On behalf of numerous Wisconsin-based organizations representing the voices of thousands of Muslims across the State, we are pleased to share the Wisconsin Muslim community’s key priorities for the new gubernatorial administration. These priorities call for swift and meaningful action to protect civil rights, address racism and anti-Muslim discrimination, and ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. 

These recommendations reflect the Muslim community's urgent concerns and priorities and offer constructive policy approaches and investment recommendations to advance justice, equity, inclusion, and constitutional rights for all Wisconsin residents. 

1. Addressing Anti-Muslim Hate by Creating a State Task Force or Advisory Counci

   •  With anti-Muslim hate and rhetoric on the rise, Wisconsin’s next governor should take concrete action to address and combat its prevalence in the state. 

   • The Governor can specifically create a task force or advisory council to counter anti-Muslim hate, which would be made up of diverse members of the Wisconsin Muslim community and allies. 

   • The goal of the task force would be to provide recommendations to Wisconsin government officials on actions they can take to counter anti-Muslim hate in the state. 

   • The task force would consult and work with community organizations already working in this space to address the needs of the Muslim community and effectively counter hate.

   • Strategies the task force may implement include the following: 

     • Reviewing Wisconsin laws and regulations to ensure they adequately address hate crimes, discrimination, and anti-Muslim hate; 

     • Creating or uplifting public awareness campaigns or educational initiatives to dispel stereotypes surrounding Islam and Muslims and promote greater tolerance between different communities;

     • Supporting community initiatives to foster dialogue between different faith groups and cultural communities to promote greater understanding and cooperation; and

     • Establishing reporting mechanisms for anti-Muslim hate and discrimination Statewide Taskforce. 

• David’s Commitment:

  • David believes we must protect all Wisconsinites regardless of where they live in our state, the color of their skin, or the god they worship.

  • David will work with the legislature and local stakeholders to ensure the Muslim community has the resources and support they need to feel safe in their communities.

  • David is eager to find solutions that ensure all Wisconsinites can live freely without fear of biased persecution.

2. Protecting Political Speech and Freedom of Expression 

   • We ask that the Governor uphold the rights of all Wisconsin residents given by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I of the Wisconsin State Constitution by protecting free speech, which includes the right to criticize any government. 

   • Since Wisconsin has adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism (2025 Act 143), many members of the Muslim community and beyond are concerned about their First Amendment rights being suppressed given that the definition equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. 

   • There is a serious concern that the new law will be used to intimidate those who advocate for Palestinian rights, criticize the Israeli government, and challenge US foreign policy with regard to Israel and Palestine. 

   • Many are concerned that this law will impact universities and students engaging in protests, and consequences that may occur as a result of any investigations under Act 143. 

   • Additionally, 2017 Act 248 prohibits state and local entities from conducting business with companies that engage in boycotts of Israel. Boycotts are a protected form of speech and are a tool for people to fight against human rights abuses. f) We ask that the Governor take active steps to make sure all Wisconsin residents are able to engage in political advocacy and freely express themselves in solidarity with any political cause, including Palestine, Sudan, Democratic

   • Republic of the Congo, China, Myanmar/ Burma, etc., without intimidation or fear. This can include the following: 

     • Ensuring that protestors advocating for Palestine and engaging in political speech in favor of Palestine are not wrongly penalized. 

     • Universities, schools, and academic institutions are not threatened or intimidated when teaching content about Palestine or engaging in criticism of Israel

     • Community organizations can continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and engage in criticism of Israel without intimidation or threat of investigations from the State. 

     • In the event of reported incidents of political speech suppression that result under Act 143, the Governor should consider repealing the law. Furthermore, if businesses are denied opportunities to enter into contracts with state and local entities due to their boycotts of the state of Israel, the Governor should consider repealing 2017 Act 248. 

• David’s Commitment:

  • David believes free speech is paramount to any true democracy, and that means, whether we disagree or not, we protect all Wisconsinites first amendment rights.

  • David will protect local communities, schools, and places of worship from being targeted by those trying to stifle free speech in Wisconsin.

  • David will also fight to pull down barriers that prevent the Muslim community from getting the resources they need from the state government.

3. Appointing Muslim Wisconsinites to State Government Boards and Leadership Positions

   • Muslim Wisconsinites are underrepresented in positions of leadership in Wisconsin State government. 

   • Muslim voices must be heard in the policymaking process, and one way to ensure that is to appoint Muslim leaders to state government board and agency positions. 

   • Having Muslim representation in these positions will allow the Muslim community’s voice and opinions be heard when state government officials are making decisions that impact the Wisconsin Muslim community and society at large.

   • Inclusion and representation of the Muslim community in these positions of leadership is an active step the Governor can take to render positive outcomes for the community as a whole. The Governor’s office can expand on Governor Evers legacy of continuing Muslim representation on various councils, boards, and hired government positions. 

   • The Muslim community asks that the Governor’s office make a commitment to appointing Muslim Wisconsinites to the State Government Boards and Agency leadership positions. 

• David’s Commitment:

• David is committed to building a cabinet, boards, and other government leaders who represent the diverse community that is at the heart of Wisconsin’s greatness.

• David will appoint people based on qualifications, which includes their lived experiences and their understanding of the problems facing Wisconsinites.

• To ensure equality and equity across Wisconsin, David will make sure everyone has a seat at his table as governor.

4. Expanding Safe and Culturally Responsive Maternal Health Care 

   • We ask that the Governor build upon Wisconsin’s progress in extending postpartum coverage by advancing a comprehensive strategy to address persistent Black maternal health disparities and ensure that postpartum and early childhood support reach the entire family. 

   • We ask the Governor, his appointees, and State agencies to work with community-based organizations, health systems, and families to identify and expand culturally responsive strategies that address barriers to postpartum care, maternal mental health, infant and early childhood health, and continuity of services. 

   • We request an investment in strategies that address the unique challenges experienced by mixed-status families, asylees, and refugees-- including access to information, care coordination, and supportive services without creating unnecessary barriers or fear that prevents people from accessing care during pregnancy. 

   • This matter requires urgency given the cuts to healthcare coverage that refugees and asylees now face on the federal level.

• David’s Commitment:

  • David knows quality and affordable healthcare is the backbone to holding a job, raising a family, and living a happy and productive life.

  • Whether it’s in urban, suburban, or rural communities, David understands that costs and coverage gaps are forcing Wisconsinites to choose between paying for the doctor or paying for groceries—and that it doesn’t have to be this way.

  • Just as he did as County Executive, David is committed to investing and supporting community based healthcare providers that understand and can properly serve local Wisconsinites.

  • ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

    • Black maternal health strategy; support for the whole family

      • Birth cost recovery ended. The county eliminated $67 million in birth costs owed by more than 32,000 fathers. Crowley said there are “glaring racial disparities” in the practice. NACo gave the program a 2025 Achievement Award.

      • Birth to 3. Crowley held a public health briefing at Penfield Children’s Center in April 2025 with the county’s chief health policy advisor. Crowley has noted county contributions are up $10 million since 2005 and called on the state and federal government to share the cost. The program served more than 2,548 children in 2024.

      • Fatherhood. In April 2026 Crowley signed $5 million for fatherhood services, saying strong families build strong children. The county is still the only child support agency in the country with the federal FORGE grant.

      • Doulas. Under Crowley, the county funded the 53206 community doula pilot with a $52,000 DHHS grant.

    • Working with community groups on culturally responsive care

      • Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation. Crowley presented the foundation a citation and proclamation for Muslim Heritage Month in 2025. The foundation’s director thanked Crowley for leadership and support of inclusive community celebration.

      • Community partner network. DHHS contracts with the Muslim Community Health Center, the Hmong American Women’s Association, and the Hmong American Friendship Association, among 300+ agencies.

      • Culturally specific outreach. DHHS worked with the Hmong American Friendship Association on vaccine outreach to address language and cultural barriers.

      • Contracting. 42% of contracted agencies were BIPOC-led in 2022.

      • Grants to community groups. About $800,000 in ARPA early childhood grants went to six agencies, and TANF-funded grants went to six organizations for substance use help for pregnant mothers and parents.

      • Continuity of coverage. In 2023 DHHS trained over 200 professionals to help residents through Medicaid reenrollment.

    • Mixed-status families, refugees, asylees, and fear of seeking care

      • April 2025, ICE at the courthouse. Crowley said ICE arrests “breed fear” and undermine public trust in a space meant for residents to access justice and services.

      • April 2026, Salah Sarsour’s arrest. Crowley called the arrest of a lawful permanent resident and community leader “religious profiling” and surveillance of a faith community, and said he stands with Muslim neighbors across the state. Crowley also attended the community press conference and rally at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

      • Navigation. DHHS’s No Wrong Door navigators greet visitors at the Coggs Center and connect them to services across programs.

