he big news in Wisconsin — and in fact nationally (see coverage in the New York Times on April 26 as well as a more recent piece from NBC News on April 29 for examples) — is the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. Lots of virtual ink has been devoted to this matter because it may have been intended as yet another act of judicial intimidation from the Trump administration.
Grassroots North Shore has supported Judge Dugan in the past and she is a member in good standing of our organization. I personally cannot imagine that she would ever deliberately break the law! But the Trumpies seem to want to humiliate her by arresting her in a parking lot and handcuffing her there. These are not normal ways of treating someone who has no criminal record and is hardly a flight risk!
Although a former Department of Justice prosecutor, writing in Lawfare.org, concludes that the case is both more nuanced and complicated than it may first appear, he does note that the government's process for obtaining Dugan's arrest have a number of other "unusual" elements.
- The agents arrested Dugan on the basis of what's called a "criminal complaint" rather than a grand jury indictment.
- The facts alleged in the complaint "reflect only the government’s account of what happened."
- And the investigation of the alleged acts took a mere six days, not really long enough for a thorough examination of the matter.
Plus, the prosecutors are now on a clock: "a criminal complaint starts the clock on charges in a case that undoubtedly could benefit from additional investigative work. Once the federal government arrests an individual, it has by statute 30 days to file an information or obtain an indictment from a grand jury. And one of the offenses listed in the criminal complaint is felony obstruction of justice, which requires the government to seek an indictment from a grand jury."
Apparently, there will be court proceedings in the case on May 15. Stay tuned for information about a rally and/or march in support of Judge Dugan.
Meanwhile, the awfulness emanating from Washington, D.C., continues on its speedy way. There's so much of it that a lot never makes it to major news resources, let alone above the no-longer-relevant "fold." One such item, one of the latest Executive Orders (EO), is worrying. The headline in Newsweek announces "Trump Executive Order Raises Alarm Over Women's Financial Independence."
Here's the meat of it: The EO "calls for an evaluation of all pending proceedings under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which was first passed in 1974 and amended in 1976 to prevent lenders from discriminating against women based on marital status." And here's why I find it so troubling: "Prior to the ECOA, women could be asked to have a male relative or spouse co-sign for their credit cards or loans." I was one of those women who, in the early 1970s when I began my graduate degree, could not get credit in my own name! And this dismantling of protections against the discrimination of women is just a minor arm of a much bigger monster.
In fact this latest affront is of a piece with disbanding the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, a move that led to over a hundred career lawyers quitting their jobs. It's just one more assault on communities who won anti-discrimination laws in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
One problem Trump and his minions have with such laws is that many of them depend on "disparte impacts" rather than deliberate prejudice from bankers or police or other local officials. That is, the effects of some process or procedure may on its face be racially neutral or not take gender explicitly into account, but the results show that the process or procedure nevertheless has a disproportionately negative effect on a protected group. But that's just a convenient rationale. The real reason, it seems, is Trump's campaign of retribution.
Here's ABC News: "The resignations come as [Harmeet] Dhillon and Attorney General Pam Bondi have made clear the priorities of the division -- which was established in the wake of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s -- would shift away from priorities like enforcing voting rights laws and cracking down on unconstitutional policing to culture war issues touted by President Trump in his 2024 campaign" (emphasis added).
The New York Times (a gift article) provides greater, in-depth coverage of the issues:
The administration is instead determined, the lawyers said, to fundamentally end how the storied division has functioned since it was established during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s, becoming an enforcement arm for President Trump’s agenda against state and local officials, college administrators and student protesters, among others.
We're headed into a really dark patch, back to the bad old days when people could freely deny other people their rights based on some protected characteristic such as race or gender. So it seems, when this administration is finally history, we're going to have build the whole edifice of anti-discrimination law and practice all over again.
The Take Action and the Events Listings are both full of important things to do over the next few weeks. So worry less and do more!
TAKE ACTION
At its state convention, the Wisconsin Democratic Party will elect a new chair. Needless to say, it's a consequential moment for us. To be able to vote for chair, you need to be a member of the party AND to be a delegate to the convention.
Become a delegate to the Democratic State Convention being held at Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells on June 14th and 15th! You can find more information, buy a Convention ticket, and fill out a 2025 State Convention Delegate Form. PLEASE NOTE: This form will stop accepting submissions at 4:59 PM on Saturday, May 17th. If you wish to request delegate status between May 17th and the final deadline for County Parties to submit their delegate & alternate lists on May 24th at 5pm, you must communicate directly with your County Party by May 23rd.
