This presentation is the program for the January 2021 meeting of ESTHER’s Prison Reform Task Force.
The meeting features a presentation by Bill Harrigan of Harrigan Solutions, Grafton, WI. He will describe how his company integrates trauma-responsive practices into the workplace.
This meeting will be conducted on Zoom. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Advance registration is required, and a link to the meeting will be sent to all registrants.
Please join us on December 21 at 6:00 pm in Madison for a Candlelight Vigil to remember those who have died of COVID-19 in our state prisons.
We know that at least 19 people have died in Wisconsin prisons since the pandemic began. We believe there are probably more. We know that, as of this week, almost HALF of all people in prison have tested positive for COVID-19, in contrast to less than 10% of the overall population. We have no way of knowing how many of them have become seriously ill. We also know that hundreds of corrections workers have contracted the virus. Meanwhile, the Governor has not acted to offer clemency, to commute sentences or to release very low-risk people – so that others might have a chance to socially distance – even though his power to do so is clear.
December 21 is the longest night of the year. Let us gather to pray and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in prison. If you cannot join us, please take a moment at 6 pm Monday to remember those who have died, those who are sick, and those who have the power and the responsibility to care for the people in our prisons.
Budget Listening Session on Criminal Justice Reform
Governor Evers is holding virtual listening sessions as he prepares his 2021-23 State Budget proposal. Wisconsinites are encouraged to offer their thoughts and recommendations for the Governor to consider.
To be allowed to participate, you need to register. You can do so at the Governor's website here. You can watch the live-stream on Wis-Eye here.
You can also submit written comments or suggestions here.
There will be a WISDOM Zoom meeting on December 8 at 5:00 pm (the hour before the Governor’s “Criminal Justice” listening session), specifically to talk about WISDOM’s priorities for criminal justice reform in the coming state budget. If you would like to join that Zoom in order to prepare for the Listening Session, please email david.liners1@gmail.com to receive the link. Among other things, WISDOM wants the Governor to:
keep his campaign promise to increase Treatment Alternatives and Diversions (TAD) funding by $15 million per year
pledge that there will be no money for new prisons or for prison expansions
plan for the closing of the Green Bay Correctional Institution and redirect that money to a Justice Reinvestment Fund that can go to programs that benefit the people and communities that have been most badly hurt by mass incarceration.
Join NAMI Wisconsin for a virtual showing of the HBO documentary Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops followed by a live Q&A with Ernie and Joe themselves. This documentary follows two police officers with the San Antonio Texas Police Department who are diverting people away from jail and into mental health treatment, one 911 call at a time. TW: Suicide, Gun Violence
The first 100 people to register before November 12th will receive complimentary popcorn in the mail to enjoy during the film!
On October 19, WISDOM members (including several from ESTHER), led by EXPO (EX-incarcerated People Organizing) and SIP (Supporters of Incarcerated People) started a vigil outside the Governor's mansion. The purpose of the vigil is to challenge the Governor to seriously address the issue of COVID-19 in Wisconsin’s prisons. The group is calling on the Governor to hold a press conference to specifically address this issue, which directly impacts more than 30,000 Wisconsinites who live and work in the state’s prisons.
We hope he acts soon, but we want to be prepared for the long haul. Read more to find out what you can do to keep this issue high on the Governor’s agenda.
Recently, Gov. Tony Evers offered a powerful statement about how we should respond to the Black Lives Matter movement. He said, “We must offer our compassion, we must offer our support, most of all we must offer our action.” Now, we are asking you to contact Governor Evers to urge him to take his own advice. It is time for him to take action to reduce the prison population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Communicate with Governor Evers to express your concern and to urge him to act!
This presentation is the program for the January 2021 meeting of ESTHER’s Prison Reform Task Force.
Part of the “Autumn of Action” series coordinated by WISDOM, this presentation is sponsored by WISDOM/EXPO
On October 19, WISDOM members (including several from ESTHER), led by EXPO (EX-incarcerated People Organizing) and SIP (Supporters of Incarcerated People) started a vigil outside the Governor's mansion. The purpose of the vigil is to challenge the Governor to seriously address the issue of COVID-19 in Wisconsin’s prisons. The group is calling on the Governor to hold a press conference to specifically address this issue, which directly impacts more than 30,000 Wisconsinites who live and work in the state’s prisons.
