2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE
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2021 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 19
March 16, 2021 - Introduced by Senators AGARD, LARSON, JOHNSON, ROYS, SMITH
and WIRCH, cosponsored by Representatives SHELTON, HONG, STUBBS,
BROSTOFF, CONLEY, DRAKE, NEUBAUER, SINICKI, SNODGRASS, SPREITZER,
ANDERSON, BALDEH, BILLINGS, CABRERA, CONSIDINE, DOYLE, EMERSON,
HAYWOOD, HEBL, HESSELBEIN, HINTZ, OHNSTAD, RIEMER, VINING and VRUWINK.
Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
1 Relating to: declaration of an Economic Bill of Rights.
2 Whereas, although collective victories last November brought a temporary
3 reprieve to the heightened politics of exploitation, fear, and hate, our work is just
4 beginning for an equitable, pro-worker, and progressive Democracy; and
5 Whereas, the crises of our time require our resolve to uphold every person's
6 right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and, as such, demand the
7 establishment of an Economic Bill of Rights in Wisconsin; and
8 Whereas, grassroots, community activists across the state mobilized voters in
9 an extraordinary fashion; and
10 Whereas, this legislative body is the most diverse legislative body in Wisconsin
11 history, with unprecedented representation; and
12 Whereas, with broad support for bold and progressive policy relating to our
13 current public health and economic crises, the establishment of an Economic Bill of
14 Rights is essential to ensure a commitment to meeting the needs of all peoples of
15 Wisconsin; and
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1 Whereas, the people of Wisconsin regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation,
2 and ability status are entitled to economic liberties expressed in a Bill of Rights; and
3 Whereas, every child is entitled to equitable opportunities and to have their
4 humanity cherished; and
5 Whereas, these economic liberties will set the foundation for the posterity of
6 Wisconsin, starting with uplifting and supporting the youth of today; and
7 Whereas, we declare that Bill of Rights includes the following:
8 1. An equitable, living income and livelihood;
9 2. A union, public or private, and collective bargaining;
10 3. Universal high-quality healthcare;
11 4. Equitable, accessible, and free public education;
12 5. Pollution-free water and a healthy planet;
13 6. High-quality, safe housing;
14 7. Reliable, climate-friendly transportation;
15 8. A fair and equitable justice system;
16 9. Life, self-determination, and liberation regardless of race, ethnicity,
17 socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability
18 status, and age;
19 10. To live free from fear of racial, religious, and gender oppression; now,
20 therefore, be it
21 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the time has come
22 to renew the progressive tradition of Wisconsin — a tradition cultivated historically
23 by Progressives, Republicans, and Democrats — through an Economic Bill of Rights
24 and in a 21st-century fashion.
25 (END)