Skills training was a success!
We thank everyone who attended the Philip Chard skills training last Saturday. The energy and engagement in the room were awesome! We thank Dr. Chard for delivering the program, and a big shout out goes to Heather Godley for reaching out to League members and handling all the work in the background that made the day so successful.
If you attended the program, please complete the evaluation form you received via email, a Google form with just a few short questions to answer that will likely take you less than 5 minutes to complete.
If the training changed your mind about becoming a member of the Speakers Bureau, please reach out to speakersbureau@lwvmilwaukee.org. |  | Older Wisconsinites Must Now Work for SNAP Benefits
Individuals in Wisconsin aged 60 and older used to be able to receive a 36-month certification during which they could qualify for SNAP (“FoodShare” in Wisconsin) benefits – assuming they met income and other requirements for these benefits – without having to work, fill out forms, or interview.
Now, because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), that’s no longer the case for individuals aged 60-64. Like younger people, these individuals will have to show they work at least 80 hours per month or qualify for an exemption (such as having a “disability”) to qualify for benefits. Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services issued guidance on August 8 for the new rules. This is but one example of the harsh changes to Medicaid and SNAP made by the OBBBA.
Stay tuned for news of the LWVMC-sponsored September 26 community forum, “Healthcare and Food Equity Issues in Milwaukee County.” Medicaid and SNAP changes, as well as the food apartheid problem in Milwaukee, will be addressed.
|  | Support Democracy While Scrolling!
It doesn't get any easier than this. Follow/like/share LWVMC posts on social media (@lwvmilwaukee). Show your friends you're engaged in meaningful volunteer work to support our democracy.
There's a lot going on between now and the midterm election on November 3 -- and surprises could be in store! Promote timely, accurate, nonpartisan news, and help those in your social circle to vote and stay civically engaged. | Energy for Citizens Committee Hosts 1st of 3 Webinars on September 3rd
Voters of Milwaukee County’s “Electrical Energy for Citizens” Project explores the pros and cons of options for generating electricity. We are offering a webinar on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, CDT (the first of three in a series.)
Three speakers from the January 30, 2025 LWVWI - American Society of Civil Engineers, WI Section webinar have agreed to give an update. Dr. Lucy Harvey is a bonus. | PARTNER EVENT - NAACP of MILWAUKEE
Saturday, August 22: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Join the NAACP, Souls to the Polls, and LWVMC for a backyard BBQ at Johnson Park!
MORE INFORMATION |  |  | Poll Worker Recruitment for Milwaukee County
With the primary election over, it is again clear that the city of Milwaukee needs more poll workers for the November midterm elections. Poll workers are given training and paid $220 for a full shift (6 am - 9/10 pm) and $117.33 for a half shift. To be a poll worker you must live in Milwaukee County. Learn more from the Milwaukee Election Commission.
Voting Will Start Again Before You Know It
It is hard to believe, but absentee ballots for the November Election will be sent out beginning Sep 17, 2026. To avoid lines on Election Day, consider requesting an absentee ballot and voting from the comfort of your home. A safe and easy way to return your absentee ballot is by using a drop box, and they will be open to receive ballots beginning Sep 21, 2026. You can also drop your ballot off at an Early Voting site. Learn more HERE
Request your absentee ballot at MyVote.WI.org It’s fast and easy! | The VOTE411 online voter guide gives information about candidates running for office and will be available for the November election starting on September 1.
Are you prepared to vote on the three referenda that will be on the Wisconsin ballot in November? See this trifold with information about all three referenda:
The language of the third referendum is tricky. Please see this fact sheet prepared by the Impartial Justice Committee of the LWVWI Legislative Committee.
|  | One Important way to Protect our November Election
Become an Election Observer!
Help the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin monitor Wisconsin's elections. We are seeking hundreds of volunteers to be trained as Election Observers and placed in polling places in specific areas around the state. The state League provides training, assigns volunteers their polling place(s) to observe, and provides volunteers with a reporting form to record their observations. Every effort will be made to assign you to a location near your home. You don't need to be a League member to volunteer for this -- although we'd love to have you join us! Sign up here. |  |  | The Myth: The New Medicaid Rule Affects Only Transgender Children
A new federal rule will restrict federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for certain gender-affirming medical care for young people. In Wisconsin, children receive Medicaid and CHIP coverage primarily through BadgerCare Plus.
The immediate impact is on transgender youth. But the questions raised by this rule reach beyond the transgender community.
• What does the rule do?
It withholds federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for puberty blockers, hormone therapy and certain procedures when provided for gender transition. These same medications may continue to be covered when prescribed for other medical purposes.
• Who will be affected?
Transgender young people who depend on Medicaid will be affected most directly. Families with private insurance or the resources to pay for care may have options that lower-income families do not.
• Why does this matter beyond transgender health care?
The rule raises a broader question about access to health care: when medically accepted treatments are available, who should determine whether an individual patient receives them — families and health-care professionals or government policy? It also raises concerns when access to care increasingly depends upon a family’s ability to pay.
• Why should the broader community care?
Policies restricting medically accepted care for one group raise questions that extend beyond that group. They affect how we think about equal access to health care, the role of government in individual medical decisions and whether income determines who can obtain care.
