Wisconsin's State Budget and Independent Living Centers Need YOUR Voice! The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is holding public hearings to hear from people like YOU about what should be prioritized in Wisconsin’s next state budget. 📍 Public Hearing Dates & Locations: April 4 – West Allis April 28 – Hayward April 29 – Wausau This is a powerful opportunity to speak directly to the legislators who write the state budget. Tell them what matters most to YOU and your community. 💬 What could you share? ⏩Why independent living centers are vital to your life. ⏩The shocking fact that they haven't received a state funding increase in 25 years. ⏩How important Medicaid or special education is to your daily life or the lives of those you care about. 📌 Tips for Attending a Budget Hearing: -Write your story ahead of time – keep it to 300 words. -Arrive early – many show up between 7–8 AM to register to speak. -Go with a friend or a group – it's more fun and you can support one another! -Speak with legislators, their staff, and media – introduce yourself! -Expect to wait – registration order matters. -You get 3 minutes to speak – be brief, powerful, and clear. Can’t attend? No worries! ✅Submit your comments online to the Joint Finance Committee ✅ Email your State Senator and Representative – Find your legislator here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/ Your voice matters. Let them know what’s important to YOU. 💬💙 Need help? Contact your local Independent Living Center, Advocacy is the heart of what we do! Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc. indiGO Wisconsin Society's Assets Independent Living Resources Access to Independence Independence First - Compass IL #WIBudget #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights #MedicaidMatters #OptionsforYOU #AdvocacyInAction (fb)

Advocacy: The Heart of Our Mission Last week, our team showed up and spoke out at the Joint Finance Committee Listening Session at Kaukauna High School. Executive Director Josh Theis, Independent Living Coordinator Supervisor and Memory Care Specialist Stacie Scheibe, and Advocacy Coordinator Autumn Nordall testified on behalf of the people we serve and the values we stand for. They shared our top priorities for the upcoming biennial budget: ✅ Increase funding for all 8 Independent Living Centers across Wisconsin – funding has been stagnant for 25 years, and it’s time for change. ✅ Protect and preserve essential Medicaid funding. ✅ Increase support for dementia care services, which are more critical now than ever. At Options, advocacy isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. We’ll keep using our voices to push for a more inclusive, supportive, and independent future for people with disabilities and older adults. Stay tuned -- we need your advocacy now more than ever! #AdvocacyMatters #IndependentLiving #DementiaCare #MedicaidMatters #JointFinance #WisconsinILCs #DisabilityRights #OptionsForYOU (fb)