Assembly Joint Resolution 109 | AKA AJR 109

INTRODUCED ON JANUARY 25TH 2024 BY REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVES 

IN WISCONSIN'S ASSEMBLY 

What is AJR 109? 

The Republican majority wishes to amend the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin to stop any government entity in Wisconsin (State, County, City, School District) from considering initiatives, legislation, events, activities or otherwise that advance the advocacy for People of Color. 

The wording in the draft assembly joint resolution purports that government authorities are exercising discrimination when they grant "preferential treatment" to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting or public administration. 

AJR 109 is in its first draft consideration, and was proposed to the 2023 Legislature and introduced on January 25th, 2024. 

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective. 

Why is it Not Good For You as a Person of Color? 

Milwaukee is infamous for being one of the worst places in the U.S.A. to raise a Black child. This is one pivotal statistic that spirals into disparaging pockets of electoral, educational, health, business, gender, employment, civic and familial racial disparities that rival third world economies. Other People of Color are not far behind their Black Counterparts. 

This AJR 109 is the last nail in the coffin of the 2022-2023 onset of state attacks on protected classifications of the Civil Rights Act. It will only make a disparate situation worse. 

After the murder of George Floyd, we pivoted officially into the Third Reconstruction of our Country's History. There is now a blatant and affronted attack on the advancement People of Color have made, since the Second Reconstruction.

If AJR 109 becomes law, State, County and City Government will not have the ability - and I repeat - not be able to advance pivotal work in the following areas: 

Public Employment for People of Color, for Women, LGBTQI+ Community, and for Immigrants will be stalled and/or considerably compromised. As you may know, there is already, a disparate representation of People of Color in Local, County and State Government employment. 

Quality Public Education for People of Color, for Women, LGBTQI+ community and for Immigrants will become worse than it already is. As you already, know according to NPR's 2015 Report the State of Wisconsin has the largest achievement gap between Black and White Students in the Country. 

Public Contracting will not take into consideration that small business enterprises of Color already have a disadvantage in competing fairly for government contracting due to their lack of access to capital, financing, bonding, and staffing. This means small business enterprises of color will continue to suffer from discriminative practices in growing their businesses. 

The Visibility of People of Color in Public Administration; as has recently been the trend with the rise to power of a Black Mayor, Black County Executive, and a significant representation of a POC Legislative Caucus at City and County; will become a thing of the past - much like it did after the failure of the First Reconstruction of our Country's history. 

As you all know, Milwaukee's People of Color have been left out of social economic, health, educational and business advancement due to discrimination which has led to a lack of access to the advantages indicated above. 

What Can You Do To Stop It From Becoming Law? 

1. Canvas with your networks, about the danger of this joint resolution becoming law. 

Contact the Business Community, Faith Based Groups, Advocacy Non-Profits, Legislative and Executive Allied Leaders at State, County and City Level. Contact Media Houses supportive of liberal rights for all peoples. 

2. Educate the Community on what is at stake should AJR 109 become law. (see above). 

3. Should this AJR 109 be successfully adopted in two successive legislatures then it will hold our Governor Tony Evers Powerless to Veto it, and it will be introduced as a Referendum in the next State elections of 2026. 

4. Should it come to a possible Ratification by the People - You must vote NO to that 

Referendum: 

The State Republicans intend to introduce a second file for adoption at the start of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session, so as to move one step closer to making it law. 

It is likely that this second adoption could pass a predominantly Republican Wisconsin Assembly, and Senate. This is because even after the new Re-Districting maps, there is still the chance that Democrats will miss the mark by two seats at Assembly. It is mostly likely that Republicans will also retain their Senate Majority, even after the November 2024 Elections.