These concerns are consistent with League of Women Voters principles supporting equitable access to health care and protection from discrimination. People affected by this drastic rule or seeking current information and resources can contact Fair Wisconsin, info@fairwisconsin.com. | To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch
To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsin: myvote.wi.gov
Speaking up matters.
LGBTQI+ ... All Letters Matter! | The Reproductive Rights Team is Supporting Planned Parenthood by Volunteering at Events. Come join us!
Back 2 School Bash
August 23, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Northwest Health Center, 5380 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee
PP will host this flagship event during which kids - elementary through high school - can get school supplies + hygiene items, and families can have a safe, fun afternoon accessing local resources, healthcare, and participate in our fun, carnival style event. There will be music, facepainting, balloon art, food, and more!
Sign up here. | Please note: Lessons from Hungary will need to be rescheduled. Please watch for a new date in upcoming Weekly Update issues. | Mutual Aid Collection for Voces de la Frontera
Immigration Advocacy Committee members and their friends collected a car load of supplies for immigrants in need, either due to fear of going to work or of grocery shopping, at Brookfield Resist’s protest on Saturday, August 15.
Many thanks to our partner, Brookfield Resist, and to the wonderful people who both protested and helped our immigrant neighbors. | | | Dashboard Tracks Deaths of ICE Detainees
A new interactive tool from Relevant Research tracks the growing number of deaths Inside ICE’s civil immigrant detention system, with links to source material and downloadable data. Over 50 people have died in ICE custody since the start of the current administration, an alarming number that is currently increasing at the rate of one roughly every 9 days. The data collected are from publicly available ICE records. These sources are imperfect, increasingly brief and frequently delayed.
DETENTION MORTALITY DASHBOARD |  | Congressional Recess -- Time For Action!
Members of Congress are in their home districts and need to hear from their constituents. LWVUS has a Congressional Recess Guide For Action here. The League is encouraging members and supporters to visit their members of Congress's district office, call their offices, or email them using one of our action alerts. You can find the next House in-district work period here (unhighlighted dates) and Senate here. | Upcoming Peaceful Protests
POP-UP - Sunday, August 23 @ 10:00 am
sidewalk in front of Wendy's at 2112 E Moreland Blvd, Waukesha
POP-UP peaceful protests will be moving around the city to raise awareness and to spread courage to get involved.
Vote for Decency Demonstration
Saturday, September 12 from 1:30 - 3:00
321 Wisconsin Ave. (sidewalk in front of Cutler Park / Library) Waukesha | History Shows Us that Protests Matter
Why do protests matter?
Visible resistance is essential so the government and its supporters see the number of citizens who don’t agree with their actions. Nonviolent visible protest activity encourages those sitting on the sidelines to join in. Here is the link to the listing of ongoing weekly protests: Protest Rallies |
Become a LWVMC Sustaining Donor!
You have choices. Who do you select to be the recipient of your charitable gifts?
You are a member of the League of Women Voters and believe in its mission of Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy.
We support the National and State Leagues, as well as our local league, with our membership dues. Did you know that only $15 of your membership dues finds its way back to our local League?
Please consider increasing that with a small monthly gift that will help the League with its mission-centered work. It is easier than it has ever been. Pay with a credit card or an ACH withdrawal directly from your bank account. Click here and follow the prompts to set up your Monthly Donation. |  | League Cafe is the book club/discussion group which meets monthly alternating general discussion one month with discussion of a specific book the next month. We generally meet on the 4th Friday of the month at the East Side Library, 2320 Cramer St., at 10:00 a.m. There is free parking behind the library. On Aug. 28th we will be discussing the book,”Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World” by Katharine Hayhoe. Even if you haven’t read the book, you will probably learn from the discussion and have some of your own thoughts on the climate subject to contribute. This small group is a great way to get to know some of your fellow League members. | This fall, WISDOM is offering its Power of Community Organizing (POCO) training — a FREE, five-week virtual training series designed to give community members, leaders, and organizers practical tools to strengthen their organizing skills. More info and registration here. |  | | Each year, Milwaukee County works to build an annual budget, representing our plan for how we'll fund services next year — from public transit and parks to mental health services and affordable housing.
To ensure our 2027 budget reflects the priorities of our residents, we need your input.
Milwaukee County leaders will host two public listening sessions to learn what is most important to you as we work together to move our community forward. Each event will begin with a resource fair featuring Milwaukee County departments and programs, followed by a presentation on the County's budget priorities and an opportunity to share your thoughts on where funding should go in 2027.
On Monday, August 24, we will meet at the Washington Park Senior Center (4420 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208) from 5 – 7 p.m.
This event will be in-person only. ASL interpreters will be on-site.
Register here for August 24th.
| Is Your Member Profile Up-to-Date?
The Member Portal of our website has resources (including a member directory) just for members. Please login to the website, click Member Resources in the top menu, go to your Member Profile and complete/update your Additional Member Data and Interests (found under Website Functions). Contact roster@lwvmilwaukee.org with questions. Thank you! | So Many Ways to Support Local Democracy and Your League. Thank You! | Follow us on Social Media! | You have received this message from the mailing list of League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. If you would prefer not to receive these emails in the future, go to the opt-out page and modify your privacy settings. You can also request to be removed from our database completely. | |