Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Wisconsin’s Gun Laws Get a ‘C’ Grade, Milwaukee Leaders Want That To Change

Despite being on a downward trend, the city has seen more than 100 homicides already this year

Latinos Leaders Endorse David Marstellar for Assembly in the 21st District

Milwaukee Partisan Primary Election Results

A number of winner-take-all primaries on the ballot will reshape Milwaukee's legislative delegation.

Milwaukee Senate and Assembly Races

A handful of partisan primaries will also determine the winner of the general election in November.

Bernie Sanders to Host Private Brunch in Milwaukee

Event canceled after publication.

Mayor, Democrats Target Rep. Ryan Clancy

Why are they opposing incumbent Democrat? In a word, they hate him.

Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Officers Association and Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 Endorse Jack Eckblad for Milwaukee County Board Supervisory District 4

Endorsed by 14 Organizations and 13 Leaders Before Election Day

Board Supports Professional Licensing for DACA Recipients

Bipartisan state legislation failed to pass, but county supervisors get behind the policy.

Biden Promotes ‘Life-Changing Improvements’ in Milwaukee Visit

Speech at Pieper Hillside Boys & Girls Club promotes effort to rebuild 6th Street.

Burgelis Campaign Rolls Out Longer List of Endorsements in advance of Tuesday Feb 20 Primary Election

Assembly Advances Constitutional Amendment Banning Use of Race in Government Hiring

Supporters criticize DEI initiatives. Opponents say issue is manufactured.

Legislative Hearing a Debate Over DEI

Proposed constitutional amendment bars 'preferential treatment' by state offices, universities.

Legislators Push Judicial Security Bills

142 threats against Wisconsin judges in past year, with 44 threats of death or physical harm.

Burgelis Campaign Rolls Out Long List of Initial Endorsements

Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams

Bipartisan bill creates a standard $100 fine for possession of a half ounce or less.

DACA Recipients Could Get In-State Tuition, Professional Licenses Under Bipartisan Proposal

Wisconsin GOP lawmakers have previously blocked proposals to help DREAMers.

Marisabel for Milwaukee Campaign: I am a pro-choice LGBT leader, and I am proud of my advocacy for immigrants and women

Bill Prevents Write-In Campaigns by Losing Primary Candidates

'Sore loser bill' follows write-in campaign that nearly defeated Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

Marisabel Cabrera Brings Experience and Dedication to Circuit Court Campaign

Milwaukee County Board Supervisory District 4 Candidate Jack Eckblad Earns Endorsements of Milwaukee County Register of Deeds, State Representative Ortiz-Velez, and Trio of Supervisors: Adds to List of Local Leaders Supporting Eckblad’s Campaign for Bold, Responsible Leadership

Parties Bicker Over How to Do Iowa-Style Redistricting

Democrats charge that Vos plan will hand ultimate power to Republican legislators.

Bill Would Make It Harder For Candidates To Be Kicked Off Ballots

Proposal, which touches on a 2022 Milwaukee school board race, would add clarity to signature process.

Augustine Prep Opens $49 Million Elementary School

New building allows for major growth. And an even bigger project is planned.

President Sells ‘Bidenomics’ In Visit To Milwaukee

Biden touts green jobs, low unemployment, rebuilding middle class in factory floor speech.

Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law

"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.

County Public Hearing Debates Sales Tax

Most speakers favor sales tax hike, citing the specter of massive cuts to government services.

Mayor Johnson Touts “One Milwaukee” Vision In State of City Speech

Public safety, an end to reckless driving, more bike lanes, lead lateral replacement and a city government back from the brink.

Resolution Supports Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Resolution instructs county lobbyists to push for such state legislation.

County Executive David Crowley, Chairwoman Nicholson Statement on Local Revenue Reform Passage

Crowley, Nicholson, and Move Forward MKE Coalition advocated since 2020 for additional revenue to avoid a devastating fiscal cliff

Assembly Passes Bills Making It Harder To Access Unemployment Benefits, BadgerCare

Republicans, in casting party-line vote, say policies will help state workforce shortage.

Sanchez, Gómez-Tom Advance From County Board Primary

Three candidates ran in primary of special election for county board's vacant District 14 seat.

Members of the Latino Caucus: Celebrate César Chávez Day

Sara Geenen Campaign Announces More Than 50 Endorsements From Judges & Elected Officials

County Board Primary Race Has Three Candidates

Special election called to fill District 14 seat left vacant by Dyango Zerpa resignation.

