Local News
Serve Wisconsin Recruiting Organizations Working to Alleviate Poverty in Wisconsin
Serve Wisconsin is seeking to place 20 AmeriCorps VISTA members this August in nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to help them build organizational capacity to alleviate poverty in Wisconsin.
To learn how AmeriCorps VISTA members can assist in reducing poverty, organizations can register to attend one of four virtual presentations this April.
- Tuesday, April 13 – 3:00-4:00pm
- Wednesday, April 21 – 1:00-2:00pm
- Thursday, April 22 – 10:00-11:00am
- Monday, April 26 – 11:00am-12:00pm
During their year of service, AmeriCorps VISTA members can assist organizations with resource development, designing or improving programming, volunteer engagement and management, developing outreach plans and materials, and assessing community needs and assets, and other service to build organizational capacity.
“We are interested in supporting organizations working to address poverty in numerous ways, such as programming to address health disparities, the educational achievement gap, employment, housing, child poverty, and poverty due to racial disparities,” stated Jeanne Duffy, Serve Wisconsin Executive Director. “We look forward to working with organizations and agencies to support their work towards alleviating poverty and hope that numerous organizations throughout the state complete the online application to become an AmeriCorps VISTA host site starting this August.”
Registration and Application Links
- Registration for VISTA Informational Presentations: https://forms.gle/
4qy6QS4sD8yFjM6u8 - Application to be a VISTA host site: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
r/VISTA_Host_Site_Application - Serve Wisconsin VISTA initiative website: https://www.servewisconsin.wi.
gov/vista
Students for a Democratic Society rally for CPAC, defund campus police
[Milwaukee, WI] – Students for a Democratic Society at UW-Milwaukee is hosting a rally on Friday, April 9, at 5:00 PM on campus at Spaights Plaza. The rally is to call for a Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) in Milwaukee, and renew our call to defund the campus police and redistribute those funds to programs that actually support students.
As members of the CPAC coalition coordinated by the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, we know that CPAC is the program we need to guarantee people have true control over the police. The FPC is undemocratic and does not answer to the people! To defund the police and end police crimes, we need CPAC now! CPAC is good for students because we live in Milwaukee and are often under the jurisdiction of MPD. We also do not want to defund the campus police only to face heightened MPD presence without any true accountability. We need CPAC now!
We are also renewing our demands to defund UWM PD and redistribute their funds to programs that actually support students. Chancellor Mone has given flawed reasoning for why they should not and can not defund the campus police, even though they have a $3 million budget (according to the UW Redbook) while services like mental health, Multicultural student offices, mental health, and ethnic students programs face budget cuts! For example, $3 million would be enough to hire 4 new faculty across 15 departments. The solution is simple. We need to defund UWM PD and redistribute their funds to programs that actually support students!
Wear a mask and social distance as possible. Stay updated and find more event information on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/GnvimXcU . Contact us at [email protected] for any additional questions.
Students for a Democratic Society is a national, multi-issue progressive organization of student activists who fight for change on campus. The goal is to build a student movement that mobilizes students against crimes against the people committed here at home and on other peoples abroad. SDS at UW-Milwaukee is currently fighting to defund the campus police and redistribute those funds to programs and services that actually support students.
Milwaukee County Parks Seeking Over 500 For Summer Jobs In The Parks
Over 500 seasonal positions at beer gardens, golf courses and botanical gardens are currently available with Milwaukee County Parks.
Positions include golf starters, forestry and horticultural staff, concessions staff at pools and golf courses and beer garden staff at South Shore Terrace, Whitnall Beer Garden, the Vine Humboldt and the Traveling Beer Gardens. Most seasonal positions pay between $8 – $11.83, and many roles are available for evenings and weekends. Seasonal supervisor positions pay between $16 – $18 an hour.
Around 300 strong swimmers are also needed for summer lifeguard positions at beaches, pools and aquatic parks. To be considered for a lifeguard position, candidates must attend a free training session at Pulaski Pool (2701 S. 16th St.) and must be able to swim 100 meters in less than 1 min. 45 sec. No pre-registration is necessary. Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old by July 2021 and be in good physical condition. Lifeguard pay is $12.69 – $14.74 an hour with head guard pay ranging from $16.97 – $19.07 per hour.
Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks, said “the seasonal positions within parks are vital to our summer operations. We rely on these roles to be able to maintain our parks, open pools and beer gardens and help keep our botanical gardens blooming.”
Several full-time positions at Milwaukee County Parks are also currently open, including Civil Engineer, Heating & Ventilation Specialist, Budget Manager, Metal Fabricator/Ironworker Supervisor, and a Horticulturalist supervisor role.
Applications for all positions can be completed online on the County’s job portal
Consumer Advocacy Takes Leap Forward
Gov. Tony Evers Signs Bipartisan PSC Bill, AB 27, into Law
MADISON, APRIL 1, 2021 — The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin on Thursday released the following statement after Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 27 into law as Wisconsin Act 24. The law, which the Legislature passed with unanimous bipartisan support this month, enables stable funding for CUB’s work as the consumer advocate for homeowners, renters and small business utility customers in Wisconsin.
“Today marks the biggest step forward for consumer advocacy in Wisconsin since 1979, when the Legislature passed the original bill fulfilling Ralph Nader’s vision by creating CUB,” said Tom Content, CUB Executive Director. “With stable funding, CUB will be better positioned as it works to level the playing field between utility shareholders and customers involving multi-billion-dollar decisions made by state regulators.”
The new law enables CUB to seek Public Service Commission approval for up to $900,000 a year in funding from residential and small business customers of Wisconsin’s investor-owned utilities, at a cost of less than 2 pennies a month on a customer’s electric bill.
Wisconsinites will still be paying less than their Midwestern counterparts for consumer advocacy. But, this boost will enable CUB to hire a staff attorney and analysts to evaluate utilities’ finances and proposals to increase customer costs, and represent Wisconsin residents and small businesses more effectively over a broader range of utility issues.
“Act 24 was needed to resolve an unintended consequence of a 2018 law that restricted CUB’s ability to hire national consultants to advocate for customer interests. With Act 24, CUB can build a nimbler team that will produce millions in savings for customers in the years ahead,” Content said.
CUB anticipates that Act 24 will also provide the opportunity for more consumer outreach and education on energy costs and energy choices, as well as increased advocacy on behalf of low-income customers who have been hit hard by COVID-19 economic challenges.
“It’s been quite a journey for CUB to get to this day. There were concerns that residential and small business customers would be left without a voice after the Legislature slashed funding for CUB six years ago,” Content said. “But strong support from our loyal members sustained us, and a collaborative approach with utilities, regulators and others has borne fruit, leading to the funding stability enabled by Act 24.”
“I appreciate that Gov. Evers supported our work as the Wisconsin consumer advocate by including the CUB funding modernization plan in his 2021-23 state budget proposal as a backstop to AB 27,” Content said. “CUB wishes to thank the leaders and members of the Assembly and Senate utilities committees for their work shepherding the PSC Omnibus Bill, which won unanimous approval in both committees as well as the full Legislature.”
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic difficulties it’s created for many, CUB appreciates the steps taken by the Evers administration to direct aid to small businesses and renters hard hit by the pandemic, including a new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, a plan to create a low-income assistance program for water utility customers and the Governor’s announcement this week of $600 million in support for small businesses.
“Given the expiration of the disconnection moratorium on April 15, CUB calls on Wisconsin utilities to work proactively with customers who are behind on their bills,” Content said. “And we encourage the Evers administration to allocate funds to help customers pay significant past-due energy and water bills,” Content said.
Milwaukee Press Club Announces 2021 Sacred Cat and Headliner Awards
John Daniels, Jr. and Bob and Susan Mikulay Honored as Headliners
MILWAUKEE, WI—The Milwaukee Press Club today announced that Gloria Borger, CNN chief political analyst, is the club’s 2021 Sacred Cat Award honoree. The award, given annually since 1973, recognizes excellence in journalism at the national level.
Borger will accept the award at the club’s annual Gridiron Awards event, a virtual program set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19.
The club also will honor its 2021 Headliners, John W. Daniels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Quarles & Brady and Bob and Susan Mikulay, of St. Croix Productions, who are long-time community volunteers and board members at non-profit organizations throughout the Milwaukee area.
Winners of the press club’s 2020 Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism competition also will be recognized announced.
The honorees were announced last year, but the 2020 Gridiron was canceled because of the pandemic.
