Observer Corps Meetings

For the past few months, a group of League members have been attending County and City committee meetings with the leadership of Robyn Furger. It’s a wonderful way to find out what is going on in our government and something you can do from home in your spare time, as videos of the meetings are available. 

For example, on July 21 the county’s Committee on Judiciary, Law Enforcement and General Services met to discuss:

• Opioid settlement: Representatives from the Office of Management and Budget provided a powerpoint on the first three cohorts who received opioid settlement funds. 

• Quarterly reports form the Sheriff’s office: A request for the Sheriff’s office to provide quarterly reports on traffic stops, vehicle impoundments, stolen vehicle recoveries, and related incidents to the county board.

• Commitment to election integrity: A resolution affirming Milwaukee County’s commitment to election integrity, support for election workers, and opposition to the intimidation of election officials and voters. Peg Schrader and Candice Owley represented the League.

• Facial tattoo removal: Representatives from the Community Reintegration Center (CRC) discussed the benefits of facial tattoo removal (reduction in recidivism and better employment options) and its cost. Because of the expense and the short length of time residents are in the Center, they are looking at community-based options. 

• Free birth certificates: A representative from the Deed’s office spoke about this program, used for voting and employment. There are questions about how the SAVE act could impact this. 

There is much more information presented in the meeting than is provided in the official minutes. 

If you want to see what is happening in our government and share it with other League members, this is a productive way to spend a few hours every month.