Friend –

On Tuesday, February 16, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will introduce his 2021-22 budget, laying the foundation for what our state will look like over the next two years. The budget is not only a document that determines how taxpayer dollars are spent – it is a representation of our collective values and a blueprint of our shared goals.

In the past year, it has become clear that there are major questions about whether we should continue overinvesting in the corrections system at the expense of other public services, such as public schools and special education, or healthcare programs. These decisions are as much about the budget as they are about our moral principles.

Although the budget process may seem complicated and tedious, it should reflect what the people want from their government, defining what we want our public officials to prioritize. Wisconsinites deserve a seat at the table to help decide how their money is being spent. Your input matters, and it's a process that you can engage in.

You may ask, how do I get involved? The ACLU of Wisconsin has got you covered. We've created the direct engagement toolkit, which provides an overview on a variety of different methods you can use to actively engage and influence your elected officials, from arranging meetings and garnering media attention, to effectively doing advocacy and more.

This budget season, make it a priority to make sure that your elected officials know what you want. View the toolkit, and make sure to share it with your friends and family too.

Also, stay up to date with the ACLU of Wisconsin's work on the budget, and join some of our upcoming workshops! Save the date for Saturday, February 20, at 10 a.m. to learn more about the Governor's budget when it is released.

If you have any additional questions, reach out to us at [email protected].

Thanks for sticking with us,

Molly Collins
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Advocacy Director, ACLU of Wisconsin