The 4th of July has just passed and Trump’s big, awful bill to destroy the American economy, cut taxes for the wealthiest segment of our society, pour billions into terrorizing all Americans through further weaponizing domestic raids, interrogations, incarceration and deportation of tens of thousands of people all over the nation for any variety of reasons and to cut health care for millions of Americans -- was just signed into law on Friday after passing both houses of Congress last week by the narrowest of margins.
We have two courses of action to take. We can simply despair and do nothing which is what Trump and his allies are counting on most Americans to do. Or, we can rise up, fight back, organize and mobilize through action and engagement. American politics is very much a contact sport now and to have any chance of prevailing, we need to take action.
Here are some specific actions you can take now that can make a real difference in preserving our democracy and in advancing reforms we have long sought and need. During these “dog days” of Summer, you can join others in making you voice heard and in fighting back against the assault on our state and country by:
Tell Governor Evers to Veto the “Poll Tax” Bill - ONLINE ACTION
Last month, the Wisconsin Legislature, along party lines, passed Senate Bill 95 / Assembly Bill 87 that would prevent people with felony convictions from regaining their constitutional right to vote until they have paid all “fines, costs, fees, surcharges and restitution” imposed as part of their sentence.
This amounts to nothing more than a modern-day poll tax on many voters in Wisconsin – which American courts and lawmakers of both political parties have long opposed and fought against. The goal of this misguided and partisan legislation is to make it more difficult for long marginalized and over-policed communities in Wisconsin who are disproportionately Black, Indigenous and other people of color, as well as people living in poverty and those with disabilities to be able to exercise their right to cast a vote.
The people pushing this bill want us to believe it’s about protecting crime victims. But using people who have been subject to crime as political cover for voter suppression is dishonest and deeply disrespectful.
You can use this letter writing form here to let Gov. Evers know you oppose this measure and encourage him to use his veto power to prevent this bill from becoming law. Hundreds of Wisconsinites have already contacted the Governor so please add your name and have your voice heard so that Gov. Evers knows how outrageous this voter suppression measure really is.
Fair Maps Community Hearings - IN PERSON EVENTS
Join the Fair Maps Coalition for our community townhalls in many places throughout Wisconsin over the next several weeks. While Wisconsin currently has fair maps, these are only in place until the 2030 Census when the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions both require the voting district maps be redrawn. To prevent gerrymandering by either party and to prevent legislators from carving out districts that help them retain their seat, the people of Wisconsin need to advocate for LEGISLATION to ensure FAIR VOTING MAPS for FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Learn about the process and the advocacy for sustainable fair maps! Bring your questions, comments, and your friends.
>>>SIGN UP TO ATTEND A COMMUNITY HEARING NEAR YOU!
Make Good Trouble in Wisconsin - IN PERSON EVENT
Five years ago, our nation lost civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis of Georgia - but his legacy of making “Good Trouble” lives on. On July 17, Common Cause will join thousands of people across the country to honor his life by taking peaceful, nonviolent action to protect our democracy and confront attacks on our civil rights. And we know the power of coming together. Unity is our victory. Whether you’re outraged by attacks on our civil rights, the gutting of Medicaid and SNAP, or the erasure of our history in schools — this is your moment to stand up. Join us to honor John Lewis & defend democracy!
>>>FIND AN EVENT IN WISCONSIN NEAR YOU
People’s Promise Campaign - ONLINE ACTION
The People’s Promise Campaign is our vision - not just for what democracy should be, but how we can build it together, and sooner than you might think.
We’re calling on our elected leaders to honor the power entrusted to them by the people - and to help deliver an America with:
- An economy that works for everyone. Where workers earn a livable wage, can unionize, and can afford essentials like healthcare, housing, and childcare.
- A government that serves the people. Where the wealthiest pay their fair share, public schools are fully funded, and no one falls through the cracks.
- Equal rights and opportunity for all. Where votes are protected, voices are heard, and no one’s freedom can be denied without due process.
You can take action in support of The People’s Promise by going to the People’s Promise webpage. Here you can find easy to use tools to write letters to your local newspapers and representatives, as well as other actions and information.
The People’s Promise is a long-term commitment to build a better democracy from the ground up - powered by people like you.
We can and will survive this most recent attack on democracy in our state and in our nation. This past Spring, Wisconsin voters rose up and decisively turned back the all-out assault by the richest person in the world on our state supreme court, Elon Musk’s $30 million could not match the voices and votes of Wisconsinites who rejected his out-of-state money and attempted hijacking of control of our state’s highest court by an astonishing ten point margin – a landslide by Wisconsin standards.
When we organize, mobilize and fight back we win – just as we did in 2023-24 when our activism helped secure fair and competitive state legislative voting maps for the first time in 13 years.
We know how to do this. The key is to take action and do it. Please join us!
On Wisconsin. Forward!
Jay Heck, Executive Director, Common Cause Wisconsin
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152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
