WISCONSIN NAACP REJECTS AUGUST 2024 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Since the 1930’s Wisconsin’s governor has had constitutional authority to accept and direct federal funds sent to the state. It is the Governor’s responsibility to direct the funds to the appropriate state agency. The Wisconsin NAACP supports, approves, and endorses the current process of receiving federal funds and rejects the constitutional amendments.
Under current law, the governor has authority in certain instances to accept federal funds without participation of the Legislature. Under the proposed amendments, the governor could not allocate federal funds without approval by the Legislature. The Legislature would approve such allocations through joint resolutions or legislative rules that, unlike state statutes, do not require the governor’s approval.
The proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution could significantly change how federal emergency funds are allocated in the state. Wisconsin has seen money from the American Rescue Plan or COVID stimulus package which provided funding for public health and economic development; the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which includes repairing our roadways and more than 45,000 bridges; CHIPS (semiconductors) and Science Act subsidies for chip manufacturing and funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors; Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which includes tax reforms and investments in healthcare; and federal rental assistance funding to about 25,000 to 30,000 households in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin NAACP President Wendell Harris said “The proposed amendments are not just a power grab, they will deny the citizens of the state the benefit of federal funding opportunities. This is unacceptable.” We must respond to crises, natural disasters, and emergencies in a timely, and nonpartisan fashion.
CALL TO ACTION
The Wisconsin NAACP strongly encourages all eligible voters to reject the proposed constitutional amendments by voting NO at the polls and by absentee. It is our obligation to uphold the principles of effective government in Wisconsin. Maintaining the current process ensures effectiveness and responsiveness and protects the future.
NAACP Statement on President Biden’s decision to end re-election campaign.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., announced that he would be stepping aside from his re-election campaign to focus on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. Within his announcement, President Biden extended his thanks to and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to serve as the Democratic nominee for the 47th President of the United States. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in reaction to the news:
"For over a century, the NAACP has been proud to galvanize the Black vote, ensuring our voices are heard on the most pressing policy issues for our community. We recognize that today's news may come as a shock to Black America. Just last week, President Biden energized thousands of Black voters attending our 115th National Convention in Las Vegas. And for four years, they've worked with us, delivering more than $160 billion in student debt cancellation, supporting nearly 10 million families through the Child Tax Credit, and developing our nation's first ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, just to name a few. We understand that this decision was not an easy one, and we thank President Biden for prioritizing the good of the country over personal ambition.
While today's news requires a discussion - we cannot be distracted. Our focus must remain on the policies that presidential candidates stand for, not their political performances or personalities. Ahead of November, we must remain all in on educating, engaging and mobilizing Black America. All in on fighting for policies that will advance, not undermine our progress. We must remain all in on our community, standing as a united front as we head to the ballot box to defeat fascism, defend democracy, and determine our futures. The NAACP is all in, are you?"
President Biden's July 21st announcement came on the heels of the 115th NAACP National Convention, where the President addressed thousands of Black Americans, telling them he believes Vice President Harris is qualified to be President. If elected, Harris would be the first Black female President in United States history.
Ahead of November, the NAACP is recruiting 300,000 volunteers to mobilize Black voters across the country. For more information, or to join our efforts, visit naacp.org/volunteer.
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