Weekly Actions 6-10-26
Quick ideas on national, state an local issues
WHO ARE WE: We are intergenerational advocates who have been gathering together since 2017 to learn, share, support and act to create a more just and equitable democracy.
WHAT WE DO: We turn our hopes and heartbreaks into action.
WHAT NEXT: Read on and take action.
Special Edition “VOTE” tees available for BRIEF time:
• The shop will be open through June 15th only. Items will arrive early July
• In your cart, please include a note with your email address and phone number
• Distribution will be handled by the PERSISTers
Link: Shop PERSISTers at Giltee Apparel Company | Giltee Apparel Company
Upcoming PERSISTer gatherings
PLEASE NOTE: Regular meetings will be EVERY OTHER WEEK during the summer
Friday, June 12 from 8:30 to 10am - PERSISTers on Zoom
Friday, June 26 from 8:30 to 10am - PERSISTers in the Park
Menomonee River Parkway, near Hoyt Pool. Picnic Area #3
Monday, June 29 from 5-7pm: SUMMER MEETUP
Location: Grand Hall at Tosa Hoyt Pool
More information and RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YQ3FU7wowXj5rO37fHKR2dhMpn8Z3_PrUPPy30m0CEU/edit?ts=6a270b71
NATIONAL ACTIONS
Support Mail-in Voting
Stand up for Mail-in voting, which is used by approximately 1/3 of voters. In March the President issued an Executive Order which would undermine and limit mail-in voting. In response the Executive Order, the U.S. Postal Service just proposed new rules for mailing absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections. This proposal would require states to provide voter eligibility lists to the federal government. Ballots would not be sent to anyone not included on federal mail voter lists. This would undermine the Constitution which gives the power to set election rules to the states and Congress.
Background: Analyzing the President’s Executive Order on Mail Voting | Brennan Center for Justice
Contact: Email comments to: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov
You must include the name and address of the commenter.
Use the subject line of “Ballot Mail.”
Comments must be received by July 2, 2026.
Oppose OMB rule which harms science in the U.S.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a new rule to regulate all federal grants, not just science, but housing, education, defense, NASA and everything in between, that would fundamentally change how research is conducted in the United States.
1. Instead of experts in the respective fields deciding which science gets funded via peer review, political appointees would decide.
2. Grants could be canceled at any point, without warning, in the middle of ongoing work.
3. Researchers would have a harder time communicating their findings without pre-approval from the federal government.
Background:
Actions (pick one)
1. Submit a public comment.
Comment before July 13.
Comment as an individual, not on behalf of your organization.
Share a story about how science or federal funding has benefitted you or is involved in your work. Are you or someone you loved a cancer survivor? Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s? Have you received NIH/NSF or other federal funding?
Explain why you’re worried about these proposed changes.
Ask them to withdraw this proposed rule.
2. Contact your elected representatives. Let your representatives know this proposed change concerns you and ask them to intervene.
Senator Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323.
Senator Tammy Baldwin: (202) 224-5653.
Rep. Gwen Moore: (202) 224-4572. Email: https://gwenmoore.house.gov/contact
3. Spread awareness . This isn’t just about science, but ALL federal grants, including for education systems, defense projects, and more. Share the background article.
ONGOING NATIONAL ACTIONS
Close dangerous Detention Centers
A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides more evidence of ongoing abuse at one of the nation’s largest detention centers, located in Montana.
This follows the ongoing crisis at Delaney Hall Detention Center in New Jersey where hunger strikes have taken place to bring awareness to the dangerous conditions for detainees. Delaney Hall is a privately owned, 1,000-bed facility run by the GEO Group which has a no-bid 15 year contract worth $1 billion.
74 percent of those in ICE detention have no criminal record, and many of the remainder have nothing in their records more serious or violent than a speeding ticket. (Brennan Center. See link above).
NEW Background: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/10/nx-s1-5853534/report-ice-wasted-millions-endangered-detainees-in-largest-immigration-facility
Ongoing Action: We continue to call on our Representative and Senators to advocate for the closure of all detention centers with a special focus on Dilley Detention Centerin Texas, where 6,200 children have been detained under the current Administration. Advocates have cited harmful conditions.
Contact: Your 2 US Senators and US House Representative
Senator Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323.
Senator Tammy Baldwin: (202) 224-5653.
Rep. Gwen Moore: (202) 224-4572. Email: https://gwenmoore.house.gov/contact
Keep up the pressure: Epstein Files
A new in-depth investigation by the New York Times and Congressional Hearings that included testimony from Bill Gates, have both brought renewed attention to the Epstein Files. To date, the Department of Justice has released only about half of the Epstein files despite a law requiring it to produce them all no later than December 19 of last year. The current Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche has not shown any willingness to release the rest of the files.
