Support Bill AB547
To those who have been following our efforts to change Wisconsin OWI laws, I have great news. On November 5th, on what would have been Courtney's 12th birthday, our bill was finally assigned a bill number and referred to Committee. THE BILL NUMBER IS: AB547.
We want to thank Representatives Peggy Krusick, Jim Ott, and Gary Bies as well as Senators Alberta Darling, Tim Carpenter and Luther Olsen for their sponsorship of this bill. These lawmakers are taking a courageous step in reforming the state's OWI laws to ensure the public health and safety of its residents. We applaud their efforts. We are very grateful.
In all likelihood, AB547 will be heard in the spring session before the Criminal Justice Committee. As soon as notification of public hearing has been announced, we will notify everyone who has supported our efforts and expressed an interest in testifying. The public hearing will take place in the Capitol, in Madison. We hope for a large turnout.
Below is a link to the bill, to the history of the bill and the cover page, which lists some of the families who have lost loved ones on Wisconsin roads, due to decisions made by those who drove while intoxicated.
As most of you know, there have been several OWI bills introduced in both the Senate and the Assembly during the fall session. The bills that are being considered for passage are not comprehensive or substantive in nature. We do NOT support these bills. Our lawmakers are trying to appease their constituencies; they must believe we are blind to their tactics or we're all dupes. Let's hold them accountable. Only they have the power to change law. Let's ensure that the laws that are enacted are meaningful laws.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Now that our bill has been assigned a Bill Number, we ask that you contact your legislators, again, and again and again. Express your support of this bill. Tell them to support AB547 when it comes before Committee. Because, until our lawmakers hear our voices, and feel our commitment to change, reform will not occur. And as all of you know, this state needs OWI reform legislation in the worst way.
The link to AB547 is: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/2009/data/AB547hst.html. We invite you to click on the link and then urge you to contact your lawmakers.
Thanks for your continued support. Let's be heard, Wisconsin.
