Milwaukee County Board Passed Support Resolution 19-273 For Full Driver License Access To All Wisconsin Residents Regardless Immigration Status And Fines Imposed

A resolution was passed by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors supporting provisions in the 2019-2021 Biennial Wisconsin State Budget or a standalone bill for full driver license access to all Wisconsin residents regardless of fines imposed or immigration status.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 21, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, the Milwaukee County Board of  Supervisors approved the endorsement for Resolution 19-273 with a vote of 14 in favor and 2 against for the Wisconsin State Legislature to allow full access of driver's licenses for 32K undocumented immigrants and more than 200K eligible drivers whose licenses have been suspended for owing fines. 

The resolution was sponsored by Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and co-sponsored by Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr. and Supervisor Felesia A. Martin.
Two Milwaukee County Supervisors voting against the resolution and public safety measure including safe roads were Supervisors Patti Logsdon and Dan Sebring.

Watch "Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution to support WI driver's licenses for all" on YouTube https://youtu.be/tOw7nlbkzqQ

La Sombra Tejano Band Lead Singer Tony Guerrero From Chicago Hospitalized

Guerrero has been readmitted to the hospital after suffering complications from a hernia mass infection surgery and a Gofundme was opened to help pay for his medical bills.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 20, 2019

Chicago, Illinois - A Gofundme fund was opened for La Sombra Tejano Band lead singer Tony Guerrero after being readmitted to the hospital due to complications with a hernia mass infection and surgery. Guerrero was hospitalized in February and was recently released from the hospital, but was readmitted to the hospital a few days ago after suffering pain and might go through another surgery. Guerrero says in a video posted in Facebook in the Tony Guerrero La Sombra page that he is feeling optimistic and hopes for a quick recovery. Guerrero has told his fans that he had felt fainting spells, couldn't breath and endured unbearable pain, according to his Facebook postings. He is hoping to recover soon and thanks his fans for their many prayers and well wishes.

La Sombra band continued to performed at certain events without Guerrero, since he was hospitalized, but other scheduled gigs in the Fan Fair Market event in San Antonio, Texas was rescheduled until Guerrero recuperates and gets back on stage.

For updates, check the Tony Guerrero La Sombra Facebook page.

Indian Summer Festival Ends 32 Year Run At The Summerfest Grounds

The Indian Summer will no longer host its 3-day lakefront festival at the Summerfest grounds.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 19, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the Indian Summer Festival Board of Directors announced that their non-profit organization will no longer hold the annual lakefront festival that included a three day Pow Wow at the Summerfest grounds after a 32 year run. The following statement was released by the festival organizers, "The Board of Directors of Indian Summer Festival, Inc. is announcing that after 32 years, Indian Summer Festival will not be held as it is currently known.

The festival has been held the weekend after Labor Day at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds), located on Milwaukee's lakefront. Going forward, Indian Summer Festival will focus on popular aspects and programming will be reinvented and presented throughout the Milwaukee metro area.

Education Day, contest pow wow, Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA), amateur boxing competition, marketplace, fine art, lacrosse games, village reproductions, cultural displays, performances and traditional food have been festival attendee favorites.

"Our mission to educate people about American Indian cultures, showcase the diversity that exists within tribal cultures, provide economic opportunities to our people, and strengthen communication and understanding will continue," said John Warren, president of Indian Summer Festival, Inc.

Warren continued, "We have been embraced by Milwaukee and its surrounding communities with respect and support. For this we are forever thankful.

As a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, it has become increasingly difficult to meet expenses associated with a producing a large festival.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, our volunteers, the city's other ethnic festivals and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. They have all helped make our festival possible for the past 32 years."

On behalf of the festival's Board of Directors, "Thank you to all who have supported, attended and enjoyed our festival. We look forward to seeing you again soon.""

