News and Commentary
This page displays timely announcements, news reports, and articles written by MOSES members previously published in our newsletters, yearbook, or venues. The main display shows all items with the most recent first. You can select particular topics, working groups, or types of information to see the articles of one type, with the most recent first. Also see the Publications & Resources page for links to whole newsletters and yearbooks as well as other resources for research.
View Testimony from MOSES members at the July 9 event #ReformWiscDOCNow
Here are some video testimonies from the July 9th event at the State Capitol. Please share! Scroll down on the Home page to see more information and links to press regarding this event. http://youtu.be/x6X9ZSYuOvA http://youtu.be/LHpAahxVPYo http://youtu.be/7WGw8vRFF14
More press from July 9 #ReformWiscDOCNow
Check out the front page story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Sunday, July 13! Also, Journal Sentinal columnist James Causey, who was at the July 9th event all day, wrote this column entitled A Wisconsin epidemic: imprisoning black men. .
WISDOM and MOSES Call to #ReformWiscDOCNow at State Capitol July 9, 2014
On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, many diverse interfaith groups and justice advocates gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for WISDOM’s press conference and to speak to the State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Speakers from organizations across the state, including Madison’s own MOSES contingent, conveyed passion and knowledge as they unveiled REFORM NOW, a campaign to illuminate failures, share stories, offer solutions and call for accountability at the DOC. More than 125 people...
2 Day Leadership Training June 27 and 28!
Just a reminder that the 2-day training here in Madison for formerly-incarcerated people, as well as family members of currently or formerly incarcerated people will be on June 27 and 28. We have a good place, and it seems we have a fair number of people planning to attend. We want to ask you to encourage people who want to attend (including yourselves) to sign up as soon as possible. We especially need to know how many out-of-towners will need a place to stay. If you have any questions,...
Ban the Box and Stop Over-Use of Criminal Background Checks
Move conviction questions from the start to the end of the job application process 1 out of 4 U.S. adults has an arrest or criminal history that shows up in criminal background checks. Of those who are incarcerated, 95% will be released back into the community. ~54% of those released will return to jail. The biggest reason people end up back in jail is because they cannot get jobs. The biggest reason they cannot get jobs is because most initial job applications now have a yes/no check-box (or...
Another $1.5M in TAD Funding Approved!
The state legislature recently approved a $1.5 million annual increase to the TAD (Treatment Alternatives and Diversions) fund. This builds on the $1.5 increase that was approved in the summer of 2013. This means that, in the past year, funding has gone from $1 million per year to $4 million per year. Based on the past performance of TAD programs, we can conservatively estimate that the $3 million/year increase will result in: At least 150 fewer prison admissions per year At least 850 fewer...
Catch MOSES on WORT this Tuesday!
The tenth episode of the series will be broadcast this coming Tuesday, March 25, on WORT-FM 89.9, during the "In Our Backyard" news show at 6:30 PM. It will continue examination of sentencing begun in the prior episode, looking particularly at "old law" inmates of Wisconsin's Prisons. Episode 10 features personal testimony from Andrea Brown of Milwaukee, whose son was incarcerated at age 17 under the old law, and has thus far been denied parole ten times .
Monthly Meeting THIS Saturday, March 1
Yes, this Saturday is the first of month and MOSES/11x15 Campaign will meet at First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue. We have some good news to share and important work to do. Park in the small lot across the street from the back of church and enter from the door on the south side. We will be in the Fellowship Hall in the basement. See you there!
Catch MOSES on WORT 89.9 February 11 and February 18!
Our twice-monthly radio segment on WORT will air tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 11, between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. That's the evening local news show called "In Our Backyard." Click to listen online! This segment will feature DOJ official Ray Luick, discussing how he evaluates TAD programs and their promise. The FOLLOWING Tuesday, Feb. 18, you'll be able to hear our next broadcast. (Usually we air them every two weeks, but the upcoming pledge drive throws us off schedule.) So, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, between...
Monthly Meeting THIS Saturday, Feb 1
We hope to see you this Saturday, February 1 at 10am for our monthly meeting. As usual, we will meet at First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue, Madison WI 53726