Rep. Robyn Vining Seeks to Make Wisconsin More Accessible

MADISON – Today, State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), State Representative Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg), Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) and State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) introduced the “Universal Changing Stations” bill that would install adult sized changing stations in certain buildings and create a tax credit for small businesses to install these stations. Rep. Vining released the following statement in regards to this legislation:

“At one of our very first in-district meetings with constituents, a mother shared her concerns about lack of changing tables in public places for adults with disabilities. She shared that her son has been unable to go to basketball games, museums, and airports because, at age 19, he has to be changed on the floor of public restrooms or in the back of their van. We have a population of people in need who are going unseen and are unable to participate in society. Since the buildings don’t work for the people, the people aren’t going to the buildings.

“These tables and stations are a growing reality in Wisconsin. Businesses want to do the right thing. We’ve already seen community partners stepping up. This bill will allow state government to partner with the business community to ensure equal access for all Wisconsinites. Various popular public visitor spots already have adult sized changing tables, including Discovery World, the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and Summerfest. Mitchell International Airport and State Fair Park announced they would be adding adult sized changing tables within the year. Airports in Atlanta, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Chicago all have them as well.

“If we want families to live, work, visit, and stay in Wisconsin, we have to make sure that our state is accessible to everyone. Everyone deserves the same access to public spaces, and bathroom use should not prevent someone from enjoying and participating in our communities and our society. I am excited, with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to help make Wisconsin a more accessible state.”

Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.