Bill Allows DACA Recipients To Become Police Officers

Bipartisan bill could help immigrants, boost recruiting for state's law enforcement agencies.

State Should Restore Driver’s Licenses for Immigrant Workers

Make our roads safer and help economy and undocumented workers.

Crowley Calling Special Election for Vacant Board Seat

Election for seat vacated by Sup. Dyango Zerpa will coincide with spring election dates.

Dyango Zerpa Resigns From County Board

Freshman supervisor expensed unapproved hotel stay to county credit card.

Milwaukee Lawmakers Plan Another Go At Unifying Pot Possession Fines

Report shows a patchwork of marijuana fines in Milwaukee County. Would require city to raise its fine.

New Policy Would Require County To Study Demolishing The Domes

County board considering replacing repair-focused 2016 policy after limited progress.

State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races

Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.

A Map of County’s Overdose Deaths

78% of deaths last year involved fentanyl. But use of new drug, Xylazine, rising.

Biden’s Infrastructure Czar Visits City, Touts Lead Lateral Funding

City has replaced 524 laterals this year, but Biden administration says that will greatly increase with federal funding.

Supervisors Seek Marijuana Referendum

Question to voters on legalizing pot would be identical to 2018 advisory referendum.

Clancy Runs As Double-Dipping Socialist

Running for Legislature, but would continue as county supervisor, collecting both salaries.

Ryan Clancy Launches Campaign For State Assembly

County supervisor is backed by Rep. Brostoff, who he is running to replace.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Reflects on County Board Service

Election Shakes Up County Board

Five of 18 supervisors will be new. Longtime Sup. John Weishan, Jr. upset by Peter Burgelis. A sixth new face could be coming.

Evers Signs Bill Legalizing Fentanyl Test Strips

Milwaukee legislators led charge to legalize them as a way to save lives.

State Near Top In Slashing County Funding

Only two states have cut county funding more. Huge funding decline has hurt Milwaukee.

State Representative Nearly Shot in Drive by Shooting

Open Letter to the People of Ukraine

Supervisors Push Federal Review of State Funding

Is huge decline in state aid to county a violation of residents' civil rights?

Bipartisan Support for Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips

Republicans and Democrats say bill will save lives.

Three Candidates for Board’s New Hispanic Districts

Incumbents unopposed in most districts but a majority Hispanic district will be contested.

Pension Costs Decimated County Services

New generation of leaders has inherited government unable to pay for parks, buses, buildings and basic services.

Lawyers Caution Against Changing Bail System

Waukesha parade killings spark calls for higher bail, more punitive pretrial detention.

State bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Bipartisan Bill Changes Pot Possession Penalties

Lighter penalties for much of the state but tougher for cities like Milwaukee, Madison.

Expressing Disappointment in Rep. Ortiz-Velez for Carrying Water for Republican Speaker Robin Vos at the Expense of Our Constituents

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa November 11, 2021

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Praises IRC and SEWRPC for Creating Strong Map for Latino Community

County Board Committee Backs Redistricting Maps

After rejecting independent redistricting committee, supervisors pick two maps they like.

Board Takes Over Redistricting, Rejects Independent Effort

Board rejected third and final map from its Independent Redistricting Committee.

Independent Committee Submits Final Map for Supervisor Districts

But independence of the Independent Redistricting Committee is now in question, as county board could face lawsuits.

So Much For An Independent Redistricting Process

County committee rejects its own independent redistricting committee's recommendations.

Hispanic Districts Key to Board Redistricting

Current Hispanic districts potentially run afoul of 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Urges County to Apply for State Funds to Repair Mitchell Park Domes

New Map For Supervisor Districts Submitted

But independent committee made no effort to protect incumbents. How will board vote?

Ortiz-Velez Commends Redistricting Committee for Creating Two Majority-Hispanic Supervisory Districts

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Invites South Side Residents to Kosciuszko Center Engagement Meetings

Board Gets Messy With Vaccine Mandate

Board muddies county executive order with procedural issues, duplicative legislation.

Saga Of The Domes Continues

Years after task force report and consultant analysis, county officials finally reviewing the options.

Chairwoman Nicholson and Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Celebrate Beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month

County Board of Supervisors Congratulate Colectivo Workers on Successful Union Election

Colectivo workers voted to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 494 which will develop the group's first negotiated contract, pending the election’s certification by the National Labor Relations Board.

Supervisors Create Independent Redistricting Committee

An historic first. But six retired judges must act fast to create new legislative maps.