Latino Group Releases Grievance Against Wisconsin Democratic Governor Tony Evers Over Exclusion In Cabinet Posts And Administrative Staff

Latino group wants Governor Evers to appoint a Latino/na as the executive director of the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 14, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, a group called the Latino Voting Bloc (LVB) released an (Op-ed) grievance claiming that Governor Tony Evers (D) has yet to appoint a Latino/na to a Cabinet post and to his administrative staff. The LVB wants Governor Evers to appoint a Latino/na to the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), "It would be wise to appoint a Latino or Latina to that role...With the exclusion of Latinos from his cabinet. Governor Evers should not be surprised that he is being called out, especially considering the fact that Governor Walker appointed at least one Latino (Manuel "Manny" Perez as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development) to the cabinet when he was first elected...Demanding a seat at the table then is only logical for Wisconsin's Latinos. The demographics and economics of Wisconsin's Latinos justifies this outcry...it is also significant to note that Latinos are not alone in their grievance with Governor Evers. For International Women's Day, the Governor's office tweeted a picture of women working for the administration. Many Twitter users were quick to point out the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the photo of staffers, particularly the absence of Black women...Governor Evers can speak about his support of the Latino community, but his appointments reflect a disregard for Latinos, one of the critical populations for the future of Wisconsin and his reelection," according to LVB OP-ed. Also the Governor's office staff photo showed a lack of Latinas as well.

Both Latinos and the African-American voting population in the State of Wisconsin were instrumental in electing Governor Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D), the first African-American to the executive branch in Wisconsin.

So far, Governor Evers seems to defend his position by indictating that he has selected the most qualified staff and cabinet appointees, according to news sources.
The opinion grievance by the LVB to appoint a Latino/na to a cabinet position has a valid point, since Latinos are stakeholders in communities across Wisconsin and are taxpayers. The LVB grievance might even spill into the upcoming Democratic National Convention in 2020, if Governor Evers fails to deliver and takes the Latino community for granted.

Update: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that the author of the Latino Voting Bloc (LVB) Op-ed targeted at Governor Tony Evers (D) was Benjamin "Ben" Juarez, which seems to be a one man Facebook page operator attempting to capitalize on an issue. Also, a representative from Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin (ACDW), a Hispanic Cuacus affiliated with Citizen Action of Wisconsin posted the following request for Juarez to remove certain photos of members from ACDW posted in the LVB FB page to be immediately removed. The posted request reads, "Please remove this picture from your page as we do not want to be associated with this page. Thanks!"
Juarez was contacted via e-mail on Friday by HNNUSA for comment and asked, if he would comply with the request to remove the photos that were singled out. Juarez has not responded to the HNNUSA inquiry.

Mayor Tom Barrett Vetoed Arandas Taco Truck Ban Resolution On W. National Ave. In The Aldermanic District

Alderman Donovan's Southside Taco truck ban resolution vetoed by Mayor Barrett.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 13, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On March, 6, 2019, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett vetoed Resolution #181572 sponsored by Alderman Bob Donovan from the 8th Aldermanic District in the Southside of Milwaukee, which prohibited parked vehicles selling articles from S. Layton Blvd. (S. 27th Street) along westward W. National Ave. until the City limits ends. 

The resolution was approved by 14 members of the Milwaukee Common Council including Alderman José G. Pérez who represents the 12th Aldermanic District, which includes the east portion of W. National Ave. that was not included in the resolution.

Ald. Donovan claimed that vehicles were  parked way out into the East and West traffic flow lanes on National Ave., but Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that Donovan was actually targeting one taco food truck called Arandas. Donovan's legislative aide Patricia "Patty" Doherty revealed the hold issue concerning the Arandas food truck on Facebook and later attempted to justify Ald. Donovan's resolution, which HNNUSA published an article calling for Mayor Barrett to veto it and exposing that Ald. Donovan had used a deceptive practice to pass the resolution at the Milwaukee Common Council Public Safety and Heatlh Committee, which he Chairs without any objection.

Mayor Barrett in this veto letter says, "A vibrant, cutting edge city should support entrepreneurs and create opportunities for every business to grow...Another small ban on food trucks only makes it harder for the food trucks who have made the effort to get properly licensed and operate within the rules."

Ald. Donovan has already banned at least 5 food trucks along W. Lincoln Ave., W. Mitchell Street and W. Greenfield Ave. in his aldermanic district.

Ald. Donovan, 63, announced that he is retiring from the Common Council and won't seek re-election in 2020. A letter about his retirement announcement was sent to all his constituents in the district on March 8th both in English and Spanish.

