The LAB audit will look at how the election was administered and the process overall. Democrats hope it will not be politicised.

MADISON - Thursday, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee held a public hearing regarding the scope of a proposed audit of the 2020 election. The audit will look at how the election was administered and the process overall. The Democratic members of the committee objected to the audit.

The Democratic members of the committee released the following statements:

Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison):

“The 2020 election was free, fair, secure, and transparent. Even in the midst of a global pandemic our election workers across the state went above and beyond to ensure that our democracy remained strong in the face of these unprecedented challenges. Due to the national spotlight on the results, there has never been a more scrutinized election. Votes were counted, recounted, and systems were checked to ensure the accuracy of the final count.

“I trust the Legislative Audit Bureau explicitly to perform their work with honor and integrity. However, the very act of conducting an audit on this settled subject can only take us down a road of more misinformation and conspiracy theories which will undermine the public’s trust in future elections.”

Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee):

“We cannot weaponize this audit with a preconceived idea of what the result might be. This must be treated as an honest chance to improve our elections in Wisconsin. There are still many opportunities to make sure that everyone who is eligible and wants to vote in Wisconsin can cast their ballot.

“Instead of finding ways to make that harder for them, we should be looking for obstacles that voters might be facing and finding ways to break them down. I would like to see if we can bring back Wisconsin’s strong system for identifying and addressing impediments faced by elderly voters and voters with disabilities.”

Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton):

“As a committee, we provide essential oversight for government agencies. However, it is important we do not use our authority to cast doubt over the administration of the free and fair election that was held in 2020. Clerks and election officials across our state worked hard to be transparent and follow the same rules even as partisan interests attempted to undermine their efforts at every turn. As we all know, 2020 had unique challenges that required unique solutions for individual municipalities. I hope that moving forward we can prevent the spread of misinformation and rather find ways to further ensure the ease of access to the ballot box in the face of a pandemic.”

Representative Francesca Hong (D-Madison):

“The American civic process is a shining star in our nation’s history. Our democracy is built on representation, and for decades, elections in Wisconsin and across the country have been conducted in a secure and constitutional manner. To disparage the integrity of our civic process is to question the integrity of the voter — and this is in its essence unpatriotic. There is no doubt that the 2020 presidential election was true and fair, and instead of addressing issues such as voter disenfranchisement, discrimination and suppression, we are pulling the thread of a non - issue. Today I voted to uphold the principle that every vote should hold equal weight and that we must fight disenfranchisement at every turn.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-winter-snow-2019-s5.jpgExtreme cold, sub-zero temperatures along with snow and ice storms leads to limited deliveries of petroleum and propane products.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/vote-47-mb1-s5.jpgMore poll workers were added and staff were better equipped to answer voters’ questions and concerns about voting by mail.

Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department's Tomlinson served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 31 years.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #107 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Wisconsin Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. David Jerald Tomlinson passed away on Dec. 6, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. 

“Fire Inspector Tomlinson served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 31 years, and most recently served as a Fire Inspector. Before that, he contributed to his community by working for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years and as a fixture in local youth sports,” said Gov. Evers. “We are thankful for his years of service, and our thoughts are with Fire Inspector Tomlinson’s family, friends, and the Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department.” 

A private family service will be held on February 12. Executive Order #107 is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, and is available here.

Letter encourages budget committee to look at the positive economic benefits of legalizing and taxing marijuana like we already do with alcohol.

MADISON- Today, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) sent a letter to the Joint Committee on Finance co-chairs in support of keeping the legalization and taxation of medical and recreational marijuana in the state budget. The letter encouraged them to look at the positive economic benefits of legalizing and taxing marijuana like we already do with alcohol. Senator Agard released this statement regarding the letter:

“Legalizing marijuana for legal and recreational use has benefits for our state economically, medically, as well as a starting point to address Wisconsin’s shameful racial disparities. With the potential to generate $165.8 million dollars for the state in the first fiscal year, it is common sense to keep this provision in the state budget. We are losing millions of tax dollars by not legalizing cannabis - Wisconsinites are flocking to our neighboring states to spend their money, when they could be spending it here.

Support for marijuana legalization has been steadily increasing in Wisconsin and across the nation:

●        In 2019, a Marquette University Law Poll found that nearly 60 percent of Wisconsinites support the legalization of marijuana.

●        Senator Agard introduced the first ever full legalization bill in Wisconsin in 2013. Since then, the number of cosponsors has more than tripled.

“Wisconsinites are suffering because of decades-old, racist drug policies that have been affecting communities of color at disproportionate rates. This provision starts to address the disparities that have been created by our outdated criminal justice system.

“At a time like this – when our state is feeling the devastating economic effects of the pandemic – it is important that we make every dollar count. This is the smartest decision we can make to ensure long term economic growth. This provision needs to be left in the budget. This is good for all of Wisconsin.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-n95-mask-s5.pngDemocrats are urging their colleagues to get back to the bipartisan compromise shelved by Republicans for nearly 300 days and deliver relief for Wisconsinites.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/badgercare-save-caw-s5.pngGovernor invests in kids and families, farmers, veterans, folks with substance use disorders, uninsured or underinsured Wisconsinites, and those experiencing mental health crises.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/hank-aaron-waves-s5.jpgHank Aaron had a far-reaching impact on the Eau Claire community, where he first started his baseball career. Our entire nation will remember him for the opportunities he created for more people of color to follow their dreams.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today appointed John W. Miller to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. This appointment is effective immediately, filling a vacancy created by the passing of former Regent Delgado. 

“As a large employer, former public servant, and active community member on various boards and organizations, including the University of Wisconsin Law School Board of Visitors, John will bring a well-rounded perspective to the UW Board of Regents,” said Gov. Evers. “John recognizes the role the UW System plays in connecting the dots across our communities, our economy, and the culture and history of our state, as well as our future, and I believe he will be an excellent addition to the Board of Regents.”

Miller started his career in public service in Washington D.C., as a congressional staffer serving Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District, attended the University of Wisconsin Law School where he graduated with his degree in 2006, became the President and CEO of Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc., in 2008, and now, since 2015, has been as the principal and founder of Arenberg Holdings LLC., in Milwaukee, mentoring and investing in early stage companies in the Midwest. 

“I began my career serving the public and believe that I have an affinity for helping government institutions better serve their constituencies,” said Miller. “With the onset of Coronavirus and ever-present budgetary challenges present today, the University System is facing a profound set of dilemmas that require smart advocacy and adherence to the core belief that public universities must play a vital role in improving the health, quality of life, the environment, and agricultural sector for all citizens of Wisconsin.”

Miller will serve the remainder of the late Regent Delgado’s term until May 2021 and will be reappointed thereafter.

Executive order expands mission & membership of existing Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy