Last year, Common Cause in Wisconsin joined "Our Democracy 2020"
– a broad, unprecedented coalition of people and organizations working to maintain and strengthen our state's democracy.
Together, we have spent the past year focusing on civic engagement and setting our road map to ensure our democracy lives up to it’s creed, "of, by, and for the people."
On January 28th, 2015, the coalition held a press conference/public launch of the "Our Democracy 2020" Initiative at the State Capitol to let legislators, media, and the Wisconsin public know who we are, the critical changes we are working toward, and the plan we have in place to do it:
Mike Wilder, Issue Coordinator for Wisconsin Voices introduced the coalition and the event speakers.
Former Wisconsin State Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager:
"This is a tough hill to climb — more than a mountain, I would say, given what has been happening to our democracy in the past decade. But I think when you look at these groups, the commitment to come together, the work they’ve already done and will do, it’s a proud day for Wisconsin and those of us who care that individuals citizens and their voices be put above the voices of the moneyed few."
Common Cause in Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck (on the need for nonpartisan redistricting reform in Wisconsin based on the "Iowa Model"):
"Why is competition important? Because lawmakers who face a tough election or at least a close election are more responsive to their constituents...Voters (in Iowa) have confidence in the [redistricting] system. That's something we don't have."
Also speaking at the event were Louis Lee of Clean Slate Milwaukee, Analiese Eicher of One Wisconsin Now, and Matt Rothschild, executive director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
You can watch the press conference in its entirety below:
For more information about "Our Democracy 2020," visit the coalition website here.
Members of "Our Democracy 2020" include:
