Joint Finance Committee 2025 listening sessions

​

Thank you to those DSPN members that made time to attend a state budget hearing to share concerns and request investment in the full array of home and community-based services.

​​​​

 Could not attend a hearing? You still have options:

1.   Submit your public comment to the Joint Finance Committee AND

2.   E-mail your State Senator and State Representative your message                                                      about the state budget (Look up who are my legislators).

1. All legislators can talk with the budget writing committee about                                                      what they are hearing from constituents.

2. All legislators will have to vote on the budget that advances out of                                                   Joint Finance, Wisconsin's State Budget writing committee. 

Written comments can be emailed to the Committee at budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov or sent via U.S. mail to: Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.

Maximize your experience with these suggestions:

​

1.   Before you go. Write down your 300-word story about Medicaid and/or special education (see Medicaid and Special Education sections below for tips). *Providers may also use the DSPN Budget Priorities document for your talking points.

2.   Go early. People get to the site between 7-8 AM to register to speak.

3.   Go with a group or invite people to come with you. Make it a fun way to spend the day, and support each other.

4.   Talk to legislators, their staff, and media while you are there. Many area legislators and local media attend the hearings to hear what is on people's minds. Don't be shy. Introduce yourself and say what you are there to talk about.

5.   Be prepared to wait. People are called to speak in the order the registration slips are received. (If you need an accommodation, you can ask ahead of time or at the door, but there is no assurance that will allow you to speak earlier).

6.   Make each word count. Each person has 3 minutes to speak. Be short, clear, and direct. You can tell a powerful story in a few sentences. (This is why it is helpful to write what you want to say ahead of time and keep it to 300 words or less).