From a lack of access to dependable transportation and matters of convenience to those with serious physical limitations, voters who choose to vote absentee, often do this for a number of different reasons. As a result, we know it will be more difficult, and in some cases impossible, for many of these absentee voters to come into compliance with the requirements of Act 23. That is why I am skeptical of the GAB's current plan to write letters to the 11,000 voters who have already been issued absentee ballots to request that they provide photocopied photo identification with their returned absentee ballot. Read more »
Drug testing as a condition of eligibility for critical, life-saving social services is a gross insult to Wisconsin's struggling families, Rep. Moore said. "The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Governor Walker needs to focus less on finding ways to discriminate against Wisconsin's most vulnerable and focus more on fixing his failed policies that contributed to our state's current economic trouble." Read more »
The resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder is a great loss for our country. As one of the Obama Administration's leading progressive voices, Attorney General Holder led the charge in support of same-sex marriage, protecting our voting rights, and addressing the inequities in our criminal justice system. As the first African-American to serve as Attorney General, his honorable legacy of justice is nothing less than historic. Read more »
My constituents have been crystal clear in their staunch opposition to arming •moderate' factions in Syria. Despite my support for the Administration's targeted operations against ISIL forces to date, I cannot support a plan that fails to include strong diplomatic, political, and economic components. I fear the consequences of pursuing such a plan that rejects these critical elements will have lasting consequences for America and her interests for years to come. Read more »
Enforcing Act 23 for the November election will also cause widespread confusion for voters and election officials. Until the Seventh Circuit decision last Friday, it is my understanding that election officials were operating under the assumption that no voter ID law would be in place. For example, it has been reported that over 11,000 absentee ballots have already been mailed without voter ID instructions. Further, it would be a tremendous burden on the state to sufficiently train 1,852 municipal clerks and countless poll workers before the election. Read more »
I find it shameful that Governor Walker has chosen to drug test our struggling Wisconsin families as a condition of eligibility for vital, life-saving social services. The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Drug addition and subsistence abuse knows no economic or social distinctions. This discriminatory policy is devoid of any scientific credibility and has proven in the past to be fiscally irresponsible and a colossal waste of our time. Read more »
This decision is a grave injustice for those who lack the necessary photo identification that this law requires. Creating unnecessary barriers at the polls, barriers that would significantly impact low-income, elderly, and racial and ethnic minority voters, is a blatant violation of the basic principles of American democracy. Read more »
There is certainly a need for an escalated military response against this mounting threat but such a response requires congressional oversight. As we move forward, it is vital that the Administration continue to build strong congressional support in confronting ISIL in the region. Read more »
We have a humanitarian obligation to protect vulnerable children fleeing from extreme violence and escaping the horrific situations they are faced with back home. Read more »
I urge my Wisconsin colleague to continue the dialogue on the most effective ways to eradicate poverty. However, if we are going to have a real impact in the lives of our constituents, we need to change the conversation. Our poverty programs are not broken. They should be strengthened, not diminished. Read more »
