways. All are welcome to join this relaxed, creative gathering with art supplies provided; bring your ideas, your voice, and your vision as we create powerful messages like “Workers’ Rights = Immigrant Rights” and “We All Belong” to share at the upcoming May Day rally and march.

Signup Link Coming Soon

Yes!  Protest Rallies are Ongoing!

Why do protests matter?

Visible resistance is essential so the government and its supporters  see the number of citizens who don’t agree with their actions.  Nonviolent visible protest activity encourages those sitting on the sidelines to join in.  

Here is the link to the listing of ongoing weekly protests:  Protest Rallies

Community Health Assessment (CHA) Roadshow Conversations

The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is excited to share the results of the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) through a series of community conversations taking place across Milwaukee this spring.

The 2025 CHA provides a comprehensive look at the health and well-being of Milwaukee residents, combining local data with community voices to better understand the strengths and challenges shaping health in our city. The findings help guide future public health priorities, programs, and policies with the goal of advancing health equity across Milwaukee.

Community input is strongly encouraged! These conversations will help inform the next steps for improving health outcomes in Milwaukee.

Events will be held throughout the city in April, May, and June. Click here for more information.  MHD encourages you to attend and to share this opportunity with your networks! Meetings are free and open to the public. A hot meal will be provided for all attendees.

Registration is requested but not required: www.milwaukee.gov/CHA

Is Your Member Profile Up-to-Date?

The Member Portal of our website has resources (including a member directory) just for members. Please login to the website, click Member Resources in the top menu, go to your Member Profile and complete/update your Additional Member Data and Interests (found under Website Functions). Contact roster@lwvmilwaukee.org with questions. Thank you!