    • Urgency on federal cuts

      • February 2025. Crowley joined Sen. Baldwin’s roundtable and said cuts to federal Medicaid funding would have a detrimental impact on health, safety, and prosperity in Milwaukee County.

      • April 2025. Crowley wrote a Journal Sentinel op-ed on over $210 million in federal health funding cuts, saying they threaten real neighbors.

      • July 2025. On the federal budget bill, Crowley said the cuts “cause real harm to real people,” naming Medicaid and SNAP.

      • November 2025. Crowley said the federal move on FoodShare put 230,000 Milwaukee County residents at risk of going hungry, and called it “immoral and unethical.” The county and city then ran a food drive that raised $93,000 and 9,000 pounds of food, about 273,000 meals.

      • Scale of the problem: About 7,200 Wisconsinites lose FoodShare or Medicaid access under the federal changes, nearly two-thirds in greater Milwaukee.

5. Reducing Mass Incarceration and Strengthening Reentry 

   • We ask that the Governor acknowledge that Wisconsin has the highest Black imprisonment rate in the nation. This disparity has significant consequences not only for individuals who are incarcerated, but also for families and communities to which they return. 

   • We also ask the Governor, his appointees and State agencies to pursue policy reforms that reduce unnecessary incarceration, strengthen successful reentry, and improve public safety by supporting people as they return home. This can include:

     • End incarceration as a response to technical violations of probation, parole, or extended supervision when no new crime has been committed, while maintaining appropriate accountability and graduated responses.

     • Increase state investment in housing, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, employment, transportation, and other reentry resources for people returning from incarceration. Successful reentry is an essential public safety strategy. 

     • Limit extended supervision, parole, and probation to periods that are necessary and proportionate, including consideration of a five-year cap for eligible individuals. 

     • Expand pathways to restoration and second chances, including meaningful access to the Governor's pardon process and other mechanisms that help people overcome barriers to employment, housing, education, and civic participation. 

     •  Strengthen faith-responsive reentry services, including partnerships with trusted community and faith-based organizations, such as local mosques. This is particularly important for individuals who develop or deepen their religious faith while incarcerated and may need meaningful connections to supportive faith-based communities, mentors, housing,employment, behavioral health resources, and family support when they return home.

     • Increase funding for housing and health services for residents returning from incarceration. 

   • Additionally, we ask the Governor to make a commitment to protect the religious freedom and rights of incarcerated Muslims to ensure that they are provided the necessary accommodations to practice their faith. For example, many prisoners or detainees have complained that they are not given prayer mats or not given proper accommodations during Ramadan, which is the month of fasting for Muslims. 

• David’s Commitment:

  • David has spent his career fighting for criminal justice reform, including reducing incarceration and recidivism rates.

  • David recognizes the disproportionate impact this has on communities of collor, and how it is a drain on our state’s economy and is devastating the fabric of local communities.

  • David knows that most people’s worst moments are not the sum of their character and should not be a permanent stain that prevents them from starting out on a new path.

    • While David believes there must be justice for breaking the law, the punishment has to be proportional to the crime and not the color of the person’s skin.

  • ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

    • Acknowledging the Black imprisonment disparity

      • In a 2020 statement, Crowley said Wisconsin “cannot continue along this path of increased incarceration.” The release noted that Wisconsin has the highest Black male incarceration rate in the country and that half of Black men in their 30s in Milwaukee County have been held in state prison.

      • Crowley framed the fix as rethinking systems to dismantle “racist systems and policies of the past.” He urged more investment in housing, mental health, and job placement as alternatives to entering the system.

      • In December 2019, as a state representative, Crowley and Rep. David Bowen unveiled a six-bill package to “disrupt disparities” in the criminal justice system.

    • Technical violations

      • The 2020 statement responded to an ACLU/Human Rights Watch study finding that rule violations such as drug or alcohol use drive most revocations into incarceration. Crowley called on state leaders to act.

      • In February 2020, Crowley spoke against the Assembly’s “tougher on crime” package, calling it a bill “only here to really instill fear.” He argued for investing in education and local services instead.

      • Probation and parole are state functions, so Crowley’s direct actions on this ask are limited to advocacy.

