Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District

U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Review Wisconsin’s Voter I.D. Law

I am disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision not to consider Wisconsin’s Voter I.D. law. This law is nothing more than a mean-spirited attempt by Republicans to keep those least favorable to their own candidates away from the polls. It is important to note, though, that implementation of the law has been postponed until after the April 7^th election. This means that while no ID will be required to vote in the upcoming spring election, many students, senior citizens, low-income, and minority voters will likely be disenfranchised in future elections because they lack the required state-issued photo I.D. cards.

If you do not have a current state-issued photo I.D. card, it is not too early to prepare for upcoming elections in 2016. Watch this newsletter in upcoming weeks for more information about what identification will be needed and how to go about obtaining the necessary documents.

Voter I.D. will not be in effect for the April 7 spring election.

April 7^th Spring Election

Early Voting

In-person absentee voting has begun. You can vote early at the City Clerk’s office on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through April 3. The Madison City Clerk's office is located at 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Room 103.

On The Ballot

Statewide Referendum/Constitutional Amendment:

Everyone will find a referendum on the ballot proposing a constitutional amendment that would change how the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is elected. The Wisconsin constitution currently provides that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is its longest-serving member.  Under the proposed constitutional amendment, the other Justices would select the Chief Justice.

Republicans in the Legislature brought this proposal forward, and I voted against the resolution that put it on the ballot. The resolution passed the Assembly on a party-line vote, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against it.

The non-partisan Government Accountability Board provides the following explanation of the referendum question: “A ‘yes’ vote on this question would mean that the Chief Justice shall be elected for a term of two years by a majority of the justices then serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  The Justice who is elected may decline to serve as Chief Justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. A ‘no’ vote would mean that the longest-serving member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court serves as Chief Justice of the Court.  The Justice designated as Chief Justice may decline to serve as Chief Justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”

Supreme Court Justice:

All residents will also find an election for Supreme Court Justice on the ballot. Incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley faces challenger James P. Daley, who is the presiding judge of the Rock County Circuit Court.

Madison Mayor:

City of Madison residents will cast their votes for Madison’s next Mayor. Incumbent Mayor Paul Solgin faces a challenge by current City Council member Scott Resnick.

Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Verona Area School District (VASD) Referendums:

Residents who live in the MMSD or VASD school district attendance areas will vote on referendums related to additional spending for facilities. The VASD referendum relates to purchase of land for future elementary and high school development. The MMSD referendum considers facilities improvements for expansion and accessibility, technology infrastructure upgrades, and renovations to some schools.

Also on the Ballot:

Depending upon exactly where you live, you may also find contested or uncontested elections for City Council and School board on your ballot.

More Election Information

Click here to see what is on your ballot.

Click here to find more information on the various referendums or to read the “Candidates’ Answers” on the League of Women Voters of Dane County website.

Polls will be open on April 7^th from 7am to 8p.m.

Click here to find your polling place.  

Wisconsin Republicans Failing on Jobs and Economy

Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated quarterly jobs data showing that Wisconsin has fallen to 40th in the nation for private-sector job growth over the past year covering September 2013 to September 2014. Wisconsin’s private-sector job growth rate of 1.16 percent was just half the national rate of 2.3 percent.

It is being reported that Wisconsin is tied for 38th with Iowa and Vermont, but Wisconsin actually trails both states when job growth rates are not rounded. Quarterly jobs numbers are a hard count of jobs created and represent the most accurate data available. They have been called the “gold standard” of jobs data, even by Governor Walker.

Meanwhile, we are nearly 3 full months into the legislative session, and Republican leadership has failed to take up a single bill addressing our economic challenges. Democrats recognize that we desperately need to focus our attention on restoring economic opportunity for Wisconsinites and have proposed a package of 15 bills to do just that, but Republicans have not even scheduled a hearing on any one of these bills.

Click here for more information about the Assembly Democrats’ 15 Bills for 2015 Agenda for Economic Opportunity.

Budget Summary Highlights, Lowlights, and Hearings

In last week’s newsletter, I included a summary of items in the budget. You can find that summary, as well as an up-to-date list of upcoming budget hearings and listening sessions, by clicking here. 

UPDATE on Madison listening sessions:

Dane County Listening Session

Where: Madison East High School Auditorium, 2222 E Washington Ave, Madison

When: March 30th

Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Who: Dane County Senate and Assembly members