Friday March 29, 2024

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“Public schools win in a landslide” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky   
Friday, 09 April 2021 14:47

public-school-win-0421MILWAUKEE - We review the huge victory for public education in the Department of Public Instruction race, and the immediate threat by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to take it out on our schools. We discuss the shockingly successful GOP effort to take down progressive school board members who follow the science and our educators by only supporting the safe reopening of schools. Is this a new Republican wedge issues for moderate voters they will uses in 2022 in state and federal races? Claire educates us on the Biden Administration’s decision to permanently end health-care denying work requirements to receive Medicaid. We talk about the COVID variants taking off with big spikes in 5 states (and counting), and the GOP use of the fraudulent vaccine passports issues to increase vaccine hesitancy, threatening to further delay heard immunity. Robert discusses Trump’s outrageous scamming of his own supporters, and its copycats in the Republican Party. We close by welcoming Hannah Faris from In These Times magazine to talk about the launch of a new rural focused reporting project called, “the Wisconsin Idea.” The project is a collaboration with People’s Action and Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

Listen Now – Episode #487
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Gov. Radio - Badger Bounceback Agenda to do What's Best for Our Kids PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 08 April 2021 16:21

tony-eversMADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address on his Badger Bounceback agenda to do what's best for our kids, and which includes ensuring that every kid has access to a high-quality, public education, providing mental health supports for students at schools, expanding access to early childhood education and childcare, and investing in our higher education institutions.

Audio file of Radio Address.

Hey, Wisconsin! Governor Tony Evers here.

In February, I introduced my Badger Bounceback agenda, which is all about making sure our state and our economy can bounce back from this pandemic and build the future we want to see for our state.

Well, as I've always said, what’s best for our kids is best for state. So, what better way to build on our future than by investing in our kids. That’s why our Badger Bounceback agenda invests in our kids from early childhood to higher education.

We’re starting by investing more than $140 million in early education and childcare to improve access, quality, and opportunity for our kids and families. Those first few years of life set the base for all future learning.

I’m also proposing to restore our state’s commitment to two-thirds funding for our K-12 public schools, invest an additional $709 million in special education reimbursement, and fully fund sparsity aid for our students in our rural school districts.

This pandemic has been very difficult for all of us, but especially our kids. So, we’re also investing $54 million in mental health support and services for our students, too.

Finally, our higher education institutions have always been an economic driver for our state, and we need to double down if we’re going to bounce back.

We’re investing $36 million in our technical college system and making the largest investment in the UW System in 20 years at $190 million. We’re also expanding Bucky’s Tuition Promise to every UW campus to ensure kids from low-income families can get a high quality 4-year education tuition free.

If we’re going to bounce back from this pandemic better, then we have to start by making sure our kids are better off than they were when this pandemic started.

If you agree, then contact your legislator and ask them to support our Badger Bounceback agenda so we can bounce back, together.

Thank you.

 
Wis Democracy Campaign - To the Wis. Supreme Court We Go PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild   
Friday, 02 April 2021 16:51

vote-47-mbMADISON - Yesterday, we joined with other pro-democracy groups in filing a brief at the Wisconsin Supreme Court to oppose the latest push to curtail the right of Wisconsinites to vote. Here’s what I posted on this:

Our Brief to Defend Voting Rights at the Wisconsin Supreme Court

The person asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to interfere with our voting rights is the same Jere Fabick who prevailed earlier this week on Evers’s mask mandate. And it just so happens that Justice Rebecca Bradley got a big check from Fabick when she was running for a seat on the bench, as we explain here:

Conservative Justice Sides with Major Campaign Contributor Over Pandemic Health Orders

Also this week, my colleague Cely Flores posted a strong piece praising Gov. Evers for proposing to give undocumented students in-state tuition:

Governor’s Budget Offers Undocumented Students A Brighter Future

Cely’s articles, by the way, are now being reprinted by La Communidad and by Madison Vibra, which we’re thrilled about!

Other staff members have been busy tracking the money in the State Superintendent’s race. Here’s what they put together:

Jill Underly Raises $1.3M+ Mostly From State Dem Party

matt-rothschild-2018Please remember to vote on April 6. If you are voting absentee, you can go here to track your absentee ballot and find your local options for returning your ballot before Election Day.

And I hope you’ll be able to enjoy the warm weather this weekend.

Best,

Matt Rothschild
Executive Director
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

***

P.S. If you like the work we’re doing, please send us a tax-deductible donation by clicking here. Or snail mail it to us at 203 S. Paterson St., Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703, and make your check out to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Thanks!

 
“Building 21st Century Infrastructure” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky   
Friday, 02 April 2021 12:54

build-bb-bidenMILWAUKEE - We dive into the exciting details of President Biden’s historic Build Back Better plan released Wednesday. Will it pass? Does it go far enough?

