César E. Chávez Day Proclaimed By Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers

Newly elected Governor Evers in Wisconsin proclaims César E. Chávez Day.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 31, 2019

Madison, WI - Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) has proclaimed March 31, 2019 as César E. Chávez Day. On Thursday, Governor Evers signed a proclamation recognizing the late United Farm Workers leader, Chávez on his birthday for his community organizing of protests, marches and boycott of grapes that led to creating a union for farm workers and sparked a farm workers rights movement nationally and eventually led to higher wages for farm workers, which also sparked the Latino Civil Rights movement around the U.S. including Wisconsin that led to legislative reforms for migrant workers, opportunities for higher education, Latino studies at the University of Wisconsin system and employment opportunities for Latinos.

On Friday, a César E. Chávez Day celebration took place at the State Capitol of Madison where the Chávez Day Proclamation was made public by Governor Evers.

Well known and accomplished Milwaukee 1970's community leader and organizer, Jesus Salas was a keynote speaker. The day long event was organized by Wisconsin State Representatives JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milw.), Marisabel Cabrera (D-Milw.), Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg), Centro Hispano, Voces de la Frontera and the Latino Chamber of Commerce Dane County.

Voces de la Frontera Rejects City of Milwaukee $450K Reduced Offer For Former Forest Home Library Building

Voces de la Frontera Board has rejected to purchase the former Forest Home Library after Milwaukee City officials went out of their way to reduce the real estate property value of the building by $200,000 from its original selling price, according to Milwaukee City records.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 28, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that the City Attorney's Office was notified last week by an attorney representing Voces de la Frontera (VDLF) that they won't be purchasing the former Forest Home Library building located at 1432 W. Forest Home Ave. in Milwaukee's Southside. In November 2018, the Milwaukee Department of City Development (DCD) had given VDLF a deadline to respond for the final ownership signature to purchase the vacant building, but VDLF failed to respond on the deadline and finally the DCD received confirmation that VDLF has decided to forego the purchase. The original real estate property sale was offered at $650,000, but then Lyon Realty, as a Broker agent representing VDLF negotiated for the City to reduce the selling price by $200,000. The Milwaukee Common Council approved the deal to sell VDLF the building for $450,000 and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett had also approved the sale. VDLF didn't even have to pay the down percentage payment to proceed with the contract sale as required in other City property sales. If the contract fails to proceed, the City keeps the down payment and the realtor involved won't get the commission paid by the City and not the buyer, according to the City's policy. A real estate broker is required to be involved in all City property sales.

In this case, HNNUSA learned that the City Attorney's Office took over the negotiation property sale with VDLF and the DCD was not involved in the final stages of the sale ending with no sale. 

VDLF has not released any information regarding its decision not to proceed with the purchase of the former Forest Home Library building after City officials did everything possible to save VDLF at least $200,000 from the original price of $650,000. 

HNNUSA also learned that VDLF in November had been approved for a $550,000 loan by a community investment lender in Wisconsin. 

In 2015, according to the IRS Form 990 annual information return and ProPublica, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera, an immigrant and workers rights non-profit organization earned a yearly salary of nearly $137,000.

It also showed, that VDLF reported a total revenue of $673,005 and had a total functional expenses of $648,246 with a net income of $24,759, according to ProPublica and IRS records.
In 2016, VDLF showed a deficit according to their IRS 990 form, which showed a total revenue of $727,384 and total functional expenses of $748,645 with a net income of -$21 261 and the Executive compensation was $115,406.
The City placed the former Forest Home Library vacant building back on the market for $650K.

16-year-old Jesus Cardenas-Torres, The Driver Of A Stolen Vehicle Charged With Causing The Death Of Uber Passenger Cristian Marlyn Hernandez

Cardenas-Torres admitted to police that he was driving the vehicle that crashed into a Uber killing a 22-year-old passenger and causing injuries to the Uber driver and another passenger who was ejected from the vehicle on impact and survived.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 25, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On March 22, Jesus Cardenas-Torres, 16, the driver who was driving a stolen vehicle (SUV) without a license that crashed into a Uber vehicle killing a 22-year-old woman and injuring the Uber driver and another passenger that was ejected on impact was charged as an adult with two felony counts. Cardenas-Torres was charged with one count for knowingly driving without a valid license causing death and one count for knowingly driving without a license causing bodily harm. If Cardenas-Torres is convicted on both felony counts, he will face up to 6 years in prison and $10,000 in fines for causing the death of Cristian Marlyn Hernandez, 22, and 3 years and 6 months in prison with up to $10,000 in fines for causing bodily harm, according to court records.
Cardenas-Torres cash bond was set at $10,000 and a preliminary Milwaukee County Court hearing was set for April 2, 2019 where he is scheduled to appear in court.

