MADISON – Yesterday in the cover of darkness of no Wisconsin-Eye media coverage, the Senate Committee Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs held a public hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 94, a ballot measure that could prohibit state and local government support to Women and Minority Communities across Wisconsin. This includes programs like the State Financial Aid and the Supplier Diversity Program to name a few. Senator Dora Drake, the Senate Minority Vice Caucus Chair and Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, released the following statement.
“Legislative Republicans had the opportunity to expand economic and educational opportunities for all Wisconsinites over a decade, yet they chose not to. Now, as many Wisconsinites are struggling more than ever, they are attempting to eliminate historically bipartisan programs and guardrails by claiming that they provide “preferential treatment” based on race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. The authors admitted they did “no research” on existing programs or possible remedies. Instead, they proposed a misleading constitutional amendment referendum in November to promote manufactured discrimination and conceal their incompetence and neglect to help all Wisconsinites.
In previous budgets, we had the chance to offer more financial aid and public support to all students, small businesses, and working families. However, they have instead prioritized tax breaks and resources for the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Instead of addressing the programs in question or lack of resources, this proposed ballot measure is designed to not name specific programs or provide legislative solutions but to mislead voters and blame women and Wisconsinites of color for the struggles this body refuses to solve.
As legislators, it’s our responsibility to support and ensure opportunities for all residents and provide remedies when we fall short; this measure is attempting to abdicate that responsibility. This constitutional amendment will undermine future efforts to secure liberty and justice for all.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
