NAMI Wisconsin hosted our second Legislative day called “Action Online” on February 25th. Over 300 members and legislators joined us to discuss our legislative priorities, a NAMI Smarts training which helps members develop an “Ask” to present to their representatives, a panel discussion on current mental health priorities and then a breakout session for members to meet with their representatives. While we usually do this in person, we were able quadruple participation in this budget year of important topics. 
 

Our Legislative priorities video can be viewed:

• •    State funding for Crisis Stabilization Centers to decrease Emergency Detention transports by police officers of persons in a mental health crisis.

• •    Increase of Medicaid coverage to 138% poverty level.

• •    Focus on state funding for National 9-8-8, mental health crisis line which will go into effect 2022.

• •    Maintain telehealth waiver for private insurance.
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• Creating For a New Creation Rest & Renewal retreat boxes for clergy and worship leaders to include a podcast, swag, and activities will be available in June.

• Survival & Love - A womanist preaching series will provide churches with 7 sermons from black female preachers as a way to give pastors a break and also lift up voices from across the state: https://www.wichurches.org/2021/02/18/survival-and-love-a-womanist-preaching-series/

• Our Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign continues as we help people understand how to shift from voting to advocacy. We are focused on the state budget. https://interfaithvotewi.org/

• Advocacy: WECA and other Wisconsin Infant Toddler Policy Project (WITPP) partners have been meeting regularly with legislators and administration officials to discuss the child care challenges in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocate for the Wisconsin Infant Toddler Policy Project 2021-2022 Budget Priorities. Many thanks to those that participated in WECA’s Advocacy Week March 1-5)!

• Information hearing: The Chair of the Assembly Children and Families Committee Pat Snyder (R-Schofield) will hold an informational hearing on the state of child are in Wisconsin. This hearing will include testimony from WECA and other child care providers. Date TBA.

• Presentation to the Wisconsin Legislative Children’s Caucus – April 22: WECA, Wisconsin Counties Association, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, and United Way of Wisconsin will showcase how the WITPP is advancing evidence-based policy initiatives related to high quality, affordable child care, home visiting, literacy, infant and early childhood mental health. The broad coalition is helping to advance these efforts to optimize the health and well-being of infants and toddlers in Wisconsin. 

• Video Testimonials: We are looking for individuals willing to record a short video on the importance of child care and the problems exacerbated by COVID-19. Contact: