http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/critical-illness-2-s5.jpgRepublican members jeopardize investments in Wisconsin’s future by rejecting funding for cancer research facility, veteran homes, and mental health facilities.

Unprecedented move by GOP rejects cancer research facility, National Guard Center, UW System requests.

MADISON – Today, Republicans on the State Building Commission voted along party lines to reject the Governor’s entire capital budget recommendation including important building projects around the state. Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement on these actions:

“Governor Evers’ capital budget addresses the backlog of building and repair projects that are desperately needed across the state. Republicans decision to not approve a single building project for the state is not a good sign as budget deliberations begin. Republicans intentionally failed to address transportation infrastructure for the past eight years, choosing to borrow instead of finding a long term solution. In order to manage the transportation debt escalating out of control they scaled back significantly on vertical infrastructure projects.

“It should be noted that Republicans voted against cancer research, the UW System, and against a National Guard readiness center. It is truly disappointing, especially for people in places like Eau Claire, who were counting on these important projects being approved and moved through the legislative process.”

Republicans vote against Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget projects, departing from the Commission’s decades-old tradition of recommending respective governors’ project requests to the Legislative Joint Finance Committee.

MADISON - Today, the State Building Commission took up Governor Tony Evers’ 2019-2021 Capital Budget, which makes historic investments in state and University of Wisconsin System infrastructure after eight years of neglect. Republicans on the Commission voted against Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget projects, departing from the Commission’s decades-old institutional tradition of recommending respective governors’ project requests to the Legislative Joint Finance Committee. Republican Commission members’ move comes only a day after the same Republicans voted unanimously with Democrats to recommend the governor’s project requests for adoption.

Gov. Evers released the statement below following today’s Building Commission meeting:

“Disappointed is an understatement. Republicans on the Commission voted to support this Capital Budget a day ago—they were for it before they were against it. This was about playing politics, plain and simple, not doing what’s best for the people of our state. Republicans would rather have us sit here in gridlock than do the jobs we were sent here to do, and that’s a shame.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/flooding-east-river-gb-wbay-s5.jpgIce melt and rain resulted in flooding, ice jams, and rivers and creeks to rise. State agencies, including the Wisconsin National Guard, will provide personnel and resources.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/woman-soldier-unit-s5.jpgGov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin both call for independent, comprehensive review.

Stations range in cost from $800 to $2,700 apiece, will improve access to clean drinking water around state.

MADISON – During a visit to Huegel Elementary School Wednesday, Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes focused on Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal that includes $500,000 in grant funding to the Department of Public Instruction to help more schools around the state purchase water bottle filling stations.

The proposal dovetails with remediation efforts around the state and would reduce lead levels in Milwaukee and nitrate levels in northern Wisconsin.

“Clean drinking water is a basic need and should be available to our children in our schools,” Lt. Gov. Barnes said. “Contaminated water is a real issue that can lead to negative long-term effects if not addressed correctly. I stand with Governor Evers in making sure every child in our state has healthy water to drink.”

Stations range in cost from $800 to $2,700 apiece, with additional costs for installation and filter replacement every 3,000 gallons.

“I’ve always said that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state, and that definitely includes access to clean drinking water,” Gov. Evers said. “Everyone in Wisconsin should be able to have clean drinking water flow from the taps in their homes, schools and businesses, whether they live in an urban or rural community. I’m proud to continue my commitment to making 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water in Wisconsin by funding investments like these water bottle filling stations.”

In February, Gov. Evers released details about additional water quality initiatives in the proposed budget, which includes $40 million in bonding authority to help fund the replacement of lead service lines around the state.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/immigration-children-border-s5.jpgPresident’s declaration is reckless and unconstitutional says Governor. Suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to block the emergency declaration, the construction of the wall, and any illegal diversion of funds appropriated by Congress.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-primaries-s5.jpgNon-partisan League Of Women Voters of Wisconsin concerned about Election Security funding being allocated to non-security functions in Governor Evers’ budget proposal for the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

March is Women’s History Month, and the LWV Wisconsin takes notice of leaders and members who make a difference.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/road-repair-wi-3-s5.jpgDeferred maintenance and life safety issues plus facilities to support institutions of higher education given priority.