By Brady Dehnke, JONAH Intern
As a new intern at JONAH, I came into this internship interested in so many different areas of JONAH’s work. I’ve been trying to attend as many events, trainings, and meetings as possible to learn more about the work that JONAH does and what JONAH is all about. When I heard about this event, it piqued my interest and I knew I just had to attend. I have heard the term “transformational justice” used instead of “criminal justice” before, but I didn’t really know what transformational justice entailed and I wanted to learn more. I also wanted to show up to support those who were hosting the event and show them that there are people that care about these issues while encouraging others to show up in new or “unfamiliar” spaces.
Going into this event, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found it to be very educational. I thought it was great that people with different connections to the issues were able to speak on it, including an advocate from WISDOM, individuals with lived experience, and even a state legislator. I didn’t know that legislators were invited, so I was surprised and happy to learn that Jesse James was going to speak with us. However, knowing that other legislators were invited, I’m disappointed that more did not show up to this important and educational event.
I learned a lot through this training. One of the things I learned is that Governor Evers could be doing more to address this issue and has the power to do so. I was disappointed to learn that he has been called on to commute sentences but hasn’t done so despite making a campaign promise to support cutting the prison population in half. It’s frustrating when an individual with power doesn’t utilize their power to get things done that will benefit so many people.
Another thing that I learned was that putting an end to building new prisons can help prevent increased prison populations. While this seems obvious, having this stated plainly clarified its potential impact for me. I also wasn’t aware that there is bipartisan support to not build any more prisons; this was refreshing to hear. Similarly, the speakers also highlighted that the use of solitary confinement is psychological abuse and could even be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Again, this seems obvious after hearing it said aloud. After learning that putting an end to building prisons and eliminating the use of solitary confinement can make the criminal justice system more just, I now know that these are issues that can be advocated for as steps in broader justice reform.
Another thing that was touched upon was the importance of not burning bridges, which we have discussed in other JONAH training sessions and meetings. I think this concept was on display in the training itself when Jesse James spoke. While JONAH might not agree with or support everything Senator James does in the state legislature, it’s important not to burn bridges so that we can collaborate on issues that we do both care about because we haven’t burned a bridge to collaboration. This also connects with Senator James’s connection with members of the opposite party in the legislature and governor’s office; if he’s not willing to engage with and collaborate on issues that the other side cares about, why would they be willing to collaborate on issues that he cares about?
Senator James expressed his support for Assembly Bill 634: Good Samaritan Protections for People on Supervision. If passed, this bill would grant immunity from prosecution for possession of substances to individuals on extended supervision, parole, or probation who are assisting a person who requires emergency medical assistance due to an overdose. James also discussed his support for post-partum Medicaid expansion. Wisconsin is one of two states that hasn’t passed this legislation yet, so it was very inspiring and encouraging to hear about and witness Senator James’s passion surrounding this issue and his dedication to getting it passed in Wisconsin. Not only has Senator James built bridges with legislators outside of his party, he has also bridged gaps within his own party that has been instrumental in increasing support for legislation that will have a real impact on peoples’ lives
There were a couple of personal connections that I made to the training as well. One of the individuals with lived experience spoke about minors being charged as adults and being put into adult prisons. Raising the age was my advocacy project in a previous social work class and we spoke with legislators at advocacy day in 2025 about the importance of this issue. Additionally, postpartum Medicaid expansion was another issue that I learned about at advocacy day last year and spoke to my own legislators about supporting.
Overall, I appreciated hearing from so many different perspectives on this issue. I found that it clarified specific issues within a broader concept of transformational justice that are more tangible and concrete and therefore “easier” to advocate for, in some respects. I learned more about what transformational justice is and the importance of showing up in spaces where you have the ability to learn about an issue and express your support. A special thank you to Mark Rice for putting on this training and to all the other speakers who are dedicated to this issue and educating others about the need for reform efforts.
UPDATE: Governor Evers signed a bill into law expanding postpartum Medicaid after the bill passed in both houses of the state legislature.