The following issues will receive primary focus by the Legislative Committee:

Campaign Finance Reform
Support comprehensive reforms which strengthen public financing, limit contributions, provide full and accessible disclosure and promote informed participation in the political process. Support methods of financing political campaigns which combat excessive spending and undue influence, including independent and “issue ad” spending, and which enable candidates to compete equitably. (See LWVUS The Election Process; LWVWI Citizens’ Rights)

Energy Policy
Support of efforts for: reduced consumer demands for electricity; limited use of Wisconsin shorelines for power plant siting; stricter standards for thermal effluent; active research and financial incentives to encourage new fuel sources and improved methods of electric generation to reduce polluting effects; and maintain the current restrictions on further licensing and construction of nuclear fission reactors. (Note: An updated position is being developed and will be adopted at Convention in June 2007.)

Financing Education
Support a system of school financing that ensures equal educational opportunity and access for each child, in which the state assumes a significant funding share, and provides for increased payments for children with special needs. Monitor the use of vouchers and revenue caps. (See LWVWI Education; LWVUS Equality of Opportunity)

Government Financing
Support adequate financing of essential state government services by a well-administered tax system which includes an income tax based on the ability to pay, a general sales tax with exemptions to make it less regressive, user fees based on a reasonable cost to users and equitable sharing of state tax revenues with local units of government. Support periodic legislative review of tax exemptions and credits. Oppose legal or constitutional restrictions on the traditional authority of the state and local governments to tax and spend to meet their budgetary commitments. (See LWVWI Government Finance)

Health Care
Support health care reform proposals focusing on accessible, affordable comprehensive care (including dental, mental, and long term care); support and enhance prevention programs and public health services in the state. Support programs to improve access to affordable health care, dental care, mental health care coverage and long-term care for Wisconsin residents. (See LWVWI, LWVUS Health Care)

The following issues will receive secondary focus:

Anti-discrimination
Support policies, legislation and/or Constitutional Amendments that ensure equal opportunities for any group of Wisconsin residents, or will prevent discrimination by denial of rights to any such group, based on our national and state social policy positions.

Children and Families
Support legislative and administrative changes that assist families to become self-sufficient and that provide for and protect children and those who are unable to support themselves. (See LWVWI, LWVUS Meeting Basic Human Needs)

Correctional Policy
Support criminal sanctions which not only protect society but also promote the offender’s potential for responsible behavior to family and community. Promote development and use of alternatives to incarceration. For juveniles, support programs that provide least restrictive detention, avoid criminalization and enhance rehabilitation and delinquency prevention. (See LWVWI Administration of Justice)

Gun Control and Violence Prevention
Support measures to protect the health and safety of citizens through regulation of handguns and semi automatic weapons. Oppose legalization of concealed weapons. Support violence prevention programs in all communities. (See LWVUS Gun Control and Violence Prevention)

Individual Liberties
Promote and support legislation, resolutions and regulations at the state level that protect the individual rights of Wisconsin residents guaranteed by the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions. Encourage local Leagues to advocate for local ordinances and resolutions.

Land Use
Support programs that protect the integrity of a community while promoting coordinated land use policies among the various levels of government in the state. Support long range planning that promotes preservation of agricultural and conservancy lands while containing urban sprawl. (See LWVWI Natural Resources)

Natural Resources
Support measures that promote a sustainable physical environment beneficial to life, including the preservation of wetlands, reduction and regulation of pesticides and the safeguarding and quality-improvement of surface and ground water, air and soil. Support a policy for the siting, construction and operation of power plants and the establishment and enforcement of strict effluent and waste storage, transportation and disposal standards as a shared responsibility of all levels of government, with provisions for public participation. (See LWVWI Natural Resources)

Right to Privacy in Reproductive Choices
Support legislative initiatives and administrative procedures that protect the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices. (See LWVWI, LWVUS Citizens’ Rights)

Voting Rights
Support elections that are free and fair. Protect voting as a fundamental right that must be guaranteed. (See LWVWI, LWVUS Citizens’ Rights)

Social Policy
Support legislation and administrative changes to provide economic security for people in need and to provide for and protect children and families and those with special needs.

League positions on issues other than those listed will be monitored and acted on as needed where resources allow.

For more information contact League of Women Voters of Wisconsin at (608) 256-0827 or