Individuals who wish to serve as delegates must be a WisDems member in good standing whose membership is set to expire no earlier than June 15th, 2025. Join or renew your membership.
Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week - May 4-11, 2025
During of the week of May 4-11, we must pause to recognize the municipal clerks who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our elections are secure, accessible, and fair. Their dedication to accuracy, transparency, and service is foundational to our democracy — and to the work we do as League members.
Whether they’re processing voter registrations, managing polling places, or answering late-night questions, clerks are trusted stewards of the democratic process in every Wisconsin community.
Let’s show our gratitude! Reach out to your local clerk this week with a thank-you note, social media shoutout, or kind word. Together, we can lift up the public servants who make our elections possible.
LWVWI SUPPORTS EXTENDING MEDICAID COVERAGE TO ONE YEAR FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin supports the passage of Assembly Bill 97, the companion bill of SB 23 which was just passed almost unanimously by the Senate on April 22, 2025! This bill extends postpartum healthcare for one year after giving birth for those who are Medicaid eligible. Currently, postpartum care for those who are Medicaid eligible is only 60 days, with Wisconsin and Arkansas as the only states not providing one year coverage.
We are asking voters to call their state legislators in the Assembly to urge them to request that the Speaker of the Assembly bring the bill to the floor for a vote and to pass AB 97. There is overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill–yet, the bill still has not passed for over 2 years because it has not been brought to the floor for a vote. Find your legislators.
You can use the following script in order to contact the Representatives for your district. Phone calls are more effective, but emails are a valid option as well:
"My name is (your full name) and I live at (full address). I’m calling to urge (Representative's name) to support AB 97, the bill that expands Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 1 year postpartum. This bill is critical to pass in order to prevent pregnancy-related deaths of 50 women in Wisconsin, on average, who die every year. Over half of these deaths occur within 1 year postpartum and 90% of these deaths are preventable with adequate healthcare, according to the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team. Passing AB 97 has long-term humanitarian and economic benefits by keeping parents alive and families intact. Please don’t let Wisconsin be the last state in the US to pass this important legislation! Thank you for your attention and consideration."
Finally, here is Simon Rosenberg's action item: "Plan on calling your Senators and Reps this week and demand that Congress claw back its authority and rescind these tariffs. 13 states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont — have sued the Trump Administration to have the tariffs rolled back. If your state is not on this list call your Governor, Attorney General and state Senators and Reps and demand they join these legal challenges" (Hopium Chronicles, April 26, 2025).
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 30
Presidential Power in the First Hundred Days, 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Virtual
April 30 marks 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term. Over the past three months, the president has issued more than 100 executive orders that aim to bypass Congress and change policy through unilateral action. His administration imposed sweeping tariffs on every country in the world, withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization, and declared a national emergency at the southern border. It purported to rewrite election rules and end birthright citizenship. It is attacking major law firms. And much more.
But has this flurry of orders effected fundamental change? There are already 46 challenges to executive orders pending in court, and the administration has had no outright victory in any of them. Judges appointed by presidents of both parties have put the brakes on Trump’s plan for change. Will the courts continue to thwart his lawless agenda? Join the Brennan Center for a discussion with experts about what these three months have made clear about the Trump administration’s priorities and what might lie ahead. Register.
Social Security Listening Session, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vliet St, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging wants to hear your thoughts about possible changes to Social Security. Your experience and opinions are critical to policy makers. Please join AARP and the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging in this important conversations. Plenty of cookies and hot coffee! You must register to attend and AARP wants you to create a login with a password. But there is an option to log in without a password. Learn more and register.
Community Conversation with Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin: A Friendraiser not a Fundraiser, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
N53W16690 Prairie Dawn, Menomonee Falls
In these uncertain times, hear from Jodi about what is happening in the legislature and how we can keep moving Wisconsin Forward. Sign up by emailing Carrie.
Thursday, May 1
May Day: A Day Without Immigrants and Workers 9:30am
733 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Rally at the Voces de la Frontera Office and March to the Ziedler Union Square (301 W Michigan St). May Day, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, is a powerful demonstration of our collective strength. Our labor fuels the economy, and those who profit from it must respect our rights, dignity, and humanity.
WE DEMAND…
- Stop scapegoating immigrant workers and separating families!
- Defend Medicaid, food stamps, and public education! No more tax breaks for billionaires!
- Stand up for sanctuary!
- Immigration reform with a path to citizenship now!
If the march is too long for you, join it when it reaches Zeidler Square.
