New endorsement from community action agency adds to growing coalition supporting crime victims’ rights Constitutional amendment on April 7th ballot
MADISON – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin today announced a new endorsement from the Social Development Commission (SDC) located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin The bipartisan proposal aims to strengthen the rights of Wisconsin crime victims. The new endorsement adds to the list of nearly 400 prominent endorsements for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin and demonstrates continued momentum in the effort’s bipartisan statewide coalition as the proposal heads to a statewide vote this April.
“At SDC, our mission is to serve those in our community who are living in poverty and to empower people with the resources to move beyond poverty,” said George P. Hinton, CEO of SCD. “Throughout Milwaukee, and particularly in some of the city’s lowest income neighborhoods, vulnerable residents remain likely to be impacted by crime. At the same time, they have minimal access to resources to help them navigate the legal system. Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin will have a real impact on the communities that we serve. SDC is proud to endorse this effort to strengthen victims’ rights.”
In addition to the significant list of key endorsements from law enforcement leaders, victim service groups, elected officials, and statewide associations, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin has garnered significant support from Wisconsin residents, with thousands signing the petition backing of the effort.
“I’m so proud that our fight to strengthen victims’ rights has earned the support of an organization that does such crucial work in some of the communities in Wisconsin that are most impacted by crime,” said Teri Jendusa Nicolai, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Chair and prominent victims’ rights advocate. “As the largest community action agency in the state, SDC has a dramatic impact on some of Wisconsin’s most underserved communities and has made huge strides in their efforts to amplify the voices of those living in poverty. We’re thrilled to have their support for our efforts to grant equal rights to victims of crime.”
Introduced for second consideration as Assembly Joint Resolution 1/Senate Joint Resolution 2 the bipartisan victims’ rights legislation was approved earlier this year for placement on the April 2020 ballot after passing the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support in two consecutive legislative sessions.
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that is advocating for a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state Constitution, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. The proposal passed with strong bipartisan support in the Legislature and will be before voters for ratification on April 7, 2020. Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.
Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].