If you're a Wisconsin resident, please sign here but also use the QR code to fill out the petition that will go to the Governor and all leaders of the Wisconsin State Legislature. You can sign the petition if you are not from Wisconsin, but it is imperative that if you are a Wisconsin resident, you use the QR code which will take you to an online petition where your signature will make more impact. Share the QR code widely. If you would like a social media post to use on you social media sites contact rebeccapowellconsulting@gmail.com and you will get the social media posts.

THE PROBLEM: In December 2025, WisconsinEye - our state's independent coverage of government proceedings - shut down due to lack of funding. For nearly 20 years, WisconsinEye provided free, unbiased coverage of legislative hearings, floor sessions, and state government activity, similar to C-SPAN.

 

 

 

 

Instead of working to restore this vital public service, the Wisconsin Legislature immediately began enforcing previously dormant rules that BAN citizens from recording committee hearings. Only credentialed media can record - ordinary Wisconsin residents cannot.

This creates an unprecedented barrier between citizens and their government. Working people, rural residents, people with disabilities, and others cannot regularly travel to Madison to observe government in person.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Without WisconsinEye and with the recording ban enforced, Wisconsin citizens cannot:

• Watch committee hearings on legislation

• See how legislators vote

• Observe public testimony

• Access 30,000+ hours of archived proceedings

• Hold elected officials accountable

Government transparency is not a partisan issue - it's fundamental to democracy.

THE SOLUTION:

The Wisconsin Legislature has already allocated $10 million for WisconsinEye, but it requires matching private donations. WisconsinEye needs just $1 million annually to operate.

WE DEMAND:

1. FUND WISCONSINEYE: Release $1 million annually from the existing state allocation to restore live coverage and the public archive.

2. REPEAL THE RECORDING BAN: Change Assembly Rule 26 to allow Wisconsin citizens to record committee hearings, just like credentialed media can.

3. ESTABLISH PERMANENT FUNDING: Create a sustainable funding mechanism so this never happens again. 

If you have questions contact: rebeccapowellconsulting@gmail.com