Saturday, May 3
Congresswoman Gwen Moore Invites Constituents to "Congressional Café," 10:00 - 11:30am
Bay View High School, 2751 S Lenox St, Milwaukee
Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) will join constituents in a discussion about important federal legislative issues, events in Congress and constituent concerns. Also attending are State Senator Chris Larson, State Representative Christine Sinicki, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and County Supervisor Jack Eckblad. "The Congressional Café will engage even more of my constituents about legislative issues that are important to them." For more information about this event, please call the Milwaukee office at 414-297-1140.
Brewing Voter Appreciation with NED! 10:00am - 1:00pm
Address provided upon registration
Join the NorthEast Dems of Madison to write voter appreciation post-cards! We are getting together to say thank you again to our neighbors for being voters. It is so important to show our community that we appreciate them for being voters and that NED is sticking around as a progressive action team. All the materials will be provided. We'll be gathering at a local coffee house to write the post cards, catch up on recent events, and talk about our next actions. Sign up.
Sunday, May 4
6th CD Convention, 10:00am - 3:00pm
DPOC, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Calling all 6th CD members! It's time for the 6th CD to gather once again - and this year, the convention falls on May 4, also known as "Star Wars Day"! Lunch wil be provided. More details can be found here.
Tuesday, May 6
Wisconsin Conservation Voters Lobby Day, All Day
Madison
Join folks from across Wisconsin at the state Capitol to tell legislators what you expect from them this legislative session at Conservation Lobby Day, hosted by Wisconsin Conservation Voters! Tell your legislators directly about the action you want them to take on clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy. Citizen lobbying really does make a difference! All of the past Conservation Lobby Days past lobby days have led to direct policy wins that helped move forward a pro-conservation agenda. For more information, visit the event page. And register.
Wednesday, May 7
Banned Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, 6:30 - 9:00pm CDT
Online
Braiding Sweetgrass is the amazing nonfiction book by botanist, author, and citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this book, she explores and celebrates our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. Braiding Sweetgrass touches on issues relating to colonialism, environmentalism, and climate change. Sponsored by Red Wine & Blue. Sign up.
Saturday, May 10
Grassroots Festival: We Are the Guardrails Now! 9:00 - 5:00pm
McFarland High School, 5103 Farwell St, McFarland
It's up to us to rescue our democracy - together. No one can do it alone. This Festival brings us together to network, to learn, and to support one another. WGN needs you to make it happen. Let us know that you want to help by clicking on the Volunteer button below. It takes you to our website Contact page where you can share your contact information as well as your ideas. We'll feature several exciting keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions on issues that matter, concessions, lunch, and entertainment. But, we can't do it without you. Join us. BE A GUARDRAIL!
WisDems Phone Bank, 10:00am - 12:00pm; 12:00 - 2:00pm; 2:00 - 4:00pm
Virtual
Join the Wisconsin Dems to call voters! First time making calls? Phone banking is easy, fun, and rewarding! You’ll receive comprehensive training at the start of your shift. Sign up.
Monday, May 12
Constitutional Meaning in the Shadow of the Articles of Confederation, 10:00 - 4:00pm CDT
Virtual
The Brennan Center for Justice and the National Constitution Center present a symposium exploring how the Articles of Confederation shaped the U.S. Constitution. Register to access any of the programs throughout the day. For full event information, visit https://constitutioncenter.org/articles.
Monday, May 12
DECARCERATION 2.0: CHARTING NEW STRATEGIES ON PRISON POPULATION REDUCTIONS AND CLOSURES, 5:00 - 7:30pm CDT
Milwaukee Turners, 1034 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee
Nicole D. Porter, senior director of advocacy with The Sentencing Project, joins us from Washington, DC, to discuss current efforts to reduce the nation's prison population, the history of decarceration, the political climate impacting the nation's incarceration rate, and reorienting the criminal legal system away from punitiveness toward fairness. Ticket includes medium/heavy appetizers and parking for the first 50 cars. Cash bar. Price: $60 general admission, $35 public service/nonprofit admission, subsidized tickets available, sponsorships available. For questions, contact [email protected].
Save the Date
Monday, May 19
Dem Party of MKE County, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Four Points by Sheraton, 8900 N Kildeer Ct, Brown Deer
Please join us Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6 p.m. for our May Membership Meeting at Four Points by Sheraton in Brown Deer.
Tuesday, May 20
WAVE Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Madison
Join WAVE Educational Fund, the Wisconsin Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and advocates from across the state in Madison as we speak up for lifesaving gun laws. The morning will feature training on how to talk effectively with your legislators about policies that save lives. In the afternoon, you can speak with your elected officials. If you’d rather not speak, you can show up to support others - every person counts! Lunch is included – along with time to build community with others who are dedicated to creating a safer, more just Wisconsin. Sign up.
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