Ortiz-Velez Resolution Supporting Fentanyl Testing Strip Legalization Adopted by County Board

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Resolution Supporting Fentanyl Testing Strip Legalization Advances

Digital Bridge Hits a Major Milestone in Efforts to Bridge the Digital Divide During COVID-19 Pandemic

Spectrum Digital Education Supports the Distribution of 2,000 Devices to Those in Need

21 Wisconsin Leaders Endorse Sarah Godlewski for U.S. Senate

Coming on heels of pivotal EMILY’S List endorsement, strong support from communities across the state demonstrates Sarah is building the strongest coalition to defeat Ron Johnson

Milwaukee Legislators Push Legalizing Fentanyl Test Strips

Community advocates working with addicts say test strips would save lives.

State Assembly Passes Transgender Athlete Bill

Legislation would bar transgender women from playing on female athletic teams.

9 Takeaways on Local Marijuana Laws

City and county moving toward reform but arrests and convictions still happening.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Proposal to Cultivate Hemp Clones at the Domes Moves Forward with RFP

Voces Protests GOP Cutting ID’s for Immigrants from Budget

The group and other activists also protested the elimination of tuition aid for immigrant students.

Sunday’s Caravan and County Board Call for Normal Relations with Cuba

Nicholson Boots Weishan Off Committee

Board's leader takes away both his transportation chair position and committee membership. "It's unheard of."

Supervisors Push To Be Bike Trail Czars

Parks committee approves resolution giving it approval power over bike trails maintenance, alterations.

Meet the District 5 School Board Candidates

Alex Brower and Jilly Gokalgandhi compete to replace outgoing school board director Larry Miller.

Board Changes Pot Possession Fine to $1

Under state law county can't fully decriminalize.

Supervisor Martin Statement on Hosting Gun Shows at Milwaukee County Sports Complex

County Board Adopts Resolution Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalty

Supervisors Denounce Violence and Discrimination Against Asian Americans

Expanded Vaccine Eligibility for Hard-Hit Zip Codes in District 12

Parks Committee Approves Proposal to Allow Gun Shows at Milwaukee County Sports Complex

Committee Okays $1 Fine For Pot Possession

Under state law county can't fully decriminalize. Full board next considers proposal.

Judiciary Committee Approves Proposal to Reduce Marijuana Possession Penalty

Many South Side Seniors Now Eligible for Vaccination at Kosciuszko Community Center

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County Board Adopts Resolutions Celebrating Black Icons

Chairwoman Nicholson Supports County and State Efforts to End Marijuana Prohibition

Resolution Cuts Pot Possession Fine to $1

Sup. Ortiz-Velez's county resolution will be mirrored by Glendale proposal, says Mayor Kennedy.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Introduces Proposal Reducing Penalty for Marijuana Possession

County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty

8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.

Supervisors Denounce Anti-Democratic Coup Attempt in Washington D.C.

Crowley Calls Special Election for Supervisor

Board seat open with Sup. Supreme Moore Omokunde's election to State Assembly.

Board Adopts 2021 Budget

Tax levy increase of 0.59%, many amendments and delays to electric buses and hemp growing.

Committee Rejects Sheriff Cuts

But it also passed a widely supported increase in spending for services like housing and youth justice.

Your Guide to Down Ballot Races

Trump versus Biden isn't the only ballot item. Here's information on 13 other races across the county

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Extends Condolences to Family and Friends of Teresa and Luis Contreras

Nine Election Takeaways

Big turnout, delayed votes, new faces in the Assembly and the Constitution Party.

Candidate List and Election Guide

Long list of candidates, but ballots will be short for most Milwaukeeans.

WEAC Press Release of recommended candidate in AD8

Register of Deeds Israel Ramón Announces Early List of Endorsements

Elected officials from across Milwaukee County, state, support Ramón

Committee Supports Ride Share Tax

Wants Legislature's okay to levy user fee for companies like Uber and Lyft. Similar tax raises $25 million per year in Seattle.

County Board Passes Resolution Allowing ‘Credible Messengers’ to Work with Youth

Marcelia Nicholson Elected Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors

Nicholson Elected County Board Chairwoman

Marcelia Nicholson beats Willie Johnson, Jr. out for leadership of the county board.

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, announces candidacy to be next 8th District State Assembly Representative

County Supervisors Push Free Bus Rides

Passengers could use side door, away from bus drivers, to protect them from getting virus.

Ballots Won’t Have Duplicate Gerrymandering Questions

City rescinds its referendum question after Milwaukee County passed a similar measure.

