Legal Action of Wisconsin

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Non profit law firm representing low-income people in their civil legal aid matters.

Lobbying Interests:
Issues related to civil legal problems of low-income people

Contact
AW
Abigail Wiley
666 W. Wisconsin Ave, Suite 2000
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-274-3425
abw@legalaction.org
http://www.legalaction.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 147
Assembly Bill 147
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB147 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin Clients.
Assembly Bill 148
Assembly Bill 148
Relating to: disenrollment of ineligible individuals from and redeterminations of eligibility for the BadgerCare Plus program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/12/2023
First Communication Date
4/12/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Comments
We agree that only qualified/needy individuals should access Medical Assistance. Yet AB 148 may end up costing the state more money, create significant administrative burdens on local agencies, and delay coverage even for qualified individuals.
Assembly Bill 149
Assembly Bill 149
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB149 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Assembly Bill 150
Assembly Bill 150
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB150 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Assembly Bill 152
Assembly Bill 152
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law and authorizing the secretary of administration to transfer employees from any executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development for certain purposes. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB152 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Assembly Bill 153
Assembly Bill 153
Relating to: the amount of benefits received under the unemployment insurance law. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB 153 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Assembly Bill 337
Assembly Bill 337
Relating to: eliminating the 13-week limit on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
7/19/2023
First Communication Date
7/13/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Comments
The bill & amendment are not likely to financially benefit low-income people, lack adequate protections for ensuring notice of garnishment and exemption, and no remedies for creditors who fail to follow the law.
Supporting Documentation
01182024_105101_AB 337 Follow Up_LAW.pdf

Assembly Bill 421
Assembly Bill 421
Relating to: penalties for operating a motor vehicle without a license or after license suspension or revocation and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/2/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WI AB 421 will harm Legal Action of Wisconsin clients by criminalizing conduct related to poverty, not traffic safety
Supporting Documentation
10022023_073840_WISB404 and AB421 Legal Action of Wisconsin Summary.pdf

Assembly Bill 940
Assembly Bill 940
Relating to: funding for victim services and domestic abuse services, training for grant recipients, grants to child advocacy centers, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 241

For
Notification Date
1/24/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Supporting Documentation
01242024_110618_VOCA Bill testimony.pdf

Assembly Bill 950
Assembly Bill 950
Relating to: excepting xylazine testing materials from the definition of drug paraphernalia and civil and criminal liability exemptions for distributing and administering xylazine testing products.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/7/2024
First Communication Date
2/6/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 231
Senate Bill 231
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB231 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Senate Bill 232
Senate Bill 232
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB232 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Senate Bill 233
Senate Bill 233
Relating to: the amount of benefits received under the unemployment insurance law. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB 233 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Senate Bill 235
Senate Bill 235
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law and authorizing the secretary of administration to transfer employees from any executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development for certain purposes. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB235 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Senate Bill 237
Senate Bill 237
Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/3/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB237 would negatively impact Legal Action of Wisconsin clients.
Senate Bill 404
Senate Bill 404
Relating to: penalties for operating a motor vehicle without a license or after license suspension or revocation and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/2/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WI SB 404 will harm Legal Action of Wisconsin clients by criminalizing conduct related to poverty, not traffic safety
Supporting Documentation
10022023_073712_WISB404 and AB421 Legal Action of Wisconsin Summary.pdf

Senate Bill 410
Senate Bill 410
Relating to: impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
10/2/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WI SB 410 will harm Legal Action of Wisconsin clients by treating Operating While Suspended as a safety violation when it is often caused by poverty.
Supporting Documentation
10022023_071534_SB410 Legal Action of Wisconsin Summary.pdf

Senate Bill 669
Senate Bill 669
Relating to: pay for performance grant requirements, use of public lands to provide temporary residence for the homeless, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
12/6/2023
First Communication Date
12/5/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 875
Senate Bill 875
Relating to: excepting xylazine testing materials from the definition of drug paraphernalia and civil and criminal liability exemptions for distributing and administering xylazine testing products.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 217

For
Notification Date
2/7/2024
First Communication Date
2/6/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 877
Senate Bill 877
Relating to: funding for victim services and domestic abuse services, training for grant recipients, grants to child advocacy centers, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/24/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Supporting Documentation
01242024_110152_VOCA Bill testimony.pdf

Budget Bill Subjects

Administration: Housing and Community Development
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Administration: Housing and Community Development

Notification Date
3/14/2023
First Communication Date
3/13/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
Communicated with Sen. Roys about the importance of funding civil legal aid in the state budget.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

Migrant labor
Agency Name
Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Subject
Migrant labor
Scope Statement
SS 004_22
For
Notification Date
9/29/2023
First Communication Date
9/26/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
Many of the changes proposed to DWD 301 would improve the safety and dignity of Legal Action’s clients’ homes and workplaces.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Tenant Protections
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Tenant Protections

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
9/12/2024
First Communication Date
8/16/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
Offered input upon written request on how potential change to housing discrimination laws would impact low-income tenants

Wisconsin's Program Year 2024-2027 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) Combined State Plan
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Wisconsin's Program Year 2024-2027 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) Combined State Plan

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
3/11/2024
First Communication Date
2/16/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
Submitting comments during public comment period on WIOA, focused on the Wagner-Peyser Act Program section, particularly the Employment Services and Agricultural Outreach Plan, and how it impacts Legal Action's farmworker clients.

Discrimination protections in housing law
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Discrimination protections in housing law

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/11/2024
First Communication Date
3/8/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
Offered input upon written request on how potential change to housing discrimination laws would impact low-income tenants

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$32,832.00
2023
July - December
$816.58
2024
January - June
$5,012.92
Total $38,661.50
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
10.70
2023
July - December
1.30
2024
January - June
1.70
Total 13.70
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
371.60
2023
July - December
14.80
2024
January - June
42.80
Total 429.20

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: penalties for operating a motor vehicle without a license or after license suspension or revocation and providing a penalty.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: penalties for operating a motor vehicle without a license or after license suspension or revocation and providing a penalty.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: eliminating the 13-week limit on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
25%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%

Budget Bill Subjects

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
98%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 85%

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

No topics found.

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2%
2023
July - December
55%
2024
January - June
100%
2024
July - December
Total 14%

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures