Council Committee to Take up Free Birth Certificate Measure TODAY

The Common Council’s Judiciary and Legislation Committee today will take up a resolution sponsored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs urging the Council’s support for state Senate Bill 165, legislation that would allow Milwaukee County residents to receive a free birth certificate good for one year to obtain a driver’s license or identification card for voting.

The resolution (file# 110741 – http://tinyurl.com/3blybbd ), co-sponsored by Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, will be heard by the Judiciary and Legislation Committee when it meets today at 1:30 p.m. in room 301-B at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

Currently, residents must pay a $20 fee to obtain a copy of their birth certificate. “That $20 fee is a barrier that will prevent many Milwaukee County residents from exercising their right to vote,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

“Senate Bill 165 seeks to remove that barrier, and I strongly believe the Council should be in support of it,” she said.

Under current state law, beginning with the 2012 spring primary election, all voters must present proof of identification that includes a photograph in order to vote in an election. One of the requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin identification card or driver’s license is providing proof of name and date of birth by presenting a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization.

What: Judiciary & Legislation Committee

When: 1:30 p.m. TODAY – October 3

Where: Room 301-B at City Hall