Article: Milwaukee Mayor Barrett Should Veto Southside Alderman Donovan's Ban Of Arandas Taco Truck On Portion Of W. National Ave. https://bit.ly/2TmuTn2

Milwaukee Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan Announced That He Won't Seek Re-election To The Common Council

Alderman Donovan announced his retirement after 19 years in the Milwaukee Common Council and won't seek re-election in 2020.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 9, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan, 63, announced his retirement and confirmed that he won't seek re-election to the Milwaukee Common Council in 2020. Ald. Donovan became the focus of a taco food truck controversy over passing Resolution #181572 prohibiting parked vehicles selling articles on the West portion of W. National Ave., which passed by the Milwaukee Common Council (MCC) on a vote of 14 on February 26 and remains at Mayor Tom Barrett's office waiting for his signature to become an ordinance. The resolution was introduced by Ald. Donovan from the 8th Aldermanic District in a deceptive practice, in other words, Donovan apparently lied by not letting his fellow aldermen know, that he was actually targeting one Mexican taco food truck called Arandas at the 3700 block of W. National Ave. The resolution if signed into ordinance by Mayor Barrett, it would prohibit all parked vehicles selling articles in the area.

Ald. Donovan has banned at least 6 food trucks from W. Greenfield Ave., W. Mitchell Street and W. National Ave., according to City records.

Ald. Donovan released the following statement, "For nearly 20 years now, it has been my pleasure and honor to serve as your alderman.  In that time I have learned the meaning of Jesus' words recorded in Luke when He said, "give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap."  You have all been to me a great gift and a greater blessing.

Eventually, though, the moment arrives for all of us to move on to other things.  Once, when I was newer to the Common Council, I asked an older colleague how he knew it was time to leave.  His response has been with me ever since:  "you'll know when it's time." Well folks, it's time.  I have asked that this letter be sent to each of you to inform you directly that I will not be seeking reelection as your alderman in 2020.

For those wondering, there's no particular reason for leaving in 2020 as opposed to 2024 or 2016, for that matter.  When my replacement joins the Common Council in April 2020, I'll be just shy of 64 years old.  I'll have been on the Common Council since April 2000.  And by announcing my departure now, it allows all those from our district who might want to take my place to introduce themselves at your doorsteps.  As I say, it's just time.

I leave with no regrets.  I have fought for you all and for this great City as best as I knew how and believe I will leave behind a legacy of service, honesty, and common sense.  Borrowing, if I may, from Gen. MacArthur, serving as an elected official was the "fulfillment of many of my boyish hopes and dreams".

No one in my position serves alone.  If put to it, I would say that my proudest achievement as your alderman has been the constituent services that has been provided to the residents of the eighth district day-in and day-out, in good weather and bad, for nearly two decades.  This would have been impossible without the work of my two legislative assistants:  first, Ms. Jill Thomas, and, more recently, Ms. Patricia Doherty.  My debt to them both cannot be repaid.

And, as I am acknowledging my debts, I cannot neglect that owed to my wife, Kathy, and my children, who have been and will remain the center of my life. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my parents: my dad  (who passed in 2017), and my mom (who is still with us), who instilled in my brothers and I the value of hard work and service. 

No one knows with certainty the future that awaits them, however, Kathy and I are very excited about what the next chapter in our life may hold. While we will remain active, we will both be engaging in the "Four Fs:  Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun".

Now, my work here is not done.  April 2020 is, in some ways, a fair distance off and I, and Patty, will be here and out in the district as we always have been until then.  I may even have a press release or two in me yet. One more year to give 'em hell!

In closing, though, please know that I and my family wish for you and this City nothing but the very best.  Our hearts, minds, and prayers, will be with you always."

Ald. Donovan felt short and didn't say, if he is running for Milwaukee Mayor in 2020.

Milwaukee County JSGS Committee Approved Resolution Supporting Governor Evers Effort To Allow Undocumented Drivers Get Licenses In Wisconsin

The proposed 19-273 resolution, if approved by the full Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors on March 21 will support Governor Tony Evers (D) effort to allow for the Wisconsin State legislature to grant driver's licenses for undocumented drivers in the state.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 8, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday,  the Milwaukee County Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee (JSGS) approved the endorsement for Resolution 19-273 on a vote of 3-2 for the Wisconsin State Legislature to allow full access of driver's licenses for 32K undocumented immigrants and more than 230K eligible drivers whose licenses have been suspended for owing fines. 

