Express desire for closure to the primaries and getting on with the business of beating Donald Trump.

MADISON - Following guidance from local health officials to limit gatherings of more than 250 individuals, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin will postpone its annual Founders Day dinner to a later date.

The health and safety of Wisconsinites is our number one priority. It's time for all groups and institutions with events planned in the next few weeks to take swift action to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

We now turn our focus to the April 7th spring election. You can request an absentee ballot for the April 7th election online – you don't even need to provide a reason. Make sure to vote for Jill Karofsky in the State Supreme Court election!

Request Absentee Ballot: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/VoteAbsentee

Wash your hands often and stay safe!

—Democratic Party of Wisconsin

MADISON – Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) has cancelled the three remaining end-of-session listening sessions. The cancellations arise due to public health concerns relating to the spread of COVID-19.

Sen. Smith encourages residents of the 31^st Senate District to follow prevention and treatment guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to keep themselves and their communities healthy. Residents with immediate questions about COVID-19 may email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request information from DHS.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/healthcare-family-dr-s5.jpgThe average family is paying a record high of over $20,000 for health insurance while prescription drug costs continue to rise.

MADISON - Last night, Trump admitted that he’s coming for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security if reelected in 2020.

These programs are important for hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women across the state, and taking them away would have serious consequences. Take it from Denise, who worries that Trump will take away her benefits.

The Supreme Court also announced this week that it will hear a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Affordable Care Act later this year. This deserves attention here in Wisconsin, seeing as 2.4 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions could be charged more or be denied coverage completely.

The truth is, “Disease doesn’t know if you have a D or an R next to your name — it doesn’t care about politics.” Jarrett knows this first hand: his parents, lifelong Republicans, were reluctant to sign up for the ACA. Fortunately, they signed up at the last minute and it saved their family from financial ruin. Read his piece here.

Earlier this week, women small business owners gathered in La Crosse to talk about whether or not the Trump Administration’s economic policies are working for them. Penny Fassler, a local business owner, said she has not seen any tax cuts since President Trump imposed his tax plan. Instead, she sees tax breaks going to big corporations.

Penny’s right. In fact, by 2027, 83% of the Trump tax law’s benefits will go to the top 1%, while many small businesses have seen their taxes go up.

If you’re interested in hearing from Wisconsinites whose lives have been made better by the ACA or who feel that Trump’s economy just isn’t working for them, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best, 
Cassidy

No news on whether Warren will endorse one of the other Democrats still running in the presidential race yet.

State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) continues to single handedly block efforts to strengthen protections for Pre-Existing Conditions.

MADISON - As the Trump Administration renews their push to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) continues to single handedly block a proposal to protect health coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. Senate Bill 37, also known as the Comprehensive Health Care Protection Act, would safeguard federal health protections at the state level, and ensure families and seniors are able to access the care they need without going bankrupt. Despite overwhelming public support, the bill has languished in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services where Senator Patrick Testin serves as chair.

“It is appalling that Senator Testin continues to block access to affordable and quality health coverage,” said Katie Iliff, SSDC Executive Director. “Senator Testin and the rest of his Republican colleagues have made it their mission to undermine the health care marketplace and protect the profits of wealthy insurance executives. Not only is he refusing to do his job, he is actively working to eliminate health care protections for the 2.4 million Wisconsin residents living with pre-existing conditions. This fall, voters will finally have a chance to protect our care and send greedy pals of the insurance industry like Patrick Testin packing.”

In addition to blocking protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, Sen. Testin has established a pattern of ignoring children, families and seniors who lack access to affordable health care. Already this session Sen. Testin has voted against legislation to lower insulin costs, improve birth outcomes and expand Medicaid coverage for thousands of Wisconsinites while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

He also endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden, saying it was clear from the Super Tuesday results that Biden was the best candidate to defeat Trump.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/amy-klobuchar-pbs-debate-s5.pngSen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will end her presidential campaign on Monday and endorse Joe Biden.

Buttigieg's decision to drop out of the race comes after billionaire Tom Steyer suspended his campaign on Saturday following a poor showing in South Carolina.