“Gloria Borger is a highly respected journalist who offers insightful analysis of the nation’s political scene. Her common sense and calm approach are of tremendous value, especially now, when fact-based journalism is desperately needed,” said Milwaukee Press Club President Corri Hess.
Borger is CNN’s chief political analyst, appearing regularly on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper’s AC360 and across the network’s primetime programs. Borger plays an instrumental role in CNN’s daily coverage while reporting on a variety of political and breaking news stories, including midterm and presidential elections, Supreme Court rulings and Congressional investigations.
Prior to joining CNN, Borger had stints at CBS News, CNBC, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Star. Borger is a graduate of Colgate University and has served on its board of trustees.
Past Sacred Cat honorees include Chuck Todd, Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, David Fahrenthold, Marty Baron, Ann Compton, Jonathan Alter, Cokie Roberts, Walter Cronkite, Malcolm Forbes, Judy Woodruff, Michael Bloomberg and David Maraniss.
The Headliner Awards are presented annually to those who are making a positive difference in Wisconsin.
John W. Daniels Jr. is chairman emeritus of the Quarles & Brady law firm in Milwaukee. A national real estate and business expert, he is a strategic business advisor to many of the firm’s largest clients, champion of diversity and inclusion, thought leader, prominent community volunteer, agent of organizational and civic change, and crusader for high-quality education and access to it.
His personal motto, which has become a core firm value, is, “Everybody counts, every day.” Daniels received an undergraduate degree at North Central College; a master degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree at Harvard Law School.
Bob and Susan Mikulay have served as community volunteers and board members throughout the Milwaukee area, particularly in the areas of education, the arts and improving the lives of Milwaukee’s underserved communities. Non-profit organizations they have helped include Penfield Children’s Center, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Milwaukee Film, College Possible Milwaukee, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee where Bob is the board president.
Each also has achieved success in the corporate sector. Bob Mikulay is the retired executive vice president of sales and marketing for the Miller Brewing Company and now advises small businesses and start-up ventures on all aspects of business planning and development. He is also board chairman of City Lights Brewing Company, one of Milwaukee’s leading craft breweries.
Susan Mikulay is an executive communications consultant advising on strategic planning, public speaking and message management. She is an accomplished writer, theater producer and the founder and president of St. Croix Productions.
Past Headliner honorees include Martin Schreiber, Mary Lou Young, Gary Grunau, Juli Kaufmann, Carmen Pitre, Howard Fuller, Ted Kellner, Hannah Rosenthal, Ricardo Diaz, Linda Mellowes, Michael Pink, Barry Alvarez, Jane Pettit, Bud Selig, James Lovell, Ben Marcus and Steve Marcus.
Registration is available for the Gridiron Awards Virtual Ceremony at www.milwaukeepressclub.org. Registration deadline is Friday, May 14. The cost is $25 per individual. Full-time students should register but there is no charge to them – the cost for their participation is being underwritten by the MPC Endowment Ltd. Those who register will received a link on the afternoon of the event to view it live.
Corporate sponsorships are available for $500 (includes registration for eight individuals, company logo in virtual program and Once A Year magazine and verbal recognition during the program). Sponsorship/advertising information can be found here.
Founded in 1885, the Milwaukee Press Club is the oldest continuously operating press club in North America. Its members represent a diverse community of media-focused professionals from nearly every local media outlet, a strong contingent of public relations and marketing professionals and others with an interest in journalism and news media.
To view past Sacred Cat Awards:
http://www.milwaukeepressclub.
For past Headliner Awards:
http://www.milwaukeepressclub.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Defender Sponsors:
Kane Communications Group
We Energies
Applications now being accepted for Healing Spaces Initiative
Applications are now being accepted for the City’s new Healing Spaces Initiative which aims to build relaxing natural environments on available city-owned vacant lots while also eliminating blighted spaces and engaging residents. Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs sponsored the budget amendment and subsequent legislation establishing the program that formally kicked off last week.
“I am excited about the potential of this program to not only create new, vibrant public spaces but to also help utilize vacant city-owned lots while allowing residents the opportunity to play a key role in the process,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “Our neighborhoods are stronger when we collaborate on projects like this, and I encourage any Harambee resident or community based organization with an idea for a healing space to submit an application today.”
