After years of billions of dollars of investment being poured into highway expansion projects, Wisconsin’s transportation system is not meeting our needs. From crumbling local roads to dangerous bridges to public transit routes being closed, our local modes of transportation have suffered because of these misplaced priorities. Additionally, people with disabilities, those who are outliving their ability to drive and those who cannot afford cars are being left out of important opportunities because transportation options are limited.
In this state budget, the legislature can prioritize public transportation, specialized transportation and our local roads – but they need to hear from us to do so! Make a call on June 20!
RSVP HERE to get a reminder the morning of June 20, a list of key legislators to call, and a script you can use: https://forms.gle/es3CZAMEFjxq8ZVK
ESTHER’s Oshkosh Workgroup held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Watch this brief report from chair Jennifer Considine with information about:
Continuing efforts to provide free or reduce-fare transportation for students in Oshkosh schools.
Improving the racial literacy of the task force by reading and discussing together Debby Irving’s Waking up White.
ESTHER’s Transportation Task Force held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Watch this brief report from chair Connie Kanitz with information about:
The new “Connections” transportation option (coming in July to replace Greyhound) along the I-41 corridor between Green Bay and Chicago
A new report from Fox Valley Thrives describing transportation needs in the Fox Valley based on focus groups and other feedback from individuals and businesses.
After years in which billions of dollars have been poured into highway expansion projects, Wisconsin’s transportation system is not meeting our needs. From crumbling local roads to dangerous bridges to public transit routes being closed, our local modes of transportation have suffered because of these misplaced priorities. Additionally, people with disabilities, those who are outliving their ability to drive and those who cannot afford cars are being left out of important opportunities because their transportation options are limited.
Our ESTHER Transit Task Force asks you to make calls on June 4 to ensure that the Joint Finance Committee prioritizes public transportation, specialized transportation and our local roads in the state budget. They need to hear from us to make this happen. Make a call on Tuesday, June 4!
Download the attached script and use it to plan your call.
Let us know:
RSVP here for a reminder and a copy of the script.
Special opportunity: Next Monday, June 3, from 9:30 to 10:00 am, Josh Dukelow’s “Fresh Take” program on WHBY will feature ESTHER representatives Penny Robinson, Linda McRae and Connie Kanitz discussing the state budget and transportation funding. Catch the interview on 1150 AM, 103.5 FM and 106.3 FM.
Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E Phillip Ln, Appleton
Drivers’ Licenses for All Teach-In
People without documents cannot get drivers’ licenses in Wisconsin. In 12 states and the District of Columbia, they can. Drivers licenses for all benefit all—ensuring safer roads, generating revenue for the state, and creating a thriving community.
The public is invited to join the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Shared Sanctuary Committee and ESTHER’s Immigration Task force to learn more and to find out what you can do to support this effort. Voices of Hope Reader’s Theatre will start the evening, followed by a teach-in on this issue.
Free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for Unidos!
Join us to hear elected officials, experts, and local activists discussing issues and opportunities for making transportation more equitable, accessible, and greener… in the Fox Valley and around the state.
Moderator:
Professor Laura Hartman, UW-Oshkosh Environmental Studies
Panelists:
Mayor Tim Hanna, City of Appleton
Alderman Joe Martin, Appleton Common Council
Connie Kanitz, ESTHER Transportation Task Force
Kim Biedermann, East Central WI Regional Planning Commission
How would you get to work, school, the doctor, or the store in Wisconsin if you couldn’t drive or afford a car?
Did you know that transportation alone accounts for almost one-third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions?
New technology, aging seniors, and Millennials’ preferences are radically changing the future of transportation... is the Fox Valley ready?
Wednesday, November 29, 4 - 5:30 pm
Fox Valley Technical College, Room A158
1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton
FVTC is accessible by Valley Transit bus route 12. If you drive, park in the North Lot and use entrance 15. From there, room A158 is down the hall on the right side.
This event is hosted by ESTHER and WISPIRG (Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group)
Move to a Better Balancefor Wisconsin’s Transportation Needs
Community Presentation in the Fox Valley
Presented by the Move Wisconsin Alliance
Thursday, October 16, 5:00 PM
Thompson Community Center
(820 W College Ave, Appleton)
A comprehensive, well-maintained transportation system is vital to our state and our local economies. To thrive and grow, the Fox Cities and the surrounding communities need good local roads, efficient transit service, and safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists. But state funding for local transportation needs has been declining for years and has resulted in deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and transit service cuts in many Wisconsin communities.
The Move Wisconsin presentation will explore the challenges we face, delve into funding issues, and offer thoughts on better balancing Wisconsin’s transportation priorities.
Come join us for a lively discussion about Wisconsin’s transportation future. Free and open to all.
Don’t miss the Northeast Wisconsin Transportation Summit, being held in New London this coming Friday morning, July 26. The summit will focus on benefits, needs & future demands on public and specialized transportation services in Northeastern Wisconsin. Sponsored by the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
More than 900 People of Faith United for Justice from all around Wisconsin – including 80 from the ESTHER – traveled to Madison on March 14 to bear witness to the importance of social justice and to ask our legislators to support 1) funding for treatment instead of prison (11x15); 2) public transit; and 3) accepting federal funds to expand Medicare.
After years of billions of dollars of investment being poured into highway expansion projects, Wisconsin’s transportation system is not meeting our needs. From crumbling local roads to dangerous bridges to public transit routes being closed, our local modes of transportation have suffered because of these misplaced priorities. Additionally, people with disabilities, those who are outliving their ability to drive and those who cannot afford cars are being left out of important opportunities because transportation options are limited.
After years in which billions of dollars have been poured into highway expansion projects, Wisconsin’s transportation system is not meeting our needs. From crumbling local roads to dangerous bridges to public transit routes being closed, our local modes of transportation have suffered because of these misplaced priorities. Additionally, people with disabilities, those who are outliving their ability to drive and those who cannot afford cars are being left out of important opportunities because their transportation options are limited. 
Join us to hear elected officials, experts, and local activists discussing issues and opportunities for making transportation more equitable, accessible, and greener… in the Fox Valley and around the state.
Increasing Access to Transportation: 
Don’t miss the Northeast Wisconsin Transportation Summit, being held in New London this coming Friday morning, July 26. The summit will focus on benefits, needs & future demands on public and specialized transportation services in Northeastern Wisconsin. Sponsored by the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
More than 900 People of Faith United for Justice from all around Wisconsin – including 80 from the ESTHER – traveled to Madison on March 14 to bear witness to the importance of social justice and to ask our legislators to support 1) funding for treatment instead of prison (11x15); 2) public transit; and 3) accepting federal funds to expand Medicare.
