Our voices should be heard, not silenced

Your voice will be silenced if some Wisconsin lawmakers have their way. Republicans who control the Legislature have worked out a deal to provide more state aid to cities and counties. But there’s a catch. Cities and counties across the state would be prevented from holding any advisory referendums, silencing the voice of the voters. Of course, this legislation has nothing to do with the state budget. It is a policy issue, not a spending plan. But the bigger issue is why those in power think people like you and me should not be able to share their opinions on the issues important to them. And whatever happened to local control, which the GOP has touted when it is convenient for them, like ending statewide Covid restrictions. Wisconsinites often get to have their say in advisory referendums. In the last election, La Crosse County voters were asked their opinion on abortion. Past advisory referendums have focused on gerrymandering and legalizing marijuana. It is a way for us to tell the politicians what we think. But if this were to become law, our voices would be silenced by politicians who clearly don’t want to hear what we have to say.