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The Future of the Wisconsin Lions State Newspaper

BY EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR BERT FREEMAN

At this year’s 2023 Wisconsin Lions State Convention being held in Stevens Point, a vote will be taken on the future of the paper version of the Wisconsin State Lions Newspaper. The vote will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 13th. Prior to the voting, a meeting will be held Saturday morning, devoted to the future of the Wisconsin Lions State Newspaper. At this event, we will be discussing the current state of the newspaper budget and the future budget concerns as it relates to the Wisconsin Lions State Newspaper. Please come with your questions and thoughts on this topic.

Currently, the Lions Newspaper is $9,000 over budget as a result of print production and postage increases. The current budget for 2022-23 was for set for $63,000. Expect the budget for 2023-24 to be $78,000. The unknown of additional postage increases July 2023 and January 2024 does not allow an accurate budget for 2023-24. Editorial Board Chair Bert Freeman does expect some sort of periodical postage increase, just like we had January 22nd.If the vote is approved for digital only, the budget will be $16,000. This amount represents the cost of graphic design for the six fiscal year issues for 32 pages.

With the projected budget of $78,000, this amount represents 50% of the dues paid by Multiple District 27 Wisconsin Lions. Here is the question that will be presented for voting of the future of the newspaper.

Beginning July 2023, the Wisconsin Lions State Newspaper will be Full Color, Bi-Monthly Digital Publication, only.

Yes or No

It is important that those attending the state convention have their voices heard, so please make plans to attend this year’s state convention May 11th - May 13th Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point.