Summary by John Stedman, JONAH

MOSES team revising their comments before hearing begins

About 12 powerful leaders from MOSES / Wisdom testified before the Joint Committee on Finance on April 10, 2013.  Sadly, bad weather forced the NAOMI contingent to cancel their trip.  Each leader powerfully presented TAD’s from a different perspective, but they held in common the refrain “Invest in What Works” and  “TAD’s Work!”.  Carol Rubin did an excellent job helping her co-leaders be prepared.

The venue for the proceedings was Kalahari Resort and we were told that this was the first time JFC ever conducted hearings in Wisconsin Dells.  The room was set up for about 500 and at the opening of the Hearings most chairs were filled.

JFC co-chair, Senator Darling, conducted the hearings efficiently – holding speakers to their two minutes of allotted time.  Early testimony was mostly from three broad constituencies: Circus World, WI Public Schools, and Wisdom/MOSES.  Testimony from the first two groups was from professionals and administrative staff.  MOSES was distinguished by the power of their testimony and the fact that it was leader not staff driven.

Joan Duerst being interviewed after testimony by NBC News.

Immediately following her testimony Sister Joan was sought ought by TV 15 (NBC) for an interview.

Also immediately following the Hearing, Senator Wirch sought us out and commended everyone for their terrific testimony.  He encouraged us to continue to push TAD’s.  He said the Wisdom presence at hearings in Greendale, Green Bay and Wisconsin Dells was very definitely “Having an impact”.  He hoped we would be in Baldwin and I assured him we would be there.  He said that while he felt we would not get all we asked for, he felt it likely we would see some increased funding for Drug Courts and Veterans Courts.

MOSES members waiting to testify.

I was very proud to be associated with Wisdom and all the MOSES leaders.