NEW Background: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/10/magazine/trump-epstein-files-white-house-vance-doj.html
Contact: Your U.S. House Rep
Rep. Gwen Moore: (202) 224-4572. Email: https://gwenmoore.house.gov/contact
OR call the Capitol Switchboard to be connected: (202) 224-3121
STATE ACTIONS
Comment on Medicaid cuts impact on WI hospitals
Medicaid covers one out of every three children in Wisconsin and one out of three working-age adults with disabilities in the state. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill would cut Medicaid spending by about $1 trillion over 10 years. KFF, a health policy nonprofit, projects Wisconsin will have 54,000 more uninsured people by 2034 due to the funding cuts.
In Wisconsin, these hospitals as facing a higher risk of closing, cutting services or laying off workers:
St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chippewa Falls
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints, Racine
Ascension Wisconsin Emerus, Menomonee Falls
Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee
Ascension St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee
There is particular concern for specialty services, such as Labor and Delivery. In 2022, Ascension St. Francis Hospital on Milwaukee’s south side shut down its labor and delivery services. This was especially controversial because it provided services primarily to Black and brown communities. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee, formerly known as the “baby hospital” has also struggled to stay open.
Background: https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/05/19/medicaid-cuts-are-hurting-wisconsin
Learn more about proposed Data Center Moratorium
Hyperscale data centers are under construction in Mount Pleasant, Port Washington and Beaver Dam.
“We can welcome economic development while still protecting the people” of Wisconsin, noting the proposal will only succeed if residents speak up. The question is not whether data centers should exist. The question is whether they should operate without meaningful safeguards. The cost of reasonable regulation is small. The cost of getting this wrong could mean higher utility bills, greater strain on our resources, increased pressure on local infrastructure, and fewer protections for workers and communities.” Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, D-Green Bay
Madison, the town of Cassville, Westport in Dane County, Baldwin in St. Croix County and Manitowoc County have all passed moratoriums ranging from one to two years. Oneida and Dodge counties are also considering enacting temporary prohibitions.
Contact: Tell Gov. Evers how you feel about Data Centers
Gov Evers online comment form: https://evers.wi.gov/pages/connect.aspx
A few things we read/listened to this week
The Recombobulation Area: Tom Tiffany is unfit for office
Why everyone wants Jon Ossoff to run for President
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/08/opinion/jon-ossoff-president.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
When to contact Congress for maximum impact
https://legisletter.org/guides/timing-your-advocacy-when-to-contact-congress
Takeaways from interview with 60 minutes’ Scott Pelley
Short clip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZS5U64kfy1/
Check out these local events
Saturday, June 13 from 10am to 2pm- Bridge Demonstration
Brookfield Resist group coordinates this event
Location: Barker Road and I-94
More information: June 13, 2026 Bridge Demonstration Protest
Sunday, June 14 from 11am-Noon - Yell and Stomp at Lakefront
Speak up for our First Amendment rights!
Line Lincoln Memorial Drive with protest signs, banners, and flags! Bring a sign or use one of ours.
More info: Yell and Stomp at the Lakefront! · Shorewood Resists
Monday, June 22 from 6 to 8pm: Gubernatorial Forum
WISDOM Wisconsin is hosting a Gubernatorial candidate forum. Hear directly from 10 candidates for Governor of Wisconsin.
5-6pm: Social Hour. 6-8pm: Forum
Location: Waukesha County Technical College (Building S), 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI. 53072
More information: https://wisdomwisconsin.org/forum?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
Wednesday June 24 from 7-8pm: Primary Forum for WI Assembly
Hear from candidates for Assembly Seat 13 (being vacated by Robyn Vining who is running for State Senate. Candidates David Sanchez and Amy Zimmerman
Location: Celtic Milwaukee Center, 1532 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa
Friday, June 24th from 4-7pm - Community Block Party
Rooted & Rising hosts Washington Park’s 6th Annual Community Block Party - music, food, arts & crafts, community connection.
Location: 3940 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee
Sun. June 28th from 2 to 4:30pm - Waukesha County Dems w/Tammy Baldwin
Also featuring candidates: David Crowley, Bretty Hulsey, Sara Rodriguez, Eileen Newcomer, Dylan Helmenstine, Yee Leng Xiong, Mike Van Someren, Rico Comacho, Kevin Reilly
Location: Frame Park (Waukesha)
RSVP required / Tickets at waukeshadems.org/events or https://secure.actblue.com/donate/26picnic
Monday, June 29 from 5:30-7:30: Save Hemp Rally at Kelly’s Greens
Stop by to support the campaign to stop the Federal Hemp Ban which is scheduled to go into effect on 11/12/26.
Location: Kelly’s Green, 8932 W. North Ave.