MTEA Announces Endorsements in Milwaukee Spring Elections

Citizen Action endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive

Announces more key endorsements in Milwaukee area spring elections

Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney

But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?

Delivery Tax Could Help Fix Potholes

Ald. Dodd's proposal imposes 60 cent fee on third-party deliveries like Uber Eats.

Mayor Bloomberg Comes to Town

Presidential candidate opens campaign office in Milwaukee and tours Public Market.

Hemp Proposal Passed By Committee

4-1 vote okays plan for high-end hemp operation in Mitchell Park greenhouse. Next comes full board.

Board Adds Domes Funding to Budget

Abele's budget had no funding. Board members embrace consultant's $60 million domes plan

Lipscomb Proposes Funds for Domes Preservation

"It is important that we continue to make real progress at the Domes in 2020."

Hemp Could Make Money for County

New report says Mitchell Park greenhouses could grow valuable hemp clones.

Domes Task Force Recommends $66 Million Plan

Plan to radically alter the domes and Mitchell Park demands fast decision making.

Milwaukee County Announces Upcoming Budget Public Engagement Sessions

Four sessions in partnership with Milwaukee County Supervisors provide forum for residents to share priorities and weigh in on new revenue options

Sup. Alexander Wants More Public Input

County board, less than excited, votes to have the ordinance undergo a review.

Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election

The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.

The County’s Queen of Hemp

Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.

County Board Votes Unanimously to Condemn We Energies’ Mercury Variance

“We Energies should be moving towards 100% renewables. This is 2019, not 1919.”

Senator Taylor Acknowledges Clean Communities Week

Senator Taylor looks forward to the week’s remaining events including Thursday’s Hemp Small Business and Financing Session with State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski.

Could The County Clone Hemp Plants?

Report on county growing hemp is not positive. But expert says the study all wrong.

4 Questions and Answers on The Domes

What's going to happen? That could be the toughest question of all.

Board of Supervisors Endorses Expanded Access to Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

"Expanding access to driver's licenses will make the roads safer for everyone."

Rumors of Domes’ Demise Exaggerated

Despite report recommending their death, county board members want to save domes.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Committed to Repairing Mitchell Park Domes

"To be clear: It is not Milwaukee County's policy to demolish the Domes, nor is that my position."

County Looks to Grow Hemp at the Domes

Proceeds could be used for Domes' aging infrastructure.

County Board Resists Review of Homelessness Funding

Resolution to House County’s Remaining Homeless Not Scheduled

Should County Go Into Hemp Business?

Facing huge budget problems, supervisors push for county to grow and sell hemp.

County Panel Nixes Bus Fare Crackdown

Sebring wants enforcement against those who don’t pay fare. Committee defeats it on 3-2 vote.

Union Serve Notice on SSP America

Workers at company that serves airport demand a union, give company till Monday to officially respond.

Labor Battle Looms at Airport

Service and hospitality workers for SSP America demand union vote, may call for picketing or a strike.

The Federal Government Should Never Separate Families

"Separating families is cruel and is completely contradictory to our American values."

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez to Join UMOS Advisory Committee

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez will be sworn in on Saturday, June 9 at 9:30 AM at the UMOS offices, 2701 S. Chase Ave.

Battle Over The Winter Farmers Market

Weddings at Domes far more lucrative, Parks leader says, but board backs farmers market.

Travails Of An 1870 Walker’s Point Home

Lovely Italianate mansion featured on Spaces & Traces tour. But its restoration was oh-so-hard.

Committee Okays Referendum on Legalizing Pot

Unanimous vote in favor of November referendum asking to legalize and tax marijuana.

Chairman Lipscomb Announces Committee Assignments

Standing committees typically meet every month, prior to the County Board meeting.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez Endorses Matt Flynn for Governor

"I want to thank Supervisor Ortiz-Velez for her endorsement."

7 Election Takeaways

What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?

Vote Today; Key Races Will Be Decided

A breakdown of everything on Milwaukee ballots.

Leadership MKE announces support for 14 candidates running for local office

Leadership MKE supported candidates have already scored significant primary victories.

Vote for Supreme Court, County Board Tuesday

One county board race and a hotly contested race for state's highest court.

Airborne Asbestos Plagues South Side?

A KK river restoration project may be causing asbestos and lead contamination while tearing down homes too near the river.

Concerned citizen brings health and safety issue to light

I am very concerned about safety and health violations that have been brought to light related to the ongoing Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) demolition project of certain properties along the Kinnickinnic River.