Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity
for Criminal Legal System Reform

News and Commentary

This page displays timely announcements, news reports, and articles written by MOSES members previously published in our newsletters, yearbook, or venues. Signed articles offer information and interpretations to support advocacy, but are not official MOSES positions. Links to official MOSES position statements may be found on this page.  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.

Ban the Box and Stop Over-Use of Criminal Background Checks

by | Apr 30, 2014 | ,

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!

by | Apr 10, 2014 |

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!

by | Mar 24, 2014 |

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

by | Feb 27, 2014 |

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!

by | Feb 11, 2014 |

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...

Voices From Inside: Wisconsin Prisoners Speak OUT

by | Jan 22, 2014 | ,

Get Your Copy Today! "Voices From Inside:  Wisconsin Prisoners Speak Out" is now available.  The book contains excerpts from some of the hundreds of letters WISDOM has received from inmates since the start of the 11x15 campaign.  The letters touch upon a variety of themes, and each of them reminds us that prisoners are human beings with hopes, dreams, regrets and questions.  The letters are accompanied by reflections from judges, bishops, pastors and others, as well as important facts about...

*Postponed* Catch MOSES on WORT 89.9 FM Tuesday, January 14!

by | Jan 12, 2014 |

*Due to circumstances beyond our control, the MOSES segment will be postponed, likely to next Tuesday.* The next episode (#5) in the MOSES radio series about justice in Wisconsin will air this coming Tuesday, January 14, during the In Our Back Yard show at 6:30 PM on WORT 89.9 FM in Madison. Fawn Bilgere will introduce Dr. Michael Connelly, a national authority on criminal justice reform. You can listen to it online at wort-fm.org either live streamed or go to the Archives section and look it...

WISDOM Leadership Training January 11

by | Jan 6, 2014 | ,

David Liners, Executive Director of WISDOM, will be providing an exciting training on Saturday, January 11 from 9am - noon at Lake Edge Lutheran Church at 4032 Monona Drive (just past the Cottage Grove intersection if you're coming from the west; PARK IN BACK OF THE CHURCH). The training is FREE and will focus on skills we need as individuals and as congregational members to be effective leaders for the crucial policy changes we seek in Wisconsin's criminal justice system. Lake Edge has...

Meeting with Governor Walker and What You Can Do Now

by | Jan 4, 2014 |

WISDOM leaders met with Governor Walker's Office About 100 WISDOM leaders from across Wisconsin and allied groups held a rally and press conference at graceEpiscopal Church in Madison.  Following this meeting the group headed over to meet with Governor Walker's office. The meting with the Governor's office was regarding Old Law prisoners.  The Old Law refers to men and women that were sentenced under policies that expected prisoners to demonstrate good behavior and complete program conditions...