Advocacy & Alerts

Disability Rights Wisconsin is searching for an excellent communicator to take on our Mental Health Task Force Coordinator position as part of the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force.

The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) was formed in 2004, in response to a crisis in inpatient psychiatric services that exposed major gaps in Milwaukee’s system of mental health care. The MHTF includes participants from community organizations, and other community members, who work collaboratively to advance the quality and responsiveness of mental health and substance use disorder services, give peers and families a strong voice, reduce stigma, and implement recovery principles. The MHTF co-chair has a seat on the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board.

The Coordinator will staff and coordinate monthly MHTF meetings and special programs; staff monthly Steering Committee meetings; provide policy leadership for the MHTF; coordinate funding-related activities; and coordinate the task force’s social media and listserv.

Milwaukee County residency is strongly preferred, with options for remote work. Many meetings are conducted in-person and the Coordinator must be able to attend in-person. The applicant must be a Wisconsin resident.

The position will remain open until filled.

Learn more about key responsibilities and qualifications for our Mental Health Task Force Coordinator position below:

• Read the full job posting and apply via Disability Rights Wisconsin here.
• Read the accessible full position announcement here.

MHTF State Budget Public Comments

Thank you to Mental Health Task Force Steering Committee members Montrèal Cain and Nicole Damiano for speaking at the Waukesha Public Hearing to share highlights of our MHTF budget priorities.

In addition, the Mental Health Task Force submitted comprehensive public comments to the Joint Finance Committee website.

• View the MHTF State Budget Public Comments, April 2023 (PDF).

If you can’t attend a hearing, you still have options! See below for options for sharing your comments with the Joint Finance Committee and your legislators. Feel free to use talking points from the Mental Health Task Force Priorities in your comments.

Can’t attend a JFC Public Hearing? You still have options.

• Submit written comments:
  • Email: budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov
  • U.S. Mail to:
    Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702
  • Post in the Public Comment Form on JFC website: Joint Committee on Finance Public Comment Website (wisconsin.gov)
• Key points to cover in your comments:
  • Your name, where you live, and your job if relevant.
  • Introduce your issue and how it impacts you or your family. Include a personal story or example.
  • Make your ask – share the budget proposals that matter to you and why. And be sure to say thank you!
  • If speaking at hearing, write down what you want to say and bring it with you. Be brief – speakers are limited to 2 – 3 minutes.
  • See also Tips for Speaking at a JFC Hearing.
• Information about the budget
  • DRW State Budget presentation
  • 2023 Joint Committee on Finance list of committee members and committee staff
  • Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Governor Evers Proposed 2023 – 2025 Budget.
  • Wisconsin Department of Administration: 2023-25 Executive Budget proposed by Governor Evers
  • Who Are My Legislators – enter your home address in the “Find Your Legislator” box

The Mental Health Task Force Steering Committee is seeking nominees for three openings: an advocate, a family member, and a peer (person with lived experience). Service on the Steering Committee is a leadership role. It requires some previous participation in the Mental Health Task Force and a commitment to the values and policy priorities advanced by the Task Force. Please consider applying or nominating a candidate – we’d like to hear from you!  See the links below for the nomination form and details.  Submit nominations by August 30th.

Questions? Contact our co-chairs, Mary Neubauer or Christine Apple, or MHTF Coordinator Barbara Beckert at barbara.beckert@drwi.org.

• View the Word document version of the MHTF Steering Committee Nomination Form.
• View the PDF version of the MHTF Steering Committee Nomination Form.

On March 17th, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board held a hearing to receive public input regarding priorities for the 2022 budget. The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force shared budget priorities. MHTF Steering Committee member Moriah Iverson spoke on behalf of the Mental Health Task Force.

• View the Mental Health Task Force March 17, 2022 Testimony here.
• View the Mental Health Board March 17, 2022 Meeting Agenda here.

We need your input! Take the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force survey on priorities for the 2022 Behavioral Health Division budget. We will compile the results and share them with the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, BHD / DHHS leadership, and County Executive Crowley.  Make your voice heard!

• Take the 2022 BHD Budget Priorities Survey here.