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Support the Initiative to Offer Driver’s Licenses for All

05/02/2019 10:25:45 AM

May2

Social Justice Spotlight

As a member of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition and a signatory to the Union for Reform Judaism’s Urgency of Now campaign, Temple Beth El is committed to work for justice for our immigrant brothers and sisters. One important way we can advocate for immigrant rights is to be involved right now in the fight for legal driver’s licenses and state IDs for all Wisconsin residents, regardless of immigration status.

This is not just an issue of justice; it is also an issue of safety and economic sustainability in our state.

Fundamental to living a life of dignity is the ability to take care of yourself and your family. Access to educational opportunities and to employment are necessary in order to achieve that goal. But undocumented immigrants who are barred from obtaining a driver’s license face untenable choices—either forgo education and employment, try to deal with our wholly inadequate public transportation system, or take the risk and drive illegally.

These choices rob people of their dignity, as they rob them of their pathway to a better life.

The Bible teaches us: “You shall have one standard for stranger and citizen alike: for I the Lord am your God” (Leviticus 24:22). Wisconsin needs to have one such standard for the ability to drive for all our residents, regardless of immigration status. Governor Evers’s budget calls for restoration of legal driver’s licenses and state IDs for all, as was the law prior to 2007.

The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee is taking public comments right now on the governor’s budget proposal. You can take action now: Contact them at BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov, and also contact your own senator and assembly member at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/.

Please urge your legislators not to take this right away from Wisconsin residents who simply want to drive safely and within the law, to get to school and to work, and to live lives of worth and dignity.

When you send your comments and talk to your legislators, use these talking points (please put them into your own words).

  1. If everyone who wants to drive has access to a legal driver’s license, they will be able to get to school and to work, which helps people succeed in life and adds to our economy.
  2. The ability to get a legal driver’s license means drivers will be more likely to know the rules of the road, which makes us all safer.
  3. Those with legal drivers licenses are more likely to have insurance.
  4. Wisconsin needs to have one standard for the ability to drive for all our residents, regardless of immigration status. It is a matter of justice.

Finally, please come to the Capitol on Wednesday, May 1 at 11:00 am, and join Voces de la Frontera for “A Day Without Latinx and Immigrants.” Learn more at http://vdlf.org/mayday2019 and https://www.facebook.com/events/1076917719146461/?active_tab=about.

April 24, 2024 16 Nisan 5784