Feb 23, 2024
We Did It!! YOU did it!!
Jake Beckstrom
It's happening! Earlier this week, WI Assembly Speaker Robin Vos heard our community’s appeals and referred our SCI Research Grant Bill AB19 onto the Assembly floor for a vote.
Late last night, just before midnight (with reports from John Martinson up in the gallery), we watched our bill receive a near unanimous vote of support after a beautiful speech by Rep. Jimmy Anderson, who has a spinal cord injury and has worked with us from the beginning on this bill (his remarks were given by Rep. Kristina Shelton of Green Bay).
Above, Rep. Kristina Shelton reads remarks prepared by Rep. Jimmy Anderson in his absence. Watch the entire 5 minute proceeding and passage of AB 19 by clicking on the image above.
Rep. Paul Tittl, our champion in the Assembly, also offered strong support in a speech after Rep. Anderson.
Moments later, AB 19 passed the Assembly with a vote of 93 to 3…I can't believe I am writing these words, but it's true.
The bill will go to the Wisconsin Senate in the coming weeks where we have strong assurances that it will pass there. That said, we know we can’t let up on the pedal yet.
Above, Rep. Paul Tittl, our legislative champion, gives strong remarks of support. Click the image above to watch the full video proceeding.
The Senate still has another month to finalize their bills, so we will be working with Sen. Wanggaard and speaking with Sen. LeMahieu to bring it to the Senate floor for a vote. But getting the bill passed in the Assembly will only make it that much easier for Sen. LeMahieu to do so.
John Martinson was at the Capitol yesterday, working to ensure legislators didn’t back down on their promise to us. He found our legislative champion in the Senate, Van H. Wanggaard (Senate District 21 - Racine), who assured him they’ll work to get the bill through the Senate in the coming weeks.
This wouldn't have happened without all of our advocates showing up to roll through the Capitol in Madison, year after year. And it wouldn’t have happened without the wider SCI community’s calls and emails. You let your VOICE be heard. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Looks like that last sliver of light was our rising sun. Thanks again everyone so much for all of your hard work. This wouldn't have happened without you.
On Wisconsin!
PS - Remember: we’ve been told our bill has strong support in the Senate, but we’ll be sending out a call to action (likely next week) to contact key Senators to assure passage, so get ready!