    • Reentry investment: housing, treatment, employment

• Job training. In 2023, Crowley announced the return of occupational skills training at the Community Reintegration Center (CRC), the first on-site skills training since 2008. He said “economic hardship is one of the top reasons we see residents enter the system.”

• Housing. In 2025, Crowley joined the Project Return announcement of temporary housing for up to 12 men leaving the CRC, saying housing instability makes reentry harder. DHHS also deployed $2 million for a Smart Reentry housing project, with $1M from the Justice Department and a 1Mcountymatch.ThecountywasselectedfortheMacArthur/UrbanInstituteJustHomeProject(375,000 planning grant).

• Treatment. The county’s MAT Behind the Walls program offers all three opioid-treatment medications to people at the CRC and jail. It served 98 people in 2023.

• Staying connected. Crowley’s 2024 budget made phone and video calls free at the CRC and jail.

• Navigation. DHHS placed a housing navigator at the CRC.

• Jail population. The county reports it has cut its jail population 4% since 2016 as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge.

• Youth justice. Youth recidivism among those active with county youth services fell from 33% to 18% between June 2023 and June 2025. The county reports 78% of Credible Messenger and Advance Peace participants had no new offense while in the program.

• Religious freedom for incarcerated Muslims

  • Crowley repeatedly condemned the arrest of Salah Sarsour as “religious profiling” and called the Sarsour arrest “government surveillance of a faith community.”

6. Protecting the Privacy of All Wisconsin Residents 

   •  Muslim Wisconsinites want their civil rights and privacy protected from unauthorized tracking, police surveillance and data misuse. 

   • We ask that the Governor prohibit the use of Flock or any other automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in Wisconsin State Parks, highways, and other publicly accessible spaces. 

   • Policies that uphold the civil rights of residents related to the collection, retention, sharing, and use of vehicle-location data gathered through ALPR technology and other data obtained through unauthorized sources shall be established. This includes strong privacy protections, transparency, and public accountability for any law-enforcement use of automated vehicle surveillance.

• David’s Commitment:

•  David understands first hand what it means to be targeted because of your race and he has zero tolerance for that sort of behavior, especially when the government can do something about it.

• David has shut down Flock cameras in the city of Milwaukee and is dedicated to preventing law enforcement from abusing this technology.

• We need communities to be safe, but that is not a green light for them to be spied on and targeted.

• ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• September 1, 2026: Crowley issued an executive directive limiting Flock use on county property, with limits on data retention, access, and sharing. Crowley said “unchecked surveillance isn’t the answer” and urged other local governments to adopt limits.

• September 9: Crowley said the county shouldn’t be running these cameras until policies are in place. He said he would leave Flock funding out of the 2027 budget.

• October 1 budget address: Crowley’s proposed budget omitted Flock funding and moved the money to eviction legal aid. He said residents’ constitutional rights “must take precedence.”

• Result: The County Board voted unanimously that week to remove Flock cameras from all county parks (42 cameras in 11 parks).

• Sheriff’s Office: After the new restrictions, the Sheriff’s Office narrowed use to serious crimes, ended data sharing outside Wisconsin, and launched a public transparency portal.

• July 2026: Crowley told the Milwaukee Courier law enforcement tools “must not infringe on the rights and privacy of Wisconsinites,” and called for standards and consequences for abuse

7. Advancing Economic Opportunity 

   • Many Muslim-owned businesses continue to face significant barriers to accessing capital, despite entrepreneurship being one of the strongest paths to building family stability and wealth.

   • We ask the Governor to prioritize economic mobility by increasing access to State-backed financing, interest-free loan programs, grants, tax incentives for local emerging developers, and capital for Black, Latino and Muslim business owners, who have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions, to address disparities and decrease the wealth gap. This may include the following: 

     • Strengthen opportunities for Muslim-owned businesses to compete for state contracts and procurement opportunities, including reducing barriers in certification and bidding processes. 

     • Expand culturally responsive technical assistance, business coaching, financial education, and mentorship for entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. 

     • Ensure state economic-development investments reach historically underserved communities and entrepreneurs by establishing measurable outcomes-- including capital accessed, contracts awarded, businesses created or expanded, and jobs and wealth generated for local and small business enterprise certified businesses. 

     • The City of Minneapolis offers an alternative financing program, accommodates Muslim small business owners and structures financing that does not rely on interest. The Governor’s office could look into a similar program for Wisconsin. 

• David’s Commitment:

• David understands that to grow our economy and put more money in Wisconsinites' pockets, we have to make it easier to start a business and to succeed as an entrepreneur. 

• We know David will properly support minority owned businesses because we’ve seen him do it as county executive. 

• Muslim businesses deserve fair opportunities to compete for state contracts, receive financial guidance and mentorship to grow their businesses, and reduce barriers to entry to start a business.

• ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Office of Economic Inclusion. Crowley renamed Community Business Development Partners to the Office of Economic Inclusion, with a focus on diverse contracting. The county runs Targeted and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs. Its ARPA plan made more contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses a strategic objective, with a public dashboard tracking them.

• 2020 Small Business Initiative. The County awarded $11.6 million to 1,534 small businesses. Priority went to businesses with support letters from the Ethnic and Diverse Chamber Coalition, which represents entrepreneurs of color. Crowley said the county has “an opportunity to invest in equity” by aiding diverse small businesses without cash reserves or reasonable loans. The African-American Chamber of Commerce’s CEO welcomed the program.

• 2025 Building Bridges. Crowley launched a small business program with $200,000 from WEDC, providing $10,000 grants and a four-year small business liaison. In 2025 it funded 20 small businesses across two cohorts.

• ARPA. The county gave the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce ARPA funds to create 15 child care centers (about 100 slots) and build entrepreneurship in the Latino community.

• Contracting at DHHS. 42% of contracted agencies were BIPOC-led in 2022.

• Housing and jobs. Crowley’s office reports $45 million toward over 1,000 affordable units, 120 King Park homes, and nearly 3,000 jobs from county real estate investments.

8. Investing in Schools 

   • Muslim families across the State of Wisconsin choose many settings to educate their children, whether through public schools, choice schools, or home-based private education. We want Islamic schools and Muslim students to be treated equitably. This can include the following:

     • Expand security grant funding for Islamic schools to ensure they have equitable access to resources needed to protect students, staff, and facilities. 

     • Ensure equitable and fair funding in a current broken school funding system. This should include supplemental funding to support children with limited English proficiency and disabilities. These areas are currently dramatically underfunded in Wisconsin. 

     • Advocate for a “Faith by Plate” mandate in Wisconsin for public schools to provide halal and kosher food options for students. b) To facilitate safe schools that provide students with a sense of belonging, we ask that the Governor direct the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to develop guidance and resources addressing Islamophobia, bullying, and religious accommodation in Wisconsin public schools, including guidance for educators and school administrators. 

     • The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) has been working to create toolkits and advocating for legislation that would mandate the teaching of Muslim contributions in the United States, similar to the Asian American Contributions legislation that was signed into law by Governor Evers. 

   • We ask the Governor work with the Muslim community and the WMCA on developing in implementing guidance and resources for educators to teach Muslim contributions and other materials to address anti-Muslim hate and bullying in public schools.

• David’s Commitment:

• David has emphasized throughout his campaign for governor that he is committed to fully funding public schools. 

• He believes that no matter where a child lives they deserve a quality education to set them up for success for the rest of their life.

  • That includes providing resources for children where English isn’t their first language and anti-bullying initiatives.

• David also recognizes that our diversity is our strength, and every kid should understand the contributions that Muslim-Americans have and continue to make to our great state of Wisconsin.

• ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • The county has no direct authority over school funding, so these are public stances:

    • April 2024: Crowley supported the $252 million MPS referendum as necessary for the district to maintain operations.

    • 2024: Crowley called MPS finances “a serious matter that requires urgent answers” as an MPS parent and alumnus, and supported funding for audits of the district.

    • July 2025: Crowley welcomed a “major boost in funding for public education at every age and every stage” in the state budget, including the largest UW increase in nearly two decades and child care funding.

    • October 2026: Crowley called state school aid formulas “broken” and said he wants special education reimbursement raised from 45% to 90%.

    • Youth voice. In 2022 Crowley co-authored the resolution reviving the Youth Commission, which later awarded a $35,000 microgrant.

    • Early childhood. The ARPA grants and the Birth to 3 work from earlier apply here.

    • Anti-Muslim hate and Muslim contributions. In 2025 Crowley presented the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation a citation and proclamation honoring Muslim Heritage Month. The citation text acknowledged contributions of Muslim Americans that are “often neglected or defaced by prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and islamophobia.”

    • As a legislator: Crowley authored legislation to modify Achievement Gap Reduction program contract requirements.