Back in Wisconsin politics, we discuss next Tuesday’s Spring General Election and encourage listeners to volunteer this weekend for Jill Underly and local endorsed candidates. The panel evaluates the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 4-3 decision to overturn Gov. Evers’ mask mandate. Is there a valid legal argument or are right-wing justices acting like politicians in robes.? Claire updates us on this week’s Citizen Action Healthcare Week of Action focused on important state budget priorities. We also shine a light on Legislative Republican’s sham hearings peddling conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

Listen Now – Episode #486
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Gov. Radio Address - Plan to Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Friday, 02 April 2021 10:38

covid-19-restaurant-emptyMADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address on his plan to invest the $3.2 billion in federal funding Wisconsin received from the American Rescue Plan Funds into small businesses, families, and communities.

Audio file of Radio Address

Hello, Governor Tony Evers here.

tony-eversI was excited to announce this week our plan to use $3.2 billion in federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to help our state bounce back from this pandemic.

We know we have work to do to make sure our economy can recover from this pandemic. And that’s why we’re going to invest $2.5 billion into economic recovery and well-being, including $600 million to support our small businesses and $50 million to support our tourism industry.

Finally, we’re also going to invest $500 million into our state’s continued pandemic response and $200 million into building infrastructure, including a significant investment in broadband so families and communities can learn, work, and get connected.

Just like last year with our CARES dollars, we’re going to be working to get these funds out the door as quickly as we can. We know these American Rescue Plan funds will be critical to making sure our state can bounce back and better than we were before this pandemic hit. And time is of the essence to get support to folks who need it.

So, that’s why I vetoed Senate Bill 183 this week, which would have given Republicans in the Legislature approval over how we used these funds, potentially preventing us from getting this money out the door quickly to folks who need it.

At the end of the day, these funds don’t belong to me or any member of the Legislature—it’s your money, folks. We need to put people before politics and we can’t afford to waste time on all the political back-and-forth.

We’re going to keep working quickly to get these resources out the door to families, businesses, and farmers who need it so we can get through this pandemic and bounce back together.

Thank you.

 
Leaders Support Governor’s Gun Safety Budget Provisions PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Melissa Agard Press   
Friday, 02 April 2021 10:23

guns-stopvThe only place gun violence is a partisan issue is in the Capitol, say Democratic leaders. Common sense reforms have the power to save lives, and we need action now.


MADISON- On Thursday, Senators Melissa Agard (D-Madison), LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), and Attorney General Josh Kaul called on Republican leaders in our state to support universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders proposed in Governor Evers’ 2021-23 Budget. This call to action comes in the wake of several mass shootings across our country over the past two weeks. Senator Agard released the following statement:

melissa-agard-sargent“Today, I was proud to join Attorney General Kaul and Senator Johnson in calling on Republican leaders to support the crucial gun safety measures in Governor Evers’ biennial budget, including expanding universal background checks to all gun sales and Extreme Risk Protection Orders.”

“The fact is, the only place that addressing gun violence is a partisan issue is in the Capitol. The people of Wisconsin know that those who skirt our gun laws using loopholes do a disservice to responsible gun owners everywhere,” Senator Agard stated. “It's common sense to prevent domestic abusers and felons from purchasing weapons using the ‘gun show loophole.’ That’s why we need universal background checks for all firearm purchases like Governor Evers is proposing.”

There is a societal and fiscal impact to gun violence. Recent research revealed that the annual cost of gun violence in the United States exceeds $229 billion.

“I cannot, and will never, treat gun violence and mass shootings as inevitable. Inaction is an admission that this is our fate as a state and nation. We need a commitment from Republican leadership in both chambers that they will keep these provisions in the budget. These common sense reforms have the power to save lives. We can no longer ignore the pervasive threat of gun violence in communities across Wisconsin. We must pass these policies to keep people safe. We must be brave enough to take action.”

 
Thank Gov. for breaking down barriers to the polls PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild   
Tuesday, 30 March 2021 10:37

coronavirus-voting-us-abcnewsMADISON - Automatic voter registration is in this year’s Executive Budget! THANK Governor Tony Evers for prioritizing democracy!

