June Meeting Minutes

 

MINUTES

DPOC Monthly Meeting, June 9, 2025 | 7-8pm

Welcome, Promise to America and Land Acknowledgement (3)  Vice-Chair Fenton

  • Fenton called the meeting to order at 7:01pm and  welcomed attendees to the meeting, especially first time attendees.  He led the Promise, and read the Land Acknowledgement.


Approval of May Minutes (3) Secretary Mary Kohrell

  • Kohrell asked for approval of the May Member meeting minutes.  Trisha Kostelny/Josh Kernan motion to approve the minutes as presented; no discussion.  Motion carried.


Review and Approve Treasurer’s Report (3) Treasurer Alyssa Vandenberg

  • Vandenberg presented the Treasurer’s report and called for a motion to approve. Ann Johnson/Cindy Fallona motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.


Update on State Budget Process

  • Rep. Lee Snodgrass (5):  Representative Snodgrass shared an overview of the state budget.  The budget process is experiencing some challenges.  There had been an initial informal agreement between the Republican leadership and the Governor, but they have subsequently failed to come to an agreement.  Senate Republicans have been very critical of the Governor’s actions, but he refuses to address a budget that doesn’t include increases to education and child care.  House leadership Vos issued a statement that was fairly complementary of the Governor, which suggests perhaps the House and Senate may not be in alignment.  As of today, the process is approximately 1 week behind the typical schedule.  Rep Snodgrass also indicated she is not willing to compromise on public education.  She shared information about challenges to adding mental health staff providers.  A vote on the budget is possible by June 30.  If the budget is not passed by then, the state reverts back to the previous biennial budget.  www.legis.wisconsin.gov/democrats/budget/2025-27-JFC-budget-votes 

  • Sen. Kris Alfheim (5): Senator Dassler Alfheim shared her perspectives on the state budget.  Her message is there is hope, partially driven by Democrat willingness to compromise and actively work with Republicans and based on future elections where Democrats could regain control of at least one chamber. 


Bridge Building Canvass Day of Action Overview (5) - VC Kelly Fenton

  • June 28 is our day of action to engage with Democrats, low data, and “lean Republican” voters  who are less engaged or did not vote in the recent election.  This is a very important opportunity.


Mobile Text Volunteer Outreach (5) Trisha Kostelny

  • Trisha circulated a clip board and requested people to sign up to assist.  Due to lack of people’s willingness to answer their phone, our new volunteer recruitment strategy will be to conduct text banking.  We’ll be analyzing the effectiveness of this new strategy.  


Outagamie Action Teams (OATs) updates 

  • These events are being coordinated by our local OATs volunteers.  Fenton reminded people who are the OATs volunteer chairs and offered a basic description of their activities.

Hortonville Community Center – Childcare Forum – Tues, June 10

North Appleton – The Local Cost of Policy

June 30 Impacts of Medicare Cuts Forum - potential presenters should contact Fenton.  


Upcoming WisDems State Convention June 13-14 (7)

  • It is still possible to register to attend the conference, but it is too late to be a delegate.

  • Presentation: William Garcia: Chair Candidate, Democratic Party of WI (5)

    • DPW Chair Candidate, William Garcia, shared a presentation about his candidacy.  He is based in La Crosse. He’s the chair of La Crosse County Democrats and also chairs the Hispanic Caucus; former high school English teacher and currently at West Tech College.  Grow-Persist-Resist.  Grow by building county parties using bottom up strategies among other tactics with emphasis on Young Dems.  Persist through maintaining current DPW funding activities with a national focus, and maintain close connections with Governor’s office and Democratic caucuses.  Resist more loudly and aggressively against the National Trump administration.  www.williamgarcia.us 


Reminder:  Summer Actions YOU Can Do 

  • Attendees were requested to channel our concerns into active outreach, including joining a local Outagamie Action Team, calling, emailing, or snail mailing their local and federal elected officials. Also consider joining and show up for local allied orgs, as well as using the App 5Calls.org to reach out.

Reminders: Upcoming events and activities

Book Discussion - at the office

PRIDE - June 21 Jones Park

Outagamie County Fair - June 25-29

Corn Roast - August 8 at Telulah Park

Adjourn

Motion by Kohrell/Kernan to adjourn. Motion carried.

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