Black Lives Matter Protests Continue, Representative Sanfelippo Remains Silent

MADISON (June 22, 2020)— As Black Lives Matter protests continue across Wisconsin, the United States, and the world, Representative Joe Sanfelippo has chosen not to respond. In the four weeks since the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, the Representative has declined to release any statements in relation to the event, even as many of his collogues on both sides of the aisle have chosen to speak up in some way.

Representative Joe Sanfelippo is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health. Across social media and his State Assembly page, he has declined to speak on any current events or policy positions related to the Black Lives Matter movement, even in the interest of public health. In contrast, the City of Milwaukee, which sits on the border of Sanfilippo’s district, was the first city in the nation to declare racism a public health emergency.

Jessica Katzenmeyer, who is running to unseat Rep. Sanfelippo in Wisconsin’s 15th Assembly District, has vocalized her concern regarding the decision to proceed as normal:

“About a month ago, the nation witnessed the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police. In the several weeks following, we witnessed an uprising across the country. People are calling for changes to our culture, our approaches to policing and public safety, and how we value black lives in our society. Those in power need to listen to those who are hurting, commit to advocating for change, and they must acknowledge, under no uncertain terms, that Black Lives Matter.

“Personally, I am appalled at my current state representative, Representative Sanfelippo, for choosing to say nothing. Part of the responsibility of being a leader is to address the communities they were elected to serve and rise to the challenges that they endure. The Representative’s silence is a slap in the face to his constituents, especially our black neighbors, and I call on him to speak on these issues immediately.”

Katzenmeyer has previously called Representative Sanfelippo out via her campaign social media channels.

About Jessica Katzenmeyer for State Assembly

Jessica Katzenmeyer is a political candidate running for Wisconsin Assembly District 15 comprising of western West Allis and northern New Berlin. You can find out more about her campaign on Facebook (Jess for Assembly), Instagram (@Jess4Assembly) and Twitter (@Jess4Assembly).

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.