JSGS Committee Supervisors voting in favor of the resolution were Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (Vice Chair), Steven Shea and Anthony Staskunas (Chairman). Supervisors voting against the resolution were Deanna Alexander and Patti Dogsdon.

The resolution sponsored by Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and co-sponsored by Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr. now goes before the full Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors on March 21.

Proposed resolution: https://bit.ly/2NJ6Yb2

For those that lack the proper information, undocumented drivers can get insurance in Wisconsin, a driver's license is just a form of ID with the ability to drive and it is not a U.S. Citizenship card, which legal status permanent residents who are not U.S. Citizens can apply for a driver's license in WI and having a WI driver's license doesn't automatically allow a person the right to vote, it is just a document to prove residency and who the person is. The GOP rhetoric is still alive in dealing with driver's licences and the undocumented. There are at least 12 states that offer driver's licenses to the undocumented drivers in the U.S. The states include, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, also the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have laws in their books that allow undocumented drivers to apply for a driver's license or driving permit, while New York and New Jersey are currently debating whether to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for licenses as a public road safety issue.

San Francisco, CA; New Haven CT; Asbury Park, NJ and Milwaukee, WI offer some form of municipal ID's for undocumented immigrants with a stipulation not be used for driving or voting.

In Wisconsin, there has been no case in which an undocumented immigrant or a legal status permanent resident that has ever been charged and convicted for voting illegally, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice and feds.
This is a safe roads issue and if anyone doesn't support it, than they rather keep the roads unsafe for their families.

Other stats: 

The benefits: Safe roads, annual premium insurance cost savings, millions of revenue generated by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), if more than 32,000 undocumented residents that work in the dairy, manufacturing, restaurants, hospitality and other industries are allowed to apply for a driver's license in the state.

According to the Kids Forward, a liberal research organization on November 13, 2018 released a report that 32,000 undocumented residents in Wisconsin lacked a valid driver's licence. https://bit.ly/2XOXorI


• 28,000 of undocumented drivers don't have insurance

• Some of the 22,000 of those undocumented drivers are employed in dairy farms and other industries

In Wisconsin:

• Improved family stability. An estimated 32,000 residents of Wisconsin would gain driver licenses, with 12,000 of those residents living with children who are U.S. citizens.Additional workers with the qualifications that employers need. About 22,000 workers would obtain licenses, including 8,000 that work in the manufacturing sector and 7,000 that work in the leisure and hospitality industry.

• Fewer uninsured drivers. The number of Wisconsin drivers who don't have insurance would drop by an estimated 28,000. The share of drivers who are on the road who don't have insurance would drop from 14.3 percent to 13.6 percent.

• Lower insurance premiums. With fewer uninsured drivers, drivers with insurance would be less likely to make claims against their own insurance for accidents involving uninsured drivers. The result would be $16 million in premium savings for drivers who already have insurance. https://bit.ly/2NO1VWY


Revenue for the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle would generate more than $1,088,000 every 8 eight years including doubling-tripling the revenue for replacing a lost license, paying $35 for a driving permit and another $35 for 12 months permit renewal, other types of occupational and commercial driving licenses as well and etc., if the 32,000 undocumented drivers were allowed to pay $34.00 for a regular valid driver license. https://bit.ly/2TBcYYN


Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

A study by the Southern Economic Journal in Feb. 2015 indicated that denying driver licenses to the undocumented would increase the cost of insurance by $17.22 ($2009) annually across states that have enacted such restrictions. https://bit.ly/2XMZ9WK


Politifact reported, that in states where illegal immigrants have been allowed to get driver's licenses, the "insurance premiums for everybody have gone down."

To put that in perspective, the average automobile insurance policy in the United States in 2013 cost $841.23 per year, according to the latest data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. A savings of $17.22 would amount to a 2 percent drop. (It would be about 1.6 percent in Rhode Island where the average policy cost $1,066, the eighth highest in the nation.) https://bit.ly/2Toldsa


Undocumented immigrants contributed more than $94M in Wisconsin state and local taxes, according to ITEP (2010). https://bit.ly/2XIu7z2