Harambee residents or community based organizations who work in the Harambee neighborhood are eligible to apply for the initiative. The City provides technical assistance, planning resources, and grant money to fully fund these opportunities for community members. Projects may include basic elements such as seating, flowers, walking paths or lighting, and relaxation elements like little free libraries, positive signage, bird baths and more. Interested applicants should visit the program website here to fill out an interest form and to review additional guidelines. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 26th. Grants will be awarded on May 21st with projects slated to begin this summer.
Those interested must also attend a Healing Spaces Initiative orientation session. There are upcoming sessions on April 7th at noon, April 8th at 6 p.m., April 20th at noon and April 21st at 6 p.m.
The Healing Spaces Initiative is supported by the City of Milwaukee, Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation, Bader Philanthropies Inc., Eras Senior Network, Groundwork Milwaukee, Safe & Sound and True Skool, Inc.
County Board Adopts Nicholson Proposal to Improve Equity for Women Employees
MILWAUKEE – At last Thursday’s County Board meeting Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson celebrating Women’s History Month and seeking data that will aid Milwaukee County in advancing racial and gender equity for Women employees.
“Milwaukee County relies on its many talented women to push our county forward,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “This data will help us determine the full extent that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the women in our workforce and help us pursue policies that lead to equitable outcomes in pay, promotions, and morale.”
The resolution requests an audit on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender and racial equity in Milwaukee County. It will specifically explore the impact of Administrative Orders related to teleworking and Expanded Pay Sick Leave, the effect those orders have on providing childcare, separation rates of County employees since March 2020, and hiring data during the pandemic.
The resolution also requests that the Department of Human Resources provide a report analyzing policy changes that could be implemented to improve racial and gender equity in Milwaukee County’s hiring and employment practices.
Supervisors Liz Sumner, Sequanna Taylor, and Felesia A. Martin co-sponsored the resolution.
A 2020 Milwaukee County audit found that although women were nearly half of the County’s top 100 earners, as a whole women employees earned less than their male counterparts in every year that was reviewed.
Neu-Life Community Development Achieves National Accreditation
Neu-Life Community Development (Neu-Life) recently achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Neu-Life provides after school and summer programming for youth ages 4-21. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of Neu-Life’s programs, services, management, and administration.
“We are extremely proud and blessed to have Neu-Life working in the 15th aldermanic district,” said Russell W. Stamper II, 15thDistrict Alderman. “Their commitment and outstanding service to the development of our youth is second to none. I am grateful for their professionalism, creativity and most important, Love for our young people. A prodigious thank you and Congratulations to Neu-Life and their excellent staff.”
COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.
To achieve COA accreditation, Neu-Life first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with stakeholders, staff and youth participants. Based on their findings, COA’s volunteer-based Accreditation Commission voted that Neu-Life had successfully met the criteria for accreditation under the Child and Youth Development Category. Neu-Life is the first agency in WI to achieve accreditation in this category.
Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has a total of 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.coanet.org.
Neu-Life teaches youth skills and strategies to make better life choices and has been providing services to youth and families in Milwaukee for over twenty years. To learn more about Neu-Life, please visit www.neu-life.org.
County Board Adopts Resolution Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalty
Milwaukee – Today the County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution introduced by Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez that reduces the fine for marijuana possession, and possession and delivery of drug paraphernalia, within Milwaukee County to no more than $1.
“I am proud to be a part of Milwaukee County taking this bold step in reforming marijuana laws,” said Supervisor Ortiz-Velez. “Wisconsinites made their desires clear in 2018 when they overwhelmingly voted in favor of legalizing marijuana. I encourage county leaders across Wisconsin to make similar changes to their own county ordinances until Wisconsin joins our neighbors across the Midwest in legalizing marijuana.
The fine for marijuana possession is not less than $250 nor more than $500 under current Milwaukee County ordinance. In 2019, 257 citations were issued for marijuana possession in Milwaukee County.
The resolution applies only to Chapter 24 of Milwaukee County ordinance, which is for violations of 25 grams or less of marijuana. Law enforcement would still be able to issue State citations, if necessary, for possession of larger amounts.
An April 2020 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) study found that African Americans are nearly four times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite similar usage rates.
Supervisors Ryan Clancy, Steven Shea, Sequanna Taylor, Joseph J. Czarnezki, Willie Johnson Jr., Liz Sumner, Anthony Staskunas, Shawn Rolland and Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson co-sponsored the resolution.