According to Milwaukee police, Cardenas-Torres failed to stop at an intersection at the 2000 block of W. Orchard Street and around 1:29 a.m. and crashed into a Uber with passengers. Cardenas-Torres's passenger was also taken into custody on early Friday at the crash scene.

Samuel Galarza-De Jesus Wanted By Police In Connection With The Shooting Of A Male Victim At A Local Milwaukee Southside Gas Station

Milwaukee police are looking for a 22-year-old suspect for shooting an unarmed male victim in the knee during an altercation.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 24, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On March 22, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal charge of one felony count for 1st-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon against Samuel Galarza-De Jesus, 22, of Milwaukee. Galarza-De Jesus on March 16 was caught by a local gas station video surveillance camera at the 1600 block of W. Forest Home Ave. shooting at a male victim in the knee during a confrontation. 

Galarza-De Jesus fled the scene and a warrant has been issued for his arrest in the shooting incident.

The victim survived the shooting and had surgery in his knee, according to police.

Galarza-De Jesus if convicted, will face up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

Two Southside Residents Declare Their Candidacy For The 8th Aldermanic District Post

So far two candidates have confirmed that they are candidates to run for the upcoming vacant 8th Aldermanic District seat after Alderman Donovan announced that he won't seek re-election in 2020.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 23, 2019

Milwaukee. WI - On Friday, Justin Bielinski confirmed to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that he is a candidate for the 8th Aldermanic District Common Council seat. Bielinski is expected to officially file for his candidacy for alderman on April 1, according to sources. He is the former campaign manager for newly elected Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D), was a community organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is a former community organizer for the Southside Organizing Committee, ran for Alderman in the 8th Aldermanic District in 2015 and currently is the senior campaign consultant for Bob for MPS.

Wisconsin State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D) officially filed her candidacy for Alderwoman in the 8th Aldermanic District on Thursday. Zamarripa was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010 and was a former outreach coordinator for Planned Parenthood.

Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan from the 8th Aldermanic District announced that would not seek re-election in April 2020. Donovan has served in the Milwaukee Common Council for nearly 20 years. 

Additional candidates for alderman in the 8th Aldermanic District are expected to file, since it's an open seat and the incumbent is not seeking re-election.

Don't Mess With My Tacos: Resolution Banning Taco Food Trucks In The 8th Aldermanic District Vetoed By Mayor Tom Barrett Won't Face Challenge By Alderman Robert Donovan

Alderman Donovan from the 8th Aldermanic District announced on Friday that a solution was found for the W. National Ave. food truck issue.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. 

March 22, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett attended the Southside taco truck rally at the Southside Silver City neighborhood and confirmed to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that "¡Estoy aqui para anunciar que la guerra de los camiones de tacos se ha terminado! (I'm here to announce that the taco food trucks war has ended).  Mayor Barrett told HNNUSA that he had read the article published by HNNUSA urging Barrett to veto Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan's resolution #181572 prohibiting parked vehicles selling articles from S. Layton Blvd westward along W. National Ave. to the city limits. Mayor Barrett in his 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, according to city records.

Also on Friday, Ald. Donovan released a press release that a solution was found for the W. National Ave. food truck issue and the resolution was no longer needed. Donovan says, that he met with several taco food truck operators from Taquerias Arandas and El Tapatio along with a representative from the Layton Boulevard West Neighborhood, which all involved agreed that a vacant lot at the 3600 block of W. National Ave. would be a designated spot for the food trucks.

Ald. Donovan as of Friday faced opposition by 5 fellow aldermen, Cavalier Johnson, Aldermanic District 2; Milele Coggs, District 6; Chantia Lewis, District 9; Michael Murphy, District 10 and T. Anthony Zielinski from the Aldermanic District 14 who committed not to override Mayor Barrett's veto of resolution #181572. Six aldermen were needed to override Barrett's veto. Alderman T. Anthony Zielinski also attended the Silver City neighborhood Taco Truck rally organized by local residents and businesses including the participation of Taquerias Arandas and El Tapatio where more than 300 people participated.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez also attended the outdoor rally and feasted on tacos along with friends and local residents.

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

Milwaukee Mayor Barrett Should Veto Southside Alderman Donovan's Ban Of Arandas Taco Truck On Portion Of W. National Ave.

