Dem lawmakers have reintroduced their Economic Justice Bill of Rights they say will help address the state’s workforce shortage and improve Wisconsinites’ quality of life.
Rep. Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay, said the measure would create an equitable living income, union collective bargaining rights, environmentally friendly transportation and affordable, accessible and high quality health care. The plan also calls for affordable and accessible public education, child care and other things. Shelton said Dems will continue fighting “like hell” to accomplish those goals despite the current legislative recess.
“We are done being told that demanding the seemingly impossible is beyond our reach,” she said. “And so together we’re going to visibly fight like hell with every act that we take for the economic security for all Wisconsinites and against reactionary right wing attacks to dismantle the most basic human rights of all who live in our state, but especially from those in our most marginalized communities.”
While the Legislature has already recessed for the session, Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, said Dems are sending a message about what they want to get done.
“We are all people who care deeply about the state of Wisconsin,” she said. “This message is for those who care deeply about the state too.”
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont, at the event said Republicans and Democrats need to find common ground to improve working conditions and that this is one area they should all agree on.
“When you have a statement of principles like this, what you find is you can bring in folks who may not necessarily always have the same theological perspective, but if you can agree on these standard principles, you can move forward on legislation that actually helps people,” he said. “And, you know, who’s against having an equitable living income and life?”
See more on the legislation here.