Time is running out to make your voice heard, supporting an environmentally friendly budget that prioritizes reliable transportation, energy efficiency, clean water, and land conservation. The biennial budget sets the priorities. We must act now to ensure at the core of public policy the next two years (and in the future) is the wellbeing of Wisconsinites and the environment. A healthy environment shapes the health of our communities.
This is especially important because on May 6, the Joint Finance Committee (Wisconsin's budget committee) voted to start with "base budget." This strips out the excellent priorities that Governor Evers included in his executive budget. However, the process is not over yet and there are still initiatives that can have bipartisan support in order to make our water safe to drink and land accessible to enjoy.
Get up to speed with the budget process.
We are closing in on the final few months of the budget process. In February, Governor Evers released his budget proposal, which showed a solid commitment to moving Wisconsin to action on equity and climate. You can read the Sierra Club’s complete response on our blog. The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is responsible for reviewing all state appropriations and revenues, including drafting their budget proposal. Over the past month, the committee has hosted four public hearings to collect testimony and comments from the public. With those hearings wrapped up, the JFC will now draft their proposal that will then go to be reviewed, amended, and eventually passed by both houses; the governor will then sign it into law.
Key areas for advocacy
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Multi-modal transportation and not the I-94 E/W expansion project in Milwaukee
- Clean air, clean energy and climate
How to get involved
Your elected officials need to hear from you, and they want to know your story –– there are a few different ways you can have your voice heard, and we want to help amplify it.
1. Email your legislator by clicking here.
The more personal you get, the more impact you can have. When drafting your statement, include why your representatives’ support matters to you and your community –– share a personal story. Keep it brief, courteous, and to the point. Remember, your representative's job is to represent you, so let them know what action you’d like them to take.
2. Get creative, and record a 30-second video about what you hope to see in the budget.
A video recording is a great way to express your support for an environmentally just budget. All you have to do is introduce yourself and share what you are most excited to see in the budget. For example:
“Hi, I’m Elyssa. I am an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys access to public lands, and because of this, I hope to see the secured future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. This fund is one of Wisconsin’s greatest conservation programs, and over the past 30 years, has acquired over 650,000 acres to convert into public lands dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation. For the health and well-being of all Wisconsinites, we must include continued funding of this program in the 2021-23 budget.”
We will compile all the videos and share them with the Joint Finance Committee. You can use the 3-2-1 Video app to record and easily share it with us. Check out the guide on how to download and use the app.
3. Visit our advocacy hub for more information on what we are advocating for and other ways to get involved. We’d love your help and support!
By Elyssa, Legislative Committee Member