Gov. Tony Evers’s budget proposal, released in February, includes funding for automatic voter registration (AVR). By prioritizing AVR, he acknowledges that Wisconsin has the chance to be a national leader in election security, accuracy, and accessibility. Take action along with member organizations of the Wisconsin Voting Rights Coalition by thanking Gov. Evers for supporting democracy >>>

Here is a sample message you can send to Gov. Evers to thank him:

Dear Governor Evers,

Thank you so much for including automatic voter registration and other important pro-voter policies in your budget. We know how important voter access is to Wisconsinites across the state. We appreciate your commitment to voter access and making sure every Wisconsinite has the freedom to vote.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

AVR is the best option for secure and fair election registration that will benefit voters statewide. From rural areas to urban city centers, voter information will be automatically updated and new voters will be automatically registered when people interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This funding will help implement new systems that allow the DMV to transmit secure voter information to the Wisconsin Elections Commission daily. As election officials work to improve the security and integrity of our voting systems, it’s time for them to adopt proven policies like automatic voter registration. These updates will make registering to vote easier and more accessible for all voters, particularly those who are frequent movers, live in rural areas, or have disabilities.

tony-eversEveryone who is eligible should have the freedom to vote.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign commends Gov. Evers for making democracy a priority in 2021. By including automatic voter registration in his budget, Wisconsin is one step closer to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive democracy.

matt-rothschild-2018Contact Governor Evers, and thank him for breaking down barriers to the polls. Let’s make AVR happen!

Best,

Matt Rothschild
Executive Director
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
AFSCME Applauds Gov. Evers’s Veto of SB 38 PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Friday, 26 March 2021 16:33

coronavirus-office-closed-wiMADISON - AFSCME Wisconsin applauds Governor Tony Evers’s veto of Senate Bill 38, requiring that the Governor submit to the legislature a uniform timeline for state employees to return to their physical places of employment.

AFSCME Wisconsin Executive Director Patrick Wycoff stated, “we frequently hear from frontline essential state workers about their desire to resume working from their offices. However, we also know that to do so prematurely would endanger the communities we serve and jeopardize the progress we’ve made to defeat COVID-19.”

Wycoff continued, “the needs of state workers are diverse, as are our workplaces and the communities we serve. We cannot institute a one-size-fits-all approach. Department of Corrections employees might face different hurdles than Department of Children and Families employees. Even within state departments, where one institution faces a challenge, another might face a drastically different scenario. One thing remains constant: we need targeted reopening plans that prioritize worker and community safety. Those plans must be specific to worksites, departments, and agencies.”

Last Updated on Saturday, 27 March 2021 10:40
 
“Ron Johnson running with Q’Anon” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky   
Friday, 26 March 2021 10:44

rojo-qanonMILWAUKEE - We look at Sen. Ron Johnson’s lockstep alignment with Trump’s Q’Anon base, and his new found national infamy among moderates and progressives. Has he gone off the deep end or is this smart politics in Trump’s GOP? We discuss next week’s important Healthcare Week of Action focusing on critical healthcare priorities in the state budget. Claire details the events and your opportunity to get involved, including talking to your state legislators. We expose the Legislative Republican effort to downplay the importance of COVID-19 vaccination at a time when health officials are trying to get as many people as possible vaccinated. We close by welcoming Mike Browne, Deputy Director of A Better Wisconsin Together (ABWT) to discuss how two of their identical open records requests to GOP state legislators produce vastly different results, and what is says about transparency in Wisconsin government.

Listen Now – Episode #485
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Gov. Radio - Badger Bounceback Agenda to Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Friday, 26 March 2021 08:30

healthcare-family-drMADISON — Gov. Tony Evers Thursday delivered the Democratic Radio Address on how his Badger Bounceback agenda will expand accessible and affordable healthcare in Wisconsin by expanding BadgerCare and investing in mental and behavioral health resources, addressing health disparities, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing the caregiving crisis.

Audio file of Radio Address.

tony-evers-capHi everyone, Governor Tony Evers here.

Our Badger Bounceback budget agenda is all about how we can make sure our state recovers from the pandemic better and stronger than we were before the pandemic hit. And if there’s anything COVID-19 underscored, it’s that the health and wellness of our state and our economy depends on the health and wellness of our people.

Whether it’s affordability or accessibility due to lack of broadband for telehealth services or transportation to get into town, too many Wisconsinites continue to face barriers to accessing the healthcare that they need.

That’s why my biennial budget proposal invests in expanding access to affordable healthcare in four critical ways.

We’re proposing expanding BadgerCare to provide coverage to 90,000 Wisconsinites and save our state $1.6 billion dollars, ensuring telehealth services are covered the same as in-person services, investing in mental and behavioral health resources for the folks who need it, and addressing health disparities by investing in health equity initiatives and curbing social determinants of health.

We’re also going to tackle the rising costs of prescription drug prices with over 20 policy solutions to help lower costs and increase transparency because picking up your medications shouldn’t break the bank.

And, folks, all across Wisconsin we are experiencing a caregiving crisis, so we’re investing $600 million in our long-term care, direct care workforce, and family caregivers. And finally, we are also going to continue to protect and ensure coverage for the more than 2.6 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions.

Join me in supporting our Badger Bounceback budget by contacting your local representatives to tell them you support these proposals, and let’s get this done. Thank you.

 
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