VOTER CONSERVATION
We knocked on 75,000 doors for climate action
Encouraging consumers to reduce energy consumption and go electric is a critical step for reducing carbon emissions. Thank you for making it happen!
President Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan is the largest climate investment in U.S. history. For the next 10 years, homeowners can save money on solar panels, appliances, insulation, electric vehicles, and more.
Wisconsin Conservation Voters is reaching out to folks across the state, helping them learn about these benefits and implement projects.
Here’s a sample of what we’re hearing at the doors:
Tina didn’t know much about Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan. However, once she heard more, she was enthusiastic about the opportunity to save money and help create a greener community.
“The most rewarding moments of this work are when folks who have been saving up to lower their home’s carbon footprint decide they can afford these updates much sooner because of Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan.”
– Ian Vierck, member of our canvass team
Katherine initially scoffed, saying she thinks green energy policy is “a waste of time and money.” Our canvasser pivoted to the free energy-saving packs available from Focus on Energy. Katherine said she loves LED lights as a way to save on her electric bills. After that, she was open to taking a look at our pamphlet to learn more about other ways to save money.
Robert was interested in replacing his drafty windows. He didn’t know he could save money on that and was glad to learn about the available tax credits. He asked for a campaign yard sign to put up after he finishes his home improvements.
Learn more about Pres. Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan
Visit conservationvoters.org/clean-energy-plan to see how you can start saving money today. Would you like to set up a presentation for your neighborhood association, community group, office, or school?
Contact us at info@conservationvoters.org.
Fighting for fair voting maps
Your dedication and advocacy have helped shape this opportunity.
Time and again, you’ve shown up to testify against bad redistricting bills and rally for fair maps. You gave input to the People’s Maps Commission during the redistricting process in 2021. And, of course, you voted. In 2022, you reelected Gov. Evers, and staved off a veto-proof Republican supermajority in the legislature to defend against anti-voter legislation. In 2023, you elected Justice Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin State Supreme Court.
Thanks to years of effort by a broad coalition of partner groups, a lawsuit contesting the constitutionality of our gerrymandered voting maps is at the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Depending on the outcome of the court challenge, it’s possible that all 33 state senate seats could be up for a vote in 2024, along with the 99 assembly seats, many using newly drawn districts. Redrawing our current maps is the first step to a fair democracy. However, to really fix Wisconsin’s extreme gerrymander, we need to win a constitutional amendment that codifies a fair, nonpartisan redistricting process.
Together, we will keep fighting for a future in Wisconsin where all voices are heard so that issues voters overwhelmingly support – climate action, fair maps, and holding polluters accountable – get the attention they deserve.
Conservation voters participated in rallies in support of fair maps, like the ones across the state at the end of November. Some are even plaintiffs in the current court case in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Climate champions introduce Forward on Climate bills
You helped elect these pro-climate legislators and they heard our call: we must act now to protect our environment and our health.
Climate champions in the state legislature recently introduced 20 bills to address the climate crisis while centering environmental justice. The Forward on Climate package includes policy proposals for agriculture, education, planning and development, utilities, and green jobs.
“We need to build our climate resilience, invest in policies that will help grow our green economy, and support Wisconsinites as we build a better future for all of us,” said Assembly Democratic Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer in a November press conference.
This Forward on Climate Bill Package lays out a much-needed framework for our future organizing work. As we move into 2024, our close partnership with these climate champions will be vital to ensuring our state government is creating climate solutions.
This is how we make change. Your continued partnership will help elect more climate leaders in 2024 who support aggressive climate legislation to protect our waterways, land, health, and future generations.
Learn more about the Forward on Climate bills at conservationvoters.org/cnowNov20
Vote Tracker
Want to stay up-to-date on everything happening in the State Legislature?
Stay in the know on current bills and how your legislators are voting on the issues you care about. Visit conservationvoters.org/vote-tracker
Senate Republicans failed Wisconsinites on PFAS
We will not stop fighting until everyone in Wisconsin can safely drink their water.
Senate Republicans failed Wisconsinites when they chose to leave the polluter loophole in Senate Bill 312. They ignored direct feedback from communities with PFAS-contaminated water and because of that, we’ll ask Gov. Evers to veto the bill. We’re working on a plan alongside impacted communities and health officials to get the allocated state funding out the door to the people who need it most. We’ll share updates at conservationvoters.org/priority-campaigns/pfas-in-our-water
Giga waabamin minawaa, niijiwag
The Anishinaabeg do not have a word for “goodbye” but this phrase comes close, translating to “I will see you again, my friends.”
Chii miigwech to you all! Thank you to all the absolutely phenomenal individuals I have had the good fortune to work with at Wisconsin Conservation Voters/Voices – especially my beloved Wisconsin Native Vote team members! I also want to thank those tribal leaders, elders, and community members who I have come to know as niijiwag (friends) and colleagues. I have so much gratitude and appreciation to all of you who have claimed your right and responsibility to vote.
We have seen our tribal leadership successfully address the importance of voting in collaborative and innovative ways. We’ve witnessed our communities gather with determination and persistence to “build the GOTV buzz,” and we’ve learned important lessons from our veterans and elders who were once forbidden to vote. The overarching narrative throughout my work experience often began with “our vote is our voice and we will be heard.”
More than anything, I want to recognize those we sometimes refer to as the Seventh Generation. Those newly born, those waiting to be born, and those families they will bring into this world – they are the new stories of promise, growth, and opportunity, and each one is worth telling again and again.
So shall we be of this mind.
Giga waabamin minawaa, – Dee Sweet
Welcome to Maria Haskins!
Maria joined the team in late November as the Wisconsin Native Vote Manager. Learn more about Maria at conservationvoices.org/staff
Happy retirement!
Dee Sweet retired from her role as Wisconsin Native Vote Manager on December 8. Read her full farewell message online at conservationvoters.org/ eye-on-wi
Make a tax-deductible gift to support Wisconsin Native Vote.
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