The Urban League of Greater Madison, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Dane County, is inviting the community to a public issues forum on the importance of voting on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m. at the Urban League, 2222 S. Park St.
“Why Voting Matters: Consequences for Childcare Funding and Diversity in Education” seeks to, according to a press release from ULGM, “shed light on pressing matters affecting the lives of Wisconsin families while revealing the urgent importance of civic engagement and the direct effect your vote has on addressing the ongoing childcare crisis and attacks on diversity in education.”
Panelists for the event will include Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor Emerita, UW-Madison School of Education, and Dr. Laura Dresser, associate director of the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) and clinical associate professor at the UW–Madison School of Social Work.
The forum will explore two pivotal issues influenced by electoral outcomes:
- Childcare Funding: The panel will discuss the implications of the expiration of the federal Child Care Stabilization Program in September 2023 and proposals to address the loss of these vital funds. The panel will delve into the current state of childcare availability in Dane County and its significance for working families and employers.
- Diversity in Education: The panel will address attempts to censor diversity in teaching and libraries, including the campaign against Critical Race Theory. Additionally, the panel will examine efforts to condition funding for the elimination of DEI programs.
The panel will be moderated by Joy Cardin a retired Wisconsin Public Radio talk show host, a member of the League of Women Voters of Dane County, and a member of the board of directors of the LWV of Wisconsin.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for socializing and light refreshments, with the program running from 6-7:30 p.m.
For more information or to register for the event, click here.