At least 14 members of the Milwaukee Common Council were made fools and now Alderman Donovan wants Mayor Barrett to join the lot of fools by signing his deceptive resolution #181572 to ban the only taco truck on W. National Ave. in the 8th Aldermanic District.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 5, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - City records show that 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, remains at Mayor Tom Barrett's office waiting for his signature to become an ordinance. The resolution was introduced by Alderman Robert "Bob" 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.

According to the Safety & Health Committee hearing on February 14, Ald. Donovan claimed that parked vehicles selling articles were parking way out into the East and West bound busy traffic lanes and since no one was present at the hearing to challenge the resolution, it passed without an objection. Ald. Donovan failed to present any history and evidence of any parked vehicle selling articles including the Arandas Taco food truck vendor ever getting a citation from the Milwaukee Police Department for parking way out into the traffic lanes. Also, Ald. Donovan failed to notify businesses or residents around the 3700 block of W. National Ave. that he was going to introduce a resolution to ban the particular taco truck from W. National Ave.

The resolution is certainly discriminatory as well, it only prohibits parked vehicles from selling articles from S. Layton Blvd. (S. 27th) along westward of W. National Ave. to the city limits and it doesn't ban any food truck East of W. National Ave. from Layton Blvd. in Ald. José G Pérez 12th Aldermanic District. Pérez also voted to pass Ald. Donovan's resolution #181572.

What's behind Ald. Donovan's motive? Well his legislative aide exposed it on Facebook. 

According to Donovan's legislative aide, Patty Doherty, in a response to Justin Bielinski, a former Aldermanic candidate in the district, who then posted her response in his Facebook account revealed the actual motive behind Donovan's resolution and it wasn't because parked vehicles were selling articles way out and close to the traffic flow lanes as Ald. Donovan wants everyone to believe including other aldermen, but according to Doherty, she claims that complaints have been made and released the following statement, "Dear Justin,

Most of the complaints were over the phone, but maybe it would just be easier to go over the situation and what steps we took from beginning to end. The first call I got was from a landlord on the 3700 bl. of W. National Ave. whose commercial tenants were concerned about a huge ice dam that had formed in front of their organization. I have attached the picture. DPW took the picture when I sent them out to address the complaint. The tenants said the leak was coming from a food truck that parks in front of their organization every day for about 10 hours a day.

In response to the ice, I sent Sewer Maintenance and the Health Dept. The Health Inspector verified that the truck was leaking water and issued orders for them to get it fixed. It was also determined at that time that there was a slow underground waterline leak that was also causing the ponding, and the freezing. I then got the contact info for the owner of the food truck and I gave him a call and talked to him about the water and also the complaint from the businesses on that side of the block about the fact that he parks there all day every day and that the people coming to their businesses/organizations have nowhere to park. I asked him to refrain from parking there at all for a few days while the City tried to get rid of the ice dam and after that, I reminded him that he had to follow the posted parking rules, which state 2 hour parking.

A few days after that I got a call from the brother of the food truck owner. His brother called because his English is better and he wanted to make sure they understood the complaint. I talked to him about the need to respect the other people trying to do business at this building and went over the parking rules with him – rules that are given, in writing, to all applicants for food truck vendor licenses. He argued with me saying they were unfair, especially in winter when not all parking spots are open due to snow. I told him that when we receive a complain like this, first we verify it through parking enforcement, which we did, but I requested that they just ask him to move and not ticket him. Once the complaint of all day parking was verified, I – personally – reached out to the owner to try to work things out without having to resort to any type of enforcement. In this case, it didn't work. Over the next week, I received almost daily calls from the LL saying his tenants are still complaining and that the food truck is still parking there all day.

At that point, we requested that parking citations be issued, and they were. I didn't make the request daily because I wasn't trying to hurt the guy financially, we were only trying to get him to be reasonable and comply. He did not, and I continued to get calls. Now the LL was getting upset and asking how long before this office could actually do something about this. I don't blame him. That's when we turned to using legislation to fix the problem. I'd also like to add that I told all of this to the food vendor's brother and said that the very last step, and one we don't want to be forced to take, is to ban trucks from the street. I can't explain why they refused to follow the parking rules, but it is what it is, and that's a shame. They are still allowed to park just around any corner, on a side street, but only for 2 hours at a time. Those are the rules for any food truck anywhere across the City unless they obtain a special event permit.

