Issue Position: Racial Equity

Issue Position

Advancing racial equity and increasing opportunities for children, families and communities of color across the state is imperative to Wisconsin's healthy and sustainable future. Tony believes that building upon the strengths of these communities and the shared values of all Wisconsinites we can collectively address the existing disparities in poverty, unemployment, incarceration rates, graduation rates and infant mortality that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and in particular the African American community.

Facing the challenge of being the state with the worst ranking for black child well-being in the nation is one Tony is willing to take head on, unlike Gov. Walker who continues to ignore these realities as well as continue to pass punitive policies that hurt not help Wisconsin families rebuild and grow.

We have to invest in people, not prisons, to meet these challenges.

As State Superintendent, Tony has worked to make every child a graduate and address the racial disparities and inequities in our schools, but Wisconsin needs all its leaders committed to this work. We need to make investments in local neighborhoods and ensure government decision-makers, corporate leaders, and educators reflect the growing diversity of our state.

We must address the grievous problems in corrections system, expand alternatives to incarceration and reform the criminal justice system -- especially for juveniles. We should empower local communities and ensure our workforce - from classroom educators to local law enforcement to health care providers - is more diverse and reflects our changing communities. Finally, we must reject the hateful rhetoric and division that's consuming our country. Tony will use all resources at his disposal to ensure equality, opportunity, justice and fairness to all Wisconsinites.

As Governor, Tony will:

Treat all Wisconsinites with respect and dignity, giving a seat at the table to voices that too often are unheard
Reform the criminal justice system (see more below), including specialty courts, diversion programs and restorative justice strategies as alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders
Make diverse appointments drawn from strong community leaders across Wisconsin to lead state agencies, fill judicial vacancies, and serve on boards and commissions
Prioritize equity and local communities in state budget decisions
Repeal controversial drug testing requirements and adopt health and welfare policies that improve quality of care and strengthen families, rather than punish them

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