There are three really big topics in the recent news. The evacuation of troops and allies from Afghanistan has been pretty dominant. You can no doubt learn all about it from the national media outlets. And of course the terrible toll the coronavirus delta variant is taking has also been well covered. But here in Wisconsin, the most immediately important news — although it's not getting the coverage it really warrants — is the redistricting fight now underway in earnest.

The Census Bureau released high level state data in April, allowing people to forecast which states would gain or lose representatives in the US House. That data showed that Wisconsin would retain all eight of its congressional districts. But the detailed census tract data was only released on August 12. And already there have been two lawsuits filed in federal courts and one in a state court in Wisconsin.

On behalf of Democrats, various NGOs, and three individual voters, Law Forward filed a suit in federal court asking the court to ensure that Wisconsin has fair and legally compliant maps in time for the 2022 elections. (The non-partisan elections are February 15 and April 5, 2022; the partisan elections are August 9 and November 8.) In their email blast about the lawsuit Law Forward explains: "The Legislature should do its job and draw new maps that reflect the population shifts captured in the 2020 Census, and send the Governor fair maps for his signature. But all signs point to another attempt to gerrymander our state by legislative leadership. That's why we are asking the federal court to make sure we have maps that will empower Wisconsin voters to make their voices heard in our government for the next decade." See more about this suit.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on August 23. That suit asks the state Supreme Court to handle the drawing of new maps, requesting that it "accept the case and put it on hold until the Legislature adopts a new map. If the Legislature doesn't adopt a constitutional map approved by the governor, the lawsuit argues, then the court should adopt new maps, using the current ones as a starting point" (ABC News, Aug. 23, 2021). That last statement — using the current maps as a starting point — is highly contested and pretty much signals that the GOP and its allies intend to keep as much of the gerrymandered map as they possibly can.

A day after the census data was released, Marc Elias — formerly at Perkins Coie and now head of a new law firm, Elias Law Group — filed a suit in federal court in Madison, seeking to bar the Wisconsin Election Commission from "using the maps drawn in 2011 because census data released Thursday shows the districts no longer contain equal populations.... They asked the court to set a deadline for Evers and lawmakers to enact new maps — and to have the court draw its own map if they don't reach a deal" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Aug. 13, 2021). The suit filed by Elias and the 13 lawyers who left Perkins Coie with him directly challenges argument that the courts should use the current map as the basis for drawing new ones.

The point of all this legal jockeying is to make sure that Wisconsin voters — not partisans drawing maps rigged to ensure a decade of dominance in the state Assembly and Senate — are able to choose their elected officials. Next week I will provide you with clear action items you need to do to help ensure that we have fair maps and fair elections going forward.

For this week, though, the action item is pretty simple. The situation with COVID-19 in Wisconsin is not as dire as it is in states with lower vaccination rates, but it is serious enough to be careful. That's why we have chosen Virmond Park in Mequon as our venue for an outdoor, in person meeting on Sunday, September 19th from 3:00-5:30. We will hear from legislators, experts, activists and gun violence survivors to explore why Wisconsin has not been able to pass sensible gun legislation despite widespread support for it. Among the many speakers, we will feature a presentation from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a national grassroots organization working to decrease gun violence. Find out how to advocate for safer and stronger gun laws that will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Learn about safe gun storage through their BeSmart program. To join us, RSVP here.

EVENTS

Tue Aug 24, 2021

Can You Hear Us Now? Fair Maps, 9am - 9pm
Online
"Can You Hear Us Now?” is a powerful film that shows the personal and political impact of anti-democratic policies in Wisconsin, which has one of the most gerrymandered state legislative maps in the country. Watch the film any time between August 22 and August 25, then join the post-screening conversation on August 25 at 7PM with Matt Rothschild, Sheila Plotkin, Kriss Marion and the film’s producers. More information and sign-up.

Wed Aug 25, 2021

Can You Hear Us Now? Fair Maps, 9am - 9pm
Online
"Can You Hear Us Now?” is a powerful film that shows the personal and political impact of anti-democratic policies in Wisconsin, which has one of the most gerrymandered state legislative maps in the country. Watch the film any time between August 22 and August 25, then join the post-screening conversation on August 25 at 7PM with Matt Rothschild, Sheila Plotkin, Kriss Marion and the film’s producers. More information and sign-up.

Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am
Online
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole will have an Online/Virtual meeting. More information and sign-up.

Suspended: Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
TBA
For information on whether the event will take place, check here.

Thu Aug 26, 2021

Mental Health Board Meeting, 9am - 9am
Teleconference
This is a teleconference meeting (see Agenda for details). Public Comment: none. More information.

Tommy Thompson: On the UW System, 12pm - 1pm
Online
University of Wisconsin System interim President Tommy Thompson will discuss returning to in-person classes during the ongoing pandemic, the UW System building repair program, and budgeting without the tuition freeze, among other topics. A link to access the webinar will be sent on the morning of the event. More information and registration.

Sat Aug 28, 2021

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Martin Luther King Drive & Locust Street, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

LOCKED UP ON THE OUTSIDE. Parole, Probation and Extended Supervision in Wisconsin, 4pm - 6pm
4201 N 27th St, Milwaukee
A presentation focusing on issues with post-incarceration sentencing in Wisconsin. It will include: — A summary of important issues; — Presentations by prominent politicians and community members; — Testimony from impacted individuals; — Small group discussions for participants to share ideas. The program will be available in person and on Zoom (a link will be provided). It is open to the public without charge and food and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please attend to learn about important problems in Wisconsin’s criminaljustice system. These reach beyond prison to keep those released from becoming productive members of society. Sponsored by EXPO and Wisconsin Voices

Wed Sep 1, 2021

Info: Laughing Liberally MKE, 8:30pm - 9:30pm
TBA
For information on the latest Laughing Liberally offerings go here.

Sat Sep 4, 2021

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
TBA
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Democratic Party

Ozaukee County Democratic Party