I have been told that the truck now parks further west on National Ave. possibly in West Milwaukee. I really don't know what else we could have done here, and is it really so awful to require food truck vendors to follow the rules and be fair to others in the community? We also had a complaint from a business owner on 30th and Lincoln about a food truck. The truck was parking outside of this tavern at bar time and staying until 3 a.m. This meant that customers stayed in the neighborhood, outside, eating food from the vendor. The complaints were numerous and many from neighbors (loud music from cars, loud voices, lots of litter). The police went out on noise complaints from neighbors and the bar owner was worried that he'd be blamed for the neighborhood nuisance when it came time for the license renewal. I called the owner of the truck and explained the problem and what do you know, he understood and stopped the 3 a.m. business plan. That's how things should work. I honestly feel bad that that's not how it went on National, but it's not like he lost his license, he just has to park around the corner or down the street."

It seems that the MCC has been restricting and prohibiting food trucks including taco trucks from certain streets, which in many cases tend to be main and busy streets and avenues around Milwaukee. Food trucks provide a variety of good tasting food at an affordable price for their customer base.

Ald. Donovan ran for Mayor and was defeated by incumbent Mayor Barrett. Ald. Donovan hasn't confirm, if he will run for re-election or Mayor and word in the district is that he might not run for alderman. Ald. Donovan has banned at least 5 other food trucks from W. Lincoln Ave., W. Mitchell Street and W. Greenfield Ave.

Update:

On Tuesday, Patty Doherty, Alderman Robert Donovan's legislative aide responded to the Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) article. Doherty states, "If you find a block on National Ave. where the businesses there have no objections to a food truck parking there all day, please let us know and we will be happy to revisit this issue."
Doherty and Ald. Donovan have yet to explain why he lied and used a deceptive tactic to ban one taco food truck, Arandas from the 3700 block of W. National Ave.

Nonprofit Heart of the City Sports Organization In Waukegan Criticized For Being Heartless

A teenager was barred from playing soccer by the coach of the Heart of the City nonprofit sports organization simply because his father missed a $75 monthly fee, which the father on Facebook says, that he didn't have the money to pay.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 3, 2019

Waukegan, Illinois - On Saturday, David Fajardo, the father of a teenager who was barred from playing in a soccer tournament posted on his Facebook (FB) account that his son is heartbroken. Fajardo posted, "Wow I just experienced the worst experience I ever had on a club at any level so I didn't pay for one month because I do not have the money to do it and they decide that my kid cannot play because I do not have the money to pay for WELL NOW I KNOW THIS PLACE ONLY CARE FOR THE MONEY NOT THE KIDS BUT THEY Claim a nonprofit TEAM WOW WHAT DO YOU THINK Sam Cunninghamdon't you support this club HEART OF THE CITY Margaret Carrasco WOW...I NEVER SEEN MY KID GET HURT 😢 SO BAD HE WAS REALLY EXCITED TO PLAY WE CAME RUSHING FROM THE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT TO MAKE IT ON TIME GOT THERE 5 min before the game got ready and then they told him YOU CANNOT PLAY BECAUSE UR DAD DID NOT MAKE THE PAYMENT I NEVER SEEN MY KID SO BROKEN...I didn't pay $75 dollars and they said money first or no Play...I never seen my kid get hurt 😢 so bad over money I told I will paid but give me time and they told us PAID OR NO PLAY..."

Verónica Diaz also posted on the Fajardo FB comment thread, that she received a text message on Friday telling her that they had to pay the fee one hour before the game or her son David wouldn't be allowed to play, but Fajardo says he told the Heart of the City to give him time to pay, which the request was denied and David was barred from playing by Heart of the City soccer coach Julio Cesar Serrano, according to Fajardo.

Apparently, the Heart of the City sports organization is a heartless org, which receives donations from other funding sources and has a strict policy of "Pay or No Play", according to Fajardo.

Margaret Carrasco, a Waukegan Latino community activist who was tagged in Fajardo's FB post responded, "David Fajardo - MONDAY is City Council meeting - have people get there before 7 pm & sign sheet to talk during Audience time so EVERYONE KNOWS HOW MEAN THEY REALLY ARE WITH WAUKEGAN CHILDREN - everyone needs to BOYCOTT them - they get $$ from different sources because of the Waukegan kids."

The Heart of the City Sports Organization  Board of Directors, according to the website are, Lori Kleiman, President; Jessica Sarowitz, Vice President; Elyse Litwack, Treasurer & Secretary; Guy Hincker, Development Committee Chairperson; Janice Zagorniak, Program Committee Chairperson; Roberto Bottger; Victor Gonzalez and Scott Mcllenan, is the Executive Director.