GOP Lawmakers Look To Block Municipal ID Card Plan In Milwaukee

The battle is on over a proposed bill in the state Legislature that could affect a local photo ID scheduled to be issued soon in Milwaukee.

Two Republican lawmakers from southeastern Wisconsin are looking for co-sponsors of a potential measure that would prohibit counties and towns from issuing photo ID cards to the public. The bill says photo ID cards from all local governments couldn’t be used for voting or obtaining state benefits.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said he supports a Milwaukee-area municipal ID plan that would make sure the homeless and undocumented immigrants have cards.

“In the partnership with the city and county, we have an opportunity to empower a lot of people to get back on their feet and contribute to society,” he said.

Abele said his county isn’t creating the local card for voting. He said he’s trying to address the Republicans’ other concerns.