Black women are still underrepresented in America’s statehouses, a new report shows. But Wisconsin is now an exception, according to the data.
Still, Rep. Dora Drake, a Milwaukee Democrat, believes Black women are vastly underserved at the statehouse and their importance to the state goes unrecognized.
A report published in March by National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women and the State Innovation Exchange shows a majority of states have a lower representation of Black women in the state legislature than the percentage of Black women residing in the state.
Wisconsin is one of 14 states that has a higher percentage of representation of Black women in the state s Legislature than the percentage of Black women population.
Dora Drake announced the introduction of an Equal Rights Amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution.
Wisconsin’s Equal Rights Amendment would establish equal rights on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, or any other immutable characteristic. State Representative
Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in support:
“Everyone deserves to feel welcome in Wisconsin. Our state should be a place where everyone is be able to live, work, raise a family, study, or start a business without fear of discrimination.
“I am proud to co-sponsor this amendment to our state Constitution, and I am grateful to my legislative colleagues for putting this proposal forward. It is time for our state to enshrine that all Wisconsinites deserve equal treatment under the law.”
MADISON- Today, State Rep. Dora Drake (D-11th Assembly District Milwaukee) shared her thoughts regarding Resolution SRJ 3 to repeal the Governor’s emergency order and mask mandate:
“As the Wisconsin Assembly convenes today to vote on this resolution, the constituents of District 11, community members, business owners, and local public health officials understand what wearing a mask means, what the impact will have for our communities, and the state overall.
They understand we all must do our part if we want to come out of this together. Wearing a mask protects me from getting COVID if you have it, and protects you from getting COVID if I have it. This statewide mask requirement saves lives and has received support from communities and stakeholders throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Tony Evers swears in Assembly Democrats in virtual ceremony
By AP author
Wisconsin Capitol in Madison
MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Tony Evers swore in state Assembly Democrats in a virtual ceremony Monday, Dec. 28.
Evers met with the Democratic caucus through Zoom on Monday afternoon. He swore in new members Deb Andraca, Samba Baldeh, Sue Conley, Dora Drake, Francesca Hong, Supreme Moore Omokunde, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, Sara Rodriguez, Kristina Shelton, and Lee Snodgrass individually. He swore in returning members en masse. Assembly Democrats posted the ceremony on their youtube channel.
Republicans emerged from the November elections with a 61-38 majority in the Assembly. The GOP also maintained its majority in the state Senate, setting up a frustrating session for Democrats.
With lawmakers retiring, resigning or losing reelection, the Wisconsin State Assembly will see 16 new members while eight new members will serve in the state Senate in the coming two-year session that starts in January.
At least 15 of those elected this cycle have already held elected office. And 14 women are among the ranks of those newly elected to the Legislature or moving from the Assembly to the Senate.
Of the 16 new Assembly members, 10 are Democrats, including the two who defeated incumbent Republicans.
In the Senate, three new Democrats join the ranks, all of whom have held elected office before. Republicans will welcome five new senators to the chamber; three of them have previous elected experience, including Rep. Rob Stafsholt, R-New Richmond, who defeated Sen. Patty Schachtner, D-Somerset.