MADISON, Wis. — After first introducing it last year, Democrats are making another push for what they call an 'Economic Justice Bill of Rights' that would serve as a framework for future legislation.
An equitable living income, access to affordable health care, child care, high-quality safe housing, and pollution-free water are just a few of the things lawmakers said all Wisconsinites should have during a Monday morning press conference held on the Assembly floor.
“Because the truth is that economic laws are not made by nature,” State Rep. Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay, said. “They are made by people and by humans. And so, therefore, it's within our power to create new economic opportunities.”
Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan, WI-02, who used to serve in the Assembly, applauded the effort to put forth a joint resolution.
“When you have a statement of principles like this, what you find is you can bring in folks who may not necessarily always have the same ideological perspective, but if you can agree on these standard principles, you can move forward on legislation that actually helps people,” Pocan said.
Outreach and outrage are what Shelton and State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, both of whom are first-year lawmakers, said is motivating their effort.
“We know folks have representatives that don't want to better themselves as a representative, so ask them why would you be against policies deeply rooted in humanity, safety, and opportunity,” Hong said.
Republican leaders ultimately did not adopt the previous joint resolution before the legislative session wrapped up. However, some bills have already been introduced from the framework, including the Healthy School Meals for All Act and the $15 minimum wage, both of which lawmakers plan to reintroduce next year.